What is the best method of travel in Japan?

While most visitors use shinkansen and/or domestic flights to get around Japan, travelers who want to explore beyond Tokyo and Kyoto should consider using buses, rental cars, or private transfers. Japan's extensive bus network connects cities to suburbs and rural points of interest.



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Comfort and Ease of Use Taking the bullet train is almost guaranteed to be more comfortable than flying. There's no turbulence, and it's easy to get up and walk around when you need to. There's also more legroom, typically.

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Instead, what makes the Shinkansen (and any Ltd. Express train) more expensive then regular trains is a hefty standard surcharge: the supplementary special-express ticket, which covers the premium experience of traveling on the nice fast trains. And yes, you have to pay it even if you have to stand.

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By rail or road, the journey is more like 515 km. The fastest, easiest, and most convenient option is the Shinkansen, especially if you have a Japan Rail Pass or are looking to arrive quick-fast. The cheapest option is usually a highway bus, followed by flights — but these are both a bit time-consuming.

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Yes, there is Uber in Japan… Locals tell us that although Japan does have Uber, it's not super well-known and it's definitely not the most convenient option when it comes to traveling around the more sprawling places in Japan, namely cities like Kyoto or Tokyo.

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Shinkansen bullet trains are the fastest and most convenient way of discovering Japan. The Japan Rail (JR) network is extensive and the trains reach a top speed of 320 km/h (199 mph). This allows you to get to wherever you need in little time. The nine Shinkansen lines take you in different directions around Japan.

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While most visitors use shinkansen and/or domestic flights to get around Japan, travelers who want to explore beyond Tokyo and Kyoto should consider using buses, rental cars, or private transfers. Japan's extensive bus network connects cities to suburbs and rural points of interest.

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Americans are very welcome and embraced when visiting Japan, and the same is true when people from Japan visit the United States. However, Japanese people are arguably more courteous and willing to help Americans navigate throughout the country when visiting, as manners are extremely important in Japanese culture.

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Take plenty of cash. Japan is largely a cash-based society, so you'll find that some places may not accept your credit card – especially outside of major cities. You'll generally need to use cash in local restaurants, bars, markets, tourist sights and ryokans.

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Tipping in Japan is not expected, and attempts to leave a tip will almost certainly be turned down (a potentially awkward moment). In Japan, it's thought that by dining out or drinking at a bar, you are already paying the establishment for good service.

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Japan does not have a tipping culture and drivers neither expect nor accept money in excess of the fare displayed on the meter. They will not accept haggling either. Cash is the safest way to pay, though an increasing number of taxis now also take IC cards like Pasmo and Suica as well as credit cards.

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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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You must have a valid passport and an onward/return ticket for tourist/business visa free stays of up to 90 days. Your passport must be valid for the entire time you are staying in Japan. You cannot work on a 90-day visa free entry.

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Shinkansen or bullet train In only about 2 hours and 30 minutes, it can take you from Shin-Osaka Station in Osaka to Tokyo Station or Shinagawa Station in Tokyo. However, it is not covered by your JR Pass, and you must purchase a one-way ticket that costs 13,620 yen (unreserved seat) or 14,650 yen (reserved seat).

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