Getting Around Japan: Transportation in Japan & Best Way to Travel

One of the most iconic ways to travel across Japan is by Shinkansen, or bullet train. These high-speed trains connect major cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Hiroshima with breathtaking efficiency, reaching speeds of up to 320 km/h (199 mph). For travelers looking to experience the Best of Japan, taking the bullet train simply can't be beat in terms of convenience. Even better, booking train tickets in advance can be easily done via Rail Ninja, a reliable platform for reserving Shinkansen and intercity train tickets online.

• Punctuality: Shinkansen trains are renowned for their timeliness, often departing and arriving to the minute.
• Comfort: The trains offer roomy seats, ample legroom, and large windows for scenic views.
• Accessibility: The stations are equipped with user-friendly facilities, making it easy for those with limited mobility to travel.

Japan’s major cities feature some of the most efficient metro and subway systems in the world. The Tokyo Metro and Osaka’s subway system make it easy to navigate urban centers quickly. Stations are well-marked with English signage, and IC cards like Suica and Pasmo allow for convenient contactless payments across different modes of transport. Visitors can easily access popular tourist spots like Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo or Umeda Sky Building in Osaka without worrying about the complexities of urban transit.

• Frequency: Trains arrive frequently, especially during peak hours, so you won’t have to wait long for the next one.
• Convenient Transfers: Metro stations are well-connected with other transit systems, such as buses and Shinkansen, for seamless travel.
• Cost Effeciency: The metro system is affordable, with flat-rate tickets or travel passes available for unlimited rides.

If speed isn't a priority, Japan’s extensive rail network also includes options for regional and sightseeing trains that offer breathtaking views and unique cultural experiences. For example, the Sagano Romantic Train in Kyoto allows one to enjoy the picturesque scenery along the Hozu River, especially during the fall when the foliage is at its peak. Meanwhile, the Sakura Train in Osaka provides travelers with an unforgettable journey through cherry tree-lined routes at the peak of their blooming season.

• Unique Themes: From anime-inspired trains to luxury dining cars, themed trains offer a memorable journey.
• Cultural Immersion: Themed sightseeing trains provide cultural experiences, including decorated interiors, custom service, and even staged performances onboard.
• Affordable: Local trains are budget-friendly, especially for short trips within a region.
• Comfortable: While slower than Shinkansen, local trains still offer comfort and efficiency for travelers.

While trains dominate transportation in Japan, buses play a crucial role in connecting areas not serviced by rail. Highway buses, known for their affordability, link major cities and tourist destinations. Local buses are particularly useful in rural areas like Takayama and the Japanese Alps, providing access to scenic spots unreachable by train. Travelers looking to visit the hot springs in Hakone or the satellite towns around Kanazawa can easily rely on buses for direct routes.

• Affordability: Buses offer a budget-friendly alternative for long-distance travel, especially between cities.
• Access to Remote Areas: Many rural and mountainous areas are better accessed by buses than by trains.
• Comfortable Seating: Buses are comfortable, with reclining seats and large windows for scenic views.
• Flexible Timetakayamatables: Bus schedules often cater to both tourist hotspots and local routes, ensuring efficient travel options.

Taxis in Japan are known for their impeccable service, clean interiors, and automatic door-opening systems. While generally more expensive than public transport, they are useful for late-night travel and accessing locations with limited transit options. Ride-sharing apps are less common in Japan, with local taxi apps like JapanTaxi being a popular alternative. Taxis are especially convenient when traveling with large luggage or when venturing into areas that are less accessible by public transit.

• Private Travel: Taxis provide a more comfortable and private way to travel, especially for group travel.
• Great Service: Japanese taxi drivers are professional, helpful, and known for their high level of service.
• Availability: Taxis are available 24/7 in most major cities like Tokyo and Kyoto, making them a great backup travel option.

Renting a car is a great option for travelers looking to explore Japan’s countryside, from Hokkaido’s picturesque landscapes to the hidden coastal roads of Kyushu. While Japan’s trains cover most major destinations, driving allows for flexibility, particularly in areas where public transport is limited. Renting a car gives you the freedom to stop at remote temples, secluded beaches, and breathtaking mountain viewpoints that might be hard to reach otherwise.

• Flexibility: Renting a car allows for spontaneous travel, providing the best way to travel in Japan's lesser known destinations.
• Scenic Drives: Japan offers some of the most beautiful scenic drives, particularly along the coastlines and through national parks.
• Cost-Effective for Groups: Renting a car can be more cost-effective for families or groups, especially when visiting rural areas.

For those looking to travel beyond the main islands, ferries provide the best way to travel in Japan’s coastal regions. Destinations like Miyajima, Naoshima, and the Okinawa islands are best accessed via ferry, offering travelers a scenic and leisurely way to experience the Land of the Rising Sun. Ferries also connect small islands that are inaccessible by other means of transport, making them an essential mode of travel for island exploration.

• Scenic Journey: Ferries offer a relaxing and scenic way to travel between islands, providing a unique perspective of Japan’s coastline.
• Access to Remote Islands: Some of Japan’s lesser-known islands can only be accessed by ferry, adding to the adventure.
• Affordable: Ferries are often a more affordable option for traveling to remote islands compared to flights.