By Official Travel Guy / March 8, 2025
If there’s one place where public transport is so damn good it makes the rest of the world look like they’re riding around in horse carts, it’s Japan. It’s fast. It’s quiet. It’s stupidly on time. But if you’re new here—especially standing lost in Tokyo Station with three bags, 0% battery, and a Google Translate app that just called someone’s mom a potato—it can be overwhelming. Don’t worry. This guide is for you.
Let’s start with the big one: the Japan Rail Pass. If you’re planning to hit multiple cities (think Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima), this baby is a no-brainer. You pay once, and boom—unlimited rides on JR trains, including the sleek, beautiful, sexy Shinkansen (bullet trains).
Options: 7, 14, or 21-day passes. You’ll need to order it ahead of time or buy it at major stations with your passport. It’s not cheap—but a Tokyo to Kyoto round trip basically pays for it. Plus, riding the Shinkansen is an experience. Reserved seats? Optional. Smooth ride? Every time. Delayed? Never. You’ll arrive before you even finish your konbini sandwich.
If JR Pass is your cross-country ticket, Suica, Pasmo, and other IC cards are your city life saviors. Think of them like Japan’s version of a debit card for trains, buses, vending machines, and even kombinis (yes, you can literally buy your morning iced coffee with it).
Buy one from any train station kiosk, preload it with yen, and just tap in/out at train gates like a boss. They work across most regions—even if the names change (ICOCA in Osaka, etc.). Pro tip: use up any leftover balance at the airport on snacks or souvenirs.
Tokyo’s subway system is an art form. Color-coded lines. Numbered exits. English signage. But it can still feel like a maze built by a Rubik’s cube. Here’s how to win:
And yes, it’s going to get crowded. Just hold your breath, clutch your dignity, and let the train absorb you.
Let’s come back to the Shinkansen real quick because it deserves praise. Tokyo to Kyoto in 2.5 hours at 200+ mph? Chef’s kiss. If you don’t have a JR Pass, you can buy tickets at the station or via machines (some have English). Pro tips:
Limited express trains are also solid options if there’s no Shinkansen route. Still fast, still efficient.
Buses in Japan are underrated. Local buses take you to those in-between spots (shrines, mountains, countryside towns). Long-distance highway buses like Willer Express can save you major yen—especially for overnight routes. Bonus: night buses mean one less night paying for a bed.
On local buses: enter from the back, pay at the front (cash or IC card). If it feels backward, that’s because it is—but it works.
Taxis in Japan are clean, safe, and expensive. Doors open automatically (don’t touch them unless you want judgment). Uber exists but is limited. DiDi and JapanTaxi are better options.
Useful for:
For far-off places like Hokkaido or Okinawa, a flight might make sense. Low-cost carriers like Peach and Jetstar are solid. For the rest? Stick to trains.
As for driving: roads are great, but unless you’re road tripping Hokkaido or in the sticks, skip it. You drive on the left, need an International Driving Permit, and tolls can rack up. Plus, parking in cities is an actual nightmare.
Japan’s best-kept secret: Takkyubin. It’s a luggage forwarding service where you ship your bags ahead (hotel to hotel, airport, etc.). You roll up to your next city hands-free while your suitcase takes the scenic route. Ask your hotel or use a convenience store to send it. Cheap, fast, magical.
Yes, Tokyo Station is a beast. Yes, everything is in kanji. But Japan’s transport system is built for precision—and once you get the hang of it, you’ll never want to travel any other way.
Get your IC card. Grab your JR Pass if you’re moving around. Download your apps. And most importantly, don’t panic when the platform changes last second—you’ll figure it out. You always do.
And after a week? You’ll be gliding through Shinjuku Station at rush hour like a true Tokyo salaryman. Briefcase not included.
– Anthony, The Official Travel Guy
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