Japan - Basic Information

I got the idea about starting a blog in Japan while I was traveling for work about a year ago.  I noticed many things in Japan that I would like to share with all my friends.

We will explore Japan in multiple posts, including the following:

  • Basic information
  • Kanto and Tohoku region (Tokyo and Day Trips from Tokyo)
  • Kyushu region (Southwest Japan)
  • Kanto 
  • Hokkaido

Below are some things that I want to note before starting on the recommendations for each area.

Be respectful of the Japanese culture:

  • Talk quietly, if at all, on transportation.
  • You can give locals gifts if you appreciate them, but don't tip.
  • Queue and do not skip in lines.

Transportation:

  • Local Bus
  • Highway Bus
  • Local Trains
  • Express Trains
  • Shinkansen (bullet train)

Is it worth getting JR Rail Passes?  That would depend on how long you're traveling in Japan and how many regions you're going to visit.  With the 70% pass price increase in October 2023, it is no longer worth it for many who are not hitting up multiple regions in a short period of time. It may be worth looking into the regional counterparts as many have their own unlimited JR or local passes.  As my trip occurred right as the pass changes were going into effect, we got the 14-day JR Rail Pass which allowed us unlimited travel on the JR lines throughout most of Japan.  Please keep in mind that the days are consecutive on the pass.

When do you buy the JR Rail Pass?  If you have decided that it is worthwhile to buy the JR Rail Passes, it is cheaper to purchase it before getting to Japan.  Keep in mind to purchase it at least 2 weeks before, so it allows for delivery time as a voucher would be mailed to you.  If you did not buy it before, do not fret.  You can still purchase it in Japan, it will just be a little more expensive.

JR passes are expensive. What is a cheaper alternative to the bullet trains?  If you can afford it, I highly recommend taking the bullet trains as they are so comfortable and so much faster.  But if you're really on a budget, you can take highway buses.  If you're going to be taking multiple, you can get the bus pass. Unlike the JR pass, you can purchase the bus pass after you've arrived in Japan for the same price.  Additionally, it is not necessary to use the multi-day pass on consecutive days. (https://willer-travel.com/st/3/en/pc/buspass/)

How do I pay for local transportation?  You can pay for local transportation via IC cards.  These cards are rechargeable with cash at the machines at the train stops and any area's IC card can be used in other regions.  If you have an iPhone, you can also load an IC card into your Apple Wallet and reload with a credit card.  To load an IC card into your Apple Wallet - go to Apple Wallet >> press the '+' on the upper right hand corner >> select 'Transit Card' >> search for any of the IC cards (i.e. Suica, PASMO, etc) >> add money.  Once added, go to Settings >> Wallet & Apple Pay >> Express Transit Card >> Select Suica.  With the express transit card set up, you don't have to pull up your Apple Wallet to pay, you just tap your phone.  Due to a shortage of IC chips when I went, the sale of physical Suica and Pasmo cards was suspended so I went the Apple Wallet route.  

If you encounter any problems loading money onto your IC card, here are some fixes:

  • If it is around 4am Japan time, this is their maintenance period and try again at a different time.
  • Try a different card.  I found that MasterCards worked best.

Do you have to tap in and out of transportation?  On trains, for the most part, yes.  On local buses, follow the crowd.  From what I've noticed, normally you get in at the back door, grab a ticket (or tap your IC card) which notates which stop you got on, and pay in the front upon getting off.  There are some local buses that are straight up fares and aren't dependent on distance.