Hyperdia
Feb 25, 2024 | 5:30 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2017
Posts: 1,865
Hyperdia
With the demise of Hyperdia, is there a substitute currently available for looking up train timings in Japan? Is there no online version (in English) of the thick timetables used universally in Japanese rail stations?
Feb 26, 2024 | 1:11 am
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: London
Posts: 19,065
Navitime, Jorudan, Google Maps.
Hyperdia can still be consulted and offers a wealth of information, but check it first, dont rely on it.
Even when Hyperdia was being updated it wasnt infallible, and none of the 3 tools above are completely reliable sources either - for instance, Ive found that the same system has given me information that is different to that of other posters here running the same search.
Also, as there are so many different rail companies in Japan there is no single answer for finding the timetables youll see at stations.
Hyperdia can still be consulted and offers a wealth of information, but check it first, dont rely on it.
Even when Hyperdia was being updated it wasnt infallible, and none of the 3 tools above are completely reliable sources either - for instance, Ive found that the same system has given me information that is different to that of other posters here running the same search.
Also, as there are so many different rail companies in Japan there is no single answer for finding the timetables youll see at stations.
Feb 26, 2024 | 3:40 am
#3
Join Date: Sep 2009
Programs: UA GS>1K>Nothing; DL DM 2MM; AS 75K>Nothing>MVP
Posts: 9,413
I used to use Hyperdia a lot. Nowdays, I use Google Maps almost exclusively. Easy to use and seems pretty accurate. Also convenient if your departure point or destination is somewhere service by multiple rail stations.
Feb 26, 2024 | 11:23 am
#4
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: NYC
Programs: UA/HH/Marriott Gold
Posts: 2,606
I have tended to use Ekispert.
Editing to add that since the question was to look up train schedules, thats what I use Ekispert forlooking up schedules when Im planning my trip, eg for Shinkansen rides. Im that nerd who likes to take printouts with me when Im picking up a rail pass and making reservations. For on-the-ground navigation, I use Google Maps.
Editing to add that since the question was to look up train schedules, thats what I use Ekispert forlooking up schedules when Im planning my trip, eg for Shinkansen rides. Im that nerd who likes to take printouts with me when Im picking up a rail pass and making reservations. For on-the-ground navigation, I use Google Maps.
Last edited by Calcifer; Feb 27, 2024 at 4:49 am
Feb 26, 2024 | 11:52 am
#5
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: NYC / TYO / RSW Up in the Air avoiding the Snowflakes
Programs: UA GS 1.8MM, AA 2.1MM, EK, BA, SQ, CX, Marriott LT, Accor P
Posts: 8,086
We are the same -- the data in Google Maps has improved incredibly in Japan fortunately just after the demise of Hyperdia. I wish it worked as well in the USA!
Feb 26, 2024 | 2:17 pm
#6
Join Date: Apr 2013
Posts: 228
NAVITIME (almost) all the way for me. Im a days walker but I find google maps to be overly optimistic about how fast you can get through a busy Japanese station, seems to be getting better, though.
One thing Google maps is really good at is seeing where the next bus is. That is rock solid.
One thing Google maps is really good at is seeing where the next bus is. That is rock solid.
Feb 27, 2024 | 3:52 am
#8
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: TYO
Programs: Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 1,745
Google Maps is highly accurate, I've never had to use anything else. Provides real-time delay information and even tells you which platform to board from.
Feb 27, 2024 | 11:15 am
#9
Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: ROC
Programs: JMB, AMC
Posts: 312
I like that it gives the (basic) price for the route as well so I can compare it against airlines flying similar routes on google flights.