mapping software
 

i'm in the midst of planning a trip (YYZ-NRT) and i am carrying my laptop with me. hoping i can use my laptop as a directional aid, i was wondering if anyone knows of a program that has city maps (preferably of Tokyo, and or Japan) that would be searchable? Runs in Mac OS X? (Windows is okay, too) Internet updates to stay current?

Suggestions?

Thanks!

Great Idea
 

DKY:
What a great idea. I plan on being in Tokyo in April and mapping software would be very helpfull.

Can you read Japanese?
 

If you can read Japanese, there are a few Japanese equivalents of Mapquest that can be used. I frequently use the one on yahoo.co.jp. They've also got a great function where you can look up how to get from point A to point B by subway, etc. and find the fastest and/or cheapest route. Unfortunately I don't know of any English versions... Sorry if this is completely not helpful!

Good question.

Last year I found GPS English software for Japan on one of the GPS maker web sites. I tired to find it again a few weeks ago but could not find it again. So, I know it is out there unless it was taken off the market.

Hope this helps.

Are you planning on driving around?

I bought this book "Tokyo City Atlas: A Bilingual Guide" from Amazon. It has very detailed maps of every street around Tokyo, as well as noting important buildings, tourist attractions, and subway exit/entrance. Everything is also indexed.

While low tech, I think that paper would be an easier navigational solution than lugging around a laptop all day.