Imperial Palaces Guide vs KoyaQuest

The official audio guide for the Imperial Palaces in Japan “Imperial Palaces Guide” App is the official app of the Imperial Household Agency in Japan. It serves as the audio guide for visitors to the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, and the Kyoto Imperial Palace, and provides tour content in six languages: Japanese, English, Chinese, Korean, French and Spanish. “Palaces Guide” App provides photographs related to the audio tours featured in the app: the Imperial Palace, the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, and the Kyoto Imperial Palace. After downloading the app, users select a language and then choose from the three tours displayed on screen. This will display a map of the tour area and the audio guide points. If the app is allowed access to a device’s GPS functionality, the app will notify users when they approach a location for which commentary is available, and will show the users where they are on the map and audio commentary locations nearby. ■ Developer credits The Imperial Household Agency ■ Notes 1. Please use earphones when using the “Imperial Palaces Guide” App to avoid bothering other visitors. 2. Please walk with care when viewing the map screen on the app. 3. Some content is provided through links to external sources (e.g. the Imperial Household Agency website). Please note that data rates will apply when connecting to external links. 4. The app cannot provide positional notifications on devices without GPS functionality.

“KoyaQuest” is an interactive guide and game that visitors can enjoy while exploring the many fascinating sites of Japan's Kōyasan. Twelve centuries of history and culture in the palm of your hand! --- Located in the mountains south of Kyoto, Kōyasan (Mt. Kōya) is home to an active monastic center founded more than 12 centuries ago for the study and practice of Esoteric Buddhism. As the headquarters of the Kōyasan sect of Shingon Buddhism and the resting place of its founder, it is one of the most sacred sites in Japan as well as one of the country's most popular tourist destinations. “KoyaQuest” was created to enrich each visitor’s experience by providing detailed and insightful descriptions of Kōyasan’s many unique sights.  The descriptions and explanations are the equivalent of a 300-page guidebook. But this app is much more than a guide: It features 12 location-triggered “Challenges” and Bonus questions, each of which is tailored to a particular aspect of Mt. Kōya. Some of these games test your powers of observation; some call for educated guesswork; some reward general knowledge; others put your video game skills to the test. (One will even bring you face to face with the ghost of a famous Japanese warlord!) All of them will deepen your engagement with the compelling history and significance of Kōyasan! These fun and informative games are suitable for all ages. If you think you can earn the coveted title of “Wisdom King,” be sure to make “KoyaQuest” a part of your visit to one of Japan's most unforgettable destinations! Users who complete all 12 challenges are invited to share their accomplishment with others by posting their scores and rank on our leader board. --- NOTE: While the place descriptions in the app can be used anywhere, the game features are only available to people who are physically present at Kōyasan.