Trains na the backbone
Japan dey run on rail. The Shinkansen (bullet train) dey link Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima and Fukuoka at speed wey reach 320 km/h. Tokyo to Kyoto dey take about 2 hours 15 minutes for Nozomi. Reserve your seat during peak season like Golden Week or cherry-blossom season.
The Japan Rail Pass fit save you money for long routes, but since 2023 price increase, e only pay off if you dey travel plenty. Compare your itinerary with single fares first before you buy.
IC cards dey make everything easy
Get Suica or PASMO (Tokyo) or ICOCA (Kansai). Just tap enter train, subway and bus, and use am pay for shop. You fit now add Suica to Apple Wallet and top up with phone. Welcome Suica and digital versions no need deposit.
City metros
- Tokyo get two systems: Tokyo Metro and Toei. Buy 24/48/72-hour subway pass if you go dey ride plenty.
- Osaka, Kyoto, Nagoya, Sapporo and Fukuoka all get clean subway wey get signpost with English.
- Use Google Maps or Japan Travel by NAVITIME to sabi correct platform and transfer.
Buses
City bus dey matter well for Kyoto, where plenty temple no near station. For rural area, buses no plenty — check last bus time. For long distance, overnight highway buses (Willer, JR Bus) dey cheaper pass Shinkansen well well, e.g. Tokyo to Osaka fit start from around 4,000 yen.
Ride apps and taxis
Uber mostly dey call normal taxi. Local people dey use GO and DiDi. Taxis dey clean but e cost — flagfall for Tokyo na about 500 yen. Door dey open on e own, so make you stand back small.
Car rental
You go need car for Hokkaido, Okinawa, rural Tohoku or the Japanese Alps. You need International Driving Permit (1949 Geneva Convention). Japan dey drive for left. Toll fit add up fast — get ETC card with your rental. Major companies na Toyota Rent a Car, Nippon and Times.
Intercity tips
- Stand for left side of escalator for Tokyo, right side for Osaka.
- Trains dey punctual to the minute — reach early.
- Carry small cash; small stations and rural buses fit no accept card.
- Send your big luggage go ahead with takkyubin (Yamato) make you waka light.
Stay connected for Japan
HelloSIM eSIM go keep you online the moment wey you land, so map, train apps, translation and booking go just work with no roaming bill.
Get your Japan eSIM for 30 seconds
Sharp-sharp delivery, 4G/5G speed, no roaming bill.