Advanced Guide: How to Use Ekispert for the Web

Hello, everyone!

In the Beginner's Guide, we covered the basic usage of "Ekispert for Web," and in the Intermediate Guide, we explored more advanced search functions.
In this article, we'll introduce some convenient features that allow you to perform more advanced route searches.

*route search service, "Ekispert for Web"
This service is a free website that allows you to search routes for public transportation, such as trains and buses, within Japan.
This is an incredibly useful tool for those traveling around Japan by train or bus, so make sure to take advantage of it!

1. Advanced Route Search Settings

Here are some features for more detailed route searches using "Ekispert for Web."
When you click the Settings button, detailed options will be displayed, as shown in diagram ① below.

① Set the Display Order of Search Results

By selecting the "Sort" dropdown menu, you can choose from four options: "Time order", "Fare order", "Number of transfers order", and "Eco-route order."
This allows you to choose how you would like the search results to be sorted.

② Set the Walking Speed For Transfers

If your journey requires transfers between trains or buses, you can adjust the walking speed for those transfers.
By selecting the "Transfer time" dropdown, you’ll see three options: "Normal", "Slow", and "Fast."
If you're new to the route or carrying heavy luggage, selecting "Slow" gives you more time for a relaxed transfer.

③ Set Preferred Payment Method for Fares

When paying for transportation fares, there are two main options: "cash" or "an IC card*"
By selecting the "Price" dropdown, you can choose either "IC card" or "Cash."

*What is an IC Card?
In Japan, IC cards are prepaid electronic money cards that can be used for trains, buses, and various other modes of transportation. These cards are widely accepted across many regions, allowing for convenient travel.
Generally, fares are cheaper when you use an IC card.
For more details, stay tuned for our upcoming article!

④ Set Seat Preferences for Express Trains

When taking an express train, you can choose between "reserved seats", "non-reserved seats", or "Green Car seats. "
By selecting the "Express fare" dropdown, you can set your preference to: "Reserved", "Non-Reserved", and "Green(First Class)."

*What is a Green Car seat?
It's a seat designed to provide more spacious and comfortable seating than ordinary seats.
The seats can be reclined, making them ideal for long journeys.
Additionally, some of the 2-seaters can be rotated to face each other, perfect for traveling with family or friends.

⑤ Choose Your Mode of Transportation

Public transportation can be broadly categorized into trains, buses, planes, and ships.
Train and bus services are further divided into various types, so it’s important to choose transportation that fits your travel purpose and schedule.

In the "Transportation" section, you can select from various modes of transport.
If you're in a hurry, you can search using options like "Shinkansen (Bullet Train)", "Limited Express Trains", "Highway Buses", "Liner", or "Airplanes."
Alternatively, if you want a more leisurely trip, you can search using options like "local buses", "connecting buses", "sleeper trains", or "sea routes", which might lead to discovering interesting travel paths.

2. Mobile-Exclusive Feature: Share Your Route

When accessing Ekispert for Web on a smartphone, there’s a special feature (diagram ⑥) that allows you to share the searched route via email or LINE (SNS).
This function is helpful for sharing travel information with family or friends.

Summary

In this article, we explored the detailed search and sharing features of "Ekispert for Web."

In this series, we started with the Beginner's Guide, where we covered the basics, and in the Intermediate Guide, we explained how to search routes more efficiently.
We hope you will make good use of these features during your travels in Japan!

We would also be grateful if you could take a moment to fill out the following survey after using the service:
> Ekispert for Web User Survey
We look forward to hearing your valuable feedback.

The entire team at Val Laboratory Corporation wishes you a wonderful trip to Japan!