Getting around in Japan
Subways – Underground
Subway lines are widely available in all major cities, providing prompt, efficient transportation. Almost all stations have automatic ticket machines from which you can buy your ticket for various destinations.
To use the subway lines, first purchase a ticket at a vending machine or ticket window. Your ticket is punched by hand at the wicket or inserted into a punching machine. Please keep the ticket, since it must be returned to your destination.
If there is no fare chart in English, buy the cheapest ticket indicated on the vending machine and pay the difference due at the fare adjustment office at your destination station before you go through the exit wicket.
All subway lines display station names in both Japanese and alphabet lettering on platform signboards. The name of the station is in large letters in the center of the sign; names of adjacent stations appear below or to either side.
Trains
The railway system in Japan has a high reputation for punctuality and safety.
The train fare varies naturally depending on the distance you travel as well as the type of train you wish to catch: Limited Express, Express, etc. and the type of reserved seat: Green Car (first class), Sleeper etc., for each of which an extra charge is required.
Tickets for short distances are available from ticket machines that are installed at each train station whereas tickets for long distances and reservations are dealt with at ticket offices at major stations
To use the train, first purchase a ticket at a vending machine or ticket window. Your ticket is punched by hand at the wicket or inserted into a punching machine. Please keep the ticket since it must be returned at your destination.
If there is no fare chart in English, buy the cheapest ticket indicated on the vending machine and pay the difference due at the fare adjustment office at your destination station before you go through the exit wicket.
Most stations display station names in both Japanese and alphabet lettering on platform signboards. The name of the station is in large letters in the center of the sign; names of adjacent stations appear below or to either side.
Most if not all trains stop operating around midnight.
Buses
Bus services are operated by numerous bus companies, not only in big cities but also in regional towns. The bus fare varies depending on the bus company but it is usually around 200 yen for an inner-city ride. Long-distance buses which link cities are also operated frequently both during the day and at night. This is a more economical way to get about than by plane or by train if you are not pressed for time.
Long-Distance Buses
JR operates long-distance buses between Tokyo and other major cities. Though travel takes longer, sometimes due to heavy traffic, fares are cheaper than Shinkansen train fares. Other bus companies provide bus travel between major cities as well.
City Buses
All major cities have extensive intra-city bus routes. For example, in Kyoto, buses are convenient, easy to use and have English announcements.
Your bus ticket is numbered to indicate the fare zone where you boarded. An illustrated sign at the front of the bus shows a changing fare schedule. If your ticket shows the number 3, for example, the fare you pay is indicated under column 3 on the sign. Put the fare in the cash box beside the driver’s seat when leaving the bus. In a few instances, a flat fare is charged.
Car Rental
In Japan, cars travel on the left-hand side of the road. Know your route in advance, because road signs may not have alphabet lettering. All expressways are toll roads. Traffic regulations are very strict and orderly. The availability of road atlases in English is limited.
Car rental services are available in most large and medium-sized cities as well as at airports and major train stations. When you apply to rent a car, you will be asked to produce your international driver’s license.
If you wish to drive in Japan, you must possess one of the following driving permits.
1. A Japanese Driver’s License
2. An International Driver’s License (90 member countries) based on the Treaty of Geneva (Convention of 1949)
3. A Driver’s License from Switzerland, Germany, or France (must inquire about conditions to the institution issuing the driving permit of respective countries)
