 Public Transportation
Expressways
Expressways make up a large network of high-speed toll roads and highways across Japan. Toll gates located at toll road entrances or exits accept cash, credit card, pre-paid cards and the electric toll collection system (ETC).
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Airlines
In addition to the Narita, Kansai and Central International Airports, local airports which support many domestic and international flights are also present in major cities. Numerous foreign airlines have established partnerships with Japanese carriers. The Tokyo Haneda Airport is connected to domestic airports by countless flights and offers a convenient travel option.
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Major Airports
International and Domestic Airlines
Domestic Airlines
Railroads
The Japanese railroad network serves the entire country. The largest railroad company, Japan Railways Group (JR Group), is a consortium composed of JR East Japan, JR West Japan, JR Hokkaido, JR Kyushu, JR Shikoku. As an alternative to regular trains, the Shinkansen (bullet train) offers high-speed transportation across Japan. Besides JR Group, other private railroad companies operate in each local area.
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Subways
Subway systems operate in major metropolitan areas such as Tokyo, Yokohama, Osaka, Sapporo and Nagoya.
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Bus
Buses are extremely popular in Japan and are widely used in major cities, small towns, countryside and mountainous regions.
Most buses have a ticketing machine that accept bills and coins and can give back change if you do not have the exact fare. In most bus systems, you must pay another fare when changing buses.
In addition to city buses, there are long distance buses which connect metropolitan areas to smaller cities via highways.
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Nationwide Bus Services
Ferries
Ferries or Jetfoils connect all main domestic ports to each other. International ferries operate between Fukuoka and Pusan (Korea).
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Taxicabs
You can board a taxi located on the street or at designated hubs. In small cities, the majority of cabs operate around stations. You may call your local taxi company to schedule a pick-up.
Taxi fares are calculated by a base fee plus a mileage charge and rates greatly differ with the size of the vehicle. From 11:00 pm to 5:00 am rates are raised by 20 percent. Tip is not required as it is included in the fare.
Carry your pets
Pets should be kept in a carrier when using public transportation to avoid nuisance. In some cases, pets may not be allowed on board or an extra fee may be required.
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