Tokyo’s giant rail and subway stations, Shinjuko and Tokyo Station can be a puzzle even for locals who need to switch among many different lines…and for visitors it’s even worse. But a new app is designed to save the day for both.
Released last year for Tokyo station, it now covers Shinjuku as well, and works in either English or Japanese. It uses positioning beacons inside the stations to help the app show you where you are and where you have to go. You are represented by a bright blue dot, and your path is marked for you.
That can be a lifesaver since each station serves over a dozen lines, and they have many exits with confusing names (would you know that South Exit is nowhere near New South Exit?). You can also find more than your way out: the app lets you send your location to others, and to see their location, to help you meet up.
Japan Railways East, which provides the free app for iOS and Android, plans an even better version for next year, with more tools and stations.
