If you’re lucky enough to take a few weeks off and travel around Japan, it’s essential to know the best ways to get to each spot before you arrive in the country. This article will introduce you to various forms of transportation, where and how you can find them, and give you some tips that allow you to make your journey more efficient and reasonable!
Contents
Airplanes
Not only from your country to Japan but taking airplanes is the best way to save time if you want to travel long distances across the country, let’s say from Tokyo to Hokkaido or a remote island like Okinawa. Among several Japanese airline companies, JAL (Japan Airlines) and ANA (All Nippon Airways) are the two major ones for both international and domestic flights departing from airports in Japan.
Major Airports for Domestic Flights
Haneda Airport
Haneda Airport is the busiest of 97 airports in Japan. Located in Tokyo, it’s literally a hub spot for domestic trips. The airport is linked to Kanto and Tohoku regions by shuttle buses, providing access not only to the metropolis of Tokyo but to ski resorts in Nagano.
- Official Website: Haneda Airport
New Chitose Airport
For those who want to experience the vast nature of Hokkaido, New Chitose Airport opens the gate to your experiences on Japan’s second–largest island.
- Official Website: New Chitose Airport
Naha Airport
If you’re looking for beautiful beaches to try snorkeling and diving in coral reefs, consider taking a flight from Naha Airport to remote islands, including Ishigaki-jima and Miyako-jima.
- Official Website: Naha Airport
Fares
The fares vary by company, but if you plan ahead and book a flight a few months earlier, you can usually find discounts. JAL and ANA offer special fares available only for visitors from overseas. There are also some low-cost carriers operating domestic flights from major airports.
JAL
- Official Website: JAPAN AIRLINES
- Japan Explorer Pass
ANA
- Official Website: ANA
- Experience JAPAN Fare
Skymark Airlines
- Official Website: Skymark Airlines
Peach Aviation
- Official Website: Peach Aviation
Railways
If you want to take a day trip for short distances, trains are an excellent option. Since the railway system is complex, especially in urban areas, we recommend checking Google Maps for the best route and train lines to your destination beforehand.
Bullet Trains (Shinkansen)
Bullet trains were originally intended for rather long-distance travelers, but their network has been expanding, making them a great choice for moving from city to city across the country. Tokyo Station, a hub for most of the trains, is directly connected to locations as far as Fukuoka or Aomori.
Fares / Tickets
Fares vary by seat and car, including Gran class, Green car, Reserved seat (Ordinary car), and Non-reserved seat (Ordinary car). Gran class and Green car are available only on a limited number of trains with additional fares. Before entering the gate, be sure to buy two types of tickets: a passenger ticket and an express ticket (if you take Gran class or Green car, there will be one more). Tickets can be purchased online, at ticket machines, or at ticket offices at major stations.
Local Trains
Being known to have one of the best rail networks in the world, Japan’s local trains and subways are a reliable and efficient way to travel both short and long distances.
The Japan Railways Group, or the JR Group, is the successor of the formerly state-owned company and consists of six regional railway companies. It operates the broadest network of train lines and bullet trains. JR lines and other local train lines operated by different companies mostly stop on the same platform or within the station, making it easy for passengers to transfer between trains.
Fares / Tickets
The minimum fare for local trains is around 100-200 yen, depending on the line. In recent years, pre-paid IC cards like Suica and Pasmo have become a common way to pay not just for trains and other transportation, but also at convenience stores or restaurants. You can get one at a ticket machine or a ticket office at major stations (with a refundable deposit of 500 yen, which will be charged upon purchase). The JR Group also offers the Japan Rail Pass, which allows visitors from overseas to ride any JR train, bus, or some bullet trains for 7, 14, or 21 days. It’s one of the most affordable options available.
On Board
On trains, you might be surprised that the passengers are very quiet and most of them wear a mask. Even more, you might be surprised that urban trains get very crowded during rush hours on weekday mornings and evenings. Even before COVID, talking aloud was not considered appropriate on board. Also, you will probably notice different colored seats at the edge of most cars, with a sign above reading “Priority/Courtesy Seat”, which are designed for the elderly, pregnant, or passengers with disabilities.
Buses
Buses are not always the most cost and time–effective means of transportation, but if you plan to visit some suburbs or famous mountains, then buses can be your first and only choice. Like rail networks, buses have their own, well-designed networks, connecting you to destinations that other ways of transportation can’t reach.
Local Buses
Local buses are mainly used by people in their neighborhood, for commuting to work or to school. But for travelers, they are also useful when it comes to visiting spots that trains can’t reach. Unfortunately, some local buses only provide announcements and signs in Japanese, so it’s always a good idea to ask the bus driver when you get on if it takes you to the correct destination (and possibly try to remember what the other nearest bus stops to your destination are called, so you can be ready to get off).
Fares / Tickets
The fare to take you the next bus stop is usually around 200 yen, and a fare chart with the names of bus stops is displayed on the monitor at the front of the vehicle. On some buses, you are asked to pay the fixed fare when boarding, while on others, you pay when you get off. If you have an IC card (mentioned earlier in the Local Trains section), you may be asked to use your card on the reader when you get on and off. Don’t worry, even Japanese passengers often get confused with the many different payment systems. Just ask the driver or passengers nearby.
Expressway Buses
While local buses take you to spots not covered by the train system, expressway buses can be a great cost-effective option for medium to long–distance travel. The buses can carry you from city to city across the country, to airports, and to some leisure facilities or popular destinations. There are some hub spots like the Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal and the Shibuya Mark City Highway Bus Terminal, both located in Tokyo, but most major cities have their own expressway bus terminal.
Fares / Tickets
Just to give you some examples, the fare from Tokyo to Kyoto is around 4,000 yen, while from Osaka to Tokyo Disneyland the fare is around 14,000 yen. Tickets can be purchased on many booking websites, at major stations, and at convenience stores. You can get either a one-way or a round–trip ticket.
Taxis
Although taxis are more expensive than trains or buses, they can be a lifesaver after midnight when all the final trains and buses have stopped, or when you need to get to a place that’s not easily accessible by other public transportation.
How to Get a Taxi
You can usually find a taxi stand adjacent to most train stations or airports. If you are staying at a hotel, you can also ask the front desk to call a taxi for you. Or you can download a smartphone app like Japan Taxi (see the link below) to easily get a taxi already on the road or make a reservation in advance. Most taxis have a small square monitor on the dashboard that shows if the car is available (“空車 ku-sha”) or not.
Price and Payment
The initial fare typically starts around 400-700 yen for the first 1-2km, with an additional charge of around 100 yen for every additional 200-400 meters. Additionally, if you choose a highway route, the toll will be charged together with the fare. Many taxis accept credit cards and IC cards, but it’s always a good idea to ask the driver right when you get in the car if you don’t have enough cash on hand.
Summary
We have looked at the various ways you can get around in Japan, including airplanes, trains, buses, and taxis. We hope this information helps you plan an affordable and enjoyable trip across the country!
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