Getting Around Japan: Trains, Metro, Buses, and Car Rental

Trains are the backbone

Japan runs on rail. The Shinkansen (bullet train) links Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima and Fukuoka at up to 320 km/h. Tokyo to Kyoto takes about 2 hours 15 minutes on the Nozomi. Reserve seats during peak seasons like Golden Week or cherry-blossom season.

The Japan Rail Pass can save money on long routes, but since the 2023 price rise it only pays off for heavy travel. Compare your itinerary against single fares first.

IC cards make everything easy

Get a Suica or PASMO (Tokyo) or ICOCA (Kansai). Tap to ride trains, subways and buses, and pay at convenience stores. You can now add Suica to Apple Wallet and top up by phone. Welcome Suica and the digital versions skip the deposit.

City metros

• Tokyo has two systems: Tokyo Metro and Toei. Buy a 24/48/72-hour subway pass if you ride a lot.
• Osaka, Kyoto, Nagoya, Sapporo and Fukuoka all have clean, signposted subways with English.
• Use Google Maps or Japan Travel by NAVITIME for exact platforms and transfers.

Buses

City buses matter most in Kyoto, where many temples aren't near a station. In rural areas buses are infrequent — check the last departure. For long distances, overnight highway buses (Willer, JR Bus) are far cheaper than the Shinkansen, e.g. Tokyo to Osaka from around 4,000 yen.

Ride apps and taxis

Uber mostly summons regular taxis. Locals use GO and DiDi. Taxis are clean but pricey — flagfall in Tokyo is about 500 yen. Doors open automatically, so stand back.

Car rental

You'll want a car for Hokkaido, Okinawa, rural Tohoku or the Japanese Alps. You need an International Driving Permit (1949 Geneva Convention). Japan drives on the left. Tolls add up fast — get an ETC card with your rental. Major firms include Toyota Rent a Car, Nippon and Times.

Intercity tips

• Stand left on escalators in Tokyo, right in Osaka.
• Trains are punctual to the minute — arrive early.
• Carry some cash; small stations and rural buses may not take cards.
• Send big luggage ahead with takkyubin (Yamato) to travel light.

Stay connected in Japan

A HelloSIM eSIM keeps you online the moment you land, so maps, train apps, translation and bookings just work with no roaming bills.