[Improved] Save on data charges while traveling! Japan’s railway maps now support “offline maps”

December 24, 2024

The Japan railway map provided in the “World Transit Maps” app has been revamped into a practical “tile format (v2)” that is faithful to the actual geography and makes it easier to grasp distances.

It all started with a scolding email from a traveler

Our railway maps based on the tile format (v2) has a significantly different usability from the conventional download format, and we have received feedback from many users. In the last version, we have modified around the zoom level to enable a wider range of map display and improved the ability to scroll quickly to distant locations.

By the way, we received an email from a regular user who was traveling to Japan from overseas complaining that “if the app can’t be used offline, it’s unnecessary” because there is a limit to the amount of data communication on the SIM card. The “offline map” function, which allows travellers to view maps without incurring packet communication charges, is still in high demand, but it was not supported by our new map system.

In this latest version, you can scroll and zoom in and out on maps for areas that you have specified and downloaded in advance, even in areas without signal coverage.

Select “Offline Maps” from the three-line menu in the upper left of the screen, and tap “Add an area from the map.” Once you move to the area you want to use offline on the railway map screen and complete the download, no packet communication will be required to display the map within that area. The offline maps are valid for 30 days from the date of download, and the expiration date will be extended if you update it during that time.

Even within the specified area, communication will still occur when using various functions such as displaying detailed information about stations and routes, and route searches. In addition, video ads will be displayed when downloading offline maps, but you can skip the video ads by purchasing the paid options “Rail Map Premium” or “Rail Map Passport.”