Japan seamlessly blends ancient traditions with state-of-the-art modernity, offering travelers everything from serene temples and historic castles to neon-lit cities and world-class cuisine. From the snow-capped peaks of Hokkaido to the tropical beaches of Okinawa, this island nation captivates visitors with its rich culture, impeccable hospitality, and stunning natural beauty.
- Public
- Japan's public transport system is world-renowned for punctuality, cleanliness, and coverage. Tokyo's metro and JR network is the most complex but thoroughly signposted in English. Shinkansen bullet trains connect major cities at up to 320 km/h with sub-minute punctuality records.
- Taxi
- Japanese taxis are exceptionally clean, safe, and reliable with metered fares and automatic door systems. Drivers rarely speak English so having your destination in Japanese text is essential. Apps (GO, Japan Taxi) allow English-language booking in major cities.
- Rental
- Car rental is ideal for exploring rural areas like Hokkaido, Okinawa, and the Japanese Alps where public transport is limited. Driving in cities is not recommended due to traffic and expensive parking. International Driving Permit required alongside home country license.
- Walking
- City centers in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka are well-suited to exploration on foot with flat terrain and extensive pedestrian infrastructure. Kyoto's temple district and Tokyo's neighborhoods like Yanaka and Shimokitazawa are particularly walkable.
Transport at a glance
Airport transfers
Getting from the airport to your accommodation.
- Taxi
- Narita Express train to Tokyo/Shinjuku: ¥3,070, 60-90 minutes
- Shuttle
- Keisei Skyliner to Ueno: ¥2,520, 45 minutes
- Bus
- Airport Limousine Bus to major hotels: ¥3,200, 90-120 minutes
Local transport
Getting around the city.
Bus
Pay when exiting (usually). IC cards accepted. Bus route maps in Japanese primarily. Night buses (Willer Express, etc.) connect major cities overnight.
Alternatives
metro, taxi, rideshare, bicycle
Taxis & rideshare
What to expect from taxis and apps.
- Regular
- ¥500-730 base fare; ¥80-90 per 237-280 meters
- Apps
- Uber (premium pricing), Japan Taxi, GO, DiDi
- App Names
- Uber (premium pricing), Japan Taxi, GO, DiDi
Intercity travel
Getting between cities and regions.
Bus
- Highway buses
- Connect all major cities at fraction of Shinkansen cost. Tokyo-Osaka: ¥2,000-5,000, 8-9 hours overnight. Companies: Willer Express, JR Highway Bus.
- Overnight buses
- Popular budget option. Reclining seats or semi-flat beds. Departs evening, arrives morning. Tokyo-Kyoto: ¥3,000-6,000.
- Local buses
- Essential for rural areas and small towns not served by trains. Tourist areas often have sightseeing loop buses.
- Tips
- Book night buses 1-2 weeks advance for weekend travel
- Bring neck pillow and eye mask for overnight buses
- Rest stops every 2-3 hours
- Some buses female-only or gender-separated seating
Flights
Routes: Efficient for long distances: Tokyo-Sapporo, Tokyo-Fukuoka, Tokyo-Okinawa. Often cheaper than Shinkansen for advance bookings.
Cost: ¥6,000-25,000 depending on route, season, and booking time. LCCs can be ¥4,000-8,000.
- Airlines
- ANA and JAL are major carriers. Low-cost carriers: Peach, Jetstar Japan, Skymark, Air Do.
- Tips
- Book 1-2 months in advance for best prices
- LCCs use secondary airports (Narita for Tokyo, Kansai for Osaka)
- Baggage fees on LCCs; full-service includes checked bag
- Domestic flights require ID; passport for foreigners
Transportation details
Full breakdown of how to get around.
Airports
Tokyo Narita International Airport
From centre: 60 km east of Tokyo
Options: Narita Express train to Tokyo/Shinjuku: ¥3,070, 60-90 minutes; Keisei Skyliner to Ueno: ¥2,520, 45 minutes; Airport Limousine Bus to major hotels: ¥3,200, 90-120 minutes; Taxi to central Tokyo: ¥20,000-30,000, 60-90 minutes
Tokyo Haneda Airport
From centre: 18 km south of Tokyo
Options: Tokyo Monorail to Hamamatsucho: ¥500, 15 minutes; Keikyu Line to Shinagawa: ¥300, 13 minutes; Airport Limousine Bus: ¥1,300, 30-60 minutes; Taxi to central Tokyo: ¥6,000-8,000, 20-40 minutes
Kansai International Airport
From centre: 50 km southwest of Osaka
Options: JR Haruka Express to Kyoto: ¥3,600, 75 minutes; to Osaka: ¥2,900, 50 minutes; Nankai Rapid to Namba: ¥930, 45 minutes; Airport Limousine Bus: ¥1,600-2,600, 50-90 minutes; Taxi to Osaka: ¥15,000-20,000, 50-70 minutes
Chubu Centrair International Airport
From centre: 35 km south of Nagoya
Options: Meitetsu μ-SKY Limited Express to Nagoya: ¥1,250, 28 minutes; Airport Bus to Nagoya Station: ¥1,500, 50 minutes; Taxi to Nagoya: ¥12,000-15,000, 40 minutes
New Chitose Airport
From centre: 45 km south of Sapporo
Options: JR Rapid Airport to Sapporo: ¥1,150, 37 minutes; Airport Bus to Sapporo: ¥1,100, 70 minutes; Taxi to Sapporo: ¥10,000-13,000, 60 minutes
Fukuoka Airport
From centre: 5 km from Fukuoka city center
Options: Subway to Hakata Station: ¥260, 5 minutes; to Tenjin: ¥260, 11 minutes; Airport Bus: ¥270, 15-20 minutes; Taxi to Hakata: ¥1,500-2,000, 15 minutes
Useful apps
Download before you arrive.
Suica / ICOCA
IC card payment app for iPhone (Apple Pay) and Android — load and use as digital transit pass and convenience store payment without physical card
Google Maps Japan
Best transit routing app for Japan with real-time updates, platform numbers, and walking directions integrated
GO (formerly Japan Taxi)
Japan's leading taxi-hailing app with English interface, available in all major cities — more reliable and cheaper than Uber
Hyperdia
Comprehensive train and bus route planner including JR Pass exclusions and reserved seat availability — essential for complex itinerary planning
Transport tips
Travel smarter, not harder.
Buy an IC card (Suica, Pasmo, or ICOCA) immediately on arrival — works on all trains, subways, buses, and convenience stores nationwide with no ticket queuing
Download Google Maps or Hyperdia for offline transit routing — Google Maps Japan transit is excellent and updates in real time
The Japan Rail Pass for tourists covers most JR trains including Shinkansen (except Nozomi/Mizuho) and must be purchased before arriving in Japan
Stand on the left side of escalators in Tokyo and right side in Osaka — this convention is taken seriously and signs indicate the rule
Large luggage can be forwarded to your next hotel by Yamato Transport (takkyubin) for ¥1,500-2,500 — essential comfort on Shinkansen where oversized bags require reservations
Night buses connecting major cities are 60-70% cheaper than Shinkansen — Willer Express and JR Highway Bus are reliable overnight options