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Country Guide > East Asia > Japan | |
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Travel - Internal Air All Nippon Airways (ANA), Japan Air Systems (JAS) and Japan Airlines (JAL) and several other airlines maintain an extensive network covering Japan proper and its islands. Tokyo’s domestic airport is Haneda (HND). A monorail service runs from Hamamatsu-cho to Haneda. One international airline, China Airlines, serves Haneda. Other international flights to and from Haneda are made via Fukuoka, Nagoya, Osaka or Tokyo airports. Main routes are Tokyo–Sapporo; Tokyo–Fukuoka; Tokyo–Osaka; and Tokyo–Naha. Tickets can be purchased at automatic machines at Tokyo International Airport’s domestic departure counter, and at Osaka International Airport. Sea There are frequent services by high-speed boat, ferry or hydrofoil to Japan’s islands. Popular routes include Tokoyo–Hokkaido (in the north) and Tokyo–Okinawa (in the south). Major sea routes include Awaji Island: Akashi– Iwaya; Shodo Island: Himeji–Fukuda, Okayama–Tonosho and Takamatsu–Tonosho; Shiraishijima and Manabejima Islands: Kasaoka–Shiraishijima–Manabejima; Ikuchijima and Omishama Islands: Mihara–Setoda. Bullet train services travel frequently to ports. Rail The Japan Railways Group (JR) runs one of the best rail networks in the world, and is widely used for both business and pleasure. Express and ‘limited express’ trains are best for intercity travel. Very frequent services run on the main routes. Shinkansen, the ‘Bullet Train’, are the fastest, with compartments for wheelchair passengers, diners and buffet facilities. Supplements are payable on the three classes of express train and in ‘Green’ (first-class) cars of principal trains, for which reservations must be made. Other types of train include Kyuko (Express), Tokkyu (Limited Express), Kaisoku (Rapid Train) and Futsu (Local Train). For short-distance trains, tickets can only be bought at vending machines outside train stations. For route maps, timetables, fares and reservations, see online (website: www.japanrail.com). Discount fares: The Japan Rail Pass, an economical pass for foreign tourists which must be purchased before arrival in Japan, can be obtained from Japan Airlines (JL users only) or authorised travel agents and agencies. It can be used on all trains except the new Nozomi super express trains, and also on Japan Rail buses and Japan Rail ferries. A Japan Rail Pass brochure is available from the Japan National Tourist Organisation (see Contact Addresses section). A seven-day basic pass currently costs „28,300. For travellers without a Japan Rail Pass, there are various other discount schemes in operation including a 10 per cent discount at any JR Group Hotel. Other rail passes include the JR East Pass, JR Kyushu Rail Pass, JR West Rail Pass, Kansai Area Pass and the Sanyo Area Pass. For details of other discount fares, contact the Japan Railways Group (website: www.japanrail.com). Road Driving in Japan is complicated for those who cannot read the language as it will be a problem to understand the road signs. Traffic in cities is often congested. Traffic drives on the left. The Keiyo Highway, Meishin Expressway, Tohoku Expressway and the Tomei Expressway link Japan’s major Pacific coastal cities, passing through excellent scenery. Documentation: An International Driving Permit is required. Urban Public transport is well developed, efficient and crowded. The underground systems and privately run suburban rail services, which serve all the main cities, are very convenient but best avoided in rush hours. Tokyo also has a good network of trams. Bus: These can be confusing and are best used with someone who knows the system. Otherwise visitors should get exact details of their destination from the hotel. Fares systems are highly automated, but passes may be available. On buses, payment may be made on leaving. Metro: All of Japan’s largest cities have subway systems. Tokyo has two underground systems: the Teito Rapid Transit Authority (TRTA) runs the Eidan Subway with eight lines, and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government (TBTMG) operates four lines. A variety of tickets can be bought including a monthly open pass, one-day open ticket, 14 tickets for the price of 10, and a Tokyo Combination ticket; this can be bought six months in advance and entitles the passenger to unlimited travel on the subway, JR rail and Toei buses for one day within the six months. Kyoto also has its own subway system with two major lines: the Karasuma and Tozai lines. Kyoto Sightseeing Passes can be bought enabling unlimited rides on buses and the underground. Taxi: These can be expensive, particularly in rush hour (0730-0930 and 1700-1800). There is a minimum charge for the first 2km (1.2 miles) and there is a time charge in slow traffic. It is advisable for visitors to have prepared in advance the name and address of their destination in Japanese writing, together with the name of some nearby landmark; a map may also help. Hotels can provide this service. Travel times The following chart gives approximate travel times (in hours and minutes) from Tokyo to other major cities/towns in Japan.
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