Google Maps is one of the most convenient apps for traveling in Japan. It is useful in various situations, such as moving from the airport to the hotel, searching for tourist spots, and finding restaurants.
By preparing a little before your trip, you can move smoothly on-site and save on data usage.
In this article, I will introduce the settings and useful features you should prepare on Google Maps before your trip.
What to Prepare on Google Maps Before Your Trip
| What to Prepare | Recommendation Level |
|---|---|
| Save Hotels | ★★★★★ |
| Save Airports | ★★★★★ |
| List Tourist Spots | ★★★★★ |
| Save Offline Maps | ★★★★☆ |
| Save Favorite Spots | ★★★★☆ |
| Check from Home to Airport | ★★★☆☆ |
If you prepare before your departure, you will be able to move easily without getting lost after arriving in Japan.
Saving Hotels, Airports, and Tourist Spots
On Google Maps, you can "save" locations and create a list. By registering hotels and tourist spots before your trip, you can reduce the hassle of searching.
- Hotels
- Airports
- Stations
- Tourist Spots
- Restaurants
Creating lists for each travel plan makes it even easier to use.
Downloading Offline Maps
On Google Maps, you can download areas in advance, allowing you to view maps even in places without internet connection.
- Open Google Maps
- Tap your profile icon
- Select "Offline Maps"
- Choose the area you want to save
- Download it
Offline maps are also recommended for those who want to save on data usage.
Listing Favorite Spots
If you save cafes, restaurants, and shopping facilities in advance, you can display them quickly during your trip.
- Places You Want to Go
- Places You Have Been
- Favorites
- Travel List
Not only can you reduce travel time, but it also makes planning your trip easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I prepare Google Maps before my trip?
Yes. By saving hotels and tourist spots, and downloading offline maps, you can move smoothly right after arriving in Japan. Additionally, you can reduce the time spent searching for your destination.
Are offline maps useful for traveling in Japan?
Yes. If you save offline maps, you can view maps even in areas with unstable internet connections. It is also convenient if you want to save on data usage.
Can I search for routes using offline maps on Google Maps?
With offline maps, you can use some features like route search for driving within the saved area. However, features that require online connection, such as the latest information on public transportation and real-time traffic conditions, cannot be used.
How can I save hotels and restaurants?
You can search for a location on Google Maps and select "Save" to add it to your list. Creating your own lists, such as "Places I Want to Go" or "Travel," makes it easier to manage.
How much data does Google Maps use?
For normal map display and route search, data usage is relatively low. However, long hours of navigation or viewing Street View may increase data usage.
Do I need to log in to my Google account before my trip?
Yes. If you log in in advance, you can use saved locations and travel lists across multiple devices. Synchronization will also be smooth, which is convenient.
Can I travel in Japan using only Google Maps?
Google Maps is convenient for moving and searching nearby, but if you want to check train transfers and timetables in detail, it is also useful to use apps like NAVITIME or Yahoo! Transit.
Conclusion
By preparing Google Maps before your trip, you can ensure smooth movement after arriving in Japan, and save on data usage. It is recommended to complete saving hotels and tourist spots, and downloading offline maps before departure.
- Save hotels and tourist spots in advance
- Download offline maps
- Create and manage a travel list
- Log in to your Google account and synchronize
- Combining with eSIM will make it even more comfortable to use
If you prepare Google Maps well, you can move to your destination without getting lost during your trip to Japan, and enjoy a more comfortable travel experience.
