-
Agoda® Hotels in Japan
Plenty of choices on any budget. Save up to 75% on your reservation!
www.agoda.com/Japan_Hotels -
1,600 Hotels in Japan
Book your Hotel in Japan online. Save up to 75% on your reservation!
Booking.com/Japan-Hotels
Local Travel Info
Internal Flight and Major International Airports in Japan
There are two main international airports in Japan, Tokyo New International and Kansai Airport near Osaka. There are several other airports located around Japan, mostly serving internal flights and some international flights to Asia. There is an extensive network of flights connecting the four main islands and many of smaller islands as well. JAL and ANA are the two main operates of internal flights in Japan. However, if your journey is less than 350 miles it is generally quicker and more convenient to travel by bullet train.
Getting to and from the Airport in Japan
From Tokyo's Narita airport there are both buses and trains which are by far the cheapest and most convenient way to travel between the airport and the city centre. The airport is located about 60km north-east of Tokyo city centre and a taxi will cost you in the region of ¥20,000-30,000. A bus or train ticket on the other hand will cost about a tenth of the price. Buses depart from directly outside the terminal building, and there is no extra charge or limits for luggage. However, the journey into the centre of Tokyo can take about 2 or 3 hours. The fastest way to get into the centre of Tokyo is to take a train. From below the terminal building you can take either the Japan Railways Narita Express or the Keisei Skyliner. Both take about an hour to get to the centre, there are no limits with regard to luggage, however, trying to haul heavy bags through Japan's subways is not an easy feat, and not recommended, especially in the summer months. It is possible to have your luggage delivered to your hotel from the airport by one of the delivery companies that can be found in the airport.
Kansai airport serves the Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Kobe and the southern islands. High speed ferry services operate between the southern islands, Kobe and Osaka. Japan Railways runs train services between Kansai airport and Osaka and Kyoto, and there are several bus services running to local towns and cities.
Renting Cars in Japan
Driving in the major city centres is generally not recommended. Most city centres have outstanding subway systems that offer a much cheaper and more effective way of travelling. However, renting a car and heading in to the countryside is a great way to see some of Japan amazing natural beauty. Rental cars and roads are both well maintained, however, although renting a car in Japan is relatively cheap, parking fees and road tolls can quickly add up. Cars can be rented in Japan from most points of entry, including airports, ferry ports, train stations as well as local dealers. Car rental starts at around ¥6,000 per day for a small car, which includes a mandatory insurance fee of ¥1,000.
To book car rental in Japan online, view our Car Hire section for Japan. We offer Ok Alpha users the latest special offers and best rates available for car hire in Japan. We advise you book your Japan hire car in advance so you can pick it up and drop it off directly at the airport.
Drivers Licence Requirements in Japan
Traffic drives on the left in Japan. The maximum speed limit on most local roads is 60kph, though it maybe as low as 30kph in some areas. Major highways can have speed limits of 80 or 100kph. To drive in Japan you must be over 18 years old and have a valid international driving licence obtained from your home country.. Most road signs follow international standards, and most signs on major roads are written in both Japanese and English. However, on smaller country roads, this may not be the case. There are many toll roads in Japan, though these are generally expressways and some scenic roads.
Japan by Bus
Due to Japan's efficient and expansive rail system, few tourist use long distance buses in Japan. However, the bus network in Japan is comprehensive and works out cheaper if you do not have a Japan Rail Pass. Many intercity services also run at night allowing passengers to arrive early the next morning. Most buses are comfortable and many have additional services such as toilets and food and drinks. City buses in Japan, especially in the major cities will have destinations marked in both Japanese and English. Although staff at local tourist offices will be more than willing to help you arrange your journey, it is always useful to have your destination written down in Japanese to show the driver. Payment system can differ depending on operator and route. Some buses require you to pay at the front when you get on, whilst other services require you to get on the buses, take a ticket from the machine and may the required fare when you alight.
Japan by Taxi
Taxis in Japan should have a green licence plate indicating that they are licence taxis. A red light on top of the car indicates that the taxi is free. Travelling by taxi in Japan can be quite expensive. Fares start at around ¥600-700 for the first two kilometres rising by about ¥100 for every 500metres after that. Additional increases can be incurred if the taxi is stationary for a prolonged period of time. A rise of about 20-30% is normal for late evening and night rates. Taxis can be flagged on the street or from taxi stands, however, most taxi drivers speak little English and it is a good idea to have your destination written down in Japanese, or have a map ready, to show the driver. You should not try to open or close the taxi door yourself as this is done remotely by the driver. Also, tipping taxi drivers in Japan in not necessary as this service is included in the price.
Japan by Train
Japan is renowned for its punctual train services. Trains in Japan are safe, efficient and comfortable way of travelling around the country. The main rail operator in Japan is the Japan Railways Group, which has a nationwide network of over 21,000km of tracks. The famous 'bullet trains' (shinkansen) can be quicker and more convenient to travel between cities than flying, though there is generally little room for luggage on these trains. If you are planning to travel around Japan by rail, it is worth investing in a Japan Rail Pass. Train fares can be quiet expensive, yet the Pass gives unlimited travel on all Japan Railways lines, as well as some buses and ferries. The Japan Rail Pass is specially devised for tourists and cannot be bought inside Japan itself. It is important to arrange this before you leave by contacting an agent in your country. You will be given a Japan Rail Pass Exchange Order which is exchanged for the Japan Rail Pass itself once you arrive in Japan. The Japan National Tourist Organisation can provide you with a list of agents in your country. There are also other less expensive regional passes available for travelling by Rail in Japan. These are generally regional and city passes which can be obtained from local tourist and ticket offices.
Many train stations in Japan have vending machines which dispense tickets. At some stations there are maps with English translation, showing how much you should pay. However, if in doubt, you can always just buy the cheapest ticket and pay the difference when you arrive at your destination. You will not be penalized for doing this and staff will help you work out the payment if you can't understand the machine. This also applies tot he subway system. On many long distance and intercity routes it is advised to reserve a seat for your journey, as the unreserved areas can get quite overcrowded. This is free if you have pass, and can be done at one of the green windows at the station.
Cycling in Japan
Cycling in Japan is a very popular mode of transport and many people in Japan use bikes for everyday life. Commuting to school, work and even to the local train stations and shopping centres, where there are usually designated parking areas for bicycles, is common. You can rent a bicycle in Japan in most tourist areas, and cost about ¥1000 per day. Although cyclists in Japan are supposed to use the road, it is common and often encouraged for cyclists to use the pavement. Although the crime rate in Japan is extremely low, bicycles are one of the few items that are regularly stolen. Most bicycles in Japan come with a basic lock, and you should be sure to use it to avoid having your bicycle stolen.
Water Transport in Japan
Due to its geographic make up there are may ferry services operating between the several thousand islands that make up Japan. Although there and many bridges and tunnels connecting the main islands, the smaller islands can generally only be reached by ship or ferry. Most domestic ferry services in Japan can carry people and vehicles and cargo. Shorter routes are generally served by small ships able to carry a few cars and a small number of people. The longer routes, however, are served by larger ferries able to carry hundreds of passengers and vehicles, and decked out with a range of facilities and amenities. Tickets can be bought from ferry terminals on the day of departure.
