Practical Travel Guide
Updated March 2025Route Planner
Hyperdia / Google Maps
Google Maps has excellent Japan transit coverage. Plan train, metro, and bus routes with real-time schedules.
Airport Transfers
Public Transport
Tickets
Tokyo: single ride JPY 170-320, 24h metro pass JPY 600. IC cards (Suica/Pasmo) work everywhere.
Suica / Pasmo IC Card — tourist transport card for unlimited rides and discounts.
Learn moreTaxis & Rideshare
GO Taxi
appJPY 500-2,000 (~USD 3-13) city rides
Most popular taxi app in Japan. Works in all major cities.
Visit websiteJapanTaxi
appJPY 500-2,000 city rides
Large fleet coverage. English interface available.
Visit websiteTraditional taxis
traditionalJPY 500 start + JPY 100/400m
Very clean and reliable. Doors open/close automatically. No tipping.
Intercity Travel
Shinkansen (Bullet Train)
JR Group
Tokyo-Kyoto 2h15m, Tokyo-Osaka 2h30m. JR Pass covers unlimited rides.
Book ticketsJR Pass (7/14/21 day)
JR Group
Unlimited JR trains including most Shinkansen. Must buy before/upon arrival.
Book ticketsHighway Bus (Willer Express)
Willer Express
Overnight buses save a hotel night. Tokyo-Osaka from JPY 3,000.
Book ticketsBudget Airlines (Peach, Jetstar)
Various LCCs
Great for long distances like Tokyo-Sapporo or Tokyo-Okinawa
Book ticketsWhere to Stay
Nui. Hostel & Bar Lounge
budgetTokyo
JPY 3,000-6,000/night (~USD 20-40)
Stylish hostel in Asakusa with great bar and social space
Book on Booking.comHotel Gracery Shinjuku
mid-rangeTokyo
JPY 12,000-20,000/night (~USD 80-130)
Godzilla on the roof! Great location in KabukichΕ
Book on Booking.comPiece Hostel Kyoto
budgetKyoto
JPY 2,500-5,000/night (~USD 16-32)
Minimalist design, near Kyoto Station
Book on Booking.comHotel Kanra Kyoto
mid-rangeKyoto
JPY 15,000-25,000/night (~USD 95-160)
Traditional-modern blend, private onsen in rooms
Book on Booking.comWe may earn a commission from bookings made through our links, at no extra cost to you.
Useful Apps
Transport
Suica (Apple Wallet)
Add Suica to Apple Wallet for contactless transit payments across Japan.
Maps & Navigation
Google Maps
Best for Japan transit directions. Shows train times, platform numbers, and walking routes.
DownloadFood & Dining
Translation
Google Translate
Camera mode translates Japanese signs and menus instantly. Essential for kanji.
DownloadJapan Rail Pass
The JR Pass is one of the best travel deals in Japan. A 7-day pass costs about USD 320 and covers unlimited travel on JR trains including most Shinkansen. If youβre visiting Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, it pays for itself in 2-3 trips. Buy it online before arrival or at JR offices at major stations.
Using IC Cards
Get a Suica or Pasmo IC card β they work on trains, metros, buses, and even convenience stores and vending machines across Japan. You can now add a Suica directly to Apple Wallet. Charge it at any station machine.
Tips
- Trains run on the minute in Japan β plan accordingly
- Last trains leave around midnight; check schedules to avoid getting stranded
- Highway night buses are a budget trick: save on hotel costs while traveling between cities
- Japan Taxi app accepts credit cards β useful since many restaurants and small shops are cash-only