How To Travel Around In Japan
Lauded for possessing well-organized, efficient and extensive transportation network, getting around in Japan is extremely hassle-free. You can try walking around Japan and even exploring the country on your bicycle. You can opt for the buses, trams, trains, taxis, boats and flights to travel inside the land. For an exciting journey, you can choose the bullet trains. You can travel in your own car or rented one and hitchhike, if you are adventurous.
Japan has extensive and reliable air services. You can rely on Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways to take you to different parts of the country. Japan comprises many islands so you can travel to smaller exotic islands from the main islands by air. Flying is much faster than bullet trains in Japan and it is not very expensive. Skymark Airlines is another dependable carrier that operates inside the nation.
Japan features among the countries with best rail network and Japan Railway Group offers you efficient services throughout the country. Japan has private railways dominating a few areas in the country, too. The bullet train or Shinkansen is a star attraction in the country. Shinkansen is disabled friendly with compartments for passengers in wheel chair, buffet and other first rate facilities. If your stay extends for a longer period and requires traveling extensively throughout Japan, then get yourself a Japan Rail Pass which makes your travel economical.
Being an Island nation, Japan has excellent ferry services between islands. Tourists have the privilege of visiting and seeing many rare and splendid places while traveling on a boat. You can even transport your cars or motorcycles in the ferries to different islands.
Hitching or hitchhiking is another way of experiencing the land. You might get lucky with kind motorists/drivers giving you a ride but it is not always the same. Hitchhiking is not advisable when you travel alone in any country and Japan is no exception. Though it is cheaper, it is risky.
The public transport system in Japan is comprehensive but foreign travelers find it difficult to use since the names of the destinations are in Kanji script. The widespread network of long-distance buses or highway buses helps you to reach your destination in any part of the country at a cheaper fare. In Japan, you will find places where you cannot access trains and buses are the only mode of transportation. Night bus services are great for budget travelers.
You can also choose trams to travel to cities like Kagoshima, Nagasaki, Kochi, Shikoku, etc. The rates are affordable and you can choose unlimited travel day tickets to enjoy sightseeing. You can also hire taxis to go to tourist attractions and prominent regions at your own pace. If you own a car, you can find your way through the roads in Japan since they have sign posts in English. For those who wish to experience the country and get up and close with the land's lifestyle, culture and people traveling on foot and cycling around are wonderful options.