Trains are the main way to travel in Japan. JR lines are labeled “JA” or ”JK” etc. and are government owned. Others are private and have names like “ODAKYU”. The one in the photo above shows "TJ". Pay attention to the names of train lines and colors of the turn styles because you can only leave from the line you enter.
PASMO & SUICA are train cards you can load money on to to transit. All you need to do is tap your card at the turn style to go in and out. To learn more about these cards click here. Otherwise, you can buy physical train tickets. Some trains, for example the express to Nara, requires you to buy physical tickets from the train kiosk, and also ROMANCE CARS require tickets to be purchased in advance. Nothing is more embarassing than scanning your PASMO for the ODAKYU LINE,and getting on the ROMANCE CAR train and having an attendant ask you for your ticket! You can purchase these tickets at the kiosk in the station. Ask an attendant for help.
A single train line is typically to divided into categories on how often they make stops:
SUPER EXPRESS--------------x-----------------------------------------------x
LIMITED EXPRESS-------x---x----------------------x------------------------x
RAPID EXPRESS----------x---x-----------x---------x------------x-----------x
EXPRESS-------------x-----x---x-------x---x---------x------x----x------x---x
RAPID-----------------x--x--x--x--------x---x---------x---x-x----x---x-x--x
LOCAL-----------------x-x--x--x--x--x-x-x-x-x-x--x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x--x
Local lines stop at every stop, while as you go up the list, they skip more and more stops. These lines are color coded on the chart and will typically color coded overhead on the neon train signs. Local lines run more often while super express trains will run a lot less often.
Download Google Maps
Download Google Maps in the App Store and type your start destination and your end destination. You can click "car" "train/bus" "walk" "bike" or "fly". You can select "leave now" "leave by" "arrive by" or "last train". Once you have selected your criteria, look at your options below, the departure time, arrival time, and trainsit time. Once you clck on your best option, you will be abe to see the details on which trains to take ad how to transfer betwen stations, how many stops you will take, which platform, and direction to go in.
If you miss a train - fret not! Simply refresh with your new starting point and begin anew.
How Do I Navigate Shinkansen Trains?
Shinkansen rides are a great way to get out and see the greater Japan area compared to the local trains. These trains are high speed and require advanced tickets. You can determine ahead of time if you need to use the Shinkansen (i.e. Tokyo to Kyoto) etc.
You can buy these tickets one of three ways:
1. Go to the Shinkansen station in advance and buy tickets at the kiosk or through the help desk
2. Buy ahead of time from a third party website like Viator.
3. Use the "Shinkansen smartEx App" and connect your phyiscal transit card number to the app (does not work with digital as your digital wallet card will not have an associated number - unless you have connected your physical card to your digital card).
Note, you cannot simply scan your PASMO or SUICA and enter. You must have a reserved ticket for the Shinkansen trains.
There are size restrictions for bags currently. If you can fit it overhead or in the storage areabetween train cars and not inconvenience others - it is probably fine. Take only what you can manage as one person or send the rest via luggage transfer. Keep in mind that the Shinkansen train arrives and departs very quickly, within 3 minutes. This means you should be getting out of your seat and getting your belongings collected - lined up and ready to go BEFORE the doors open.
Most Shinkansen stations have bento box stations, dessert, sushi, wine and beer you can purchase and bring to enjoy on the train free of cost. There will also be concessions down the isle. Please hold onto any physical ticket you receive as a conductor will check it to ensure you are on the correct train and in the correct reserved seat. Which brings me to say, be sure to enter right line. The Nozomi and Hikarie line both trainsit to and from Toyko - Kyoto, however Nozomi line trains do not accept JR passes. Read more about luggage here.
How do I Use the JR Pass?
The Japan Rail Pass is a cost-effective and convenient ticket for foreign visitors, providing unlimited travel on Japan Railways (JR) network lines for a fixed duration. To purchase the JR Pass, visitors must acquire an Exchange Order before arriving in Japan, available through authorized agents and online platforms. Once in Japan, the Exchange Order can be redeemed for the actual JR Pass at major JR stations, where travelers must present their passport with the temporary visitor visa stamp. The pass offers various durations, such as 7, 14, or 21 consecutive days, catering to different travel itineraries. Some agencies will ship this pass but require numerous weeks in advance.
Using the JR Pass is straightforward; holders can access most JR trains, including the renowned Shinkansen (bullet train) network, as well as certain buses and ferries. To board a train, simply show the pass at the manned gate or use the automated gates with IC functionality. While the JR Pass doesn't cover all trains (such as the Nozomi and Mizuho Shinkansen), it is an invaluable asset for exploring Japan's cities and countryside. Travelers should also note that seat reservations can be made at JR ticket offices, ensuring a comfortable and stress-free journey. Overall, the Japan Rail Pass is an excellent investment for visitors keen on exploring the diverse landscapes and cities of Japan efficiently. To see if the JR Pass will be cost-effective or will cost you additional money, we recommed using this website. Other JR Pass calculator websites may not be accurate. To purchae the JR Pass, it is offered by 6 different companies. You can see requirements to purchase on this website.
Using the JR Pass is straightforward; holders can access most JR trains, including the renowned Shinkansen (bullet train) network, as well as certain buses and ferries. To board a train, simply show the pass at the manned gate or use the automated gates with IC functionality. While the JR Pass doesn't cover all trains (such as the Nozomi and Mizuho Shinkansen), it is an invaluable asset for exploring Japan's cities and countryside. Travelers should also note that seat reservations can be made at JR ticket offices, ensuring a comfortable and stress-free journey. Overall, the Japan Rail Pass is an excellent investment for visitors keen on exploring the diverse landscapes and cities of Japan efficiently. To see if the JR Pass will be cost-effective or will cost you additional money, we recommed using this website. Other JR Pass calculator websites may not be accurate. To purchae the JR Pass, it is offered by 6 different companies. You can see requirements to purchase on this website.
Navigating Buses
Enter your destination on Google Maps and you may see a bus is required. Ensure the characters from your google maps bus match on the bus iteself and use the Google Map "Map Feature" to direct you where to catch the bus (which side of the street), and at what time. This will alleviate half the battle. Then, utilize Google Maps once embarked on the bus to ensure you are going the correct direction. Weigh the pros and cons of taking a cab over a bus for convenience over price.
Buses typically are numbered for their lines. Ex. 17 or 445. There will be the same bus number, but different directions so pay attention to which side of the street you need to be on for the correct bus. PASMO or SUICA can be used to scan on and off the bus, or a phyiscal ticket may be purchased. Some buses even except change. Buses show up in Google Maps as typically all Japanese characters with a bus symbol. This can be difficult to understand for non-native speakers and the therefore often the most difficult form of travel. The buses may also not arrive on time.
For short distances or transfer short distances with luggage, taxis are a great option. Most apps won’t let you use them like Japan Taxi if you do not have a foreign credit card. Because of this, often you will see them lined up outside train stations. Look for the taxi signs in the station to help you get to where they are located. Otherwise, Uber is becoming quite common and it is a great way to schedule Airport drop off in advance. MK Taxi can also be scheduled in advance through their website for higher fees. There are also driver services our tour bus services you can utilize between popular areas and schedule in advance.
How Do I Rent a Car in Japan?
Renting a car in Japan as a foreigner is a relatively straightforward process. Begin by obtaining an International Driving Permit (IDP) in your home country, translating your native driver's license. Choose a reputable rental car company, considering factors like price, vehicle types, and rental conditions. Make an online reservation, specifying a convenient pick-up location, often found at major airports, train stations, or city centers. Upon arrival, present your passport, IDP, and the credit card used for the reservation.
Conduct a thorough inspection of the rental car for pre-existing damage, and familiarize yourself with Japan's traffic rules and road signs, as the country follows left-hand traffic. Consider renting a car with a GPS navigation system, especially if you're not familiar with the local roads. Be aware of toll roads (can be expensive) and parking regulations, and return the car on time and in the same condition. Overall, renting a car in Japan offers flexibility for exploring both urban centers and remote areas at your own pace.