How to Use Japanese GPS Navigation: A Driver's Guide

Getting lost in an unfamiliar country is stressful—but with modern GPS navigation, it doesn't have to be. Japanese rental cars come equipped with advanced navigation systems that, once you understand the basics, make driving in Japan remarkably easy. This guide helps you master Japanese car navigation systems for smooth travels throughout Hokkaido.

The Good News: English is Available

Most modern rental car navigation systems in Hokkaido offer English language options. The key is knowing how to access and use them effectively.

Activating English Language

Before leaving the rental lot, ensure your GPS is set to English:

1. Ask rental staff: They should set it to English during vehicle orientation
2. Look for settings icon: Usually a gear or menu symbol
3. Find language option: Often labeled "言語" (gengo) in Japanese, or may have a flag icon
4. Select English: Choose from available language list
5. Confirm and restart: Some systems require restart to apply changes

If you accidentally navigate away or can't find settings, don't hesitate to call your rental company's support line—they can walk you through it.

Three Ways to Set Destinations

Method 1: Phone Number (Easiest and Most Reliable)

This is the simplest method in Japan:

1. Select "Search by Phone Number" or dial pad icon
2. Enter the complete phone number of your destination
3. System locates the address and displays it
4. Confirm and start navigation

Pro tip: Before your trip, collect phone numbers for all your destinations—hotels, restaurants, attractions, ski resorts. This makes navigation effortless.

Method 2: Mapcode (Very Accurate)

Mapcodes are unique numerical codes for specific locations:

• Format example: 493-605-457
• More precise than addresses
• Particularly useful for remote locations
• Find mapcodes on Google Maps or tourist websites

To use:

1. Select "Search by Mapcode" option
2. Enter the mapcode
3. System pinpoints exact location
4. Start navigation

Method 3: Address Entry

More complex but sometimes necessary:

1. Select "Search by Address"
2. Japanese addresses work backwards: Prefecture → City → District → Street → Number
3. Enter each level step-by-step
4. System narrows down location
5. Select final destination from list

Challenge: Address entry often requires selecting options in Japanese, making it less tourist-friendly.

Understanding Voice Guidance

Once navigation starts, the system provides verbal directions:

Common Voice Commands

• "In 500 meters, turn right" - Standard distance warnings
• "Stay in the left lane" - Lane guidance for complex intersections
• "You have arrived at your destination" - Final announcement

Adjusting Voice Volume

• Usually a volume slider in settings
• Can mute voice but keep visual guidance
• Recommend keeping volume moderate—easy to miss turns in unfamiliar areas

Reading the Navigation Screen

Key Display Elements

• Blue arrow: Your current position and direction
• Pink/red line: Recommended route
• Distance to next turn: Usually top corner
• Estimated arrival time: Bottom of screen
• Current speed: Often shown (may also indicate speed limit)

Map Views

• 3D view: Realistic building representation
• 2D view: Traditional map perspective
• Zoom levels: Pinch or use +/- buttons
• North-up vs. heading-up: Toggle between fixed north and direction of travel

Rerouting and Changes

If You Miss a Turn

Don't panic—the system automatically recalculates:

• Takes 5-15 seconds to update
• Provides new directions from current location
• May add time to journey but still gets you there

Manually Changing Routes

• Look for "Route Options" or "Alternative Routes"
• Can specify: fastest, shortest, avoid tolls, avoid highways
• Useful if you want scenic routes vs. fastest arrival

Special Features Worth Using

Speed Camera Warnings

Many systems alert you to upcoming speed cameras:

• Audio beep or voice warning
• Visual indicator on screen
• Helps avoid speeding tickets

Nearby Services Search

Find facilities on the go:

• Gas stations
• Convenience stores
• Restaurants
• Parking areas
• Hospitals

Traffic Information

• Real-time traffic data (if equipped with VICS)
• Accident and construction warnings
• Alternative route suggestions

Smartphone Navigation as Backup

While car GPS is excellent, smartphone apps provide valuable backup:

Google Maps

Advantages:

• Familiar interface
• Always up-to-date maps
• Easy destination search
• Works in your language

Disadvantages:

• Requires data connection (or downloaded offline maps)
• Drains phone battery
• Smaller screen harder to see while driving

Using Both: The Smart Strategy

1. Primary: Use car GPS for main navigation
2. Backup: Have Google Maps running on phone
3. Verification: If routes differ, you can choose preferred option
4. Flexibility: If car GPS fails, you have immediate alternative

Winter-Specific Navigation Tips

Weather-Aware Routing

• GPS doesn't know about current weather—check forecasts separately
• Mountain passes may be open on GPS but closed by weather
• Cross-reference GPS routes with road condition websites

Estimated Times May Vary

• GPS estimates based on normal conditions
• Snow driving can double travel time
• Build in 30-50% extra time for winter journeys

Common Issues and Solutions

Problem: GPS shows wrong location
Solution: Pull over safely, restart system. GPS needs clear sky view—may not work in tunnels or dense urban areas temporarily.

Problem: Can't find destination by name
Solution: Use phone number or mapcode instead. Name search can be unreliable, especially in English.

Problem: Voice guidance in Japanese despite English setting
Solution: Some older systems have partial English. Visual directions still work—follow screen guidance.

Problem: System frozen or unresponsive
Solution: Most systems have reset button (small pinhole). If not, turn off car, wait 30 seconds, restart. Contact rental company if persists.

Before You Start Driving

Prepare these items before your trip:

• Phone numbers for all destinations
• Mapcodes for remote locations
• Hotel addresses in Japanese (as backup)
• Rental company's 24/7 support number
• Downloaded offline maps on smartphone

Navigate with Confidence

Japanese GPS navigation systems are among the world's most advanced. With English language support, multiple search methods, and comprehensive features, they make exploring Hokkaido straightforward even in unfamiliar territory.

The key is preparation: set the system to English before departing, collect phone numbers for your destinations, and familiarize yourself with basic functions. With these steps completed, you can focus on enjoying your drive through Hokkaido's spectacular winter landscapes rather than worrying about getting lost.

Choose a rental car with modern, English-capable GPS navigation, and experience the freedom of exploring Japan's roads with confidence. The right navigation system transforms potential stress into smooth, enjoyable journeys.