Oops! Japan #9 — Map It the Right Way Why You Should Search in Japanese on Google Maps


 

Oops! Japan #9 — Map It the Right Way

Why You Should Search in Japanese on Google Maps

You typed in “shrines,” but nothing good showed up? Try “神社” instead.

Google Maps in Japan works surprisingly better in Japanese. Many local spots don’t show up in English — especially mom-and-pop restaurants, hidden temples, or secondhand shops. Switch your search terms to Japanese (use Google Translate to help) and you’ll unlock a whole new layer of the city.

Also: compare Apple Maps and Google Maps. They often suggest completely different routes. One might be faster, the other cheaper. Use both.

🗾 Bonus tip: Save starred places in advance and check what’s around them. You’ll thank yourself later.


🗾 日本語の補足：

Googleマップで英語検索しても出てこない場所、日本ではよくあります。「shrine」でなく「神社」と打つことで、ようやく見つかることも。特に個人経営のお店やローカルな観光スポットは、日本語で検索しないと出てこないことが多いです。翻訳アプリを使って、賢く旅を楽しみましょう！


Next up: Oops! Japan #10 — Bug Bites & Thigh Rashes（旅を邪魔する“見えない敵”たち）

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