By: Nickson Garcia
Travelling within Japan rail systems can be considered by many as challenging. With a combined number of over 100 private and government operated rail systems, a visitor (and even locals) could generally be lost in transit when riding, arguably, the most complicated train system in the world.
I have
been to Japan three (3) times and most recently, I have discovered the most
useful cellphone application (app) to help someone navigate the easiest way
within Japan rail system.
(But before anything else, this is not a sponsored write up but to help Japan visitors navigate its train rail system properly)
(But before anything else, this is not a sponsored write up but to help Japan visitors navigate its train rail system properly)
NAVITIME for Japan Travel was the cellphone app I used during my
recent five (5) days visit in Japan comprising of Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka. Using
the app, I was able to check the departure time, stay on the right platform and
ride the correct train to my destination. Here is how the app can be used: DOWNLOAD
the app on your Android or Apple app store, REGISTER and START using the app.
EXAMPLE 1
(Narita Airport Terminal 2 to Tokyo)
1. For
example, you are travelling from NARITA AIRPORT TERMINAL 2 station to TOKYO
station. You will just type on the Departure “NARITA AIRPORT TERMINAL 2” and on
the Arrival “TOKYO“ then click on SEARCH. Different results will appear on how
to get from Narita Terminal 2 airport to Tokyo.
You
can also filter your search on DATE/TIME of departure, MODE of TRANSPORTATION
and trains that uses Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass).
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| SEARCH BOX |
2. On the
Result page, you may check on all the train options. For example, the route
from Narita Airport Terminal 2 is thru NARITA EXPRESS and would cost around ¥1320
(no reserved seats), (¥1500 reserved seat), and ¥3240 (green car seats). It would
depart at around 18:52 with a travel time of 57minutes and arrives at Tokyo by
19:49.
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| Search Results (Narita Airport Terminal 2 to Tokyo) |
 |
| Option 1 of Results |
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| Option 2 Results |
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| Option 3 Results |
3. Clicking
the “ ⋮ “ would expand and show the stopovers stations that the train would
stopped. On the example at hand, traveling from Narita Airport Terminal 2 to
Tokyo via Narita Express would have no stopover at any station and directly
goes to Tokyo.
EXAMPLE 2
OPTION 1 (Tokyo to Akihabara via JR YAMANOTE LINE)
1. Next
example, you are travelling from TOKYO station to AKIHABARA station. You will
just type on the Departure “Tokyo” and on the Arrival “Akihabara” then click on
SEARCH. Different results will appear on how to get from Tokyo to Akihabara.
 |
| SEARCH BOX |
2. On the
Result page, you may check on all the train options. For example, the route
from Tokyo to Akihabara is thru JR YAMANOTE LINE going to Ueno, Ikebukuro and
would cost around ¥140. It would depart at around 19:57 on Platform 4 with a
travel time of 4minutes and arrives at Akihabara by 20:01.
 |
| Search Results (Tokyo to Akihabara) |
 |
| Option 1 of Results |
3. Clicking
the “ ⋮ “ would expand and show the stopovers stations that the train would
stopped. On the example at hand, traveling from Tokyo to Akihabara stops at
Kanda (Tokyo) station before reaching to Akihabara station.
 |
| Click the ⋮ to expand |
EXAMPLE 2
OPTION 2 (Tokyo to Akihabara via JR KEIHINTOHOKU LINE-NEGISHI LINE)
1. You
may also chose another train options. The route from Tokyo to Akihabara can
also be thru JR KEIHINTOHOKU LINE-NEGISHI LINE going to Minami-Urawa and would
cost around ¥140. It would depart at around 19:57 on Platform 3 with a travel
time of 5minutes and arrives at Akihabara by 20:02
 |
| Option 2 of Results |
2. Clicking
the “ ⋮ “ would expand and show the stopovers stations that the train would
stopped. On the example at hand, traveling from Tokyo to Akihabara stops at
Kanda (Tokyo) station before reaching to Akihabara station.
 |
| Click the ⋮ to expand |
The train
rail system in Japan were very precised and delays usually occurs seldom and only
during rush hour. But on my 3 times of being in Japan, most of the time the
trains arrived as scheduled. Next time you travel to Japan, you may opt to
download, I my opinion, the most helpful Japan cellphone travel application.