Travelling within Japan can be remarkably logical and efficient when one avails themselves of all the resources available. Planning ahead is important to make your trip smooth and easy, especially when you are contending with jet lag and the sometimes-disorienting thrill of discovery once you arrive. The information below is provided to make your transit experience in Japan painless, allowing you to focus on enjoying the ride.
Buy a Rail Pass in Advance of Travel
There are over 30 regional rail passes in Japan, as well as the Japan Rail Pass which covers all JR Group railway lines across the country. It’s essential to investigate which ones you will actually need to use on your visit to save money and time.
Purchase an Integrated Circuit Card
IC cards in Japan are indispensable, universal digital wallets. These rechargeable, prepaid smart cards (like Suica, Pasmo, or ICOCA) are used for contactless payment on trains, subways and buses. They can also be used at convenience stores and vending machines. Simply tap and go!
Check Baggage Size Before Boarding Trains
Measure your luggage! Especially when travelling on the Tokaido, Sanyo, and Kyushu lines, it is imperative to make sure that your bags will fit in the overhead racks. If they won’t, then you will require a special reservation for “oversized luggage” in the last row of seats on selected train cars. These reservations are usually free when booking your seat.
Use Luggage Forwarding Services
Rather than lugging your luggage, simply check it and have a service deliver it for you. In this way, you can be unencumbered and worry-free. The convenience of luggage-forwarding to and from the airport, or between different hotel stays, saves your time and energy, and is affordable.
Avoid Rush Hour
There is a Japanese expression, “ sushizume”, which means “packed like sushi”, and is often used to describe the situation that occurs during rush hour when masses of people are crammed into the subway or train cars. In major cities like Tokyo and Osaka, try to avoid the peak commute times at the start and end of the workday.
Go for a Drive
Car rentals are available in most cities. Even if you cannot read the road signs, Google Maps or the Onboard GPS will navigate your adventure for you. Driving outside cities is very pleasant and immerses you in the countryside at your own pace.
Rent a Pocket Wi-Fi/eSIM
Portable Wi-Fi and eSIMs provide internet access at any time and from any place. These devices enable you to be online wherever you are in Japan, so you can avoid overage costs or having to purchase travel plans with your home provider. These can be picked up at the airport upon arrival and returned upon departure.
