Public transportation in Japan is among the most advanced in the world. Whether you're visiting a large metropolis like Tôkyô or a smaller town, you likely won't need a car to get around. The Japanese rely on trains and subways daily, which are renowned for their reliability.
Trains, subways, buses, and other modes of transportation can take you almost anywhere. However, the system can seem complex to foreigners due to differences from French transportation systems.
What are the transportation companies in Japan?
Unlike Europe, where one main company handles most train services in countyr, Japan privatized its railway system several decades ago. As a result, multiple private companies operate the railway network.
The main transportation company is Japan Rail (commonly known as JR), which is the privatized equivalent of the national company. JR covers a large part of the country and offers a wide range of services, including high-speed trains (Shinkansen), local, and express trains.
Each company has its own railway tracks, meaning only one type of train runs on a given line. This ensures that an accident on one line doesn't affect the entire network. Additionally, each train's platform is fixed and known in advance.
How do you pay for travel?
Ticket prices for buses, trains, and subways are based on the distance traveled. The cost of your ticket depends on the number of stations between your departure and destination. For more information, check out our guide on transportation budgets in Japan.
While this system might seem confusing, there are several ways to simplify it.
IC Cards: your key to hassle-free travel
One of the best ways to avoid buying a ticket for each trip is by using an IC Card (like the Welcome Suica), a rechargeable contactless card. You can easily top up these cards at stations and simply tap in and out when using transportation. The correct amount is automatically deducted from your balance.
IC Cards have the added benefit of being compatible with all transportation companies nationwide. They can also be used to pay at most stores, convenience shops, and restaurants.
Transportation passes
For tourists, there are many city- or region-specific passes available. The most famous is the JR Pass, which allows unlimited travel on all JR trains for a set period (7, 14, or 21 days).
In general, these passes are rarely cost-effective, but they save you from constantly having to buy individual transportation tickets
What are the modes of transportation?
Long-Distance Travel in Japan
Japan offers many options for traveling between cities, ranging from buses to ultra-fast trains. Here’s an overview of the main long-distance transportation options:
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Regional and Overnight Buses: Long-distance buses are one of the most affordable options for getting between Japan's major cities. While slower than trains, they offer decent comfort. Buses typically depart around 11 PM and arrive the next morning around 6 AM.
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Conventional Trains: Trains serve all major and medium-sized cities. Depending on their number of stops, they are classified as "local," "semi-express," or "express."
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Shinkansen: These famous high-speed trains allow you to travel quickly between major cities. They offer excellent comfort, though tickets are more expensive than conventional trains.
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Airplanes: Given Japan's vast geography, air travel can be an ideal option for long-distance trips. Every major city has at least one airport, and domestic flights are frequent. The price of a plane ticket isn’t much more than a Shinkansen ticket.
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Hitchhiking: While possible, hitchhiking is very rare in Japan. Though Japan is a safe country, it's important to stay cautious about who you accept rides from.
Urban Transportation: Getting Around Japanese Cities
Japanese cities, especially large metropolises like Tôkyô, Kyôto, and Ôsaka, have dense urban transportation networks. Here are the main options for getting around the city:
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Walking: Walking is often an excellent way to discover hidden neighborhoods and take your time exploring. If you're in good shape, you can easily combine walking with public transport to optimize your day.
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Cycling: Biking is a popular mode of transport in Japan. You can easily rent a bike for around 10 euros per day. However, keep in mind that bike parking is often paid, especially in urban areas.
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Buses: While generally slower due to frequent stops, buses are an economical way to get around. They’re especially useful for reaching areas that are less accessible by train or subway.
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Trains, Subways, and Trams: Trains and subways are the fastest ways to get around the city. In some cities like Tôkyô, the subway is operated by specific companies, while in others, trains and subways are often integrated into the same network.
Looking for your route?
When navigating transportation in Japan, Google Maps is often the go-to choice, especially for trains and subways, and it works well for these modes of transport.
However, for buses, particularly long-distance ones, and other forms of transportation, Google Maps isn't always reliable or may lack information. In these cases, it's best to search directly online to check if you can travel between specific locations.
How to book transportation in Japan?
Japan’s reservation system can be somewhat complex and depends on the type of transportation and the company you choose.
Air Travel
Reservations are made online, just like for any domestic or international flight.
Long-Distance Buses
Some companies, like Willer Express, allow online reservations. However, for most companies, you’ll need to buy your ticket at the counter the same day or the day before. In our experience, last-minute booking usually isn't an issue.
Conventional Trains
For most conventional train journeys, especially those operated by JR, no reservation is needed. You can simply board the train. However, things get more complicated for regional or intercity trains with categorized carriages:
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Non-reserved Cars: Most trains have non-reserved cars where passengers can board without booking in advance.
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Reserved Cars: Many long-distance trains offer reserved seating. In some cases, only reserved cars are available. For these trains, you’ll need to buy a ticket the day before or on the day of travel at the station.
On the platform, signs on the ground indicate whether the car is reserved or not.
Shinkansen
The Shinkansen offers both non-reserved and reserved seats (the latter for an additional fee). If you have a JR Pass, it’s recommended to reserve seats in advance as there's no extra charge. Reservations can be made online or at the station via a ticket counter or an automatic machine.
We highly recommend reserving seats for the Shinkansen. These trains are widely used, and many Japanese travelers take them without reservations. If you have large luggage, reservations are mandatory.
Ticket checks and fines
Fortunately for tourists, the Japanese are very understanding when it comes to their complex transportation system. In trains with assigned seats, a conductor will check your ticket and its fare.
On several occasions, we’ve entered a train using our IC Card only to realize we needed to pay a supplement because the train was an express service. The conductor simply charged us the fare difference in cash. If you don’t have cash, you can pay at the station exit.
If you encounter any problems, every station has a ticket office with a staff member available to help