Japan Rail Pass Now - Japan Travel Guide

Transportation + Guide
to Japanese IC Cards
Buses
Buses in Japan offer services for both short (within a city) and long distance (between cities) travel.
Local buses
In many of the big cities, buses are commuters’ second choice to trains for transport.
To board a bus, simply look for its designated bus stop and get on through the door at the back. If you have an IC card (a rechargeable transport
card in Japan), you just tap it onto the sensor when you enter the bus . If you don’t have an IC card, take a ticket from a box-like machine by
the door as it will be used to determine how much you have to pay for your fare before you get off.
Just like in Australia, once your destination approaches, press a button on the wall to alert the bus driver that your stop is coming up next. If
you have an IC card, tap it onto the sensor next to the driver when you get off. If you don’t have an IC card, have the exact change ready to pay
your fare and drop both it and your ticket into the machine next to the driver.
Highway buses
Highway buses are a cheaper alternative to trains for commuters who don’t mind a longer travel period going from one city or region to another.
In Japan, there are several highway bus companies, including:
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Japan Railways (nationwide)
Willer Express (nationwide)
Fujikyu Bus (travel to and from Fuji Five Lakes)
Alpico Express Bus (travel to and from Nagano)
Meitetsu Bus (travel to and from Nagoya)
Usually, reservations are required by phone online, or via travel agents for these buses, especially during holidays and peak seasons. However,
during low seasons, it‘s possible to purchase tickets at the bus stations minutes before departure.
Ferries
Because Japan is an archipelago, travelling by ferry from one of its islands to another is a common way to get around. Even though Japan’s
major islands — Shikoku, Kyushu, Hokkaido, and Honshu — are linked by numerous airports, railways, tunnels and bridges, there are smaller
islands (e.g. Okinawa and the Daito Islands) that can only be accessed by ferries.
These ferries also carry cargo and smaller vehicles as well as people. They can be small (accommodating about 50 passengers and a few cars)
or large. The larger ferries usually travel longer distances and have more facilities, such as common rooms with tatami mats, a dormitory with
beds, private rooms with 2 to 4 beds, restaurants and public baths.
Rental Cars
In the more rural parts of Japan, public transport may be less efficient compared to Tokyo, Osaka and other urban areas. That’s why many
tourists rent a car instead for convenience.
To rent a car in Japan, you need to be at least 18 years old and possess an International Driving Permit (IDP) which you must obtain in Australia
before going to Japan.
37 - Japan Travel Guide