Getting Around
Shinkansen, subways and city buses — how the pieces connect, and which ones you will use in Tokyo and Kyoto on an ordinary day.
Green Car or Ordinary: Is the Rail Pass Upgrade Worth It?
The Green Car pass costs ¥20,000 more for seven days. What the upgrade actually buys, the arithmetic per journey, and why most first trips should not take it.
Regional JR Passes vs the National Japan Rail Pass
Since the 2023 price rise the national pass rarely pays for itself on a first trip. How the regional passes compare, and how to tell which — if either — is worth buying.
What a Japan Rail Route Actually Costs Without a Pass
Point-to-point fares for the journeys a first trip actually makes, so you can price your own route before deciding whether any pass is worth buying.
Is the Japan Rail Pass Worth It?
The Japan Rail Pass offers unlimited JR travel, but it's not always the best deal. Here's how to decide whether it's worth it for your trip.
How to Ride the Shinkansen (Bullet Train)
Riding Japan's bullet train is easy and a trip highlight. Here's how to buy tickets, find your seat, and ride the Shinkansen like a pro.
Renting a Car in Japan: What to Know
Most first-timers don't need a car in Japan, but for rural trips it helps. Here's what to know — the IDP requirement, driving on the left, and more.
Kansai Airport to Kyoto and Osaka: Transfer Guide
Landing at Kansai Airport (KIX)? Here's how to get to Kyoto or Osaka — the train options, rough travel times, and which to choose.
Narita vs Haneda: Which Tokyo Airport Is Better?
Tokyo has two airports — Narita and Haneda. Here's how they compare on location, transfer time, and cost, to help you choose your flight.
Getting from the Airport to Central Tokyo (Narita & Haneda)
Landing at Narita or Haneda? Here's how to get into central Tokyo, how long each takes, and which option makes sense for first-time visitors.
When Your IC Card Won't Open the Gate: Fare Adjustment
The gate closes, the buzzer sounds, and there is a queue behind you. What actually went wrong, where the fare adjustment machine is, and how to clear it in under a minute.
Mobile Suica on an American iPhone: Setup and Limits
You can add a Suica to a US iPhone without a Japanese Apple ID. The part that catches Americans out is which card tops it up — and one network is refused outright.
IC Card, Day Pass or Single Ticket: What to Use
Pay-as-you-go suits most first trips, but a day pass wins above roughly five rides. The prices, the coverage trap in Tokyo, and how to tell which applies to your day.
Suica vs Pasmo: Japan IC Card Guide
IC cards like Suica and Pasmo make Japan's transit effortless. Here's what they are, the difference, how to get one, and how to use it.
Tokyo Subway and Train System Explained
Tokyo's train network looks daunting but is logical and efficient. Here's how to navigate the subway, JR lines, and the Yamanote loop.
How to Navigate Japanese Train Stations
Big Japanese stations can overwhelm first-timers. Here's how to find your platform, exit, and way through, plus lockers, signs, and tips.
Getting Around Kyoto: Buses, Subway & Walking
Kyoto runs on buses, a small subway, and your own two feet. Here's how first-time visitors can navigate the city and reach the temples easily.
Getting Around Japan: Shinkansen, JR Pass & Subways
Japan's rail network is the easiest way to travel. Here's how the bullet trains, JR Pass, IC cards, and city subways work for first-timers.