Japan is famous for its trains and efficient public transport network, which make it super easy to get around the country and explore more of what Japan has to offer. One thing to note in Japan is that, while you can buy transport tickets as you go, the best way to get around is with an IC Card. IC cards vary in name from city to city but are compatible with each other and can be used across most of the country’s large cities making them very convenient. You will need to purchase the card initially which consists of a ¥500 ($3.75) deposit plus an initial charge of around ¥1500 ($11). The cards are rechargeable and can be swiped when going through ticket gates. The cards can also be used at most vending machines and convenience stores. You can purchase IC cards at the airport stations or most train stations. If you’re visiting Japan for 1-2 weeks and are planning to travel around to some of the major tourist destinations and cities in the country using the Shinkansen, then purchasing a Japan Rail Pass ahead of your visit can be a great idea and, depending on your itinerary, will save you both money and time. Here are our top tips for getting around Japan with the various types of transport available:

Shinkansen (Bullet Train) – The Shinkansen, or bullet train as it’s known outside of Japan, is the best way to get around Japan. It’s quick, super comfortable, nearly always on time and quite reasonably priced considering the service you’re getting. While the Shinkansen doesn’t cover the entire of Japan or stop at every station, it can get you close to most destinations within Japan, excluding Okinawa and some of Hokkaido. The most popular lines for visitors are the Tokkaido and Sanyo route which runs from Tokyo to Fukuoka in Kyushu, with stops including Yokohama, Nagoya, Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe and Hiroshima. The Tohoku line is also popular, running from Tokyo to Hakodate in Hokkaido with stops including Sendai, Hachinohe and Aomori. Tickets for the Shinkansen can be bought at the ticket machines at Shinkansen stations (available in several languages including English) or at JR ticket counters, where there is usually a member of staff that can speak English. Tickets generally consist of a basic fare ticket for the route plus a supplement ticket for the Shinkansen and can include a seat reservation ticket too, if you decide to reserve a seat.

Most of the train cars on a Shinkansen are for standard reserved seats with around 3-5 cars for non-reserved seats. There are also green cars (first class) and sometimes premium green cars and gran class too. The higher the class, the more expensive the ticket. Ticket prices do not fluctuate, they are set and will not change whether you buy your Shinkansen ticket a month ahead or on the day. If you have purchased a Japan Rail Pass, you can use some of the Shinkansen trains but not all of their guidance on this is very clear and you can always ask at the station if you are unsure.

Once you have your ticket, you will need to enter the Shinkansen section of the station via the Shinkansen ticket gates. Train platforms and service signs are generally in Japanese and English. Shinkansen stations have toilets, shops, vending machines and restaurants and most services you may need before getting on the train. If the train isn’t too busy, you may be able to have your luggage next to you but otherwise, you will need to put your luggage at the rear of the end seats or in the large overhead luggage racks on the train (but you need to be able to pick it up for this!). Large luggage can be a pain on the Shinkansen can be a pain which is why it can be better to use one of Japan’s amazing luggage delivery services before making your journey. The best way to check Shinkansen train times, routes and prices is on Google Maps or Hyperdia 

Train – Alongside the Shinkansen are standard trains which tend to take longer and make more stops but are usually considerably less expensive than the Shinkansen, and sometimes the only option, depending on where you are in Japan. There are often local services, express services and rapid services which will stop at all or some of the stops on the route, so be sure to check which train you’re getting on. Prices for these trains vary across the country but are generally very reasonable. Tickets can be bought at a machine at the station, at the ticket counter or using an IC card. If you are boarding a limited express train, the base fare can be paid using an IC card but you will need to purchase a separate supplementary ticket for the train at the station. The best way to check for train times, prices and routes in Japan is to use Google Maps 

Bus – Buses are slower than most trains in Japan but they are usually considerably less expensive and can cover direct connections than trains sometimes can’t. Alongside local buses that operate within specific towns or cities, highway buses, express buses, airport buses and overnight buses can get visitors from A to B comfortably. Seating arrangements are usually quite spacious on long-distance buses and toilets and a/c are usually provided alongside luggage storage in the trunks under the bus. While there are lots of companies that operate mid-long distance buses across Japan, two of the largest companies are JR bus and Willer bus, which offer discount prices. Willer bus has a good English website and you can book tickets online for their buses as well as other companies. JR highway bus tickets can be bought at some JR station ticket counters. The Japan Bus Online website is also useful for checking bus times and routes throughout Japan in English

Domestic flights – Japan has 29 airports which cater to domestic flights, making air travel a convenient way to get around the country. While the Shinkansen has made air travel less useful in Japan, domestic flights can be a good way to save time and get to some harder-to-reach destinations. With several budget airlines, domestic air travel can also be a good way to save money when travelling long distances across the country. Both Japan Airlines and ANA operate the largest number of domestic flight routes across Japan but budget airlines including Peach Airlines, Jetstar Japan and Skymark operate many domestic flight routes which are very reasonably priced. Check Skyscanner to see the various domestic flight options available throughout Japan

Car Hire – Car hire is a good way to get around Japan if you want to see destinations that aren’t accessible by train and it allows you to have more freedom and flexibility with your route and itinerary. Roads are very safe in Japan and are generally of good quality and well-maintained and most rental cars have an integrated GPS. National expressways offer quicker connections between cities and towns but do have tolls, which can often add up considerably when travelling longer distances. There are many car hire companies operating in Japan including Times, OTS, Toyota, Nissan and Nippon. Car hire fees are generally quite standard compared to similar countries. Cars in Japan drive on the left side of the road and by law, you must wear your seatbelt and cannot use your phone while driving. Drinking any alcohol when driving is also illegal in Japan. Speed limits across Japan are generally 60 kph for standard roads and 100kph for expressways unless signposted otherwise. Urban streets are usually 40 kph unless otherwise stated. To rent a car in Japan you will be required to present an international driving permit

Ferry – Though not often considered an option for many tourists, Japan’s island network has resulted in many ferry connections across the country which can be a more scenic way of getting from A to B. Ferries can often take more time than the train or driving, but it’s a great way to see more of the country and relax a little more while travelling. Some of the best ferry options are in the Shikoku, Kyushu and Okinawa areas. There are also many smaller islands in Japan that can only be reached by ferry. Ferry services vary in amenities but most have toilets and vending machines and larger ferries that run longer distances usually have a café, a shop and options for sleeper cabins and first-class cabins, and some ferries even have a public bath! Ferry routes, times and prices are usually found on the specific ferry website so you will need to check these in advance or ask at the tourist office, at the ferry port counter or your hotel for more advice