From the Airport to Your Hotel
Compare all transport options from Japan's major international airports. Prices and times are for one-way trips.
| Option | Time | Price | Best for | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Narita Express (N'EX) | 53 min to Tokyo Station | ¥3,070 | Speed + comfort | Book → |
| Keisei Skyliner | 36 min to Ueno | ¥2,520 | Fastest to Ueno | Book → |
| Access Express | 59 min to Asakusa | ¥1,270 | Budget | Info → |
| Airport Limousine Bus | 85 min to Shinjuku | ¥3,200 | Direct to hotel | Book → |
| Private Transfer | 70 min to Tokyo area | ¥15,000 | Groups, heavy luggage | Book → |
Traveling Between Cities
Shinkansen, highway buses, and flights between major Japanese cities. Select your origin and destination to compare options.
| Option | Time | Price | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shinkansen (Nozomi) | 2h 30m | ¥14,000 | Fastest. NOT covered by JR Pass |
| Shinkansen (Hikari)JR Pass | 2h 50m | ¥14,000 | Covered by JR Pass |
| Highway Bus (day) | 8h | ¥3,000-¥6,000 | Budget option |
| Highway Bus (night) | 9h | ¥4,000-¥8,000 | Save hotel cost |
| Flight (Peach/Jetstar) | 1h 15m | ¥5,000-¥15,000 | Book early for deals |
Should You Buy the Japan Rail Pass?
The JR Pass gives you unlimited travel on JR trains including most Shinkansen. Use this calculator to see if it saves you money.
Tokyo ↔ Osaka: ¥28,000 (round trip)
Individual tickets
¥28,000
JR Pass (7-day)
¥50,000
Individual tickets are ¥22,000 cheaper for this itinerary.
Buy JR Pass →Getting Around Within Cities
IC cards, day passes, and tips for navigating Japan's city transport systems like a local.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Japan Rail Pass worth it?
It depends on your itinerary. If you're traveling between 3+ major cities in 7 days, the JR Pass usually saves money. Use our calculator above to check your specific trip.
How do I get from Narita Airport to Tokyo?
The fastest option is the Narita Express (N'EX) at about 60 minutes to Tokyo Station. The cheapest is the Access Express / Keisei Skyliner combo. Limousine buses are a good middle ground.
Do I need a Suica or Pasmo card?
Yes, an IC card (Suica, Pasmo, or ICOCA) is essential. It works on virtually all trains, subways, and buses across Japan, and you can also use it at convenience stores.
How fast is the Shinkansen (bullet train)?
The Shinkansen travels at up to 320 km/h. Tokyo to Osaka takes about 2 hours 15 minutes, and Tokyo to Kyoto is about 2 hours 10 minutes.
Can I use Google Maps for train navigation in Japan?
Yes, Google Maps works well for train routes in Japan. It shows real-time schedules, platform numbers, and transfer instructions. The Japan Transit app is another excellent option.
Is it easy to rent a car in Japan?
Renting a car is straightforward if you have an International Driving Permit. It's recommended for rural areas like Hokkaido and Kyushu. In cities, trains are faster and cheaper.