Cars Driving is on the left side of the road and requires an international driver’s licence. It is not recommended to drive through the cities, particularly Tokyo, as road congestion is a major problem in Japan. Traveling to other cities by car is a good idea if you plan in advance.

The freeway systems is well developed, but the road signs may not always be in the Roman alphabet. For more information, contact:

Japan Automobile Federation
3-5-8, Shiba Park, Minato-ku,
J-100 Tokyo;
•(03)4362881

Trains in Japan’s rail network are clean, comfortable, fast, regularly scheduled and run on time. Japan’s railway, referred to as JR, is a number of separately owned railway systems providing one linked service. Tickets for the JR can be purchased at any railway station, usually at vending machines, but if you are going on a longer trip, you’ll have to purchase your tickets at a ticket window.

JR has five varieties of train services: Futsu, the slowest train stopping at all stations; Kyuko, the ordinary express that stops at limited stations; Kaisoku, a rapid train very similar to kyuko; Tokkyu, the fastest regular trains with limited station stops; Shinkansen, otherwise known as “bullet trains” - these trains have become a symbol of modern Japan. There are special rail passes that can be acquired to lower the cost of travel. For complete information on destinations, schedules, telephone numbers and rates, contact Japan’s National Tourist Office. Cities like Tokyo and Osaka are well serviced by subway systems and are the best way to get around town.

The services often link up with JR lines.
Buses : Japan has an extensive long-distance bus service. Buses tend to run regularly on expressways, and many of their bus stops are located along expressways. These buses are nowhere nearly as fast as the trains that are commonly used for commuting purposes; however, they are more comfortable for long road trips.