I couldn't speak English. So I built this instead.
A tiny last-step helper for Google Maps. Confirm you're at the right platform — without reading any Japanese.
A true story
After work, I came up the escalator to my usual platform, eyes on my phone, half-wondering "wait… is this the express?" I looked up — and there they were. A couple with big suitcases. Tourists.
Our eyes met for half a second. "Excuse me,"they said. …Me? Yep. Me. And here's my little secret: I don't really speak English. My honest first thought was, "Oh no. Wrong guy to ask." 😅
But they showed me their phone. It said "Haneda Airport." Big suitcases. A little panic on their faces. So it was easy to guess: they wanted the airport — and they were on the wrong side.
So I gave them my best English: "Acchi! Acchi!"— with very confident pointing. (Yes, "Acchi" is Japanese for "that way." Everyone around me definitely noticed. 🙈)
And it worked! They went down the stairs and over to the right platform. They made it. But I kept thinking about it — how many travelers have this same stressful moment: they've got the platform number from their map app, but standing there in a crowd they're still not sure they're really at the right one.
So I built On the Right Track. Tell it the platform number your map app gave you, point your camera at the sign — it confirms with a big ✓ or ✕. That's all it does.
What it does
- • Takes the platform number you got from Google Maps (or any transit app).
- • Reads the platform-number sign with your camera — or a photo.
- • Tells you ✓ same number or ✕ different.
- • Works at any station, any line, any leg of your trip.
What it does not do
We keep it small and honest, so you can trust it.
- • It does not plan your route or transfers — your map app does that. We just verify the platform.
- • It does not tell you the correct platform — you give us the number, we just check.
- • It does not pick your train type (Local, Rapid, Express…). Check the departure board for that.
- • If your map app didn't give you a platform number, this tool can't help — sorry.
- • Unusual formats like
3A,JT-05, or no visible number sign may not work. When in doubt, ask station staff— they're used to helping visitors.
How to use
- 1. Open Google Maps. Find your route. Note the platform number.
- 2. Open this tool. Tap that number.
- 3. Point the camera at the platform sign — or pick a photo.
- 4. See ✓ or ✕, and board with confidence.
Good to know
- • Runs right in your browser — nothing to install.
- • Free to use. Tip: add it to your home screen before you travel.
- • In an emergency, call 119 (fire / ambulance) or 110 (police).
- • If you stop needing this because you've got the hang of Japanese stations — that's a win too. 🙆