Finally someone explains how to use Google to do this!!! Now, if I want to plan an itinerary going from my hotel in Shibuya to Meguro River Park I get to choose driving (not) biking (not) or walking (probably). I suspect that I might not want to walk all that distance and there are two train stations at either end of the river walk but the map a.) isn't offering public transportation of any kind and b.) not giving me the distance and time like a regular google map does. So - I have no idea if walking is realistic and if not how I'm going to do it. I guess I could eyeball it and take a train from Shibuya Station to one of the train stations and then walk and get on a train at the other end of the river walk to go back but somehow it seems like there must be a better way. I love the planning feature but it seems like I have to give up most of the Google Maps functionality to have it. Have I missed something?
@@Enigma-ew5oh You’ve made a great point. The most unfortunate part of Google My Maps is that for some reason, all of the transportation modes aren’t showing. However, once you load your map in Google Maps, you’ll be able to find directions/options between locations just as you normally would in Google Maps. To load your Google My Maps into Google Maps, open the Google Maps app on your phone and at the bottom of your screen you should see 3 icons on the navigation menu. Press the bookmark icon that says “You”. Near the bottom of that screen you should see a small circular icon that says “Maps” underneath it. You can load your Google My Maps itinerary from there, and when you click on one of your itinerary icons you will have access to the normal directions function. I’m basing those instructions on an iPhone layout so it might differ slightly on the Android layout of Google Maps. But let me know if this helps to solve the issue you’re having.
You’re so welcome, Adey! I really hope it comes in handy when you’re planning your trip. It’s the easiest way I’ve found to keep all the different places organized. Keep it simple!
Really nice content. I just did save everything on maps with icons but did not use a custom map.. is ther an way to transfer everything that i saved to the custom map?
Hi Mandriletta, I’m not quite understanding your question, but I’m wondering if copying the original map and then creating the new layers would work? Feel free to email me screenshots and I can walk you through it!
@@VoyagesJapan Thank you. I will try this. The problem is that I only found out about the possibility of having a personal map with layers today, after watching your amazing video. Before watching the video, I had already saved everything I have to do in Japan, such as restaurants, attractions, bars, etc., on the respective list on the current standard map. I did not start the process with a custom map, as you did and showed in the video
@@MandrilettaOooooh! I see what you mean. Eddie in the comments just asked a similar question. Try going under the Saved menu in your Google Maps on your phone. And then next to the category that you placed your items on the standard map, there should be three dots. Select the menu item that says, “Hide in my map.” Does that show up for you?
@@Mandriletta Of course! I want it to work for you, so let me know if you have any other questions or if that doesn't work. I'm sure we'll find a solution!
Is there something specific we need to do in order to create a Walking Route? When I go to do it, it's not available, only the Add a Line or Shape is. Also you can only add 10 Layers
Actually I answered my own question, if you have the maximum of Layers, you need to add another Layer in order to add a Route. Im at the limit (10) so I cannot add a route :(
Thank you for that update, Sarah. I actually need to make a correction from what I stated in the video. Layers are limited, but the limit on the number of items allowed within a layer is more generous. I appreciate you bringing that up for us.
@@VoyagesJapan I also found that if you are at your limit of layers, you cannot load that map within the app on your phone. I wish there was a way you could have to give directions via transit and what the approx time it would take from point A to B.
@@michaelmaslo3937 You’re so very welcome, Michael. I’ll be honest, this is my favorite video on the channel, just because it’s so useful and practical if you’re going to Japan. There’s so much to see and do, but organizing all of it can be really difficult. I’m so glad this will be helpful for you and your wife. Cherry blossom season in Tokyo!!! So excited for you! 🤗
This is so helpful for organising a more organised itinerary for my trip to Japan in November. That way I can see where everything is and can divide my stay in clusters and go from there. Thx a lot
@@asheirahs_nook You’re very very welcome! It really does come in handy while you’re there. If you have a chance, be sure to try out the 360° view on Google Maps. It’s really cool to get a view of the places you might want to visit ahead of time. Have an amazing trip! And if you’re planning on visiting Kyoto for the leaf viewing, be sure to download the free Kyoto guide. It has some cute restaurants and activities to check out. Enjoy your trip and safe travels!
I know it took a while, but I wanted to follow up on my promise. Plus, it’s a truly helpful tool that very few travelers know about. I hope it comes in handy for your trip!! Thank you for being such a loyal supporter 💛✨
I wish there was a vid on best spots to take great photos of landmarks or creative areas in Tokyo to take those famous landmarks, etc. I saw an article on the net, but the author didn’t reveal the exact spot(he wanted to charge readers for the location revelation), but I found out like that bridge to take Tokyo SKYTREE with the reflection on the water at night. Also there is a photo of the SKYTREE next to some flag poles, but no flagpoles in sight at the SKYTREE when I got there. I had to ask a local who told me the flag poles were on a children’s playground nearby. It was quite a walk, but I had to get the photo.
Love this. I will need to learn this . I was in Tokyo a few weeks ago, but only used the Google maps for subway navigation and street directions, so this is great. So what you showed only works on a desktop? I want to import all of it to my phone since I can’t take my desktop with me…lol…😂 Also I wish there was a yt vid that suggests places to go in Tokyo for a certain area so that I don’t end up revisiting that area for a different landmark . In other words, if I visit Shibuya, I want explore all the famous or tourist spots that everyone goes to, so that I kill all birds with one stone.
I’m so glad this was helpful! You can only edit the map on desktop at the moment, which is kind of inconvenient, but you can always add additional locations you want to visit through the traditional Google Maps way of adding favorites. It just won’t be a part of your Google My Maps itinerary 🫤 I agree with you that maybe a video that shows the highlights of the different Tokyo wards would be super helpful. There’s so much to see, and breaking it up by section would be super helpful. I’ll put it on my list!
I have star items marked in my standard google map. I find out that if I create a marker in Google My Map, when I view it in my iphone, both markers show up and the icons of the standard map cover up the new icons in Google My Map. If I don't want to delete the marked items in standard map, how can I view My map with the My map icons?
Hi Eddie, that’s a great question. I think your standard map items are going to stay, unless there’s a way to toggle them on and off in Google Maps. There should be a way to do it under the Saved menu in Google Maps. Then if you press the three dots next to the menu that you have your standard icons posted on, you should see a menu item that says “Hide on your map”. If I’m understanding your question correctly, give that a shot. Otherwise you can shoot me an email with the screenshot and I’m happy to try to figure it out with you.
@@Money_Man_Meech OMG!!! That comment made my day!! My whole year! 🤩 I’m so so glad the tips helped out on your trip. You have no clue how much that means to me. It’s so important that we all share our experiences to help others enjoy theirs even more. Thank you thank you for sharing and for being a part of this community. AWESOME note!!
@@margiemiguel8878 That’s a great question. I played around with it for a bit and although I couldn’t add a Google Maps item to MyMaps, I did find a slight workaround. If you’re on your phone, pull up this link and click “Get Started”. www.google.com/maps/about/mymaps/ You should see a list of your MyMaps that you’ve created. If you open the map on your phone, you can add locations to your MyMaps from your phone, rather than having to do it from your desktop or adding from Google Maps. I hope this is what you were trying to solve for. Let me know whether this helps or if I am totally off base with this suggestion.
@@tarajadebrown Awesome!! I’m really glad this was useful. I have a few more helpful and practical videos coming up soon, so be sure to check back in before your trip! ☺️
Why is it that when using the app on my phone to route from hotel to transit to destination, the "walking" part of my route does not show turn by turn directions on the phone, even if it shows it when I map it on my computer? That's what I need the most. thanks for a helpful video.!
Hi @hedwigsnape, that's a great question. I was playing with it earlier on my iPhone and I hope these instructions help (it's kind of hard to type it out, but I'll give it a shot!): 1. Go into Google Maps on your phone and on the bottom navigation bar press the "Saved" icon. 2. There are 3 small circular icons on the next screen and the third one should say "Maps". Select that one. 3. Here you should see the maps you've created in Google My Maps. Select the map you want to view on Google Maps. 4. Once the map is loaded, you should see all of the itinerary icons you've created. If you tap on any of them, the dialogue box with the Directions icon should pop up. This functions just like the normal Google Maps turn by turn directions, and this will give you directions from wherever you are to your itinerary marker. Let me know if this is what you were looking for help on and if this works. I want to get to the bottom of this too so that you can use it on your trip! :)
✨ That means a lot. It’s my main goal with making these videos, so to know that I’m doing something right is such a motivation to keep making them. Thank you for the comment.
Amazing tips! I've watched hundreds of Japan planning videos, and I've NEVER heard of Google MY Maps before. This could have really helped out the planning and navigating for my trip to Japan last month. Oh well, at least I know if it now, for when I start planning my 2nd trip to Japan. Thank you!
Thank you Wayne! This really is a game changer when it comes to planning for trips. I wish more people knew about it. Thank you for watching and I hope your trip last month was fantastic!! Was it your first time in Asia?
@@WayneHendersonVO oh my gosh!! What a perfect first trip outside of the US!! Now you definitely have to go back!! Man! That’s so exciting! Congratulations on your first trip to Japan and outside of the US. It’s a great occasion to commemorate! 🍾
You have no idea how much that comment means to me. It’s always nice to see your name pop up in the comment section 😊 Thank you for your encouragement and support! It goes a long way!
Making your Japan trip 10x easier ✨ thanks for sharing, Kelly!
✨So glad you enjoyed the video. Your trip planning tools are game-changing! What an honor! ✨
hello vro
Finally someone explains how to use Google to do this!!! Now, if I want to plan an itinerary going from my hotel in Shibuya to Meguro River Park I get to choose driving (not) biking (not) or walking (probably). I suspect that I might not want to walk all that distance and there are two train stations at either end of the river walk but the map a.) isn't offering public transportation of any kind and b.) not giving me the distance and time like a regular google map does. So - I have no idea if walking is realistic and if not how I'm going to do it. I guess I could eyeball it and take a train from Shibuya Station to one of the train stations and then walk and get on a train at the other end of the river walk to go back but somehow it seems like there must be a better way. I love the planning feature but it seems like I have to give up most of the Google Maps functionality to have it. Have I missed something?
@@Enigma-ew5oh You’ve made a great point. The most unfortunate part of Google My Maps is that for some reason, all of the transportation modes aren’t showing. However, once you load your map in Google Maps, you’ll be able to find directions/options between locations just as you normally would in Google Maps.
To load your Google My Maps into Google Maps, open the Google Maps app on your phone and at the bottom of your screen you should see 3 icons on the navigation menu. Press the bookmark icon that says “You”.
Near the bottom of that screen you should see a small circular icon that says “Maps” underneath it. You can load your Google My Maps itinerary from there, and when you click on one of your itinerary icons you will have access to the normal directions function.
I’m basing those instructions on an iPhone layout so it might differ slightly on the Android layout of Google Maps. But let me know if this helps to solve the issue you’re having.
This was amazing, thanks for the great content!!
You’re so welcome, Adey! I really hope it comes in handy when you’re planning your trip. It’s the easiest way I’ve found to keep all the different places organized. Keep it simple!
Really nice content. I just did save everything on maps with icons but did not use a custom map.. is ther an way to transfer everything that i saved to the custom map?
Hi Mandriletta, I’m not quite understanding your question, but I’m wondering if copying the original map and then creating the new layers would work? Feel free to email me screenshots and I can walk you through it!
@@VoyagesJapan Thank you. I will try this. The problem is that I only found out about the possibility of having a personal map with layers today, after watching your amazing video. Before watching the video, I had already saved everything I have to do in Japan, such as restaurants, attractions, bars, etc., on the respective list on the current standard map. I did not start the process with a custom map, as you did and showed in the video
@@MandrilettaOooooh! I see what you mean. Eddie in the comments just asked a similar question. Try going under the Saved menu in your Google Maps on your phone. And then next to the category that you placed your items on the standard map, there should be three dots. Select the menu item that says, “Hide in my map.” Does that show up for you?
@@VoyagesJapan Thank you for your patience. i will try!
@@Mandriletta Of course! I want it to work for you, so let me know if you have any other questions or if that doesn't work. I'm sure we'll find a solution!
Is there something specific we need to do in order to create a Walking Route? When I go to do it, it's not available, only the Add a Line or Shape is. Also you can only add 10 Layers
Actually I answered my own question, if you have the maximum of Layers, you need to add another Layer in order to add a Route. Im at the limit (10) so I cannot add a route :(
Thank you for that update, Sarah. I actually need to make a correction from what I stated in the video. Layers are limited, but the limit on the number of items allowed within a layer is more generous. I appreciate you bringing that up for us.
@@VoyagesJapan I also found that if you are at your limit of layers, you cannot load that map within the app on your phone. I wish there was a way you could have to give directions via transit and what the approx time it would take from point A to B.
@@saraha8833 Thank you for experimenting with this and bringing back updates, Sarah. All of this information really is super helpful for the community
Hi Kelly, my wife and myself are headed to Tokyo in May 2025. This is going to be so very helpful. Thank you so very much for this. 3:43
@@michaelmaslo3937 You’re so very welcome, Michael. I’ll be honest, this is my favorite video on the channel, just because it’s so useful and practical if you’re going to Japan. There’s so much to see and do, but organizing all of it can be really difficult. I’m so glad this will be helpful for you and your wife. Cherry blossom season in Tokyo!!! So excited for you! 🤗
This is so helpful for organising a more organised itinerary for my trip to Japan in November. That way I can see where everything is and can divide my stay in clusters and go from there. Thx a lot
@@asheirahs_nook You’re very very welcome! It really does come in handy while you’re there. If you have a chance, be sure to try out the 360° view on Google Maps. It’s really cool to get a view of the places you might want to visit ahead of time.
Have an amazing trip! And if you’re planning on visiting Kyoto for the leaf viewing, be sure to download the free Kyoto guide. It has some cute restaurants and activities to check out. Enjoy your trip and safe travels!
Wow- this is so incredibly helpful- thank you so much!!
@@Nancy-zi6kd Yes!!! I’m so very glad it was helpful for you. You’re welcome, Nancy!
I was waiting for this video, I know you would deliver your promise!! Can’t wait to watch it.😊
I know it took a while, but I wanted to follow up on my promise. Plus, it’s a truly helpful tool that very few travelers know about. I hope it comes in handy for your trip!! Thank you for being such a loyal supporter 💛✨
I wish there was a vid on best spots to take great photos of landmarks or creative areas in Tokyo to take those famous landmarks, etc. I saw an article on the net, but the author didn’t reveal the exact spot(he wanted to charge readers for the location revelation), but I found out like that bridge to take Tokyo SKYTREE with the reflection on the water at night. Also there is a photo of the SKYTREE next to some flag poles, but no flagpoles in sight at the SKYTREE when I got there. I had to ask a local who told me the flag poles were on a children’s playground nearby. It was quite a walk, but I had to get the photo.
Oh! Great idea!! I like that one too
Love this. I will need to learn this . I was in Tokyo a few weeks ago, but only used the Google maps for subway navigation and street directions, so this is great. So what you showed only works on a desktop? I want to import all of it to my phone since I can’t take my desktop with me…lol…😂
Also I wish there was a yt vid that suggests places to go in Tokyo for a certain area so that I don’t end up revisiting that area for a different landmark . In other words, if I visit Shibuya, I want explore all the famous or tourist spots that everyone goes to, so that I kill all birds with one stone.
I’m so glad this was helpful! You can only edit the map on desktop at the moment, which is kind of inconvenient, but you can always add additional locations you want to visit through the traditional Google Maps way of adding favorites. It just won’t be a part of your Google My Maps itinerary 🫤
I agree with you that maybe a video that shows the highlights of the different Tokyo wards would be super helpful. There’s so much to see, and breaking it up by section would be super helpful. I’ll put it on my list!
I have star items marked in my standard google map. I find out that if I create a marker in Google My Map, when I view it in my iphone, both markers show up and the icons of the standard map cover up the new icons in Google My Map. If I don't want to delete the marked items in standard map, how can I view My map with the My map icons?
Hi Eddie, that’s a great question. I think your standard map items are going to stay, unless there’s a way to toggle them on and off in Google Maps. There should be a way to do it under the Saved menu in Google Maps. Then if you press the three dots next to the menu that you have your standard icons posted on, you should see a menu item that says “Hide on your map”. If I’m understanding your question correctly, give that a shot. Otherwise you can shoot me an email with the screenshot and I’m happy to try to figure it out with you.
Thanks for the tips you made my trip waaay easier 💯💯 best channel so far
@@Money_Man_Meech OMG!!! That comment made my day!! My whole year! 🤩 I’m so so glad the tips helped out on your trip. You have no clue how much that means to me. It’s so important that we all share our experiences to help others enjoy theirs even more. Thank you thank you for sharing and for being a part of this community. AWESOME note!!
What’s the most exciting attraction or city you’re planning to visit while you’re in Japan? Let me know what’s on your itinerary!
Are you able to automate adding places from Google Maps to MyMaps?
@@margiemiguel8878 That’s a great question. I played around with it for a bit and although I couldn’t add a Google Maps item to MyMaps, I did find a slight workaround. If you’re on your phone, pull up this link and click “Get Started”.
www.google.com/maps/about/mymaps/
You should see a list of your MyMaps that you’ve created. If you open the map on your phone, you can add locations to your MyMaps from your phone, rather than having to do it from your desktop or adding from Google Maps.
I hope this is what you were trying to solve for. Let me know whether this helps or if I am totally off base with this suggestion.
This is suuuuuuper useful! Thank you!!
@@tarajadebrown Awesome!! I’m really glad this was useful. I have a few more helpful and practical videos coming up soon, so be sure to check back in before your trip! ☺️
Why is it that when using the app on my phone to route from hotel to transit to destination, the "walking" part of my route does not show turn by turn directions on the phone, even if it shows it when I map it on my computer? That's what I need the most.
thanks for a helpful video.!
Hi @hedwigsnape, that's a great question. I was playing with it earlier on my iPhone and I hope these instructions help (it's kind of hard to type it out, but I'll give it a shot!):
1. Go into Google Maps on your phone and on the bottom navigation bar press the "Saved" icon.
2. There are 3 small circular icons on the next screen and the third one should say "Maps". Select that one.
3. Here you should see the maps you've created in Google My Maps. Select the map you want to view on Google Maps.
4. Once the map is loaded, you should see all of the itinerary icons you've created. If you tap on any of them, the dialogue box with the Directions icon should pop up. This functions just like the normal Google Maps turn by turn directions, and this will give you directions from wherever you are to your itinerary marker.
Let me know if this is what you were looking for help on and if this works. I want to get to the bottom of this too so that you can use it on your trip! :)
@@VoyagesJapan thank you for your response. I'll try it out!
That's Awesome! Thank you so much for the great video and advice.❤
You’re very welcome. Thank you for appreciating it!
This is exactly what I needed! Thank you fpr the great video…much appreciated🌸
Yes!! So glad it was helpful, Lori-Ann!! ✨
Thank you so much!
You’re so welcome! ✨
I can't remember the last time I watched a video this helpful and useful. Thanks
✨ That means a lot. It’s my main goal with making these videos, so to know that I’m doing something right is such a motivation to keep making them. Thank you for the comment.
Wow this is pretty cool Im setting up destinations now lol.
😎😎😎
Amazing tips! I've watched hundreds of Japan planning videos, and I've NEVER heard of Google MY Maps before. This could have really helped out the planning and navigating for my trip to Japan last month. Oh well, at least I know if it now, for when I start planning my 2nd trip to Japan. Thank you!
Thank you Wayne! This really is a game changer when it comes to planning for trips. I wish more people knew about it. Thank you for watching and I hope your trip last month was fantastic!! Was it your first time in Asia?
@@VoyagesJapan Oh, yes, it was the most amazing vacation ever! It was my first time ever outside of the US.
@@VoyagesJapan Oh yes, it was the best vacation imaginable, especially since it was my first time ever outside of the US.
@@WayneHendersonVO oh my gosh!! What a perfect first trip outside of the US!! Now you definitely have to go back!! Man! That’s so exciting! Congratulations on your first trip to Japan and outside of the US. It’s a great occasion to commemorate! 🍾
Oh my freaking GOSH this was so Awesome, definitely using this technique
✨🙌 So cool, right?! I’m glad you liked the tips and I hope the itinerary planning makes your trip even better!!
This is definitely a cool way to plan a trip. Thanks Kelly I’ll definitely keep this in mind when i do travel anywhere
You're welcome!
You have a way of explaining things that make it so easy to understand. Thanks so much for this tip, great visual and organization tool!
Thank you so much, Quyen! I’m so glad this was helpful for you. More coming soon!
I love your channel and work ethic so much ❤
You have no idea how much that comment means to me. It’s always nice to see your name pop up in the comment section 😊 Thank you for your encouragement and support! It goes a long way!
Thank you
You’re welcome! Thank you for watching and supporting the channel, @pkthecat!