JAPAN TRAVEL BUDDY / KOKO DOKO

Japan gets confusing. Message us.

Friendly message support for those little travel moments where you just need someone to help you work out what to do next.

FROM $60 ONE DAY OF SUPPORT
Ask about Travel Buddy Support
TRAVEL BUDDY / TOKYO MESSAGE SUPPORT
YOU / 14:06 We're at Shinjuku Station and Google Maps is sending us in circles 😭
KOKO DOKO / 14:09 You're fine — follow the signs for the South Exit. Don't head towards West Exit or you'll end up on the wrong side.
YOU / 14:11 Oh my god found it. Thank you.
Trains, signs, hotel messages, menus, ticket machines, simple Japanese and “what do I do now?” moments.
01 / WHAT IS TRAVEL BUDDY?

Independent travel, with some backup.

Because sometimes you don't need a tour guide. You just need someone you can ask.

You're still travelling independently.

Travel Buddy doesn't take over your trip. You explore Japan your way and message us when something gets confusing.

It's best for travellers who like travelling independently but feel calmer knowing there's someone they can ask when they get stuck.

Friendly, practical support.

We can help make sense of everyday Japan travel problems: confusing stations, Japanese-only information, hotel messages, ticket machines, signs, menus and small changes to your day.

Support is normally online and message-based. In-person support may occasionally be possible in the Tokyo area depending on timing, location and availability, but it is not guaranteed.

02 / WHAT CAN I ASK?

The small stuff that suddenly doesn't feel small.

Travel Buddy is designed for ordinary travel questions, confusing moments and practical help while you're in Japan.

01
Trains + stations

Routes, platforms, station exits and general transport confusion.

02
Signs + notices

Help understanding Japanese signs, screenshots and travel notices.

03
Menus + simple Japanese

Simple phrases, menus and everyday communication questions.

04
Hotel messages

Understanding simple messages or instructions from accommodation.

05
Ticket machines + lockers

Help making sense of unfamiliar machines and instructions.

06
Plans going sideways

Small practical questions when the day suddenly isn't going to plan.

03 / HOW IT WORKS

Tell us when you need backup.

01 / ASK

Tell us about your trip.

Send us your dates, where you'll be travelling and roughly what kind of support you're looking for.

02 / CONFIRM

We confirm availability.

We'll confirm whether we're available, what support makes sense and the final price before you pay.

03 / MESSAGE

Travel Japan.

During your agreed support period, message us when one of those confusing Japan moments appears.

GOOD TO KNOW

Helpful backup. Not a 24/7 concierge.

We want the boundaries to be clear before you book, so you know exactly what Travel Buddy is designed for.

MESSAGE SUPPORT

Usually online.

Travel Buddy is primarily message-based support. The exact communication method and support period are confirmed before booking.

RESPONSE TIMES

Not instant.

We aim to respond as promptly as reasonably possible, but we cannot guarantee an immediate reply every time.

IN PERSON

Occasionally possible.

In-person help may occasionally be available in the Tokyo area, depending on timing, location and availability. It must be specifically agreed in advance.

NOT FOR EMERGENCIES

Know when to call someone else.

Travel Buddy is not an emergency, medical, legal, security or professional interpreting service. For urgent situations, contact the relevant emergency or official service directly.

TRAVELLING SOON?

Want someone you can message?

Tell us your travel dates, where you'll be in Japan and what kind of support would make your trip feel easier. We'll confirm availability and give you a quote.

Ask about Travel Buddy Support