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Japan’s transportation system is characterized by its efficiency, punctuality and the large number of people using the systems on a daily basis.
Air
International flights to Japan generally arrive in Tokyo (Narita airport), Osaka (Kansai airport), Nagoya (Central Japan International Airport) or Sapporo (New Chitose Airport). Other destinations in Japan can be reached easily using domestic air services. Japan has two major domestic airlines, All Nippon Airways (ANA) and Japan Airlines (JAL).
Flight reservations can be made via travel agents or by contacting the airlines directly. Domestic flights usually offer competitive prices which can be cheaper than shinkansen tickets. Domestic airlines also offer discounted tickets to international visitors (such tickets need to be purchased prior to arriving in Japan), as well as special “birthday” tickets for anyone wishing to fly around the time of their birthday. Discounted tickets are usually available for more than one passenger (for example, birthday tickets can be purchased at the same price for up to three friends traveling together).
Rail
In Japan, railways are a major means of passenger transportation between major cities and for commuter transport in metropolitan regions. Seven Japan Railway (JR) companies cover most areas of Japan. These are JR Hokkaido, JR East, JR Central, JR West, JR Shikoku and JR Kyushu. Trains are a convenient way to explore Japan due to the extensiveness of the networks.
Japanese trains are generally classified into the following categories:
- Local – stops at every station
- Rapid – skips some stations
- Express – stops at fewer stations than the Rapid trains
- Limited Express – stops only at the major stations
- Super Express (shinkansen) – uses separate tracks and platforms to all other trains
On most local, rapid and express trains, all seats are non-reserved. Most shinkansen offer both non-reserved and reserved seats. Seats in the green cars are usually always reserved. Smoking cars are also available on most shinkansen lines and limited express trains, however smoking in not permitted on local trains.
JR offers two classes – ordinary and green (first class) – on shinkansen and limited express trains. Green cars are generally less crowded but tickets usually cost between 30% to 50% more than ordinary class tickets.
Japan’s bullet trains (high speed trains) are called shinkansen and are also operated by JR. The shinkansen connects Tokyo to most of the major cities throughout the islands of Honshu (the main island) and Kyushu. The shinkansen is capable of reaching speeds of up to 300km/h. Most shinkansen offer both non-reserved and reserved seats. Seats in the green cars are usually always reserved. Smoking cars are also available on most shinkansen lines.
Night trains are another option for those traveling across Japan. Night trains, as the name suggests, operate through the night. Night trains are also owned by JR. Most night trains in Japan are equipped with couchettes and private rooms with beds, and some night trains have cars with seats. All night trains are equipped with toilets and sinks, and the better trains have public telephones, restaurant, lounge and showers. Japanese night trains generally offer two classes for the couchettes and private rooms; these are classes A and B. Some trains also offer “special class A”, which has more luxurious suites. The most luxurious night train in Japan is the Kassiopeia, which is equipped with a lounge, restaurant, and only offers private “A class” rooms or luxury suites.
Train Timetable
Road
Driving in Japan’s major cities is not recommended for foreign visitors due to traffic congestions, however driving in smaller cities or on main roads between cities is a viable option for people wanting to travel around Japan. People intending to drive in Japan should be aware of the following:
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Most major destinations are sign-posted in English and Japanese on main roads. In rural areas, signs are only in Japanese. It is advisable to purchase and English-Japanese road map before driving in Japan.
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Japanese drive on the left hand side of the road.
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Parking can be expensive and difficult to find in cities.
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International drivers are required to carry and International Driving Permit as well as their national drivers license.
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Tolls are levied on expressways and other major routes. Toll charges depend on which roads you use and the distance you intend to travel; tolls can be expensive when driving long distances.
Traveling by bus is one of the cheapest ways to travel around Japan. Journey times are considerably longer than those of the shinkansen however Japan’s long distance bus services are a comfortable and efficient alternative for those traveling on a budget. Most of Japan’s long distances buses operate through the night and arrive at the destination early the next morning, thereby saving the cost of one night’s accommodation. It is recommended that visitors wishing to use the overnight buses make reservations in advance.
In major cities, local trains are usually the most convenient public transport, however in smaller cities, local buses are more convenient and cost effective. In rural areas such buses generally do not display signs in English or make English announcements. If traveling in a rural area by bus, it is recommended that you have the name of your destination written in Japanese to hand to the driver (staff at tourist information offices or hotels can assist with bus information).
Taxis are a common sight throughout Japan but they are expensive so it is best to avoid taxis for long distances or during peak traffic times. Taxi fares vary between places and taxi companies. Generally there is a 30% surcharge between 11pm and 5am, and there is an additional fee for pre-booking a taxi. Taxis display a green light when the taxi is occupied and a red light when it is available. The driver will automatically open and close the rear doors. As with everything else in Japan, tipping is not required when using a taxi.
Sea
Domestic ferries are also a common way of seeing Japan’s many islands. Routes vary from short hops between islands to longer distances between main ports on the main island of Honshu to the ports of the northern island of Hokkaido or the southern island of Kyushu. Traveling such long distances by ferry can be considerably cheaper than the equivalent journey by shinkansen. Long distance ferries generally operate during the night and offer accommodation for varying budgets and comfort.
A holiday on a Luxury Cruise Ship is an ideal way to enjoy a visit to Japan while relaxing on an ocean voyage. Several international cruise lines include many Japanese ports (such as Kobe, Hiroshima or Nagasaki) in their itineraries.
International ferries are also available between Japan and Europe or Asia. Such ferries are usually much cheaper than the equivalent journey by air however the time required for the ferry is much longer than flying. There are direct connections available between major Japanese ports and China, Korea, Taiwan and Russia. These international ferries are popular and reservations are strongly recommended (for some ferries reservations are essential).
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