Transport and Driving in Japan
Transport in Japan is generally fast, efficient and reliable (albeit crowded during rush hour). Expats living in metropolises and large cities, especially, have easy access to every form of transportation – and 
driving or owning a car can often seem pointless.
What’s more, expats needing to conquer long distances will find that trains connect the country and buses travel over extensive networks.
Still, smaller cities and towns typically have more infrequent or less accessible options. Expats considering living in one of these locations may have a harder time getting around, and may want to explore the option of buying a car.
Rail is one of the fastest and most efficient ways of getting around in Japan. Super express trains, otherwise known as Shinkansen, connect most of the nation’s major cities (on the islands of Honshu and Kyushu), allowing for fast commute times and accessibility for expats, locals and tourists alike. In some cases, the cost and time is competitive to flying, depending on the distance and destination. Japan Railways (JR) owns and manages all Shinkansen trains. Tickets must be purchased at JR stations or designated sellers.
Regular and the much-less-super “regular express” trains are more widely accessible than the Shinkansen. You buy your ticket at a ticket machine before entering the ticket gate (using bills or change). Then, stick the ticket in the slot and remember to grab it from the other side as you pass through. At some stations you simply give the ticket to an employee to stamp as you pass through. Do the same thing when you exit ticket gates, except you obviously won’t take the ticket upon exit (unless transferring trains).
If living in Japan, you can purchase electronic cards that act as rechargeable tickets when riding JR and some private lines. Simply recharge the card as often as necessary, and forget about trying to count exact change when rushing to catch a train. Just touch the card to the flat spot on top of the ticket gate, which will beep, and walk through.
Subways function similarly to trains, as in the ticket process is the same. However, subway systems are only found in heavily populated areas and large metropolises.
Where the train stops, a bus often starts. Though, not all cities or areas have regular bus routes, and even if they do, bus times may be infrequent (possibly four times a day or less). Usually knowledge of kanji
is necessary when riding the bus, except in major tourist areas where English will be displayed on the screen at the front and spoken over a speaker in addition to Japanese.
Also, remember to grab a ticket from the machine next to the door when getting on the bus, as this number will indicate how much you owe. Most buses nowadays have change machines on board, though some may not, so it’s good to carry extra change just in case.
Most train stations with bus terminals will have some kind of bus information booth, often with someone on staff during the day to help.However , they won’t always be able to speak English.
No matter where you live in Japan, it would be nearly impossible to go a day without seeing someone riding the ubiquitous bicycle. Most train stations and public areas provide large bicycle parking areas to cater to the vast majority of people who often travel on two wheels.
This also includes scooters, which require a special license to operate, but are typically a much easier and cheaper way to go than driving a car. Most bicycles used every day are fondly known as mama-chari – inexpensive, plain and practical, often with a front basket. However, specialty bike shops sell popular mountain, road and cross-country bikes for those who prefer something a bit racier.
Many people in Japan do own a car, and in many parts of the country, it can be necessary.
If you live in Tokyo, it would probably be more of a hassle than a necessity. If you live far from civilization, then yes, you probably will want a car.
As an expat, you must have an International Driver’s Permit to drive in Japan when you arrive (purchase from your local auto association). This is valid for up to one year, after which you must get a Japanese Driver’s License. For many nationalities, this isn’t a problem as you can simply transfer your home country’s license.
For Americans, and a few other countries, you must translate your American license, then take a written and practical driving test before receiving a Japanese license. Sounds easy, but the driving test in Japan is notorious for being difficult.
Taxis are popular transport options for those car-less expats living in big cities. Beware: rates are very expensive and run up quickly. Also remember to never open or close a taxi’s door, the driver controls the door. Most drivers likely won’t speak English, so know your destination in Japanese, or have the address written down, preferably in Japanese, to show them.
As you might guess, many people in Japan walk as much as they ride bicycles. It’s great exercise, and Japan is incredibly pedestrian friendly. Just be sure not to forget an umbrella!
driving or owning a car can often seem pointless. What’s more, expats needing to conquer long distances will find that trains connect the country and buses travel over extensive networks.
Still, smaller cities and towns typically have more infrequent or less accessible options. Expats considering living in one of these locations may have a harder time getting around, and may want to explore the option of buying a car.
Transport by rail
Rail is one of the fastest and most efficient ways of getting around in Japan. Super express trains, otherwise known as Shinkansen, connect most of the nation’s major cities (on the islands of Honshu and Kyushu), allowing for fast commute times and accessibility for expats, locals and tourists alike. In some cases, the cost and time is competitive to flying, depending on the distance and destination. Japan Railways (JR) owns and manages all Shinkansen trains. Tickets must be purchased at JR stations or designated sellers.
Regular and the much-less-super “regular express” trains are more widely accessible than the Shinkansen. You buy your ticket at a ticket machine before entering the ticket gate (using bills or change). Then, stick the ticket in the slot and remember to grab it from the other side as you pass through. At some stations you simply give the ticket to an employee to stamp as you pass through. Do the same thing when you exit ticket gates, except you obviously won’t take the ticket upon exit (unless transferring trains).
If living in Japan, you can purchase electronic cards that act as rechargeable tickets when riding JR and some private lines. Simply recharge the card as often as necessary, and forget about trying to count exact change when rushing to catch a train. Just touch the card to the flat spot on top of the ticket gate, which will beep, and walk through.
Subways function similarly to trains, as in the ticket process is the same. However, subway systems are only found in heavily populated areas and large metropolises.
Transport by bus
Where the train stops, a bus often starts. Though, not all cities or areas have regular bus routes, and even if they do, bus times may be infrequent (possibly four times a day or less). Usually knowledge of kanji
is necessary when riding the bus, except in major tourist areas where English will be displayed on the screen at the front and spoken over a speaker in addition to Japanese. Also, remember to grab a ticket from the machine next to the door when getting on the bus, as this number will indicate how much you owe. Most buses nowadays have change machines on board, though some may not, so it’s good to carry extra change just in case.
Most train stations with bus terminals will have some kind of bus information booth, often with someone on staff during the day to help.However , they won’t always be able to speak English.
Transport by bicycle
No matter where you live in Japan, it would be nearly impossible to go a day without seeing someone riding the ubiquitous bicycle. Most train stations and public areas provide large bicycle parking areas to cater to the vast majority of people who often travel on two wheels.
This also includes scooters, which require a special license to operate, but are typically a much easier and cheaper way to go than driving a car. Most bicycles used every day are fondly known as mama-chari – inexpensive, plain and practical, often with a front basket. However, specialty bike shops sell popular mountain, road and cross-country bikes for those who prefer something a bit racier.
Transport by car
Many people in Japan do own a car, and in many parts of the country, it can be necessary.
If you live in Tokyo, it would probably be more of a hassle than a necessity. If you live far from civilization, then yes, you probably will want a car.
As an expat, you must have an International Driver’s Permit to drive in Japan when you arrive (purchase from your local auto association). This is valid for up to one year, after which you must get a Japanese Driver’s License. For many nationalities, this isn’t a problem as you can simply transfer your home country’s license.
For Americans, and a few other countries, you must translate your American license, then take a written and practical driving test before receiving a Japanese license. Sounds easy, but the driving test in Japan is notorious for being difficult.
Transport by taxi
Taxis are popular transport options for those car-less expats living in big cities. Beware: rates are very expensive and run up quickly. Also remember to never open or close a taxi’s door, the driver controls the door. Most drivers likely won’t speak English, so know your destination in Japanese, or have the address written down, preferably in Japanese, to show them.
Transport on foot
As you might guess, many people in Japan walk as much as they ride bicycles. It’s great exercise, and Japan is incredibly pedestrian friendly. Just be sure not to forget an umbrella!
