Transportation

Rail

Japan is covered in a rail network that reaches almost every corner of the archipelago. Most are owned and run by the Japan Railway (JR) system and the world famous “Shinkansen” bullet train is of course one of the fastest and most enjoyable forms of land transport anywhere the distance between Tokyo and Osaka being covered in just 2 hours and 21 minutes on the fastest line.

JAPAN RAIL PASS

JAPAN RAIL PASS allows you to use the whole JR system (including the Shinkansen). If you
buy it in Japan, 50,000 yen gets you a full 7 day ticket (adults) (As of November. 2024).
*For more info, check the JAPAN RAIL PASS website: http://www.japanrailpass.net

Bus

Long-distance buses in Japan are run by numerous companies including JR. Buses are generally more economic than traveling by plane or train but do take longer and can be affected by traffic jams at busy times of the day or night.
Local buses run all over Japan as well as in the major cities and sometimes English instructions or stop announcements are used but this is not the case everywhere. We recommend you ask drivers to remind you of where you must disembark prior to setting off.

Taxi

Japanese taxis can be found at the exit to every train station in the country or alternatively hailed on the streets. The red sign visible through the windshield of the car: “空車” (ku-sha) means it is vacant and available for hire, but when the sign reads “賃走” (chinso), it is unavailable. Rates vary depending on the taxi company. The rate system is shown inside the taxi and receipts can be issued.

Getting Around in Tokyo

Useful Tickets

Tokyo One-Day Free Ticket (Tokyo Furii Kippu) (東京フリーきっぷ)is available for use on JR lines (inside Tokyo’s 23 cities), subways, and the Toei Bus service for one whole day – ending at midnight – at a charge of 1,600 yen.

Tokyo Subway Ticket is available for use on Tokyo Metro and Toei Metro subway lines. Prices for adults are 800 yen (24 hours), 1,200 yen (48 hours), and 1,500 yen (72 hours).

JR TOKYO Wide Pass is valid for three days and good for unlimited rides using reserved seats on ordinary cars on Shinkansen and express trains in the Kanto area (excluding Tokaido Shinkansen). The service is now extended to Echigo-Yuzawa Station and GALA Yuzawa Station. Prices are 15,000 yen (adults), and 7,500 yen (children).

Getting Around in Osaka

Useful Tickets

Kansai Area Pass is valid for unlimited travel using ordinary non-reserved seats of JR-WEST local and rapid trains in the defined “Free Area.” Prices for adults are 2,800 yen (1 day), 4,800 yen (2 days), 5,800 yen (3 days), and 7,000 yen (4 days) when purchasing in Japan.

KINTETSU RAIL PASS offers unlimited rides on all Kintetsu Railway lines for five days. Fares to Osaka, Nara, Kyoto, Mie (Ise-Shima), and Nagoya are for a bargain. Price: 4,500 yen for adults when purchased outside Japan /4,700 yen for adults purchased in Japan.

Free Wi-Fi Service

Japan Wi-Fi auto-connect

By registering with this app, you can enjoy free Wi-Fi at major airport, stations, tourist spots, convenience stores, etc.

FREESPOT

Registration with your email address is required only the first time when you request access.