topic-transport

: Why Google Maps Travel Times Feel Wrong in Japan — and What to Do About It

2026/3/20 topic-digital, topic-transport

You checked Google Maps before leaving, but you're running late — even though you followed the route exactly. What happened? This page explains why Google Maps travel times can feel off in Japan, when to add extra time, and which apps locals actually use for train navigation. Why Google Maps times can feel wrong Google Maps calculates travel time based on a set of assumptions that don't always match real conditions: In practice, most travel situations in Japan involve at least one of these variables — which is why the displayed time often ends up being the minimum, not the ...

Action Phase

: 3-Minute Train Transfers in Japan: Can You Make It?

2026/3/20 topic-transport

You're checking your route on Google Maps and it shows a 3-minute transfer. Is that even possible? Should you pick a different train? This page explains how Japan's transfer system actually works, how locals think about short connections, and when it's smarter to choose the next train from the start. How Japan's transfer times are calculated Japan's train timetables are precise, and transfer times shown in apps like Google Maps or Hyperdia are calculated based on actual walking distance between platforms. When an app says "3-minute transfer," it means a healthy adult walking at a normal pace can make it. ...

Transit & Logistics

: Subway Exits in Japan: How to Choose the Right One

2026/3/20 region-tokyo, topic-transport

Tokyo and Osaka subway stations can have more than ten exits. For first-time visitors, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming — especially underground, with limited signal and a lot of signs. This page explains how locals handle it, and the fastest way to get yourself to street level without confusion. Why are there so many exits? Large subway stations in Japan are connected directly to multiple buildings, intersections, and underground passages. Each exit leads to a different part of the surrounding area. This is not unique to tourists — Japanese people also look up the exit number before arriving ...

Transit & Logistics

: If the Shinkansen Stops: What to Do and How Locals Handle It

2026/3/20 topic-transport

The Shinkansen is one of the most reliable train systems in the world. But when it does stop, it can catch travelers off guard — especially if you have a tight connection, a flight to catch, or a packed itinerary. This page explains what actually happens, what locals do, and how to make a calm decision in the moment. Why the Shinkansen stops There are three main reasons the Shinkansen suspends service: What locals do when it stops When the Shinkansen stops unexpectedly, most Japanese travelers do one thing first: they wait and listen. Stations will announce an estimated resumption ...

Transit & Logistics

: How to Decide Whether to Extend Your Stay When Snow Disrupts Travel in Hokkaido

2026/2/23 region-hokkaido, season-winter, topic-transport

In Hokkaido, transportation can become unstable in different ways. Sometimes snow builds up over several days and conditions gradually worsen. Other times, heavy snowfall during the night can suddenly disrupt trains and flights the next morning. In both situations, there is a moment when you are no longer sure whether you can move as planned. You may think, “I’ll wait and see.” Or, “I’ll try to move anyway.” That reaction is natural. However, once travel becomes uncertain, extending your stay becomes a realistic option to consider. Staying longer is not a failure of planning. It is simply an adjustment based ...

Winter Survival

: Can You Really Use Buses, Taxis, or Rental Cars When Trains Stop in Hokkaido?

2026/2/23 region-hokkaido, season-winter, topic-transport

When JR trains stop, many travelers immediately think: “Maybe buses are still running?” “Can I just take a taxi?” “What if I rent a car instead?” Technically, those options exist. There are timetables. There are booking pages. But in Hokkaido, when train services are suspended, “available” does not always mean “usable.” It is not only about heavy snow. Strong winds, poor visibility, accidents, infrastructure checks, and even wildlife collisions can also lead to suspensions. And depending on the reason, the operating conditions for other transportation options change. Each transportation mode has its own suspension criteria, its own operating structure, and ...

Transit & Logistics

: When It’s Better to Abandon Your Schedule in Hokkaido’s Winter

2026/2/23 region-hokkaido, season-winter, topic-transport

In Hokkaido’s winter, transportation rarely collapses all at once. More often, it begins to unravel gradually. First, a delayed train. Then partial cancellations. Then a notice saying, “Service suspended. Recovery time unknown.” At that stage, most travelers try to protect their original schedule. Hotels are already booked. The next city is planned. The return flight has a fixed date. “Maybe it will run tomorrow.” That is a very natural reaction. Especially if this is your first time in Hokkaido. Especially if you feel, “I came all this way.” However, in Hokkaido’s winter, the longer you delay a decision, the fewer ...

Winter Survival

: What to Check First When Trains Stop Running in Hokkaido

2026/2/23 region-hokkaido, season-winter, topic-transport

When JR trains stop running in Hokkaido, there is often less information than you expect. Many people only realize the suspension after arriving at the station. The departure board may simply say “Service Suspended.” Official websites may show “Under Adjustment” or “No Estimated Time.” In Hokkaido — especially around the Sapporo area — JR is the backbone of long-distance travel. Subways and streetcars are useful within Sapporo city, but travel to Asahikawa, Hakodate, Obihiro, Kushiro, or New Chitose Airport typically depends on JR. So when JR stops, it is not just one train line being delayed. It can mean that ...

Transit & Logistics

: What Actually Happens When JR Trains Stop in Hokkaido

2026/2/23 region-hokkaido, season-winter, topic-transport

When JR trains stop in Hokkaido, the situation often feels different from a typical train delay on Honshu. When you see news about heavy snow, you might think it simply means minor delays, or that trains will start running again once the snowfall eases. In reality, a suspension does not automatically mean trains will be stopped all day. In winter, there are many cases where services are suspended for several hours, and then manage to restart later in the evening. However, when conditions are particularly bad, in rare cases the decision may be made not to resume service for the ...

Winter Survival

: Why Checking the Snow Forecast Is Critical When Traveling in Hokkaido

2026/2/23 region-hokkaido, season-winter, topic-transport

When planning a trip to Hokkaido, checking the weather forecast feels like a routine step. Most travelers look at it to confirm whether their plans seem safe and workable. In winter, however, weather forecasts in Hokkaido serve a slightly different purpose. They are not meant to reassure you that your itinerary will go as planned, but to help you question whether that plan truly holds. Even if transportation operated normally the day before, conditions can change overnight. By the morning of travel, rail services may already be affected. This is because in Hokkaido, the impact of snow depends less on ...

Events & Seasons