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 HikariJR 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 a hotel night |
| 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.
Suica / PASMO
- How to buy
- Any JR station ticket machine. ¥500 deposit + charge amount. Press 'English' first.
- Usage
- Tap on reader at ticket gates. Also works at convenience stores, vending machines.
- Deposit
- ¥500
- Tip
- Get Suica at airport (Narita/Haneda). Load ¥3,000-5,000 for a few days.
Day Passes
| Pass | Price | Covers | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tokyo Subway 24-hour Ticket | ¥800 | All Tokyo Metro + Toei Subway | Best if you ride 4+ times |
| Tokyo Subway 48-hour Ticket | ¥1,200 | All Tokyo Metro + Toei Subway | 2-day visitors |
| Tokyo Subway 72-hour Ticket | ¥1,500 | All Tokyo Metro + Toei Subway | 3-day visitors |
| Toei One-Day Pass | ¥500 | Toei lines only | Asakusa/Roppongi area |
| JR Tokyo Wide Pass | ¥15,000 (3 days) | JR lines + day trips to Hakone/Nikko/Karuizawa | Day trip enthusiasts |
Tips
- Trains run 5:00 AM to ~midnight. Last train times vary by line — always check.
- Rush hour: 7:30-9:30 AM. Avoid if possible, or ride in the women-only car.
- Taxi base fare: ¥500. After 2km: ~¥100/400m. Night surcharge 20% after 10pm.
- Google Maps works perfectly for train navigation in Japan. Use it.
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.