Getting Around Japan

Japan’s transport system might look overwhelming at first, but once you understand how it works, it becomes one of the easiest and most reliable systems you’ll ever use.

Everything is built around efficiency. Trains run on time, connections are seamless, and the entire system is designed to move people smoothly through the city.

Trains & Metro

In Tokyo, you’ll primarily use a mix of JR lines and metro lines.

At first, it can feel confusing - different companies, different colours, and large stations with multiple levels. But in practice, it’s very intuitive.

Google Maps does most of the work for you, showing:

• Exact routes

• Platform numbers

• Transfer times

• Even which train car is best to board

After a day or two, you’ll start moving through the system without thinking about it.

Using an IC card (Suica / Pasmo)

Once you have a Suica or Pasmo set up, everything becomes significantly easier.

Instead of buying tickets, you simply tap in and out at every station.
It works across almost all trains, metros, buses, and even in convenience stores. This removes a lot of friction from your day and allows you to move freely without planning each ride.

Shinkansen (bullet trains)

If you’re travelling between cities, the Shinkansen is the most efficient way to do it. It’s fast, extremely comfortable, and known for its precision.

Even longer journeys feel smooth, and it’s often considered part of the experience itself.

That said, it’s also one of the more expensive parts of travelling in Japan - so it’s worth planning ahead if you intend to use it.

What it feels like

The first time you enter a large station like Shinjuku, it can feel overwhelming. There are multiple exits, a constant flow of people, and a lot happening at once. But once you understand the logic behind the system, it becomes surprisingly easy to navigate.

Tip

Don’t try to understand everything at once. Follow the directions you're given, take your time, and trust the system.