The first navigation app in Japan to accept what3words

The Japan Travel by NAVITIME app is a tool that helps solve problems commonly faced by overseas tourists in Japan. The company that runs the app, NAVITIME JAPAN, offers a range of navigation apps, and is one of the largest navigation service providers in Japan.

what3words is an easy way to identify and communicate precise locations. Every 3m square has been given a unique combination of three words: a what3words address. Now anyone can find, share and navigate to precise locations in Japan using three simple words in their own language. For example, enter /// asleep.runways.assorted to get to Tajimaya, a quaint kissaten in Omoide Yokocho.

Travellers can discover what3words addresses using the free what3words app or online map or in event guides that feature them, such as Tokyo Weekender and Time Out Tokyo.

Visitors can use what3words to search for locations and attractions as well as enter start and end points for route planning, in their own language removing any worries about incorrectly entering Japanese addresses. Simply by inputting three words, travellers can find the best-rated Ramen restaurant and the nearest train station to get them there.

‘The issue of difficult addressing is particularly acute for travellers to Japan. Japanese addresses are non-sequential so it’s easy for anyone not familiar with the language to get lost. The Japan Travel by NAVITIME app will help non Japanese-speaking tourists to make the most out of their time visiting the exceptional and rare travel experiences Japan has to offer’ said Chris Sheldrick, Co-founder and CEO of what3words.

what3words address search and entry in the Japan Travel by NAVITIME app is available in 11 languages; English, Chinese (simplified), Korean, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Thai, and Bahasa Indonesia.

Features include door-to-door navigation, on-foot and in-car navigation, search spots such as Free Wi-Fi, luggage storages and ATMs, articles on tourism, trip planning, hotels and activity bookings.

what3words is already being used throughout Japan, with restaurants and hotels listing their what3words addresses to help guests to find them. Passengers using S.RIDE, one of Tokyo’s biggest ride-hailing apps, can enter a what3words address for a simple, speedy and precise drop-off location. In November 2018, what3words received investment from the Sony Innovation fund, which is dedicated to engaging with promising, innovative startups in areas such as robotics, artificial intelligence and other technologies.

The Japan Travel by NAVITIME app is available for free on iOS and Android devices.