Commute like a local with this handy guide to Japan’s complex transportation system

Japan prides itself on its efficient and punctual public transportation system, making it a breeze to explore this beautiful country with its well-maintained and modern infrastructure! However, for first-time visitors who don’t speak Japanese, understanding the intricacies of Japan’s transportation network can be daunting.

While apps like Google Maps and Translate are invaluable tools, venturing into Japan‘s rural areas is where the real challenge lies. With our comprehensive Japan tourist guide, visitors will be equipped to navigate the country’s robust public transportation system like a seasoned traveller. We cover everything from bullet trains to public buses, with transportation tips for first-time visitors.

The best time to visit Japan

Seasons play an important role when planning a trip to Japan. The best time to see cherry blossoms is between March and May, and between October and November to experience fall foliage. Autumn and spring are popular tourist seasons because of the pleasant weather.

Summer (June-Septemberwill be hot and humid but is a good time for hiking, festivals, and water activities. During winter in Japan (December-February), you can enjoy hot springs, holiday illuminations, skiing, skating, and snowboarding.

How to reach Japan

Since Japan is an island nation, flying is the fastest and most efficient way for tourists to reach. The main airports in Japan that welcome international flights include:

• Narita International Airport & Haneda Airport in Tokyo,
• Kansai International Airport in Osaka,
• Fukuoka Airport in Fukuoka.,
• New Chitose Airport in Sapporo,
• Naha International Airport in Okinawa,
• Chubu Centrair International Airport in Nagoya.

Japan Airlines (JAL) and All Nippon Airways (ANA) are two popular Japanese airlines that make international trips.

How long does it take to get around Japan?

Don’t underestimate Japan’s size on the world map. This country is wide, long, and humongous, with plenty of places to explore. Thanks to Japan’s strong public transportation network, travelling around the country is convenient and accessible. Domestic flights and bullet trains are the fastest way to explore Japan, but if you’re on a tight budget, public highway buses, local trains, and ferries are economical transportation alternatives. Visitors with IDPs have the freedom and flexibility to explore Japan on their timeline.

Public transportation guide for tourists using Japan rail pass

Aside from domestic flights and buses, trains in Japan are a fantastic way to travel between cities. Before arriving in Japan, purchase your JR Pass online or from authorised agencies in your home country. Choose from an ‘ordinary pass’ and a ‘green pass’, both offering travel options for 7 days, 14 days, or 21 days. The ordinary pass offers standard seating, while the green pass offers first-class seating with more legroom and luggage space in a bullet train. After you’ve purchased the JR Pass, you will receive an exchange order.

Upon arriving in Japan, you will hand over the exchange order at the JR Exchange Office at the international airport. The JR Pass allows you to travel on all JR-operated buses, rapid trains, local trains, ferries, shinkansen (bullet trains), and the Narita Express Train. Explore more with our comprehensive bullet train guide to navigate Japan like a pro.

While the JR Pass is economical and efficient when travelling long distances, you cannot use this pass to board the Nozomi and Mizuho bullet trains. Tickets need to be purchased separately to board them. Make sure to make a note of this in your Japan tourist guide.

A tourist’s guide to intercity travel in Japan

Bullet trains, domestic flights, public highway buses, ferries, limited express trains, and car rentals are your best transportation options for intercity travel in Japan. To save time, add bullet trains and limited domestic flights to your Japan tourist guide. Peach Aviation and Jetstar Japan offer domestic flights in Japan, along with Japan Airlines (JAL) and All Nippon Airways (ANA).

Renting a car in Japan

Driving in Japan is a convenient way to explore the country at your own pace. To do so, visitors need an International Driving Permit (IDP). First, they must apply for it in their home country, and it must be issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention.

Upon receiving your International Driving Permit, you can rent cars from rental companies in Japan such as Toyota Rent-a-Car, Careshares, Times Car Rental, ORIX Rent-a-Car, and other local car companies. If you are not proficient in Japanese, we recommend renting the car online as the websites can be automatically translated to English. Depending on the car rental company, you can expect to pay anywhere between JPY 5000 (THB 1,120) and JPY 15,000 (THB 3,360) per day.

Self-driving cars for local commute in Japan: Tips for tourists

Currently, fully autonomous vehicles are still in the development phase in Japan. Semi-autonomous cars like Toyota’s Advance Drive and Nissan’s Propillot are available but require human supervision and assistance.

What to expect on the road in Japan

Driving in Japan is a pleasurable experience because the roads are well-maintained and the signage is clear. However, before visitors drive on Japan’s roads, they should be familiar with the rules and driving etiquette.

• Frequent honking is not common in Japan. Do so only in case of an emergency.
• It’s common practice and decency to flash hazard lights when allowed into a lane. It’s code for “thank you”.
• Drive on the left side of the road.
• Urban areas, residential streets, highways, town streets, and expressways have different speed limits. Keep your speed under those limits.
• Drivers must always stop at pedestrian crossings and allow people to cross first.
• Seatbelts are mandatory for all passengers
• Drinking/using phones while driving is forbidden in Japan. Drivers caught under the influence of alcohol or talking on the phone can face heavy penalties, confiscation of driver’s license, and even imprisonment.
• You can pay tolls at toll booths manually or electronically with an ETC card.
• It is illegal to park on the streets in Japan. If done, visitors can expect to pay fines or have their vehicle towed. Always park only at designated parking lots.
• Apply for insurance coverage at the rental car company to claim full coverage in the case of an accident.

Explore more with our guide to the 20 things you should not do in Japan.

Japan tourist guide: Documents needed by visitors for driving

Tourists or short-term visitors must apply for an International Driving Permit in their home country before travelling to Japan. Based on the Geneva Convention (1949), the IDP is valid for 1 year from the issue date. Along with the IDP, one must carry to Japan a valid driving license and passport issued in the home country.

Bike rent & sharing services

Visitors will also require an IDP and important documents to drive a motorbike in Japan. Once you have those, it’s easy to rent a motorbike here. Apart from motorbikes, cycles and e-bikes are a popular mode of local transportation in Japan’s cities. You can easily find rental bike stations around train stations, shopping malls, tourist information centres, convenience stores, hotels, libraries, and the entrance of tourist attraction spots. Docomo Bike Share, Hello Cycling, and LUUP are popular cycle/scooter rental services here. All three services require registration via their app and link to your credit card.

Boat & ferry rides in Japan

Japan is home to hundreds of small islands, some of which are not accessible by plane, train, bus, or car. The only way to get to these places is via ferries or boats. Domestic ferries, cruise ships, and boats are affordable modes of transportation for island hopping, sightseeing and day trips in Japan. Most cruises and ferries in Japan are equipped with clean bathrooms, vending machines, observation decks, souvenir shops, cafes and small restaurants.

shop the best travel experiences here

All currency conversions were done at the time of writing

(Feature Image Credit: Fikri Rasyid/Unsplash )

This story first appeared here.