Getting Around Japan
Transportation Strategy
Urban Areas: Use efficient Shinkansen and subways for Tokyo and Kansai. Rural: Rent a car for Hokkaido or Kyushu exploration. Islands: Ferries and domestic flights. For convenience, book airport transfers from Narita to your destination.
Train Travel
JR Shinkansen Network
Efficient and ultra-punctual bullet train system connecting major cities with high-speed services.
Cost: Tokyo to Kyoto ¥13,000-14,000, journeys 2-3 hours between most cities.
Tickets: Buy via JR app, website, or station machines. IC cards like Suica for local lines.
Peak Times: Avoid Golden Week (late April-May) and New Year for better prices and seats.
Japan Rail Pass
JR Pass offers unlimited travel on Shinkansen and JR lines for 7 days ¥50,000, 14 days ¥80,000.
Best For: Multiple city visits over several days, significant savings for 3+ long trips.
Where to Buy: Official JR website or agents abroad, exchange voucher at major stations.
Regional & High-Speed Options
Private lines like Tokaido Shinkansen connect to Hokkaido, Kyushu; Nozomi for fastest Tokyo-Osaka.
Booking: Reserve seats weeks in advance for best prices, discounts up to 30% off-peak.
Major Stations: Tokyo Station central hub, with connections to Shinagawa and Yokohama.
Car Rental & Driving
Renting a Car
Essential for rural areas like Hokkaido. Compare rental prices from ¥5,000-8,000/day at Narita Airport and major cities.
Requirements: International Driving Permit (IDP), credit card, minimum age 18-21.
Insurance: Comprehensive coverage recommended, often included but verify theft protection.
Driving Rules
Drive on the left, speed limits: 40-60 km/h urban, 80-100 km/h rural, 100-120 km/h highways.
Tolls: Expressways require ETC card (¥2,000-10,000 for long trips), vignettes not needed.
Priority: Yield to oncoming traffic on narrow roads, pedestrians at crosswalks.
Parking: Coin lots ¥200-500/hour in cities, free in rural areas but scarce in Tokyo.
Fuel & Navigation
Fuel stations plentiful at ¥160-180/liter for regular petrol, self-service common.
Apps: Use Google Maps or Navitime for navigation, both support English and offline.
Traffic: Expect congestion in Tokyo during rush hours and around holiday periods.
Urban Transport
Tokyo Metro & Subways
Extensive network covering Tokyo, single ticket ¥170-320, day pass ¥600-1,000, IC card ¥2,000 load.
Validation: Tap IC cards at gates, no need for paper tickets in most systems.
Apps: Hyperdia or Jorudan app for routes, real-time updates, and English support.
Bike Rentals
Docomo Bike Share in Tokyo and other cities, ¥150-300/hour with stations throughout urban areas.
Routes: Dedicated cycling paths in Kyoto and along rivers, e-bikes available.
Tours: Guided cycling tours in major cities, combining sightseeing with local culture.
Buses & Local Services
City buses in Osaka, Kyoto, and Tokyo operate comprehensive networks with English signage.
Tickets: ¥200-300 per ride, use IC cards or exact change for payment.Airport Buses: Limousine buses connect Narita/Haneda to city centers, ¥1,000-3,000.
Accommodation Options
Accommodation Tips
- Location: Stay near train stations in cities for easy access, central Tokyo or Kyoto for sightseeing.
- Booking Timing: Book 2-3 months ahead for spring (March-May) and autumn foliage seasons.
- Cancellation: Choose flexible rates when possible, especially for unpredictable typhoon travel plans.
- Amenities: Check for WiFi, onsen access, and proximity to public transport before booking.
- Reviews: Read recent reviews (last 6 months) for accurate current conditions and service quality.
Communication & Connectivity
Mobile Coverage & eSIM
Excellent 5G coverage in cities, 4G/LTE throughout most of Japan including rural areas.
eSIM Options: Get instant data with Airalo or Yesim from ¥500 for 1GB, no physical SIM needed.
Activation: Install before departure, activate upon arrival, works immediately.
Local SIM Cards
Docomo, SoftBank, and au offer prepaid SIMs from ¥2,000-4,000 with nationwide coverage.
Where to Buy: Airports, convenience stores, or provider shops with passport required.
Data Plans: 5GB for ¥3,000, 10GB for ¥5,000, unlimited for ¥7,000/month typically.
WiFi & Internet
Free WiFi widely available in hotels, cafes, restaurants, and most public spaces.
Public Hotspots: Major train stations and tourist areas have free public WiFi via Japan Free WiFi.
Speed: Generally fast (50-200 Mbps) in urban areas, reliable for video calls.
Practical Travel Information
- Time Zone: Japan Standard Time (JST), UTC+9, no daylight saving time observed.
- Airport Transfers: Narita Airport 60km from Tokyo center, train to center ¥1,200 (1 hour), taxi ¥20,000, or book private transfer for ¥10,000-15,000.
- Luggage Storage: Available at train stations (¥500-800/day) and coin lockers in major cities.
- Accessibility: Modern trains and subways accessible, many temples have steps but elevators increasing.
- Pet Travel: Pets allowed on some trains (small free with carrier, large ¥1,000), check accommodation policies.
- Bike Transport: Bikes allowed on trains off-peak for ¥200, folding bikes free anytime.
Flight Booking Strategy
Getting to Japan
Narita Airport (NRT) is the main international hub. Compare flight prices on Aviasales, Kiwi, or Expedia for the best deals from major cities worldwide.
Main Airports
Narita International (NRT): Primary gateway for Tokyo, 60km east with train connections.
Haneda Airport (HND): Domestic and some international, 20km south, bus to Tokyo ¥500 (30 min).
Kansai International (KIX): Osaka hub with European/Asian flights, convenient for Kyoto/Nara.
Booking Tips
Book 2-3 months in advance for cherry blossom travel (March-April) to save 30-50% on average fares.
Flexible Dates: Flying mid-week (Tuesday-Thursday) typically cheaper than weekends.
Alternative Routes: Consider flying into Seoul or Taipei and taking budget flight to Japan for savings.
Budget Airlines
Peach, Jetstar Japan, and AirAsia serve Narita and Kansai with Asian connections.
Important: Factor in baggage fees and transport to city center when comparing total costs.
Check-in: Online check-in mandatory 24 hours before, airport fees higher.
Transportation Comparison
Money Matters on the Road
- ATMs: Widely available at 7-Eleven and post offices, typical withdrawal fee ¥110-220, use bank ATMs to avoid markups.
- Credit Cards: Visa and Mastercard accepted in cities, cash preferred in rural areas and small shops.
- Contactless Payment: Suica/Pasmo IC cards widely used, Apple Pay and Google Pay accepted in most places.
- Cash: Essential for vending machines, temples, and rural areas, keep ¥10,000-20,000 in small denominations.
- Tipping: Not customary in Japan, service is included; avoid tipping to respect local culture.
- Currency Exchange: Use Wise for best rates, avoid airport exchange bureaus with poor rates.