Japan Travel by NAVITIME: Plan Your Trip with the JR Pass

young woman with mobile in Japanese train station

Japan Travel by NAVITIME is a travel-planning app specifically designed to help visitors navigate Japan’s train and public transport systems.

It can help you plan routes, compare journey times and costs, and find services covered by the Japan Rail Pass. This guide explains NAVITIME’s main features and how the app can help you organize your trip with a JR Pass.

What is NAVITIME?

NAVITIME is considered one of the most popular apps for travelers visitng Japan.

It provides a simple way to search routes for trains, Shinkansen, subways, buses, ferries, and other transport services. The app also shows journey times, fares, transfers, platform information, and train timetables to help you plan your journey easily.

You can also access destination guides and itinerary-planning tools, making it simple to organize activities and transport in one place.

NAVITIME: Key features

  • Route search and planning: Search for journeys by Shinkansen, train, subway, bus, ferry, flight or taxi. Results can include travel times, fares, transfers, station information and platform numbers.
  • JR Pass route search: Select the Japan Rail Pass or another supported rail pass to find suitable routes and understand which parts of a journey are covered.
  • Timetables and station information: Check departure times, stopping patterns, transfer details and platform information for public transport services.
  • Maps and place search: Find stations, attractions, and other useful locations and view routes on a map.
  • Travel plans: Organize destinations and transport into a personalized itinerary for each day of your trip.
  • Travel guides: Browse articles, practical travel advice and recommended itineraries covering destinations throughout Japan.

NAVITIME is available in English and several other languages, so it’s accessible for international visitors.

Is NAVITIME legit?

Yes. Japan Travel by NAVITIME is an official route-planning and travel app developed by NAVITIME JAPAN Co., Ltd.

It provides reliable and up-to-date information on transport options and timetables, stations, and attractions for visitors travelling around Japan.

How to download Japan Travel by NAVITIME

Japan Travel by NAVITIME is available for iOS and Android devices. Download it from the App Store or Google Play before your trip to start planning your journeys around Japan.

After installing the app, you can choose your preferred language and customize the settings based on your travel plans.

Is Japan Travel by NAVITIME free?

NAVITIME is free to download and includes route searches, travel information, and itinerary-planning tools.

Some advanced features require a Premium plan. The available features and subscription options vary depending on your device and location, so check the current details in the App Store or Google Play before subscribing.

How to use NAVITIME with your JR Pass

NAVITIME can help you plan journeys that make better use of your Japan Rail Pass. Here’s how to set up and use the app with your JR Pass:

  1. Select the Japan Rail Pass option: Choose the JR Pass from the available rail pass settings so the app can prioritize routes that match your pass coverage.
  2. Enter your departure point and destination: Search for the journey you want to make, including the date and preferred departure or arrival time.
  3. Compare route options: Review the suggested journeys by travel time, number of transfers, and estimated fare to find the option that best suits your plans.
  4. Check which parts are covered: NAVITIME shows you which trains and sections of the route are included with the JR Pass or where you need an additional ticket.
  5. Review transfer and station details: Use the route information to check transfer points, platform details, and the order of each leg of your journey.
  6. Save useful journeys: Save routes you are likely to use so you can return to them quickly during your trip, including when internet access is limited.

How to create a plan for the day with NAVITIME

Source: Japan Travel at on the App Store:

NAVITIME can also help you turn saved attractions, restaurants, and other places into a daily itinerary.

Simply add the attractions you want to see in one plan, arrange them in a practical order, and check the travel time between each stop. This makes it easier to build a realistic schedule and adjust it as your plans change.

It also helps you navigate transport systems as effectively as possible, avoiding unnecessary waits or backtracking, so you can make the most of your time in Japan.

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