Finding Alternatives to Hyperdia: Your Guide to Japan Train Travel Apps
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In an unexpected twist, Hyperdia, the beloved titan of Japan train travel, shut down its timetable and route searches on April 1, 2022. For those of us who relied on it since the early 2000s, this news was like finding out your favorite ramen shop had closed its doors. Hyperdia was the go-to app for planning train journeys, providing real-time updates, reliable information, and a user-friendly interface that made navigating Japan’s complex rail system a breeze. But fear not, fellow travelers! While nothing can truly replace the magic of Hyperdia, I’ve embarked on a quest to discover some worthy alternatives. Here’s the lowdown on my top picks, starting with my absolute favorite.
Japan Train Travel App Alternatives
1. Japan Travel by Navitime
Imagine the joy of discovering Japan Travel by Navitime, an app that feels like it was tailor-made for travelers! This app is packed with features that echo the beloved Hyperdia. First off, the Route Search feature shines, allowing you to choose from a variety of Tourist Passes, including the Japan Rail Pass and the Tokyo 1-day ticket—perfect for those spontaneous adventures.
Customization is key here! With Customize Options, you can select your preferred mode of transportation, whether that’s the iconic Bullet train, a comfy highway bus, or even a taxi for those late-night escapades. Plus, there’s a Walking Speed option that caters to leisurely strollers and those on a time crunch alike. The search results are detailed, providing you with the train name, platform number, and prices for Non-Reserved Seats, Reserved Seats, and even the posh Green Car. It’s super handy that the total price adjusts based on your seating choice—no more surprises at the ticket counter!
One minor hiccup? I couldn’t find a timetable for train frequency directly on the app, although the website does offer this feature. On the bright side, the app has fantastic bus timetables, unlike the website version, making it easy to plan your entire journey.
Best of all, both the app and website are free, with a premium version available if you want to dive deeper into the features. Just be prepared for a few ads—that’s the trade-off for free access!
Website: Japan Travel by Navitime | App: Available on major app stores.
2. Japan Official Travel App
Unfortunately, the Japan Official Travel App by JNTO (Japan National Tourism Organization) bid adieu in late September 2023. When it was alive and kicking, it offered a Transit Search feature that was pretty nifty. Like Navitime, it allowed users to pick a Tourist Pass and explore a list of discount options, including the coveted Japan Rail Pass.
Search results were user-friendly, showing train names, platform numbers, and prices for different seating options. However, it had some limitations, such as not allowing you to change the seat type to see the updated price. Clicking on the three dots next to the station name revealed all the stops before your destination, a feature that was particularly helpful for first-time travelers.
One standout feature was the timetables button, which was a real gem for checking train frequency on specific routes. However, the bus route information was exclusively in Japanese, making it less useful for non-Japanese speakers.
Unfortunately, this app was only available on mobile devices, so if you were hoping to plan your journey from the comfort of your laptop, you were out of luck. But on the bright side, the app was completely free of advertisements—an uncommon treat!
App: Discontinued
3. Japan Transit Planner – Norikae Annai by Jorudan
Next up is Japan Transit Planner by Jorudan, an app that’s been around almost as long as Hyperdia. However, it’s a bit like that old friend who hasn’t quite kept up with the times. The Route Search does its job, but it doesn’t pack the punch of Navitime or the JNTO app. Sometimes, it feels like you’re playing a game of hide and seek, doing multiple searches just to find the best train-bus combo.
While you can select options like the Japan Rail Pass or Tokyo Subway Ticket, there’s no option for other tourist passes. The search results give you the train name, platform number, and all stops along the way, but you can only see the price for a Reserved Seat—the Non-Reserved Seat or Green Car pricing is a mystery unless you pay up for a premium feature.
Clicking on the train name does allow you to see a few more trains, but if you want a full timetable, you’ll need to venture into a separate search under the Timetable tab. The app and website are both free, but the website provides more search results than the app, which is a bit of a head-scratcher.
Website: Japan Transit Planner | Google Play: Available | App Store: Available
4. Ekispert
Ah, Ekispert—the little engine that could, but without the English translation! Currently, it’s only available as a website, and while it boasts decent functionality, it might leave non-Japanese speakers scratching their heads. You can customize your search by choosing your mode of transportation, type of seat, and even the transfer time (Normal, Relaxed, Hurry). However, it falls short on bus timetables and tourist pass options, which can be a bummer for those looking to maximize their travel experience.
The search results provide the train name, platform number, and price for a Reserved Seat, and you can check Non-Reserved and Green seat prices by clicking on Seat. Unfortunately, there’s no option to update the total price based on your seat choice, which can lead to a bit of confusion. Additionally, the site doesn’t offer extra timetables, which may leave you wanting more.
Website: Ekispert
5. Google Maps
Last but not least, we have the ever-reliable Google Maps. While it might not be the first choice for train travel in Japan, it can still come in handy. There’s no option for Tourist Passes, but you can select Route Options that let you specify your mode of transportation. The search results will give you the train name and platform number, but don’t expect a breakdown of costs for different seating types.
What I love about Google Maps is how it shines once you’re outside the station. With Japan’s unique addressing system, finding a restaurant or shop can be like solving a puzzle. Luckily, Google Maps excels at guiding you through the maze of streets, making it an indispensable tool for navigating Japan’s urban landscapes.
Website: Google Maps | Google Play: Available | App Store: Available
In conclusion, while losing Hyperdia felt like a significant blow to train travel planning in Japan, these alternatives offer a variety of features that can help you navigate Japan’s intricate rail system. So grab your app of choice, put on your travel shoes, and get ready to explore the Land of the Rising Sun!