Japan gets confusing. We're your backup.
Friendly message support across Japan, plus practical in-person help in Tokyo and Kanagawa when available — for those moments where you just need someone to help you work out what to do next.
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.
Most support is online and message-based, so you can reach us while travelling anywhere in Japan. We also offer in-person assistance in Tokyo and Kanagawa when arranged in advance, depending on timing, location and availability.
In-person support can include help navigating stations, understanding train routes, buying tickets, finding the right platform or exit, making transfers and getting through a confusing part of your journey.
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 — either by message or, in Tokyo and Kanagawa, in person by arrangement.
Routes, platforms, station exits and general transport confusion.
Help understanding Japanese signs, screenshots and travel notices.
Simple phrases, menus and everyday communication questions.
Understanding simple messages or instructions from accommodation.
Help making sense of unfamiliar machines and instructions.
Small practical questions when the day suddenly isn't going to plan.
Meet us in Tokyo or Kanagawa for help with complex stations, tickets, platforms, exits and transfers.
Pre-arranged help with a specific part of your journey when doing it alone feels stressful or confusing.
Tell us when you need backup.
Tell us about your trip.
Send us your dates, where you'll be travelling and whether you're looking for message support, in-person help, or a mixture of both.
We confirm availability.
We'll confirm whether we're available, what kind of support makes sense, and — for in-person help — the location, meeting time and final price before you pay.
Travel with backup.
During your agreed support period, message us when one of those confusing Japan moments appears — or meet us at the agreed place and time if you've booked in-person support.
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.
Available across Japan.
Message support is available for travellers across Japan. The communication method and agreed support period are confirmed before booking.
Not instant.
We aim to respond as promptly as reasonably possible, but we cannot guarantee an immediate reply every time.
Tokyo + Kanagawa.
In-person help is available by arrangement in Tokyo and Kanagawa, subject to date, location and availability. We can help with stations, train routes, ticketing, transfers and other practical travel situations. The meeting point, duration and price are agreed in advance.
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.
Want someone you can message — or meet?
Tell us your travel dates, where you'll be in Japan and whether you'd like message support, in-person help in Tokyo or Kanagawa, or both. We'll confirm availability and give you a quote.
Ask about Travel Buddy Support