Microsoft Expands Bing Maps Transit Features In Japan

Microsoft today expanded Bing Maps with greater transit coverage and additional transit-related features in Japan. In this release, they have expanded the number of agencies and routes in Bing Maps. So, you can enjoy transit routes in Japan wherever you go.

Detailed walking directions

Transit can be frustrating when you have a transfer that doesn’t occur at the same station. Getting off of one metro line, going up to the street, and finding where to get your next bus or train can be difficult – especially if you only have a few minutes to make your connection.

Now on Bing Maps, you will see detailed walking instructions between stops and at the beginning and end of your trip. In the screenshot detailing walking directions to Tokyo Tower, you can see guidance about which side of the street to walk on and the locations of crosswalks. You can even see the picturesque shortcut through the park that gets you there faster and with a nice view!

English train and station names

We’ve now extended Bing Maps to include English translations of station names, so that even if you’re a tourist who cannot read Japanese, you will find the right train. Previously, when we provided instructions about which trains to take or which stations to depart from, the only data provided were the names in Japanese.

Source: Bing blog