Getting There & Getting About
International Airports
- New Tokyo (TYO): 65 km from the city.
- Kansai (KIX): 50 km from Osaka.
- Fukuoka (FUK): 10 km from the city.
- Full list of airports in Japan with associated airport codes >
Internal Transport
There is an extensive domestic air network covering Japan and its islands. Main routes are Tokyo-Osaka; Tokyo-Fukuoka; Tokyo-Sapporo and Tokyo-Naha. There are also frequent boat services to Japan's islands, including Tokyo-Okinawa (in the south) and Tokyo-Hokkaido (in the north). Other major routes include Awaji Island, Shodo Island, Ikuchijima and Omishama Islands.
The efficient rail network is widely used for both business and pleasure. There are some excellent high-speed intercity services, such as Shinkansen, the 'Bullet Train'. Other types of train include Kyuko (Express), Tokkyu (Limited Express), Kaisoku (Rapid Train) and Futsu (Local Train). The Japan Rail Pass (which must be purchased before arrival in Japan) offers foreign tourists an economical pass for all trains except the new Nozomi super express trains. It may also be used on Japan Rail buses and Japan Rail ferries.
Although Japan has some excellent roads passing through magnificent scenery, driving in Japan is complicated for visitors who cannot read the language, and therefore the road signs. Traffic in cities is often congested.
Public transport within the cities is well developed and efficient, but also crowded, and is best avoided in rush hours (0730-0930 and 1700-1800). All of Japan's largest cities have subway systems, and passes, day tickets and books of tickets may be purchased.
Taxis are available, but can be expensive, particularly during rush hour. There is a minimum charge for the first 2 km, along with a time charge in slow traffic.