What is the easiest way to get around Japan?

Trains. We recommend travelling between the cities in Japan by using a Japan Rail Pass, on the hi-tech “Shinkansen” trains. The passes are valid for 7, 14 or 21 days, and they are the most convenient and economical option when taking multiple train journeys across Japan.



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You can also travel by plane (good for long-distance hauls but expensive unless you plan ahead), bus (the cheapest mode of travel), ferry, and car. The most efficient way to travel around most of Japan is by train.

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Japanese rely on railways Railways are the country's main method of passenger transport, allowing fast and frequent access within and between major cities and metropolitan areas.

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Japan has an extensive transport system, the most convenient segment of which is the nation's excellent rail service. You can also travel by plane (good for long-distance hauls but expensive unless you plan ahead), bus (the cheapest mode of travel), ferry, and car.

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The best time to visit Japan is between March and May and between September and November as it's both warm and dry between these periods. However, the joys of springtime and the iconic blooming of the cherry blossoms in Japan are no secret, which means you'll be sharing the space with plenty of other travellers.

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Accommodation can be one of the biggest factors in the cost of a trip and it's true that Japan is going to be more expensive than most places in Asia. But it's not as bad as you might think.

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As these trains are not covered by JR pass, a one-way Osaka to Tokyo train ticket costs around 160 USD in peak season and around 120 USD off peak. Read more about the Japanese train tickets here.

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Japan Rail Pass? This might be most popular way to get around Japan. This ticket will allow you to get on almost all the Japan Rail Trains throughout Japan. You can get on not only local, but also the bullet trains. This is a privilege only foreign visitors to Japan get.

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English is in common use in Japan with Chinese and Korean also becoming more common meaning that you can certainly get around without using Japanese. This is most true in the big cities and in areas frequented by foreign visitors. But as you move outside of the cities, foreign languages will quickly dry-up.

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Best Times to Visit Japan for Lower Prices During the low season, between January and March, you may be able to find deals on airfare and hotel rooms. Prices tend to spike during the holiday season, especially around the New Year, so it's best to avoid the beginning of January if you're trying to save money.

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The cost of food in Japan can vary depending on the type of food, location, and restaurant. In general, dining out and grocery shopping can be more expensive in Japan compared to other countries, due to the high cost of imported ingredients and limited land availability for domestic agriculture.

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The long-haul flight to Japan takes just over 11 hours non-stop. The total flight duration from London to Tokyo is 11 hours and 25 minutes and from London to Osaka is 13 hours and 50 minutes including one connection.

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April. Besides autumn, April is often considered the best time to visit Japan because the cherry blossom are in bloom and the weather is pleasantly mild.

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In 2023, Tokyo's rainy season arrived on June 8 and finished around July 22.

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Entry & Exit: 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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The Takeaway. 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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In general, a meal at a local eatery or fast food chain can range from 500 to 1,000 yen (approximately $5-$10 USD), while a meal at a mid-range restaurant can cost 1,000 to 3,000 yen (approximately $10-$30 USD), and a high-end restaurant can cost upwards of 10,000 yen (approximately $100 USD) per person.

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