For local accommodations, the ability to reach the destination often takes precedence over the quality of the stay when it comes to making reservations.
In summary: Access English should be prioritized over tourism copy. Write about train stations, bus routes, travel times, and Maps pins in a way that prevents confusion for international guests.
Common Issues for Local Ryokan
- Only stating "XX minutes by car" (not realizing this assumes a rental car)
- Not mentioning the last bus or frequency of service
- Inconsistent English representation of station names
- Map pins that are misaligned with the facility
- Uncertainty about taxi arrangements
Access Information Template
From [Station]: take the [line/bus] to [stop] (about XX minutes).
From the stop, walk YY minutes / we offer pickup (reserve by).
Taxi from [Station] is about ZZ minutes (fare roughly ¥…).
Google Maps: [link]
Separate walking, bus, and taxi information. Simply stating "it's close" is not sufficient.
GBP / Maps
- Ensure the pin location matches the entrance and parking area
- Confirm that the English directions align with the website
- Mirror parking and shuttle availability in GBP as well
Minimum Checklist
- Specific instructions from the nearest station are provided
- Travel times are accompanied by modes of transportation
- Information about the last bus and frequency is included (if applicable)
- Maps link is accurate
- English guidance for shuttle and taxi services is available (if applicable)
Next Steps
If you want to enhance not just access but also discovery, trust, and overall reservations, consider HAKO Scan.
Studio HAKO — Japan, ready for the world.