White bullet train at a Japanese station platform

交通

Transport Guide

From landing at the airport to boarding your first shinkansen — step-by-step.

Photo: Unsplash

You'll need data on arrival. Get your Japan eSIM before you fly →

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道

Landing at the Airport

Narita (NRT) · Haneda (HND) · Kansai (KIX) · Chubu (NGO)

Japan has strict customs but moves fast — have your passport and arrival card ready. The arrival card is given on the plane or at the immigration hall.

After customs, head to the arrivals hall. The first thing to do is get connectivity — either activate your eSIM (if you pre-purchased) or buy a prepaid SIM at one of the airport counters.

Do not take a taxi from Narita — it's extremely expensive (¥20,000+). Take the Narita Express (N'EX) train to central Tokyo instead.

Wander tip

Activate your eSIM before customs so you have Google Maps working by the time you reach the train platform.

Getting an IC Card (Suica / Pasmo)

The most important thing you'll do on day one

An IC card is a rechargeable card that works on trains, subways, buses, and even convenience stores and vending machines across Japan.

Suica is issued by JR East (Tokyo area). Pasmo works on most other networks. For most tourists, Suica is the right choice.

Get one at any JR station ticket machine — look for the English option. Start with ¥2,000 (¥500 is a deposit). Top up at any station machine or convenience store.

Wander tip

iPhone and Android users can now add Suica directly to Apple Wallet or Google Wallet. You can top up from your phone — no physical card needed.

Using Trains and Subways

The world's most efficient rail network

Japan's train network looks complex but is intuitive once you understand the structure. JR (Japan Railways) runs intercity lines. Private railways run suburban lines.

Use Google Maps or Japan Official Travel App for route planning. The app gives you exact platform numbers, the carriage to board, and whether you need a transfer.

Tap your IC card on the reader entering and exiting — the system calculates the fare automatically.

Wander tip

Stand on the left side of escalators in Tokyo (right side in Osaka). This is not optional — locals take this seriously.

Shinkansen (Bullet Train)

Tokyo → Kyoto in 2h 15min

The shinkansen is Japan's iconic bullet train network. The Tokaido Shinkansen connects Tokyo, Nagoya, Kyoto, and Osaka.

Book seats in advance on the JR website, at any major JR station, or via a travel agent. Unreserved seats are available on most trains.

If you're making multiple long-distance trips, consider a JR Pass — a flat-rate unlimited shinkansen pass for foreign tourists only. Buy before you arrive (required).

Wander tip

The Mount Fuji view is best from seats A and B (window, left side) on the Tokaido Shinkansen departing Tokyo, between Shin-Fuji and Mishima stations.

Buses & Taxis

When trains don't reach

City buses in Japan use IC cards — tap when boarding at the rear, tap when exiting at the front. Rural areas sometimes require cash.

Taxis are safe, metered, and expensive. The door opens automatically — don't touch it.

GO (タクシーアプリGO) is the dominant Japanese taxi app — install it before arrival. Uber operates in some cities but is slower and often pricier.

Wander tip

Never tip taxi drivers. It's not customary in Japan and may cause awkwardness.

Getting Around Kyoto

Buses are king here

Kyoto's train network is sparse compared to Tokyo. The city bus network is the main way to reach most temples and shrines.

The Kyoto City Bus Day Pass (¥700) gives unlimited rides on city buses for one day — worth it if visiting more than two places.

Major sights like Arashiyama, Gion, and Fushimi Inari are accessible by bus from Kyoto Station.

Wander tip

Avoid rush hour buses (7:30–9:00am, 5:30–7:30pm). Overcrowded doesn't begin to cover it.

A note from Shota

Be honest with yourself: Japan's rail network really is complicated, especially somewhere like Shibuya where multiple private lines and the Metro all converge. Even locals double-check the app before switching lines there — you're not missing something obvious if it takes you a minute to find the right platform.

One more thing that catches visitors off guard: don't assume a card works everywhere. Older, family-run restaurants and street food stalls are often cash-only, even in major cities — keep some yen on hand beyond just your first ATM withdrawal.

Quick Reference

Airport → Tokyo City

Narita Express (N'EX): ¥3,250 · ~80 min to Shinjuku

IC Card deposit

¥500 (refundable at end of trip)

Tokyo Subway Day Pass

¥1,000 · unlimited Metro rides for 24 hours

Tokyo → Kyoto

Nozomi Shinkansen: ¥14,170 · 2h 15min

Full fare guide →

JR Pass (7 days)

¥53,000 since the Oct 2026 price rise · unlimited shinkansen for 7 days

Is it worth it? →

Kyoto Subway+Bus Day Pass

¥1,100 · the old bus-only pass was discontinued in 2024

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