Six AI Companions to Help Plan Your Perfect Tokyo Itinerary
If you’re dreaming of getting away but don’t know where to start, let these six AI companions help you find the perfect trip. From playful daily itineraries to action-packed activities and serene visits to beautiful Japanese tea ceremonies, these AI tools have something for everyone.
Roamaround.io: finding unique points of interest in Tokyo
Roamaround.io, ChatGPT trip planner launched in February by former Googler Shie Gabbai, tops the list. Upon prompting, Roamaround provides playful daily itineraries complete with photos and links to TripAdvisor’s Viator site for tours. With its search engine looking for unique points of interest like “laughter-filled theme park escapades” and “tongue-in-cheek theatre experiences,” Roamaround.io has a bit of whimsy.
When tested, it suggested several off-the-beaten-path options and popular picks for three perfect days in Tokyo for June. Off-the-beaten-path options included a morning hike of Mount Fuji through the Yoshida Trail, an afternoon visit to the Ghibli Museum to explore the anime films of Hayao Miyazaki, and the Shimokitazawa rave scene at night. Popular picks include a boat ride on Lake Okutama and strolls around Odawara Castle, Little Prince Museum, Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum, Tsukuba Space Center, and the trendy neighborhoods of Rappongi, Ginza, and Akihabara.
Google Bard: action-packed itineraries with links
Google Bard at bard.google.com offers action-packed itineraries with photos and links as well. It recommended Hachiko dog statue, Takeshita Street, Tokyo Imperial Palace gardens, and scenic train trips to hot springs in Hakone Caldera and Lake Ashi boat rides. It also recommended seeing sumo wrestling at Ryogoku Kokugikan, teamLabs for the ultimate immersive experience, and Robot Restaurant in Shinjuku for giant dancing robots. Unfortunately, the iconic eatery is closing according to TimeOut, a reminder to always check venue websites before heading out.
Expedia: offering on-the-go itineraries via its iOS app
Expedia has integrated ChatGPT to offer on-the-go itineraries via its iOS app. It suggested visiting the Meiji Shrine for a Japanese tea ceremony and picnicking at Yoyogi Park for peace and serenity. The app also recommended a visit to Sensoji, the oldest temple in Tokyo, and shopping the Asakusa markets. And, near Tokyo Skytree, stopping by the Tsukiji Fish Market for “some of the freshest sushi in the world.”
Kayak: best time of the year for Tokyo travel
Kayak has released its “Best Time To Travel” tool, which suggested October for Tokyo citing lower airfares, less crowded spots, and cooler weather.
Snapchat: unique and affordable lodging experiences
Snapchat’s assistant MyAI recommended spring for cherry blossom season (late March to early April) and fall for autumn foliage (October to November) when the weather is mild. It mentioned interesting places to visit, such as Harajuku Cat Street, which is known for quirky cafes and boutiques. It was also the only chatbot to suggest the Capsule Hotel Shinjuki 510 and Airbnb Long Term Stays as unique and affordable lodging experiences, albeit sponsored results.
ChatGPT: warning against summer typhoons and suggesting enchanting Odaiba Seaside Park
The ChatGPT iOS app warned against summer typhoons. It then suggested some creative plans like visiting the enchanting Odaiba Seaside Park, Palette Town, and Rainbow Bridge, shopping in Omotesando and taking in the views from Tokyo Tower and observatory at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building.
Humans are still the best guide
Although AI companions are fun to interact with, they’re still no substitute for human-blogged itineraries that highlight treks by neighborhood with insider tips on how to snag hot tickets, wifi, and other essentials.
Conclusion
Once much-needed features like Map My Trip, Find My Fare, and Book My Reservation are added to the AI tools above, and the free versions of ChatGPT mobile and Snapchat MyAI get connected to the internet, traveling with AI companions is likely to become more commonplace. Not only as a timesaver in getting the lay of the land but also as epic armchair travel for those merely seeking to enjoy the adventure virtually.
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings