Beginner's Guide: How to Use Ekispert for the Web

Hello everyone!

At Val Laboratory Corporation, we are excited to offer our route search service, "Ekispert for Web."
This user-friendly website provides a free route search function for trains, buses, and other public transportation throughout Japan.
We believe this service will be incredibly useful for anyone traveling in Japan who relies on trains and buses.

In this article, we'll guide you through the basic usage of Ekispert for Web.

1. How to Search for a Route

Searching for a route using "Ekispert for Web" is very straightforward. Just follow these simple steps:

①Enter the Starting Point and Destination
Begin by typing the name of your station or bus stop. You’ll see a list of suggested locations.
Just select your starting point or destination from these options.
*Please note that you cannot use landmarks, such as “Tokyo Tower,” as your destination.

②Set the Date and Time

③Select “Departure” to search based on your chosen departure time, or “Arrive” to find routes that get you to your destination by a specific arrival time.

④Click the Search Button!

2. How to View Search Results

The search results screen offers several useful displays and functions to enhance your travel planning.

① Display by Payment Method

Fares vary depending on whether you pay with an IC card or cash.

*What is an IC Card?
In Japan, IC cards are prepaid electronic money cards that can be used for trains, buses, and various other modes of transportation. These cards are widely accepted across many regions, allowing for convenient travel. Generally, fares are cheaper when you use an IC card.

For more details, stay tuned for our upcoming article!

② Sorting Function of Search Results

Search results can be sorted by four key criteria: arrival time, fare, number of transfers, and environmental friendliness.

③ Information Displayed in Search Results

The search results will display the following information:

• Time (departure and arrival times, total travel time)
• Distance
• Cost (fare, including express fares, etc.)
• Transfers (names of transfer stations or bus stops, and number of transfers)
• Stops
• CO₂ Emissions (*)

By clicking the "Map" button next to each station name, you can open "Google Maps" to view a map of the are surrounding the station.

Additionally, by clicking the "Stops" button under the route name, you can check all the stops along the route (see diagram 1 below).
Platform numbers are also displayed next to each station name to assist with transfers.

*What Are CO₂ Emissions?
CO₂ emissions refer to the amount of carbon dioxide released when using a particular route.
If you select the Eco-friendly tab, routes will be displayed in order of lowest to highest CO₂ emissions.
Routes that are more environmentally friendly are marked with a leaf icon.

Summary

By using "Ekispert for Web," you can efficiently search for transportation options and smoothly plan your journey.
Mastering the features of this tool will help you create a more comfortable and well-organized travel experience!

We would greatly appreciate it if you could take a moment to fill out the following survey after using this service:
> Ekispert for Web User Survey
We look forward to hearing your feedback!

In the next article, we will introduce more advanced tips for using the search function:
> Intermediate Guide: How to Use Ekispert for Web