First: the IC card. Get one on day one.
Before anything else, the single most important thing you can do on arrival is pick up an IC card — either a Suica (issued at JR East stations, mainly Tokyo area) or a Pasmo (available at Tokyo Metro stations). These rechargeable contactless cards work on virtually every train, subway, and bus across Japan, and at many convenience stores and vending machines too.
Simply tap in when you board, tap out when you exit, and the correct fare is automatically deducted. No buying individual tickets, no calculating fares, no queuing at machines. It works in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, Fukuoka, and most other cities.
Local tip: Load at least ¥3,000–5,000 when you first get the card. You can top up at any ticket machine using cash. Keep it in an accessible pocket — you'll use it constantly.
The Shinkansen — Japan's bullet train.
Japan's high-speed rail network connects most major cities. It is fast, reliable, comfortable, and runs with extraordinary precision — delays of more than a minute or two are genuinely rare.
JR Pass: If you plan to travel between multiple cities, the Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) can save significant money. It covers unlimited travel on most JR trains — including the Shinkansen — for a fixed period. Crucially, it must be purchased outside Japan before your trip. Compare the cost of your planned journeys against the pass price to decide if it is worth it for your itinerary.
Local tip: The JR Pass is not always the best value. If you're staying mostly in one city or only making one or two long journeys, individual tickets may be cheaper. Calculate your specific route before buying.
Local trains & subways — the backbone of city travel.
Within cities, local trains and subways are the primary way to get around. Tokyo alone has over 280 subway and train stations — it looks daunting on a map, but in practice it is very manageable.
Google Maps is your best friend. Enter your destination, select "transit", and it will give you step-by-step directions including which platform to use, which exit to take, and how long each leg takes. It is highly accurate for Japan's rail network.
Most station signage is in both Japanese and English. Announcements on trains are also typically made in English on major lines. Getting genuinely lost is rare.
Local tip: In Tokyo, the JR Yamanote Line is a circular loop connecting most major hubs — Shinjuku, Shibuya, Harajuku, Akihabara, Ueno, and more. If you're unsure where to start, learn this line first.
Buses — essential for rural and scenic areas.
In cities, trains cover most journeys. But in rural areas, mountain regions, and some tourist destinations, buses are the main or only option. This includes places like Shirakawa-go, the Iya Valley in Shikoku, parts of Tohoku, and many onsen towns.
Rural buses often run infrequently — sometimes once or twice an hour, or less. Always check the timetable in advance and plan around it. Missing a rural bus can mean a very long wait.
Payment varies: some buses accept IC cards, others require exact cash fare paid on boarding or alighting. Carry small coins when travelling in rural areas.
Local tip: Highway buses (高速バス) are a budget-friendly alternative to the Shinkansen for long distances. The Tokyo–Kyoto overnight bus, for example, costs a fraction of the bullet train and saves a night's accommodation. Comfort varies, so read reviews before booking.
Taxis — convenient, but use them selectively.
Japanese taxis are clean, reliable, and the drivers are professional. They are also expensive by international standards. A short ride across central Tokyo can easily cost ¥1,500–2,000 or more.
Taxis make the most sense for: late-night journeys when trains have stopped, travelling with heavy luggage, groups of three or four splitting the cost, and reaching places not served by public transport.
The GO app (ゴー) allows you to book taxis in advance across most of Japan and pay by card — recommended over hailing on the street, especially if you don't speak Japanese.
Local tip: Taxi doors in Japan open and close automatically. Do not try to open or close the door yourself — the driver operates it. It surprises many first-time visitors.
Rental cars — best for rural exploration.
A rental car makes sense if you plan to explore rural areas where public transport is sparse — parts of Hokkaido, the San'in coast, Okinawa's outer islands, or the deeper valleys of Shikoku and Tohoku. The freedom to stop anywhere, on your own schedule, is genuinely valuable in these regions.
In cities, however, rental cars are generally more trouble than they are worth. Parking is expensive and often hard to find, city traffic can be slow, and public transport is almost always faster and cheaper.
An international driving permit is required for foreign visitors. Roads are well-maintained and navigation apps work well. Driving is on the left.
Local tip: Petrol stations in rural Japan can be far apart. Fill up whenever you drop below half a tank, and don't assume the next station is nearby.
A quick summary — what to use when.
For most visitors, the practical answer is: IC card for everything within cities, Shinkansen for travel between cities, buses for rural and scenic areas. Taxis for occasional convenience, rental car only if you're specifically exploring remote regions.
With an IC card in your pocket and Google Maps on your phone, Japan's transport network is genuinely one of the easiest in the world to use as a visitor. The complexity looks intimidating from the outside but becomes intuitive quickly.
Need more specific transport advice?
The best route between cities, the right pass for your itinerary, how to reach a specific town by public transport — these depend on exactly where you're going and when. If you'd like detailed, personalised transport guidance for your specific trip, that's something I cover in my travel guides.
See the plans → More articles →