About the project (English page)

An amazing trip experience with Q&A app: Litatrip

 

Hello, I am Wataru Takeda. I like traveling and used to go to third-world countries. I was moved by communication with the local people and it became an irreplaceable experience.

 

Since that time, I have been thinking that I would like to develop a system that assists all travelers in creating unforgettable trip experiences.

 

So this time, I finally decided to undertake making a social network app. It is called “Litatrip.” (web site: http://litatrip.com/). The concept is simple: foreign tourists post their questions, worries or things they want to do on Litatrip, and local people respond with their advice. 

 

 

This project started with the Sri Lankan “Give-and-Give” mindset

 

In 2014, I was a backpacker and went to Sri Lanka. At that time I thought “People in third-world countries tend to think about stealing goods/money from tourists.”. I was biased in my thinking, unfortunately.

 

However, Sagari, a taxi driver I caught by chance, shared various information such as where to go, what to eat and cautionary points around the city  and so on. Plus, he invited me to his house, saying, “You can have the best curry in the world my wife made!”.

 

I noticed I got not only food but also “Give-and-Give” mindset from him and his family. I will never be able to forget that curry taste and conversation with them. It turned out Sri Lanka was a great country.

 

 

Owing to this experience, I realized even casual interactions with local people can lead to  an irreplaceable trip experience.

 

 

Litatrip app connects foreign tourists with local people’s thoughtfulness

 

Use of the app is very simple. Foreign tourists post their questions and local people answer.

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Foreign tourists are able to get useful information such as must-do’s, nice accomodation, niche culture, among other things you won’t find on a guidebook. In the event of last-minute itinerary changes, you can also quickly and easily ask where to go/what to do.

 

Development is going to be divided into three parts. This project is focusing on Step 1. After Step 2, I am going to improve the app with users’ feedback. Here are the main functions to be developed in Step 1 of the project:

 

1 Question and Answer

Foreign tourists ask what they want to know and Supporters answer based on their knowledge or experience. The topic can be anything from Japanese culture, Japanese language, to sightseeing etc.

 

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2 Comment

Anyone who has an account can post comments. After going to the place recommended by the Supporter, you can express your feelings, appreciation or opinions.

 

3 “Useful” vote

When you think an answer is useful, then you can give the Supporter a “Useful” vote by tapping the smile mark.

 

4 Auto translation

You can use your own language when you ask questions or comment. Litatrip translates it automatically into any language based on your account info. You can also view the text in the original language. (Note that translation will be processed by Google Translation API)

 

 

App information

• Release schedule: August 1, 2020
• Charge for use: Free
• OS: Android & iOS

 

Users’ voice for prototype app.

【Japanese users’ voice】

“I would like to share useful information and help foreign tourists who are in trouble so that they can enjoy Japan!”

“I am interested in interacting with foreign tourists. It sounds fun if we could be friends!”

“I am sure this app will improve my English skills. I can’t wait!”

 

Boost Japan’s popularity abroad

 

I believe this app can help tourists create a meaningful trip in Japan, stress-free. 

My goals are to increase Japan’s popularity around the world and to expand “Series of Lita” to other parts of the globe.

 

We kindly ask you to support the success of this project, as we proceed with realizing this app with each person’s thoughtfulness.

 

I am grateful for your cooperation. Thank you :)