Train, Plane or Car: How Should You Get Around Japan?

Japan is widely recognised for its accessibility and numerous modes of transport. It doesn’t matter if you are a first time visitor, or planning an expert trip, this is a country that can cater to your needs efficiently and effectively. But with an abundance of transport methods available, how should you get around Japan? It’s a question I’ve been asked time and time again, and now I’ve developed a guide to help you figure it out. Should you take the infinitely reliable and highly regarded shinkansen? Would flying be cheaper? Or should you hire a car to visit those hard-to-reach areas? Let’s find out together.

Plane

Best for: Cheap long-distance travel
Bad for: Convenience

Air travel can be the most affordable and fastest way to travel between prefectures in Japan, especially if you’re travelling great distances. It might not be as convenient as the Shinkansen but it still works well for most destinations. For instance, until 2030 when the Hokkaido Shinkansen makes its way to Sapporo, the fastest way to get there from Tokyo is by flying.

If time is of the essence and you’re looking for a fast, no-thrills way to travel, hopping on a plane is your best bet. JAL and ANA do offer domestic flights, but they will usually be more expensive than budget airlines such as Jetstar, Peach, and Skymark.

Watch for cheap flight deals to Narita, Haneda, Kansai, and Nagoya airports, Japan’s most important international airports.

Pro tip: No need to worry about luggage, just ship it straight to your hotel.

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Shinkansen

Best for: Speed and comfort
Bad for: Strict budgets

For a reduced carbon footprint compared to flying, the Shinkansen (bullet train) is undeniably the most iconic way to travel through Japan. It’s fast, spacious, and worth experiencing at least once.

While it can be pricey, the benefits outweigh the cost. On the Tokaido Shinkansen, the Nozomi will get you from Tokyo to Kyoto the quickest, but it’ll also cost you the most. The Kodama, a Shinkansen that stops at every stop, is the cheapest but slowest of all.

Green class (1st class) is also available. They offer a 2x2 seating layout as opposed to the 3x2 in standard class, have quieter carriages, are slightly more spacious, and have carpeted flooring. Standard class is more than enough for most travellers.

Booking the Shinkansen in advance

Thanks to the frequency of these trains, there’s rarely any need to book them in advance. The only time I would suggest a bit of forward planning is during holiday seasons like Golden Week and Shōgatsu (New Year). Weekends will be busier as well.

Simply head over to one of the self-reservation ticket machines at the station for Shinkansen (it will be clearly signposted) and follow the onscreen instructions. If you’d rather have some help, use the Midori no madoguchi office at most large stations - though be prepared for queue times.

Green class may be the only option on some of the busier routes if you’re reserving, but there are also a number of ‘non-reserved’ seats on all Shinkansen. If you’re travelling from a terminus station like Tokyo, simply wait for the next train (usually only 10 minutes or so), and you’re practically guaranteed an unreserved seat.

Pro tip: Why not consider the JR pass to see if you could save some money?

Metro

Best for: Quick & reliable transport
Bad for: Often busy/crowded at times

Japan has one of the most efficient and high-spec metro systems in the world and when you are in major cities like Tokyo or Osaka, you’ll spend a lot of time on these trains. They’re highly efficient and frequent which means relying on them as your primary form of transport in the cities is perfectly acceptable.

Grab yourself a Pasmo or Suica card (a transport card that works throughout the country) for more convenient travel and you’ll be set. While the trains don’t operate 24 hours a day, they’re frequent enough to plan your itinerary around and not have to worry about delays.

Pro tip: Add your SUICA to your phone’s digital wallet for added convenience.

Buses

Best for: Exploring remote areas on a budget
Bad for: Can be less frequent

Buses are another great option to get around Japan, especially in the more rural areas. However, make sure to check timetables, as the more remote you are the more infrequent the buses may be.

Places like Kyoto charge a standard ¥230 per journey (however long or short), which means you can access the surrounding countryside very cheaply. On the whole, buses in Japan are very reliable, but slightly more infrequent than trains.

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Taxis

Best for: Convenient and comfortable travel
Bad for: More expensive than other options

Taxis are expensive in Japan, there are no two ways about it. In places like Tokyo, the basic charge is ¥730 as soon as the door opens, plus ¥320 per KM. That adds up quickly and becomes a lot less justifiable with the alternate options on offer.

That said if you’re looking for a comfortable and relaxing way to travel, getting into an air-conditioned taxi is a far more pleasant experience than joining Japan’s rush hour foot traffic on the trains. Using apps like Go or Uber can help to manage costs, but you’ll need to be especially aware of rising costs for airport transfers. Work out these costs before your journey to ensure it’s worth it for you.

Car Rental

Best for: Exploring Japan at your own pace
Bad for: Inner city travel

Looking to explore remote areas of Japan with complete convenience? Renting a car for your trip may just be the best idea. Companies like Orix, Times or Toyota offer very efficient car rental services across all parts of the country, just make sure you have the correct international driver's permit for Japan (obtained and issued in your home country).

The most popular car rental companies:

Toyota Rent-a-car
Nippon Rent-a-car
Orix Rent-a-car
Times Car Rental
Nissan Rent-a-car
Ekiren

Many have online English reservation systems making the entire process incredibly easy. International car companies also operate in Japan, but none offer particularly competitive rates. Fees usually range between ¥5,000 - ¥20,000 per 24-hour period depending on the type and style of car needed.

Mainly exploring cities on your trip to Japan? If you’re open to the idea, using public transport is almost certainly the easiest and most hassle-free choice.

Hiring a Driver

Best for: Luxury travel

Bad for: Those on a budget

If you are looking for the ultimate convenience and comfort for your trip, hiring a driver is a very popular option. This is likely the most expensive mode of transport in Japan, but you’ll usually have toll roads, parking fees, fuel and taxes paid for as well as a highly knowledgeable driver.

It’s worth considering the convenience of door-to-door service, and how much time that will save you during your itinerary. Ask yourself, does the increased cost justify the amount of time I’m saving? If you’re looking for a hassle-free holiday, the answer might be a resounding yes.

Pasmo & Suica

Best for: Convenient travel on public transport
Bad for: Not all public transport accepts IC cards

It’s the easiest way to navigate public transport in Japan and is worth grabbing on your first day in the country. Charge it up in a konbini or at a train station, and tap in and out of buses, local trains, and other public transport.

If you have an iPhone, you can add IC cards to Apple Pay and top them up remotely which only increases their convenience. Keep in mind that some remote train lines won’t accept IC cards, so make sure you’re carrying enough cash just in case.

Pro tip: Among other things, you can also use your IC card to pay at convenience stores.

Bikes

Best for: Exploring remote locations at your own pace
Bad for: Long distances, bad weather, carrying luggage

Bike rental is available in many locations in Tokyo, Kyoto and other cities around Japan. For some of the more remote places like Naoshima where transport options are limited, bikes offer a fantastic way to explore without relying on one of the one to three town buses per hour.

In other places, it’s still a great way to explore the local areas. You can investigate the wider local area at your own pace, away from the crowded buses and trains, and access hard-to-reach areas more easily.

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