Is Japan public transportation free?

Each ticket costs JPY 3,200, and foreign passport holders can buy discounted tickets. If you bought a Japan Rail Pass in advance, it includes unlimited train rides on the Narita Express. If you're a little hungry, you can purchase food and drinks to enjoy en route as you relax and look forward to your stay in Japan.



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Transportation costs in Japan Visitors typically spend between 2,000 and 8,000 yen (the Japanese currency) per week on public transportation such as local trains or buses. A bullet train ticket from Tokyo to Kyoto costs about 8,000 yen (around $70) and an additional 5,800 yen if you want to reserve a seat (around $50).

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If there is no IC symbol, you will need to pay in cash. Luckily, most buses have easy-to-use exchange machines. If you plan on paying in cash, take a numbered ticket from the box when you get on the bus. (if it is a non-flat rate fare system).

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Highway buses are one of the most economical ways to travel medium to long distances in Japan. While slower than trains, buses cost usually less than half, especially on the competitive Tokyo routes where discount fares can be incredibly low.

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Tip: Japanese train fares for Shinkansen, Express & Limited Express trains consist of a basic fare + a reserved seat fee or unreserved seat fee for that type of train. For example, Tokyo to Kyoto by shinkansen is ¥8,360 basic fare + ¥4,960 shinkansen unreserved seat fee = total fare ¥13,320.

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While slower than trains, buses cost usually less than half, especially on the competitive Tokyo routes where discount fares can be incredibly low. Every prefecture is served by at least one bus company, with the major cities serving as regional hubs.

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In Japan, you'll use a Suica (or Icoca) card for local transport and most small purchases, and a credit card for big purchases (hotels etc). But you still need Japanese cash for places that don't take cards.

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For example, if you are traveling from the U.S., wait to exchange your dollars for yen until you have arrived in Japan. However, you will get the most favorable rates for yen in Southeast Asian countries rather than in Japan.

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Cash, credit and debit cards are all accepted, with credit cards and cash the most relevant. Since a credit card is your best choice for a significant amount of your spending, a card that doesn't charge foreign transaction fees like the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card provides lots of value.

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You can tap your IC card or pick up a paper ticket from the small machine by the door if you intend to pay with cash. The bus will announce each stop. When you hear your destination, press the button found along the side of the bus to let the driver know you will be getting off.

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Whether a Japan Rail Pass is worth it for you depends on your route. If you'll be travelling at a fast pace to lots of places, especially on the expensive bullet trains, then a rail pass may save you money. If you are only travelling from Tokyo to Kyoto and back within a week, the pass no longer saves money.

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Most trains do not operate 24 hours; for example, in Tokyo they do not run in the early morning 01:00-05:00, and the Shinkansen never runs overnight. If you are planning to be out late and are relying on the train to get home, be sure to find out when the last train is leaving.

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Even so, Uber is not always the cheapest option. The cheapest Uber ride is with Uber Taxi, which charges you the same fee as a general taxi (¥500 for the first 1.096 km) plus ¥437 for every kilometre thereafter.

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Although at certain times of the day, or for short journeys, they might be a good option, Japanese taxis are among the most expensive in the world. Each company decides its own prices, but in the end, they tend to be quite similar. The normal prices are: First two kilometers: ¥ 730 ( US$ 4.90)

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