Japan Map

Transportation

One of the benefits of living in Japan, especially the Tokyo area, is the clean, efficient, and punctual transportation system. The three primary modes of transportation are taxi, bus, and train, but many people also have their own vehicles. Getting around can be frustrating, as many smaller streets do not have names, and addresses are based on a block numbering system. Pick up street atlas at a bookstore or international supermarket to help you get oriented.


Trains

There are often maps posted on boards around the city (although they are usually in Japanese), and people are generally helpful with directions. However, you may save some time and avoid frustration by plotting your route ahead of time on Jorudan’s Train Route Finder. It incorporates buses, trains, bullet trains and subways when planning the fastest routes to your destination. If you have a keitai denwa (cellular phone), you can use this and similar sites from any internet-enabled phone.

To buy tickets, use the electronic ticket machines (jidokenbaiki) located just before entering the gates that lead to the train tracks. The machines have an English menu option, and you can observe (or ask) other people if you need help. Know in advance that if you purchase a metro pass, it will not work on private lines or JR lines and vice versa. A Suica or Pasmo card will allow you to ride the metro, private lines, JR lines and buses and can be used simply by tapping it on the card reader. You can purchase these in varying amounts at the same ticket machines, and must pay a deposit of 500 Yen for the card. If you need help locating the machines or using them, ask the uniformed attendant at the gate entrance to the train tracks for assistance.

If, when you get off of the train, you do not have enough money on your card or ticket, you can add funds using the machines available for fare adjustments, located just before the exit gates. Remember that the subway and trains stop each night from about midnight to 5 AM. Times vary depending on the train line, but plan on heading home significantly before midnight in order to avoid getting stranded.

Long Trips

If you are planning a day or weekend trip in Japan, it’s likely that you will be taking a train. Japan Railways has a site that explains the proper procedure for purchasing tickets. Any long trips by train can be planned and tickets purchased at the green window located in all major JR train stations. You must go to this window to purchase reserved seat tickets. You can purchase tickets from a live person, or use an electronic ticket machine with an English language option.

It is important to know that in Japan, trains almost always arrive and depart on time. Give yourself plenty of time to find the gate before the train is scheduled to depart the station.

Taxis

As in most cities, a taxi in Japan runs on a meter and can be hailed on the street by raising your arm. At times, especially during rush hour or a rainstorm, it may be difficult to find an available taxi. In this case, it is best to find a taxi noriba (stand). Most are conveniently located at the train station exits. These taxi stations are usually your best bet for hailing a cab, although there may be a waiting line.

One difference about taxis in Japan is that you are not supposed to open or close the rear passenger door. The driver will open and close it with a control, both when you enter the taxi and when you get out.

Even though Japanese cabs are equipped with a GPS navigation system, addresses may still be hard to find. This is because Japanese addresses are based on the chronology of when buildings where built and not actual location. That means that you may be expected to know the directions to your destination. Restaurant and bar business cards generally feature a map on the back, so be sure to pick one up if you plan to return somewhere. You can also download maps from company websites and provide your driver with the map.

Buses

Buses are another transportation option, and sometimes they even run in areas that trains do not. Living in Japan will inevitably require you to ride a bus at some point. There are several options for purchasing a bus ticket. You can buy a bus pass ahead of time, pay on the bus, or use a Suica or Pasmo card.

Buses have stops at almost all train stations and along all major roadways. A bus stop is usually marked by a sign and has a covered waiting area with the bus number, route, and schedule written on it. Sometimes multiple bus lines will come through the same bus stop, so pay attention to what number bus you are taking. In Tokyo, the buses’ overhead display will show the names of stops in English.

After your stop has been announced, push one of the buttons located on the poles around the passenger area. The button will light up saying yomarimasu (stop). Simply get off when the bus driver stops at the next station. When you are safely at the stop, the driver will open the doors (some buses instead require you to pay when you exit.).

Cars

Cars can add a lot of mobility, even for those living in a crowded city. Public transportation stops around midnight, with the exception of special holidays, so there is roughly a five-hour gap of time between last and first trains. This makes a car very desirable, especially for foreigners coming from car-based societies, but there are some obstacles that make car ownership inconvenient.

Residents of Japan are expected to get a Japanese driver’s license. Driving with an international driver’s license, provided that it is based in the United Nations Convention on Road Traffic (1949), is permitted for one year, but be advised that if you leave the country and return this license will not longer be valid for driving in Japan. Those who drive without a Japanese driver’s license can be fined, arrested, or even deported. Be sure to avoid any driving offenses before you have a Japanese license, as they may prevent you from getting one later.

The easiest way to get a Japanese license is to transfer from a license in your home country. Depending on which country you are from, you must have had the license for a certain period of time to qualify. However, the test is less involved when transferring a foreign license. You will first need to obtain a translation of your driver’s license through the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) . Depending on what country you are from, the test will include an eye exam, written test, and maybe a driving test. Visit JAF’s site for more details.

If you do not transfer your license, taking the test for a Japanese license is a complicated process. Many people attend driving schools, some of which offer English lessons on how to pass the test. The written exams are available in English, but the language used on the exams can be difficult to understand. It is possible to pass the test on your own, but it is easier to attend a driving school as the diploma from a designated school can exempt you from taking the driving portion of the exam. That said, driving schools are expensive and can run anywhere from 200,000 Yen to 500,000 Yen.

To bring in a car from abroad you will need to rely on a car dealer. Be prepared to pay several different taxes for importing and registering your car. Visit JetSetJapan.com for a breakdown of taxes and fees, information on buying a car, and information on Shaken, a mandatory vehicle inspection on a car, which can cost 102,000 Yen and up.

In order to have a car in Japan, you must have a parking space. Space is at a premium in the cities, so expect to pay anywhere from 10,000 Yen to 50,000 Yen per month for a parking space at your building. A final note: Japan has a no tolerance policy for drinking and driving. You risk being arrested and having your license revoked if you are caught driving with any alcohol in your system.

Renting a Car

Renting a car can enable you to take trips such as going to the beach, skiing, hiking, climbing, etc. Avoid exploring big cities by car, as you may end up spending your time stuck in traffic, and will eventually have to find a place to park the car. To rent a car, you will need a license valid for driving in Japan (Japanese or certified international license). There are a few foreign car rental agencies (Budget, Avis, and Hertz), but their prices and services are often not competitive. Instead, try to use a Japanese car rental agency, preferably one with an English website and support, such as ToCoo. If you are comfortable with speaking the language, try a Japanese rental company. You can rent vehicles ranging in size from econoboxes (called kei cars) to RVs.

Expect prices to be around 6,000 Yen per day and then 1,000 Yen for insurance. Rates are higher during vacation seasons, and you will be fined if you are late in returning the vehicle. Highways are plentiful and easy to use because of their bilingual signs, but use of these roads is subject to tolls.

To avoid making common mistakes when driving, follow these simple rules:
・Drive on the left side of the road.
・Buckle up (all occupants of a vehicle must use seatbelts).
・Child seats are necessary for kids age 6 and under.
・Do not us cellular phones while driving.
・Cars must be parked in a valid parking space.

Pay special attention to the last rule in large cities because if you park in a restricted area, traffic wardens can have your car towed the second you exit the vehicle. If your car does get towed, you will find a message on the road in your car’s place. The message will contain the contact details and a map for the police station. You will need to go there and pay a fine (approx. 15,000 Yen) and towing fee (approx.12,000 Yen), as well as make an apology.

To pick up your car, you will probably need to take a taxi from the police station to the car park where it is being held – and where you are paying for parking. To retrieve your vehicle, you must show your receipt of payment of the fines from the police station. Expect the whole process to take about two hours and cost 30,000 Yen.

Bikes

Many people in Japan ride motorcycles, scooters, and regular bicycles. If you chose to ride one, be sure to register it with the police station (it will only cost about 500 Yen). This makes it easy for the police to contact you if the bike is found. For more information, visit your local prefecture’s website.


   
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