Japan: Google Maps “Ask Maps” Expands & New Features Added

On Thursday, August 6, 2026 (local time), Google announced the expansion of “Ask Maps”—the Google AI “Gemini” integration feature for Google Maps that launched in the US and India on Thursday, March 12, 2026, five months ago—to over 150 English-speaking countries and regions including Australia, Brazil, Canada, Indonesia, and Mexico, as well as to Japan.

In addition, “Ask Maps” is receiving several new features, including new agent capabilities, real-time public transit information, “Personal intelligence,” and conversational contribution features.

For those who may not know, “Ask Maps” is an AI feature that allows you to find spots with complex criteria through natural conversations with “Gemini.” By tapping the “Ask Maps” button located at the bottom left of the Google Maps search bar and asking complex questions such as, “My phone battery is dying, where can I grab a coffee and charge my phone without waiting in a long line?” or “Are there any public tennis courts with lights on tonight?”, Ask Maps instantly finds and suggests spots that match your exact needs.

Even for queries like, “I want to visit the Grand Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, and Coral Pink Sand Dunes—are there any recommended stops along the way?”, it provides not only directions but also estimated arrival times, hidden gem hiking trails, and insider tips on how to get free admission, drawing from user reviews and search data for each location. Furthermore, Ask Maps takes into account your past search history and saved places to suggest the most personalized spots for you. It also allows you to complete actions like making restaurant reservations, saving places to lists, sharing with friends, or starting navigation with just a few taps.

New Agent Capabilities

“Ask Maps” will now also be able to handle multi-step tasks on your behalf, such as ordering food delivery, searching for hotels, and finding events.

For example, by simply asking, “Order Pad Kee Mao with seafood that I can pick up on my way home,” it will find open restaurants along your route that match your criteria, take into account your saved places and dietary restrictions, and let you add the menu item to your cart, review it, and complete the order. Food ordering is rolling out with partner services like Square and Toast, with Uber Eats coming soon.

When searching for hotels and events, you can say something like, “Find a highly-rated, affordable boutique hotel with an artistic vibe near the conference in Miami next week, within walking distance of a gym and restaurants.” Ask Maps will compare real-time prices and availability to make recommendations, and also provide information on nearby concerts, comedy shows, and other events, complete with ticket purchase links.

These new agent capabilities are currently rolling out in the US, with availability expanding to more countries gradually.

Real-Time Public Transit Information

“Ask Maps” has previously offered real-time updates on commute traffic, construction, accidents, and store crowding levels, and it is now expanding to include public transit.

A new transit widget added to “Ask Maps” lets you check bus, train, subway, and ferry delays down to the minute. For example, if you ask, “Is there a ferry to Taronga Zoo where I can see the Opera House?”, it will display a virtual departure board showing schedules. If the ferry is delayed, that information updates in real time, allowing you to know precisely when you should head to the platform or terminal.

This real-time public transit information is rolling out across all countries and regions where “Ask Maps” is available.

“Personal intelligence”

With the new “Personal intelligence” feature rolling out in “Ask Maps,” you can optionally choose to integrate it with Gmail.

By connecting Gmail, “Ask Maps” can automatically recognize details like flight and restaurant reservations, allowing you to receive relevant suggestions without having to re-explain your plans. For instance, if you ask during a trip, “What are some ways to spend a few hours around my hotel before my flight tomorrow?”, it will show nearby recommendations based on your Gmail hotel reservation details, along with advice on when you should head to the airport.

Integration with Gmail is turned off by default, giving users full control over whether to enable it. Additionally, if Activity Controls are turned on in your Google Account, “Ask Maps” remembers past conversations. This means you can ask things like, “What were those activities you suggested for my trip to Seattle?”, and instantly pull up previous recommendations without having to search for them from scratch.

The “Personal intelligence” feature for “Ask Maps” is rolling out in all countries and regions where “Ask Maps” is available. It will also expand to other Google services, such as Google Calendar, in the future.

Conversational Contributions

Contributions from over 500 million users play a major role in keeping Google Maps up to date and useful, and now contributing that information is becoming even easier.

You will be able to suggest edits to place information through a conversational format directly within “Ask Maps” or the “Contribute” tab. Additionally, simply uploading a photo of a storefront sign will allow Google Maps to detect business hours and submit them as a suggested update. As always, submitted edits will be checked for accuracy by Google Maps’ protection systems, and any content that violates policies will not be published.

You can also share minor insider tips—such as “there is also parking in the back of the building”—simply by communicating them in a conversational manner. This conversational contribution feature is currently rolling out in the US, with availability expanding to more countries gradually.

“Google Maps” App Links

Source：Google（https://blog.google/products-and-platforms/products/maps/order-food-in-ask-maps/）