Getting Around Japan

Japan is comparable in size to California, but Japan is made up of four large islands and many tiny islands, some of which are quite far away from the main islands of Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, and Shikoku.

Most visitors to Japan fly into one of Tokyo's two airports, Narita International Airport or Tokyo International Airport, also known as Haneda Airport. Haneda Airport is Japan's low-cost domestic airline hub. These discount carriers offer flights within Japan that are often less expensive than shinkansen (bullet train) connections. Most low-cost airlines have strict luggage rules, limited services, small seats and limited legroom compared to American and European carriers.

Trains connect both airports to downtown Tokyo; from there, Japan's rail networks carry passengers to destinations on Honshu, Hokkaido, Shikoku, and Kyushu. Even if you only plan to travel between two Japanese cities, consider buying a Japan Rail pass to save money. JR passes allow you to travel on most, but not all, shinkansen routes.

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.

Renting a car in Japan is straightforward as long as you have an International Driving Permit or a Japanese driver's license. Japanese roads, like those in the United Kingdom, are set up so that drivers occupy the left side of the road. Self-driving is generally the worst-case transportation scenario in Japan not only because of potential lane confusion but also because all main highways charge tolls, gasoline is costly, and city parking is expensive and difficult to find.

Ferries between Japan's islands are generally slower than other forms of transportation, but you can see Japan from a different perspective when you travel by ferry. Some ferry lines offer entertainment or provide game rooms to help you enjoy your journey.