AI Japan Travel Tool - Development To-Do List

📅 1. Intelligent Itinerary Planning

Multi-day trip planning (3-10 days) with optimized routes HIGH

Time-based scheduling - Account for opening hours, travel time HIGH

Budget optimization - Balance activities within user's budget MEDIUM

Seasonal awareness - Cherry blossoms, festivals, weather HIGH

Interest-based customization - Anime tours, food trails, temples MEDIUM

🚄 2. Real-Time Travel Assistant

Live train navigation - Platform numbers, transfers, delays HIGH

Last-minute changes - Reroute due to weather, closures HIGH

Queue predictions - Estimate wait times at popular spots LOW

Alternative suggestions - When places are full/closed MEDIUM

Emergency assistance - Hospital locations, emergency phrases HIGH

🗣️ 3. Language & Communication

Instant translation - Menu items, signs, directions HIGH

Voice translation - Real-time conversation support MEDIUM

Cultural context - Explain customs, etiquette, behaviors HIGH

Useful phrases - Contextual Japanese phrases MEDIUM

Restaurant ordering help - Dietary restrictions, allergies HIGH

💡 4. Smart Recommendations

Hidden gems discovery - Off-the-beaten-path locations HIGH

Local favorites - Where Japanese people actually go HIGH

Personalized suggestions - Based on user history MEDIUM

Time-specific tips - Best ramen at 2am, quiet temples LOW

Crowd avoidance - Less busy alternatives MEDIUM

🚅 5. Transportation Optimization

JR Pass calculator - Should you buy one? HIGH

Route planning - Fastest vs cheapest vs scenic HIGH

Multi-modal routing - Train, bus, walk, taxi MEDIUM

IC card guidance - When to use Suica/Pasmo MEDIUM

Reserved seat booking - Shinkansen recommendations LOW

🎌 6. Cultural Intelligence

Etiquette reminders - Shrine behavior, onsen rules HIGH

Festival information - Local events during visit MEDIUM

Seasonal activities - What's special right now MEDIUM

Gift recommendations - Omiyage for situations LOW

Tipping guidance - When not to tip HIGH

🛠️ 7. Practical Features

Currency converter - Real-time rates HIGH

Weather-based adjustments - Rainy day alternatives MEDIUM

Photo spot suggestions - Best views, timing LOW

Luggage solutions - Storage, forwarding services MEDIUM

WiFi/SIM guidance - Connectivity options HIGH

🍜 8. Food & Dining

Restaurant discovery - Match dietary needs, budget HIGH

Reservation assistance - Which places need booking MEDIUM

Menu decoder - Photo recognition + translation HIGH

Food allergy cards - Generate in Japanese HIGH

Local specialties - Must-try dishes by region MEDIUM

🏨 9. Accommodation Support

Hotel recommendations - Based on itinerary HIGH

Ryokan guidance - Traditional inn etiquette MEDIUM

Capsule hotel tips - First-timer guidance LOW

Neighborhood selection - Where to stay HIGH

Check-in phrases - Useful Japanese for hotels MEDIUM

🛍️ 10. Shopping Assistant

Tax-free shopping - Eligible stores, process MEDIUM

Size conversions - Clothing, shoes LOW

Souvenir suggestions - Regional specialties MEDIUM

Store hours - Including holidays MEDIUM

Payment methods - Cash-only warnings HIGH

🚨 11. Safety & Health

Emergency contacts - Police, medical, embassy HIGH

Pharmacy finder - 24-hour locations MEDIUM

Medicine equivalents - Japanese alternatives MEDIUM

Natural disaster info - Earthquake procedures HIGH

Travel insurance reminders LOW

🤖 12. Advanced AI Features

Conversational planning - Natural chat interface HIGH

Learning preferences - Improves suggestions MEDIUM

Group coordination - Multi-traveler optimization LOW

Social media integration - Import inspiration LOW

Offline capability - Downloaded guides HIGH

🚀 Technical Implementation

Set up backend infrastructure (Node.js/Python) HIGH

Configure database (PostgreSQL/MongoDB) HIGH

Integrate OpenStreetMap API HIGH

Connect ODPT transportation APIs HIGH

Implement Microsoft Translator API HIGH

Set up Open-Meteo weather API MEDIUM

Integrate Foursquare Places API MEDIUM

Connect AI model (Claude/OpenAI API) HIGH

Implement caching system MEDIUM

Create responsive web interface HIGH

📊 Data Collection & Legal Compliance

Register for JNTO data access HIGH

Set up user submission system with ToS HIGH

Implement APPI compliance measures HIGH

Create data privacy policy HIGH

Build local contributor network MEDIUM