Getting Around Japan
There’s so much more to Japan than Tokyo, and flying in and out of the capital without seeing the slopes of Hokkaido, the street food of Osaka or the Onsen dotted across the mountain ranges of Japan would be a shame. Transport in Japan is safe, punctual and well-managed, so making your way to even the most obscure villages, is possible. Sit back, and allow WAZA Travel to navigate you through the options of getting around Japan.
Shinkansen (AKA Bullet Train)
The Shinkansen is a high-speed train system that covers most of Japan. It you are planning to explore more than just a single city, opt for a JR Pass. It gives you access to not only the bullet trains, but all Japan Rail operated trains. The passes are priced based on the duration they are valid for, and the regions they cover. There are regional passes, and national passes; for 7, 14 or 21 days. Travellers have always had to buy their JR Passes before arriving in Japan. However, for a limited time period, a pass can be bought at selected stations and airports. We do however advise buying it before arrival to save money and time. Trains in the city are serious, with people looking straight ahead and rushing to get places, the Shinkansen on the other hand is associated with leisure. Be sure to buy a carefully put together ekiben before departing - eating on these trains is permitted.
TOP TIP: Look out for Mount Fuji if you’re travelling from Tokyo to Osaka. It will be on the right side of the train about 40 minutes into the trip.
Domestic Air Travel
So, why travel by plane if there is an incredible national rail network, you ask? Well, there are some scenarios that may require hopping on a flight. The sandy beaches of the Okinawa archipelago can’t be accessed by train, so if you plan on doing some surfing while in Japan, a domestic flight may be your only option. And if you plan on going all the way from Tokyo to Sapporo in the north, your train trip would be about 14 hours, compared to a flight that takes less than two hours.
TOP TIP: Early morning flights can be up to 20% cheaper.
Travelling By Bus
Busses are slower, but more cost-effective than trains. Many of the long-haul routes offer overnight busses with reclining, spacious seats and a toilet onboard. Bus passes are also on offer to people visiting Japan, reducing the price of this option even further. Busses also come in handy if you’re looking to access harder to reach onsen in mountainous areas where trains don’t go, or artisan villages across the country.
TOP TIP: You can book bus tickets online, in English, with Willer Express.
Rent a Car
If you’re travelling with two or more people, and plan on exploring Japan’s more remote areas, travelling by car is the way to go. When calculating costs, keep in mind that you’ll be paying for petrol, and tolls along the way, a single toll can cost up to R2,200. You’ll also need to arrange your international driver’s license before leaving South Africa. There’s no need to rely on road signs along the way, with Google Maps you’ll be able to easily navigate through even the most rural parts of the country. It’s also a good idea to learn a few words from this YouTube video that will come in use at service stations.
Check out our post Top Tips for a Road Trip Through Japan for more details about renting a car.
TOP TIP: Get the Japan Expressway Pass to save money on tolls.