Whenever I plan to visit new places, or quick exploring in the neighborhood, the very first thing I do is to open Google Maps.
I use Google Maps for literally everything; from checking the train time, finding new coffee shops to check opening hour for everyday grocery stores because I can never trust myself.
I believe that this is also a very handy budget travel option. You can travel almost anywhere with your two fingers, scrolling and zooming around on the screen. Most people get this privilege with a device in their pockets. How amazing is that.
Anyways, now you know how much I adore Google Maps.
I live in a city called Takamatsu, which is the capital of the smallest prefecture in Japan, Kagawa. When I first moved here, I had zero friends, no jobs. (I am Japanese, FYI.)
Jumping into a new environment is always exciting and nervous at the same time. Luckily, we live in this internet era, where we can get most information we need online.
I slowly started discovering about the area using Google Maps. I found some amazing coffee shops. I found some good eateries. And the best discovery so far is this amazing sunset spot in my neighborhood.
I love here so much that I almost want to keep it a secret. But now you know.
All these discoveries are thanks to Google Maps and the Local Guide community with obliging reviews and photos. This program expanded the opportunity of new discoveries, and helped me connect with local lives.
I have been casually posting some reviews on Google Maps before, but I didn’t discover about the community until one day I received an email saying people were checking my reviews and photos. Then one day Google rewarded me a pair of socks thanking for my contribution (yay!)
Being a local guide, and being involved in this community to me means greater than a reputation nor rewards (I loved the socks by the way thank you!) Because I love using this community when I travel as well, I want to help people discover some niche local spots, not only popular tourist destinations.
I appreciate accidental discoveries on Google Maps. I was new in the area, but this community helped me become like a local, yet simultaneously keeps me fresh in the neighborhood.
Local Guide program facilitates me stay connected to local lives, whether I am traveling or not. I am not an outgoing person, and especially since I work from home now, I really appreciate this program and the community that keeps me entertained.
I posted a lot of photos so far. Last but not least, here’s a photo to brighten up this sad pandemic/quarantine situation - beautiful cherry blossoms from last year:
(This post is my entry in response to “What does the Local Guides program mean to you?” #connectlive2020)
お互い安全に過ごして、この危機を乗り越えましょう！