Getting Around Japan: A Transportation Guide for Tourists

This guide is part of our Japan Travel Guide. Prices, rules and opening details can change, so confirm important details with the official provider before you book.

Quick answer: Getting around Japan is easy without a car. Use the shinkansen (bullet train) between big cities, local trains and subways inside cities, an IC card such as Suica, PASMO or ICOCA for tapping through gates, and buses where trains do not go. A rail pass is no longer an automatic saving, so add up your actual trips before you buy one. Rent a car only for countryside and mountain areas. Last updated 11 October 2026.

Key takeaways

• Trains are the best way to travel in Japan. They are fast, clean, punctual and easy to use with English signs.
• An IC card (Suica, PASMO or ICOCA) works on trains, subways, many buses and in many shops, and it is accepted in most regions.
• The Japan Rail Pass is worth it only if your planned long-distance trips cost more than the pass. Compare before you buy.
• Most city trains stop around midnight, so check the last train before you go out in the evening.
• Large suitcases need planning on bullet trains. Check the baggage rules, or send your bags ahead with a luggage forwarding service.
• Carry some cash, and download offline maps before you land.

The Japan Rail (JR) network

The Japan Rail network connects almost every major city and is the backbone of long-distance travel. If your trip includes Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima or Fukuoka, you will use JR trains. JR operates shinkansen, limited express trains, express trains, local trains and airport trains. Besides JR, many cities have private railways and subway lines that run to different places, so you will often mix several operators on one trip. An IC card and a navigation app make that easy.

Shinkansen (bullet train)

The shinkansen is one of Japan’s best-known experiences. It is fast, comfortable and very punctual, and it links the main cities in a few hours. As a rough guide, Tokyo to Kyoto takes a little over two hours on the fastest trains, Tokyo to Osaka a little longer, and Tokyo to Hiroshima around four hours. Exact times depend on the train type.

Things to know:

• Reserved and non-reserved seats: reserved seats guarantee a seat, which is wise in busy seasons. Non-reserved cars are cheaper and fine on quieter days.
• Luggage: there are luggage racks above the seats and space at the end of the car. Some shinkansen lines require a seat reservation with an oversized-baggage area for very large suitcases, so check the current rule before you travel.
• Food: eating on the shinkansen is normal. Many visitors buy an ekiben, which is a boxed meal sold at stations.
• Frequency: trains on the main routes leave often, so you rarely need to book weeks ahead outside peak weeks.

Popular routes include Tokyo to Kyoto, Tokyo to Osaka, Tokyo to Hiroshima and Osaka to Fukuoka.

Is the Japan Rail Pass worth it?

The Japan Rail Pass lets eligible foreign visitors use many JR trains for a fixed number of days. After recent price changes, it is no longer a good deal for every trip. It can still pay off if you plan several long journeys in a short time. If you are only visiting Tokyo and Kyoto, single tickets or a regional pass are often cheaper.

A simple way to decide: list every long train trip you plan, add up the ticket prices on an official or trusted fare calculator, and compare the total with the pass price. Also check which trains the pass does not cover. Do this before you leave, because passes are often cheaper to buy in advance and the rules and prices change.

Local trains and subways

Local trains and subways are what you use every day in cities. Some tips for each.

Tokyo

Tokyo has one of the world’s largest rail networks, run by several companies, including JR lines, Tokyo Metro and Toei subway lines. Despite its size, it is easy to use. Stations have English signs, colour-coded lines, numbered stations and exits, and announcements in English. Large stations such as Shinjuku and Tokyo can be confusing, so allow extra time for transfers and look for the exit number for your destination. Avoid weekday rush hours, roughly 7:30 to 9:30 in the morning, when trains are very crowded.

Osaka and Kyoto

Osaka’s subway is smaller than Tokyo’s but covers the main sights, such as Namba, Umeda and Dotonbori, with connecting lines to Osaka Castle and, via a transfer, Universal Studios Japan. Kyoto has two subway lines, but many sights are reached by train or bus, which is why the area near Kyoto Station is such a convenient base.

Navigation apps

A map app that shows train times, platforms and transfers is the best tool in Japan. Download offline maps for your cities and save your hotel address.

IC cards: Suica, PASMO and ICOCA

Rechargeable IC cards remove the need to buy a ticket for every ride. You tap in and tap out at the gate, and the fare is taken from the balance. They work on trains, subways and buses, and you can use them at vending machines, lockers and many convenience stores.

• Which card: Suica and PASMO are used in the Tokyo area, and ICOCA in the Kansai area. The major cards work across most regions, so one card is usually enough.
• Phone options: some smartphones can add a Suica card to the wallet app. Check that your phone and payment method are supported before you rely on it.
• Balance: top up at station machines, usually with cash. Keep a small balance so you are never stuck at the gate.
• Refunds: some cards carry a deposit or a refund fee, so check the rules if you hold a physical card.

Availability of physical cards has changed from time to time, so check the current situation on the official rail company websites before your trip.

From the airport to the city

Most visitors arrive at Narita or Haneda in Tokyo, or Kansai Airport in Osaka.

• Tokyo, Narita: airport express trains and the Skyliner take under an hour to reach central Tokyo. Limousine buses are an alternative, especially if you have heavy bags.
• Tokyo, Haneda: this airport is close to the city, and trains and monorail reach central areas in a short time.
• Osaka, Kansai: express trains run to Namba and Osaka, and a direct limited express runs to Kyoto.

Airport express trains are usually the fastest, buses are the easiest with luggage, and taxis cost the most. Late-night arrivals may mean the trains have stopped, so check the last train before you book your flight.

Buses, domestic flights and rental cars

Buses

Buses are useful in Kyoto, where many sights are not on a rail line. They can be crowded in busy seasons, so a train or taxi may be faster for some routes. Long-distance highway buses link major cities at a lower price than trains, especially overnight, but they take longer.

Domestic flights

Domestic flights save time between far-apart regions, for example Tokyo to Sapporo, Tokyo to Okinawa and Osaka to Ishigaki. Low-cost carriers often have strict baggage limits, so check the allowance before you book.

Rental cars

A car is not needed in big cities, and parking is expensive. It is useful in the countryside, national parks and areas with few trains. Japan drives on the left, and you must check the licence rules before you travel. Indian visitors should check whether an International Driving Permit is required and how to get one. Mountain roads can have snow in winter, so check conditions.

Taxis

Taxis are clean, safe and use a meter. They are more expensive than public transport, but they are useful for short trips, late nights and heavy luggage. The rear left door opens automatically, so do not open it yourself. Many taxis accept cards, but carry some cash. Tipping is not expected.

Walking

Many districts are best seen on foot, such as Gion in Kyoto, Asakusa in Tokyo and Dotonbori in Osaka. Wear comfortable shoes, as you may walk several kilometres a day.

Which transport is best for which trip?

Tips for first-time visitors

• Download offline maps and save your hotel address before you land.
• Carry some cash for small stations, local buses and small shops.
• Avoid weekday rush hours where you can.
• Allow extra time for transfers in big stations.
• Reserve seats on long-distance trains in busy seasons, such as cherry blossom time and Golden Week.
• Keep luggage small, or use luggage forwarding. Many hotels can send bags to your next hotel for a fee, so you can travel with a small day bag.
• Know the last train. Most lines stop around midnight, and a taxi after that costs much more.
• Follow train manners: speak quietly, put your phone on silent, and give priority seats to those who need them. Our guide to Japanese etiquette explains more.
• Women can use the women-only carriages that some lines offer at certain hours. See our Japan safety guide.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Buying a rail pass without checking the maths. Always compare the pass price with your real trips.
• Booking a hotel far from a station. A cheaper room 25 minutes from the line can cost more in time and fares.
• Taking big suitcases on crowded trains. Use luggage forwarding or travel lighter.
• Missing the last train. Check it every evening.
• Forgetting the IC card balance. Top up before you reach the gate on busy days.
• Trying to see too much. Moving cities every night wastes half a day each time. Our Japan itineraries show realistic routes.

A sample transport plan for a first trip

If you follow the classic first-time route, your transport plan might look like this.

1. Arrive at Haneda or Narita and take an airport train into Tokyo.
2. Use the Tokyo Metro and JR lines to see the city.
3. Travel by shinkansen to Kyoto.
4. Take a local JR train to Osaka.
5. Visit Nara as a day trip.
6. Continue to Hiroshima, or return to Tokyo for your flight home.

This route shows the main types of transport while keeping travel time low. For where to sleep along the way, read our guide to where to stay in Japan, and plan your costs with the Japan trip budget guide. Check the best time to visit Japan before you fix your dates.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best way to get around Japan?

Trains. Use the shinkansen between cities, local trains and subways inside cities, and buses where there is no rail. A car is only needed in rural areas.

Do I need a Japan Rail Pass?

Not always. It pays off only if your long-distance trips cost more than the pass. Add up your planned journeys and compare before you buy.

What is an IC card in Japan?

A rechargeable card, such as Suica, PASMO or ICOCA, that you tap at train and subway gates. It also works on many buses and in many shops.

How long does the shinkansen take from Tokyo to Kyoto?

A little over two hours on the fastest trains. Exact times depend on the train type.

Do trains in Japan run all night?

No. Most city trains stop around midnight and start again in the early morning, so check the last train before you go out.

Can I take big suitcases on the shinkansen?

Yes, but check the current baggage rules. Some lines require a seat reservation with an oversized-baggage area for very large cases. Luggage forwarding is a good alternative.

Do I need cash for transport in Japan?

Carry some cash for top-ups, small stations, local buses and taxis that do not take cards, although many places accept cards and IC cards.

Can Indian visitors rent a car in Japan?

Check the licence rules before you travel, including whether you need an International Driving Permit. Japan drives on the left, and a car is only useful outside big cities.

Sources and how we checked

• Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO)
• JR Central: Tokaido Shinkansen

This guide is general information. Train times, fares, pass prices and baggage rules change, so confirm them with the rail companies before you travel. Last updated 11 October 2026.

Related Guides

• Is Japan Safe for Tourists? A Practical Safety Guide
• Japanese Culture and Etiquette for Tourists
• Japan Itineraries: 3, 5, 7, 10 and 14 Days, Plus a Packing List
• Japan SIM Cards, Internet, Currency and Payments: A Traveller Guide

Browse all of our Japan Travel guides.

Varinder Kaur

Varinder Kaur is from Amritsar, India. She has traveled to well-known places across India, including Darjeeling, and to a few countries abroad, and shares travel experiences and practical tips for travelers through OpinionHook.