Getting around in Japan
Once you’ve made it through immigration, and have a WiFi connection and some cash, it’s time to head into the city and start your adventure! Check out your options below to help you get around Japan….
Airport Transfer
Most travelers entering Japan will arrive at Narita (NRT) or Haneda (HND) airports.
Although Narita is an hour away from the heart of Tokyo, you have plenty of options to get there. The JR Narita Express (NEX) is a convenient choice, taking only an hour to reach the city center. Another option is the Limousine Bus, which I love because of the comfortable seats and onboard WiFi. You can book a round trip Limousine Bus ride in advance on their website webservice.limousinebus.co.jp Buses and taxis also depart directly from Terminal 3, where most LCCs land and depart.
Haneda is much closer to Tokyo city, and you have four travel options: taxi, bus, monorail, or train. I recommend the Keikyu train or Tokyo Monorail because they are affordable and only take 13 minutes to reach downtown Tokyo. Regardless of which airport you land in, there are several transportation choices to suit your preference and budget.
Taxi/ Ride Share
Hailing a taxi is a reliable and convenient option for a transportation around Japan. You can easily find taxi stands in front of train stations or flag one down at a safe location. Red plates on the dashboard indicate a vacant taxi, while green plates indicate the opposite. If you have any trouble, don’t hesitate to call a taxi via phone, app, or your hotel reception. Payment by credit card is widely accepted, and an increasing number of taxis accept IC cards like Suica. Just be sure to avoid paying small amounts with large bills and note that tipping isn’t customary in Japan. Although Uber is available, it is relatively new in Japan, only available in certain cities and therefore more expensive than an old fashioned taxi.
Train/ Metro
Tokyo has an amazing transportation system that makes getting around the city super easy. With so many train, subway, and bus lines run by a variety of companies, you’re sure to find the perfect way to explore the city. The best options for navigating central Tokyo are the train lines operated by JR East and the subway lines. The JR Yamanote Line is a convenient loop line that connects multiple city centers. The city’s 13 subway lines are also a great way of getting around. If you’re planning to explore the outer regions and surrounding prefectures, you’ll find other railway companies that connect Tokyo.
IC CARDS There are lots of day passes available, but we recommend prepaid cards as they offer the most convenience and flexibility. Prepaid IC cards like Suica and Pasmo can be used on any train or bus in Greater Tokyo, and they’re great for quick purchases at shops and restaurants too! Plus, you can use eight other IC cards from other major cities across Japan.
Shinkansen "Bullet Train"
Japan’s main islands of Honshu, Kyushu and Hokkaido are served by a network of high speed train lines that connect Tokyo with most of the country’s major cities. Japan’s high speed trains (bullet trains) are called shinkansen and are operated by Japan Railways (JR).
Running at speeds of up to 320 km/h, the shinkansen is known for punctuality (most trains depart on time to the second), comfort (relatively silent cars with spacious, always forward-facing seats), safety (no fatal accidents in its history) and efficiency. Thanks to the Japan Rail Pass, the shinkansen can also be a very cost effective means of travel.
Now that you have a full understanding of how to enter, exit, and navigate Japan, you can focus on exploring and discovering!
Make sure to explore out my 4 days in Tokyo Itinerary below, and keep checking my blog posts for the latest adventures!
