Japan has several large, bustling cities serviced by trains, buses and taxis. Tokyo is the largest metropolitan area in the world, with over 35 million people. It also has one of the most complex public transport systems in the world, so if you’re going to navigate it, you’ll need to do a little research before your trip. 

Download maps and apps

Although some people speak English in Japan, it’s better to assume that you will need to navigate using only Japanese. Check out our phrase book to get your started with the basics. Make it a little easier to find your way around by looking online at the places you want to visit and the best way to get there.

Download maps for the public transport and tourist spots before you leave. For train timetables and maps, try Navitime Transit. Google Maps also allows you to save maps to your device so you can access them offline to save on data roaming.

Trains

Trains are one of the best ways to get around Japan. They are quick, efficient and allow you to bypass the frequent traffic jams. Inner-city trains can be packed during peak times. If you’re travelling with luggage, plan your trip so that you can wait for a quieter time or catch a taxi. The crowded conditions are legendary; you may have seen the ‘people stuffers’ who are employed to squeeze as many people into each car as possible.

Although Japan is generally safe, there are enough cases of wandering hands for them to provide women-only carriages.

The inter-city trains are more accommodating for travellers with baggage and have the advantage of being very fast and punctual, meaning you can spend more time exploring your next destination rather than in transit. Conveniently, many of the major cities and towns in Japan can now be accessed by train.

If you’re catching a train, double check that it will definitely stop at your destination before you depart. There are many different types of services, from local (which stop at all stations), through to express and limited express (which stop at fewer stations), and even super-express, which have their own platforms and rails entirely.

Station safety

Politely decline help from strangers who offer to assist you with purchasing train or bus tickets from machines. Ticket machines are generally quite easy to operate and although they’ll be in Japanese, there will be an ‘English language’ option. One of the safest ways to purchase a ticket is from an official employee at a ticket window.

Weather warnings

Keep in mind when planning to catch scheduled departures that weather can affect your travel times, especially in northern Japan where the snow can be very heavy, or near the coast where typhoons can affect railway lines.

Taxis

For the most part, taxis in Japan are very safe and theft is rare. Even so, as with many aspects of travelling, you need to be aware of those looking to take advantage of tourists and protect yourself from scams.

When travelling via taxi, we recommend you:

• Keep your most valuable possessions with you when you are in a taxi, not in the boot.
• Have the driver put your luggage in the boot so that they can’t drive away with your stuff. Watch your luggage go in and make sure the boot is securely closed before you get in the vehicle.
• Make sure you exit the taxi after the driver and via the door furthest away from the street. When doing this, leave your door open, which prevents the driver from taking off before you unload all of your bags.

Driving and rental cars

If you plan on driving a rental car make sure you’re familiar with both the road rules and the vehicle. If in doubt, ask your rental car provider for assistance. Car rental companies cater to English speaking visitors and can provide English GPS units, driving helplines and even chauffeurs if you’d rather not drive.

You will need to get an international driving permit (IDP) before you leave home. Remember to take your driver’s licence and IDP with you, and keep them both on you whenever you’re driving.

Check for damage

When hiring rental vehicles, always ensure you inspect the car thoroughly and avoid any scams by taking five minutes to photograph the car and any damage it may already have. Do the same when you return the vehicle and, if possible, make sure the car is inspected while you wait.

Buckle up

If you’re in a car – even a taxi – put your seat belt on. We’d rather see a claim for bruised ribs than have to arrange specialist medical care for head injuries or worse. It is also illegal to not wear a seatbelt whilst in a moving vehicle and you can be fined if caught.

Are you covered?

If you plan to hire a car in Japan, keep in mind the following in order to be covered under your travel insurance policy:

• Stick to any local driving laws or rules. Do some research before you depart as there may be some unusual road rules that differ from home.
• Only hire from a licensed rental car agency – if you borrow a vehicle from a friend or relative you will not be covered.
• Do not breach the terms of the rental vehicle agreement – read through the document before you set off for your trip.

Roads and rules

Cars in Japan drive on the same side of the road as we do, but the traffic laws will vary. The minimum legal age for driving is 18 years old. There is zero tolerance on drink driving – even if you’re only having one glass – so if you plan to have a drink, book a taxi or use public transport instead.

Road signs on most of the major roads throughout Japan follow international standards and are usually in English, as well as Japanese. There may be exceptions in rural areas of the country.

Generally, the roads in Japan are safe, and drivers are polite and courteous. The main risks to be aware of are:

• Speeding drivers running traffic lights – don’t be too hasty to pull out as soon as the light turns green.
• Careless cyclists failing to stop at intersections and ignoring traffic lights.
• Mountain roads which may become impassable in winter.
• Train tracks – stop when you approach them and look both ways before crossing. This is actually the law in Japan.

We recommend visiting the Japan Automobile Federation website, where you can find out more on driving rules, or purchase a road rules handbook.

Cycling

You can rent bikes in most tourist areas and they are a great way to get around quickly. You should stick to the roads unless there are signs stating otherwise. When renting a bike, make sure you ask for a helmet and wear it at all times.

Most rental bikes come with a lock that is built into the wheel, which prevents thieves from rolling the rear tire. Many people don’t lock up their bikes with chains because bike theft is so rare in Japan. However, it’s best to ask the rental agency for advice on the safest way to secure the bike when you’re not using it. Dedicated bicycle parking is common in the cities and parking costs are generally low.

Be a responsible cyclist and follow these traffic rules at all times:

• Cyclists ride on the left hand side of the road.
• Cycling dangerously, under the influence of alcohol, failing to stop at traffic lights, or riding with broken brakes can result in a fine, and in some cases even a prison sentence.
• Cycling on sidewalks is prohibited, except where indicated by shared sidewalk signs.

Walking

Although Japan has a reputation for being one of the safest countries in the world, it’s still important to keep in mind some general safety precautions:

• Try not to walk around alone at night unless you are in a busy area where there are lots of other people.
• Keep an eye on your valuables and conceal them, when possible, so you’re not a target to thieves.
• Plan your route before you set off for the day to avoid getting lost.

Common claims

Lost property

We see a lot of claims for lost items that have been accidentally left behind on the plane or public transport. Try to get into the habit of always checking your seat whenever you get up to go. Five minutes before you depart your mode of transport, do a check for all your important items – keys, wallet, passport, phone – to make sure they’re all in check.

Extreme weather

Japan often suffers from snow storms and typhoons. We recommend giving yourself a few extra days when traveling to and from ski fields and, in general, during the winter. You don’t want to be stuck in a snow storm when you have a flight to catch that evening!

Keep an eye on government travel advisory warnings for Japan before you depart and whilst you’re travelling around the country in case extreme weather is going to affect your plans.