Public Transportation in Japan: Easy Guide for Travellers

Japan won my heart for many reasons including tasty Okonomiyaki and beautiful Mount Fuji.

Clean, efficient, and always on time, Japan’s public transportation is top-notch. If you’re planning a trip, you might already know how expensive Japan can be for budget travellers.

Thankfully, the Japanese transit system makes exploring the country less expensive.

Buses, bullet trains, subway, metros, and trams – these options keep your costs down. The rail and bus networks are impressive, but they can also be confusing for first-timers.

I remember feeling overwhelmed when I first saw Tokyo subway map! – It looks like a bowl of entangled spaghetti.

If you’re worried about using public transport in Japan, you’re in the right place. After three weeks of travel using mainly buses and trains, we’ve figured out how to navigate Japan’s transport system with ease.

Here’s how to use Japan’s public transportation like a pro, keeping your trip easy and on budget.

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How to Get Around in Japan: An Overview

Japan’s public transport system is not just one of the best but the best in the world. A variety of trains and buses connect every corner of the country, making it easy to get around Japan without needing a private car

Plus, taxis or having a private car can be super expensive – for a 10 km ride, you could pay over 6,000 yen by taxi. But if you take a bus or train (metro), it will cost you a maximum of 400 yen.

So public transport is the cheapest way to travel in Japan.

Can tourists use public transport in Japan?

Surely, tourists can use public transportation in Japan. Popular tourist destinations like Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, and Nagano are connected by highway buses and specific trains, forming a tourist circuit.

In every city or village, there are buses with routes designed specifically for travellers. The Sky Hop bus in Tokyo, the Fujikyu Sightseeing bus, and the Hiroshima to Miyajima island ferry lines are scheduled to make it easy for tourists to explore.

Plus, bullet trains and local trains connect all of Japan. With a bit of homework, tourists can and should use public transportation to travel around Japan on a budget.

Is public transport easy to use in Japan for tourists?

It is very easy for all kinds of tourists to get around Japan with the public transportation system for several reasons.

Always On Time: Japan’s trains and buses are 99.9% on time, so you won’t have to stress about missing a connection, unlike in some other countries (looking at you, Germany!).

Japan Travel Apps Make It Easy: The railway network might seem a bit much at first, but with an app like Jorudan AKA Japan Transit Planner it’s much simpler – To access this, always have Data enabled Japan local SIM on your phone.

Clear Signs Everywhere: Station names are in both Japanese and English, and the Japanese are pros at signage – from holding sushi to finding your platform, it’s all there in detail.

Learning the Ropes: Don’t expect to master the transport system right away. We were baffled at Asakusabashi station by the three levels of metro lines. But even if you don’t speak Japanese, you’ll get the hang of it.

Ask for Help and Dive In: Give it a bit of time, make some mistakes, ask strangers for help, and soon you’ll be navigating Japan’s transport like a pro with the right tools!

Is public transport expensive in Japan?

Unfortunately, public transport in Japan is expensive compared to other Asian countries like Thailand.

Even Austria’s trains and metros are cheaper than Japan’s! Austria is the second most expensive country I have ever been to, with Japan being the first.”

However, if you compare the cost of taking a Japanese public bus for a 2 km ride in Tokyo versus taking a cab, the taxi would easily cost 6 to 8 times more than the bus.

As much as I adore the convenience and comfort of travelling at lightning speed with bullet trains, it hurts to see how much a Shinkansen ticket costs. Even the JR Pass, which is mainly for accessing bullet trains, isn’t cheap.

Cost of Public Transportation in Japan

• Tokyo Metro – 200 yen for 1 to 6km
• Osaka Metro – 190 yen for 1 to 3km
• Bus fares in Kyoto, Hiroshima, Nagoya and Nagano – Flat rate 210 to 250 yens
• Tram fares in Hiroshima – Flat rate 190 to 220 yen
• Tokyo to Osaka Bullet Train cost : Approx 14000 yen (550km, 2hr 30 minutes by Shinkansen)
• Kyoto to Osaka Local Train : 550 to 600 yen ( 60km, 1 hour train journey)
• Shirakawago to Takoka Mini bus : 1800 yen (70km, 1 hour journey)

Do Japan cities have 24/7 public transport?

Unfortunately, no place in Japan has 24/7 public transport. Bus and train services usually start around 5:30 AM and goes up to 11PM.

In Tokyo, metro and bus services stop by midnight. In other cities like Kyoto and Hiroshima, the local networks stop by 10:30 PM. After that, your only option is taxis, which can cost a fortune!

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Pre-Trip Planning: Transport Passes

No pass in Japan works for all modes of public transport- Because many private companies, not just the state, run the transport system.

So, you must research well before buying any pass in Japan and choosing the right one.

Is Japan Rail Pass necessary for every tourist?

J R Pass isn’t necessary for every tourist – Here is why.

Let’s say you’re in Japan for two weeks, covering Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. The 14-day JR Pass costs about $576 USD.

If you buy individual bullet train tickets for Tokyo to Kyoto, Kyoto to Osaka, and back to Tokyo from Osaka, it will cost a maximum of $220 USD. So, you’d end up paying 2.8 times more with the JR Pass.

JR Pass doesn’t cover all subway lines in Tokyo and Osaka, and most buses in Kyoto need separate tickets – So your J R Pass is gone for waste.

But you can make full use of it if you plan well – I bought a 7-day JR Pass for my 3-week trip to Japan and only used it in the last week, we saved almost 40,000 yen!

I’ve written a detailed post on whether you need a JR Pass or not. So read and then decide.

Which transportation card to get in Japan?

Regional JR Pass: These are a budget-friendly alternative to the pricey JR Pass and work similarly, but only in specific areas. Perfect if you’re planning to explore a particular region or stick to certain routes such as Fuji-Shizuoka Area.

Tokyo: The 24/48/72-hour Subway Ticket only covers subways, not buses. We found single tickets cheaper and preferred the Sky Hop bus pass — best decision to see Tokyo!

Fuji Five Lakes: The Fujikyu bus pass (1 or 2 days) covers key routes around the lakes like Kawaguchi and Saiko. Our 2-day pass was worth it; we explored tons of great spots!

Osaka: The Enjoy Eco Card wasn’t worth it for us as we only used the Universal Studios line and Dotonbori, so we skipped it.

Hiroshima: The “Visit Hiroshima Tourist Pass” covers all transport, but we walked everywhere and didn’t need it.

Nagoya: Unless you’re doing serious sightseeing, skip the Meguru pass. A regular bus ticket was more useful for us.

Nagano: The Snow Monkey 1-Day Pass was a great buy, covering transport and entry to the Jigokudani monkey park — totally used it to the max!

Kyoto: The 1-Day Bus + Subway Pass is perfect for hitting Kyoto’s main sights. We used it selectively over 5 days and got great value!

Remember, there’s no need to buy these in advance; you can easily get them at the train or bus stations in each city.

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What is an IC card in Japan?

Japan’s IC cards are godsend plastic cards which act like prepaid rechargeable debit cards. These cards are widely accepted almost all over Japan, including at convenience stores.

Does IC Card Work as a Transport Pass?

IC Cards aren’t discount passes; they’re for pay-as-you-go travel, saving you from buying individual tickets. Just tap, go, and top up when needed instead of using your credit card

Types of IC Cards in Japan

Suica: Issued by JR East, used widely in Tokyo and other parts of Japan with a 500-yen deposit. It works on trains, buses, and in many shops. Available at JR East stations, ticket machines, and some airports.

Welcome Suica: Ideal for short-term visitors, valid for 28 days with no deposit. Only available at Haneda Airport Terminal 3 – We bought this and was super useful.

PASMO: Similar to Suica, issued by private railway and bus companies in Tokyo, with a 500-yen deposit. Available at participating train stations and convenience stores in Tokyo.

Other Regional IC Cards: Include Kitaca, TOICA, etc., but are less popular than Suica or PASMO.

How to Buy IC Cards:

You can buy IC cards at ticket machines or station kiosks, which accept credit cards and Japanese currency cash, with instructions in English and Japanese.

The Welcome Suica, designed for tourists, also offers instructions in French, German, and Russian.

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Essential Apps for Route Planning

The Jorudan AKA Japan Transit Planner is essential and a must-have app if you’re travelling around Japan using trains and buses.

Honestly, without Jorudan, we wouldn’t have navigated the maze of Japanese railway and bus networks!

Why Jorudan Stands Out:

• Available in Multiple Languages: Perfect for international travellers.
• Customisable Searches: Prioritise JR Pass options or exclude certain routes.
• Route Icons: Quickly see the best route for speed, cost, or ease.
• Comprehensive Info: Find train stations, platform numbers, and travel times at a glance.

Jorudan, like many Japanese apps, is highly infographic-based and offers options for local trains, bullet trains, and combinations of all available modes of transportation. Watch the introduction video to understand the terminology and signage.

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Arriving in Japan: Airport to Accommodation

Japan’s main international airports are in Tokyo (Haneda and Narita) and Osaka (Kansai). All have train services to the city centre, but these don’t operate 24/7.

Tokyo trains stop at midnight, and Osaka trains stop at 10:45 PM. If you arrive later, your only option is an expensive cab transfer

Unfortunately, Our Cathay Pacific flight from Hong Kong was delayed, and we landed at Haneda Airport at 11:40 PM, missing the last monorail.

We had to pay 13,000 yen (about 85 USD) for a taxi, whereas a monorail + Yamanote line ticket would have been just 800 yen for both of us.

It’s best to use the Japan Transit Planner to check available train or monorail options based on your arrival time.

Some trains take you directly to the city centre, while others require a quick transfer to reach Tokyo or Osaka city centres from their respective airports.

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How to pay for public transport in Japan?

The best way to pay for public transport in Japan is with rechargeable IC cards like Suica or Pasmo. They’re super convenient for trains, buses, and even some taxis—just tap on the reader when you enter and exit.

Cash is an option, but using ticket machines can be a hassle.

Credit cards are also accepted, but I prefer not to use them for small transactions, even though fraud is less common in Japan than in some European countries.

Buying Tickets From Vending Machines & Counters

If you have last-minute plans or no internet access, you might need to buy tickets in person.

Look for the display card in English, point to the ticket you need, and indicate the quantity. The helpful cashiers will understand, and you can pay with cash or an IC card for buses, trains, or even bullet trains.

We bought our tickets to Mount Fuji this way, and passes like the Fujikyu are also purchased at the cash counter.

Japan Train Travel

Japan Railways is a mix of government and private ownership, with private companies even running some Shinkansen lines.

This is why the Japan Rail Pass doesn’t cover all trains. Always check in advance to see if your pass is valid for your route!

Types of Trains in Japan

Shinkansen (Bullet Trains): The fastest option, ideal for long distances like Tokyo to Osaka, with speeds up to 320 km/h. Tickets cost 10,000-20,000 yen. For example, the Sanyo Shinkansen connects Osaka to Hiroshima.

Local Trains: Slowest but great for city exploration, stopping at every station. Tickets are affordable, typically 200-500 yen. An example route is the Yamanote Line, circling central Tokyo.

Express Trains: Faster than local trains, ideal for airport transfers, costing around 1,000-2,000 yen. Meitetsu U-SKY Limited Express connects Nagoya Station to Chubu Centrair International Airport.

Semi-Express Trains: Similar to express trains but skip more stops; prices are about 1,000-2,000 yen. For example, the Nagano Electric Railway’s Snow Monkey Express connects Nagano to Yudanaka, a popular route for those visiting the snow monkeys,

Rapid Trains: Quicker than semi-express, fewer stops, and no extra fare. Good for tourist spots; costs 200-500 yen. For example, a rapid train from Tokyo to Kamakura that we took.

Limited Express Trains: Second fastest, good for shorter trips like Osaka to Kyoto. An example is the Kintetsu Limited Express, with prices between 2,000-6,000 yen plus a limited express fee.

Theme Trains in Japan

Japan’s trains aren’t just the best way to travel in Japan, they’re super fun too! From the pink Hello Kitty bullet train between Osaka and Fukuoka to the Pokémon-themed trains, there’s so much to enjoy.

We took the “Thomas and Friends” train from Kawaguchi to Shimo-Yoshida Station on our way to Chureito Pagoda, looking for a budget-friendly route. It made our trip so much more exciting!

Facilities at Japan Train Stations

Restrooms: Clean and well-maintained toilets in every stations, often with baby-changing stations and accessibility features

Food and Shopping: Convenience stores, bakeries, cafes, and sometimes even full supermarkets. Souvenir shops and kiosks sell local snacks and gifts in bigger stations.

Wi-Fi and Charging Stations: Free Wi-Fi in many stations, plus charging points to keep your devices powered.

Luggage Storage: Lockers and luggage storage services are available for storing bags, especially in major stations (not available in smaller rural stations).

Information Desks: Multilingual help desks provide assistance with directions, train schedules, and tourist information.

Ticket Machines and Counters: Easy-to-use ticket machines and staffed counters for buying and reserving tickets.

Waiting Areas: Comfortable seating areas, often with air conditioning or heating.

Accessibility Features: Elevators, escalators, and tactile paving for people with disabilities.

ATMs and Currency Exchange: ATMs that accept international cards and currency exchange counters.

City J R Stations feels like a mall!

Tokyo Central Station has a huge underground area with hundreds of gacha machines and stores, perfect for exploring for half a day.

Tokyo and Osaka JR stations have a mall-like vibe, while Kyoto offers cool cafes.

Many stations, like Nagano, have great local food stalls. We did some major souvenir Shopping in Nagano JR Station.

Bus Travel in Japan

Buses are a cheaper alternative to long-distance trains in Japan, and with the country’s excellent roads, don’t hesitate to choose a bus to save money on public transportation in Japan.

There are three types of buses: long-route highway buses for city-to-city travel, short-route buses connecting nearby towns (usually 2-3 hours), and city buses for local travel.

What are Highway buses in Japan?

Highway Buses in Japan are cheaper than bullet trains for inter- city travel. Long-distance buses may have sleeper coaches and toilets, but they cost more than regular ones.

These buses have luggage compartments, so you can bring your trolley suitcase and hand it over to the bus driver before boarding.

Buy tickets in advance at kiosks for Japan Highway buses, as companies sell only their own route tickets. Reservations are a must during busy times, and online booking is available on the Japan Bus Line website.

Short Length Local Buses

Local buses in Japan include loop buses like Fujikyu, Takaoka to Shirakawago and routes like Nagano to Jigokudani Monkey Park. These routes are meant for 2-3hr journey.

Prior booking might be needed during weekends and peak seasons. However, if you travel off-peak in Japan, like we did in December, you can buy tickets from the kiosks at station.

Japan City Buses

City buses typically have fixed routes and run in a loop within city limits. This system is widely used in cities like Kyoto, Nagoya, and Hiroshima, where there is no metro or subway.

They are often called “flat or fixed-price buses,” charge between 200 and 230 yen for a single ride, regardless of the distance. For instance, both a 2km ride and a 0.5km ride would cost the same 230 yen.

Using City Local buses in Japan:

Boarding: Enter through the back, tap your IC card, or take a numbered ticket.

Fare Display: Check the screen for your fare if you have a ticket.

Getting Off: Press the button to signal the driver.

Paying Fare: Drop your ticket and fare in the box or tap your IC card when exiting.

Flat Fare Areas: In cities like Kyoto, Hiroshima, Nagoya, a flat fare applies, so you don’t need to check fares.

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Handling Luggage While Using Public Transport

Highway Buses: These buses have boot space for larger luggage. Simply hand your bags to the driver before boarding. Overhead compartments are suitable for small backpacks but not for rucksacks.

Local Buses and Metro: Most passengers carry small bags, like handbags or backpacks. You can bring luggage on a local bus, especially when arriving in a new city, but it can be overwhelming during peak hours.

Local and Express Trains: While the seats are comfortable, space for luggage is limited. Placing luggage in the aisles is considered rude. To travel hassle-free, it’s best to use a luggage forwarding service.

Airport Connecting Trains: Designed with luggage in mind, these trains offer ample space to store bags between seats.

Shinkansen (Bullet Trains): Overhead compartments are available for rucksacks and backpacks, but large suitcases do not fit. If you have a large suitcase, mention it when buying your ticket so you can be assigned a seat in a coach with a luggage area.

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Etiquette and Cultural Norms on Japanese Public Transport

Do Soft Talk : Whether on a train or bus, Japanese people tend to keep things quiet. You can talk to each other, but keep your voice very low.

Don’t Talk on the Phone: Japanese consider it rude to talk on the phone while using public transportation. Refrain from using your phone to make calls while on public transport.

No Eating or Drinking: Eating and drinking are generally frowned upon on local trains and buses. However, it is acceptable on long-distance trains like the Shinkansen.

Mind Your Luggage: Keep your bags close to you without blocking seats or aisles. Use overhead racks or designated luggage areas when available.

Priority Seating: Leave priority seats for the elderly, disabled, pregnant, or those with small children. If in doubt, it’s best to stand.

Line Up: Form orderly queues at marked boarding points on platforms and let passengers exit before boarding.

Respect Personal Space: Avoid physical contact and try not to lean against others, even in crowded conditions.

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Accessibility Information for Travelers with Special Needs

Japan’s public transport is quite accessible for travellers with special needs. Most stations have lifts, ramps, and accessible toilets.

Major train stations offer barrier-free routes and tactile paving for the visually impaired. Many buses feature low floors or wheelchair lifts.

Some stations provide assistance services, but it’s best to ask in advance. Accessible taxis are also widely available.

When buses or trains don’t have low floors or wheelchair lifts, drivers or station staff use a metal ramp to help.

They place it against the bus or train exit, allowing wheelchairs to board or exit smoothly—even at busy street bus stops.

Troubleshooting: Common Issues and How to Solve Them

Missed Your Stop: Don’t panic! Get off at the next stop and ask the station staff for help. They’ll guide you on how to get back.

Ticket Control Gates Not Opening: If your IC card is low on balance or damaged, the ticket gates might not open. Head to the ticket office booth next to the gates.

They can check your card balance or ticket validity. If there’s not enough money, you can pay with cash on the spot to continue your journey.

Confusing Exit Gates: Huge stations like Shinjuku can be a maze! If you find the right exit as a first-timer, you deserve an award!

To avoid getting lost, use a translation app to type the area you need to reach and ask a local. They’ll happily point you to the right exit with a big smile.

No Cash for Fare: Most stations have ATMs, and buses usually accept IC cards. Top up or withdraw cash if needed.

Language Barrier: Use Google Lens to translate signage in Japan, especially for toilets and ticket counters. Platform and station names are typically displayed in both English and Japanese.

Lost Ticket: Inform the station staff near the ticket control gate. You will need to pay the fare from the start of your journey.

Lost Luggage: In Japan, lost items are often recovered. If you leave something on a train or bus, report it to the station officer at the next stop. They’ll take your details, track down your belongings, and usually return them within two days.

Found our tips helpful to use Public Transportation in Japan easily and under budget? Let us know in the comment section below.