Getting around Japan on public transport can be daunting, but with this guide you’ll know all your options for smooth navigation!
Grab an IC Card!
IC cards or “Integrated Circuit” cards are your everyday travel cards that are used for most trains and buses in Japan. They can be purchased at just about any train station, including the airport upon arrival! They allow you to charge up your balance with cash at any train station and simply tap on and off to enter and exit the gates as you go. Depending on the region you’re in, IC cards have different names such as Suica card, Pasmo card, or ICOCA card, all of which serve the same purpose.
Make Reservations!
Reserving seats on trains and buses are a great way to ensure you’re not left standing during long trips. In some cases, it is mandatory to reserve a seat such as the case with overnight buses which travel from prefecture to prefecture e.g. Osaka to Tokyo. It’s also important to reserve seats on the Shinkansen (bullet train) in order to ensure you have a seat for a long ride, particularly if you have “oversized baggage” a.k.a suitcases and whatnot, as spaces for these must be reserved.
JR & Regional Passes!
The JR Pass is every foreign tourist’s go-to for getting around Japan in a smooth and easy way. While prices have increased in recent years, they’re still a great way to save money, particularly on long bullet-train trips that can be really pricey for a ticket! Regional passes are an even more budget-friendly option if you will be traveling a lot around a specific area or prefecture, allowing you to make further savings on trains and buses.
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