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Japan Transportation Guide

Shinkansen bullet trains, world's most punctual railways, Suica cards — Japan's transport is legendary.

🚄 Shinkansen (新幹線)

  • Speed: Up to 320 km/h! Tokyo→Osaka: 2hr 15min. Tokyo→Kyoto: 2hr 10min.
  • Lines: Tokaido, Sanyo, Tohoku, Hokkaido, Hokuriku and more.
  • JR Pass: 7-day ¥50,000, 14-day ¥80,000, 21-day ¥100,000. Unlimited rides! Buy before arriving.
  • Punctuality: Average delay: 0.9 minutes per year. World's most punctual train.
  • Safety: ZERO passenger fatalities in 60+ years of operation!

🚇 City Transit

🗼 Tokyo

• Tokyo Metro: 9 lines, 180 stations
• Toei Subway: 4 more lines
• JR Yamanote Line: Iconic loop line
• IC Card: Suica or Pasmo (tap & go)
• Rush hour: 7:30-9:00 = insanely packed!
• Commute pass: Company usually pays

🏯 Osaka

• Osaka Metro: 9 lines
• IC Card: ICOCA
• Hankyu/Hanshin: Private railways
• Get around Kansai: Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Kobe all connected

🎫 IC Cards (Suica/Pasmo)

• Tap-on, tap-off at stations
• Use at konbini, vending machines, stores
• Apple Pay/Google Pay: Mobile Suica!
• Charge at any station or konbini
• Works nationwide (Suica = everywhere in Japan)

🚗 Driving & Other

  • Drive on LEFT: Right-hand drive (like UK, Australia).
  • IDP: International Driving Permit needed. Some countries need Japanese licence.
  • Cycling: Very popular! Mamachari (city bikes) everywhere. Register your bike.
  • Taxis: Expensive (¥500+ start). Automatic doors — don't touch them!
  • Domestic flights: ANA, JAL, Peach, Jetstar Japan. Cheap for Hokkaido/Okinawa.

📖 Explore More

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Cities

Transit Guide
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Cost of Living

Transport Costs
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Travel

JR Pass
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Visa

Entry Guide