Transport

Japan has a reputation for being expensive. It’s partly deserved — and mostly misleading. Travel Japan the right way and you can eat brilliantly, sleep comfortably, and see the best of the country without spending a fortune. Here’s exactly how to do it. Getting Around: Transport Options Shinkansen (新幹線) The bullet train is fast but pricey. Smart ways to reduce cost: EX-IC card — for Tokaido/Sanyo Shinkansen; discounts for registered cardholders Wari 21 / Hayatoku tickets — advance purchase discounts (50% off possible) Book via SmartEX app for English-friendly advance purchase Highway Bus (高速バス) ⭐ Best Budget Option Tokyo → Osaka from ¥2,500 (vs ¥14,000+ by Shinkansen) Overnight buses save a night’s accommodation Willer Express, JR Bus, Meitetsu Bus — reliable operators Book at willer.co.jp or japanbusonline.com Local Trains For shorter distances, regular rapid trains (快速) are very cheap. Use your Suica/ICOCA card. ...

Buying a car in Japan as a foreigner involves paperwork, parking certificates, and rules that surprise most people. Get it wrong and the process stalls completely. This guide walks you through every step from finding the car to driving it home. Do You Need a Car? You probably don’t if you’re in: Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Fukuoka, Kyoto Any city with good train coverage You probably do if you’re in: Rural towns with limited bus service Suburbs where the nearest station is 30+ minutes away Areas with harsh winters (Hokkaido, Tohoku, etc.) Requirements Before You Buy 1. Japanese Driver’s License You need one of: ...

A bicycle changes everything about daily life in Japan — shorter commutes, less crowded trains, lower costs. But there are rules, registration requirements, and parking laws most foreigners don’t know about until they get a fine. Here’s how to cycle in Japan the right way. Why Cycling Works in Japan Flat terrain in most urban areas Extensive bike parking (jitensha chūshajō) at train stations, shopping centers, and city offices Low theft rate compared to many countries (though it still happens) No helmet required for adults by law (though recommended, and required for children under 13 from 2023) Cheap maintenance — parts and repairs are available everywhere Buying a Bicycle in Japan New Bikes Bike shops (jitensha-ya) and home improvement stores like Cainz, Konan, or DCM sell new bikes starting from around ¥12,000 for a basic mamachari (city bike). Higher quality commuter bikes range from ¥30,000–¥80,000. ...

Cycling in Japan is one of the great daily pleasures — until you get your bike impounded or fined for parking it in the wrong spot. The rules here are specific and enforced. This guide covers everything you need to ride freely and legally. Where to Buy a Bicycle New Bicycles Asahi (あさひ) — largest bicycle chain in Japan; good selection, reliable service Y’s Road — sports and commuter bikes Cycle Base DEPOT — budget-friendly Donki (Don Quijote) — very cheap basic bikes (¥10,000–18,000), decent for short term Ito Yokado, AEON — basic city bikes at reasonable prices Basic mamachari (city bike): ¥15,000–30,000 new Sports/road bike: ¥30,000–200,000+ ...

Japan drives on the left, the road signs mix Japanese and symbols, and the rules around parking are stricter than most foreigners expect. Drive unprepared and you’ll face fines, confusion, or worse. This guide covers the practical essentials for foreigners getting behind the wheel in Japan. Can Foreigners Drive in Japan? Yes. Foreigners can drive in Japan with either: An International Driving Permit (IDP) + your home country license (for short stays) A Japanese driver’s license (converted from your home license, or from scratch) Option 1: International Driving Permit (IDP) An IDP is a translation of your home country license into multiple languages. Japan accepts IDPs issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention. ...

Getting a Japanese driver’s license as a foreigner takes anywhere from one afternoon to several weeks — depending entirely on which country issued your current license. Knowing which path applies to you saves enormous time and money. Here’s how the process works for each country. Option 1: International Driving Permit (Short-term) If you’re visiting or just arrived, you can drive with: Your home country driver’s license + an International Driving Permit (IDP) Valid for 1 year from your entry date Important: This only works for tourists. Once you’ve lived in Japan for 3 months or more, you need to convert your license. ...

Japan’s train network is the best in the world — and also one of the most confusing to figure out the first time. Wrong ticket, wrong line, wrong exit: it happens to everyone. Read this once and you’ll navigate it like a local. First Thing: Get an IC Card Before you do anything else, get an IC card. This is the rechargeable card you tap on the gates to pay for trains automatically. You don’t need to buy a ticket every single time. ...

Japan’s public transport network is the most efficient in the world — but it has a learning curve that most newcomers underestimate. IC cards, express lines, reserved seats, last trains — get these wrong and you’ll end up stranded or overcharged. Here’s how to use it like someone who’s been here for years. The Main Types of Transport Type Operator Notes JR trains (JR線) JR (Japan Railways) Intercity + local lines; Shinkansen Subway (地下鉄) Metro / Municipal Urban underground networks Private railway (私鉄) Tokyu, Keio, Hankyu, etc. Many urban and suburban lines Bus (バス) Various Less punctual; useful for areas without trains Shinkansen (新幹線) JR High-speed rail between cities Taxi / ride-share Various Expensive; useful for late night IC Cards — The Foundation of Transport in Japan An IC card (IC カード) is a rechargeable contactless payment card used on almost all trains, subways, and buses in Japan. It’s the single most useful thing to get when you arrive. ...

The JR Pass costs a significant amount of money. Whether it actually saves you money depends entirely on how you use it. Many tourists buy it by default and end up overpaying. Here’s the honest math — and when it’s actually worth it. What Is the JR Pass? The JR Pass gives unlimited travel on: All JR trains nationwide (local, rapid, and express) Shinkansen (except Nozomi and Mizuho — the fastest services) JR buses and some JR ferries It’s available in 7-day, 14-day, and 21-day versions for both Ordinary and Green Car (first class). ...

What you'll learn in this guide How to buy Shinkansen tickets (at the station and online) Reserved vs unreserved seats: when to book which The JR Pass: is it worth it for foreigners in Japan? IC card (Suica/PASMO) and Shinkansen: can you use them? How to save money on Shinkansen travel Key routes and travel times between major cities Quick Answer Shinkansen tickets can be bought at JR station ticket machines (some have English), at ticket windows (みどりの窓口), via the Eki-Net app (Japanese), or EX-IC app (for Tokaido/Sanyo Shinkansen). IC cards (Suica/PASMO) cannot be used for Shinkansen travel — you need a separate Shinkansen ticket. The JR Pass is worth it if you make 3+ long-distance trips within 7–21 days. ...