How to Use Trains and Buses in Japan: A Guide for Foreigners

2024-04-30Articles in English

In Japan, there are many convenient transportation systems such as trains, buses, bullet trains, and cabs. Trains and buses are especially essential for commuting. However, foreigners who come to Japan for the first time or are not familiar with the transportation system may find it challenging to understand how to use them.

This article introduces the use of trains and buses in Japan. Please read on for useful information about train types, convenient IC cards, on-board manners, and more.

Table of Contents[非表示]

・Transportation in Japan

・Trains
・Shinkansen (Bullet train)

・Buses

・Accessible transportation for everyone

・How to ride trains and buses in Japan

・How to Ride a Train
・How to ride a local bus

・What is a "IC" ?

・You can use the IC outside of trains and buses!

・Traffic manners for foreigners

・Respect manners on public transportation
・What if I have large luggage or hand luggage?
・What if I have trouble using the train or bus?

・Enjoy your ride with care and manners

Transportation in Japan

Trains

There are more than 200 railroad companies in Japan, so you can take a train in many different places. One of the difficulties for those who are not accustomed to Japanese trains will be the difference between "Regular Trains" and other types of trains.

普通電車 (Futsuu Densha) - Normal Train: Stops at all stations in the section.
快速電車 (Kaisoku-densha) - Rapid Train: Stops only at some stations in a section.
特急電車 (Tokkyu-densha) - Limited Express Train: Stops at only some stations in a section. Since it stops at fewer stations than a rapid train, it arrives at its destination faster.

*Different railroad companies have different names and types.

If the rapid train stops at a station, it is faster to take it than to take a local train.

For limited express trains, some trains require a separate "express fee" in addition to the train fare, so check before you get on the train.

Shinkansen (Bullet train)

The Shinkansen is a high-speed train that travels over 200 km/h and is used for long-distance travel, such as business trips and vacations. For example, it takes about 2.5 hours to travel from Tokyo to Osaka. The Shinkansen offers spacious and comfortable seats, and some trains have free Wi-Fi.

Shinkansen trains have different types of seats and separate cars for each:

普通席(Non-reserved seat): Seats that are not assigned and can be freely occupied.
指定席(Reserved seat) : Seats that you designate when you buy a ticket.
グリーン車(Green seats) : Seats with more legroom and service than regular seats

Buses

Buses are generally used for local transportation. The bus routes that circle around the community are used by many residents, including commuters and students. There are also "Express buses" that run long distances. There are cheaper alternatives to bullet trains and airplanes that allow you to travel during the night. For example, it takes about 8 to 10 hours from Tokyo to Osaka. It is often used by people returning to their hometowns or traveling.

Accessible transportation for everyone

In Japan, transportation is easily accessible to people with physical disabilities. For example, there may be ramps or dedicated spaces for wheelchair users, or both spoken and written information is available. Most trains and buses also provide information in English, Chinese, and Korean.

How to ride trains and buses in Japan

How to Ride a Train

Buy a ticket from a station ticket machine and go through the ticket gate. Be careful not to forget to take your ticket. If you have a transportation system IC card or app, hold the card or app over the ticket gate.
Check the transfer guide to see which platform the train you will board will be coming from, and head for the platform.
Wait in line on the platform. When a train arrives, get on the train after everyone else has gotten off.
When you arrive at your destination and exit the ticket gate, you also put your ticket through the ticket gate. No ticket will be issued at this time. If you have a transportation system IC card or app, hold the card or app over the ticket gate.

How to ride a local bus

Go to the bus stop. Wait in line until the bus arrives.
When the bus arrives, board the bus through the door marked "乗車口 (boarding gate)". When boarding, take a numbered ticket or touch the bus with your transportation system IC card or application. If the fare is the same no matter how far you ride, you do not need a numbered ticket.
Before arriving at the bus stop where you want to get off, an announcement will be made: "Next stop is ____ (name of the bus stop)". When you hear the announcement, press the "次止まります (I will stop)" button nearby. If you do not understand Japanese, we recommend that you use a map application to check how far you have come.
When getting off the bus, exit through the door marked "降車口 (exit)". There is a fare box next to the driver. The fare is written on the board at the front of the bus. Pay the fare for the same number as the numbered ticket you took when you boarded. Put it in the fare box together with the numbered ticket. If you are paying with a transportation IC, touch the fare box.

When using an express bus, you must buy a ticket at the counter or on the Internet before boarding.

For more information, check the website of the highway bus company you will be using.

What is a "IC" ?

When you take a train or bus, it is a hassle to check the fare and to buy a ticket every time.

Transportation IC(交通系IC) is a convenient service that allows you to pay your fare without a ticket by simply touching your smartphone application or card on the ticket gate.

SUICA and PASMO are some of the various IC card services across the country, and they are linked between cards, which is very convenient. Many services allow you to link the charge to a credit card.

You can use the IC outside of trains and buses!

Traffic IC cards can be used for purposes other than trains and buses.
For example, you can pay for purchases at convenience stores, supermarkets, etc., and at restaurants. Please check each IC company's website for available services and stores.

Traffic manners for foreigners

Respect manners on public transportation

When using public transportation in Japan, please behave in the same manner as the locals. For example:

Don't talk loudly.
Do not make phone calls.
Give seats to the elderly, physically disabled, and pregnant women, even if they are not priority seats.
Do not leave luggage on the seat.
Stand in line properly while waiting at the station.

It is important to be considerate of those around you, even on trains and buses.

What if I have large luggage or hand luggage?

When boarding a train or bus, you may be carrying large luggage or a lot of luggage. Large suitcases must be placed in designated spaces on Shinkansen and express trains. If you have a lot of luggage, do not place it on the seat next to you, but use the luggage storage area above your seat.

It is also recommended to use a baggage delivery service that can send your luggage directly to your destination.

What if I have trouble using the train or bus?

If you have any problems, talk to the station staff. For example:

When you don't know where the station is;
"すみません、〇〇まで行きたいのですが、どこで降りればいいですか。" Excuse me, I need to get to ____, where do I get off?
When you don't know how to buy a ticket;
"〇〇駅までの切符の買い方を教えてください" Please tell me how to buy a ticket to station ____.

If you are not confident in your Japanese, you can ask them to write down the name of your destination or use a translation application. For buses, ask the driver when the bus is stopped.

Enjoy your ride with care and manners

There are so many different types of trains and buses that you may get lost until you get used to them. If you have any problems, ask the station staff if you are on a train, or the driver if you are on a bus when the bus is stopped.

You can also ask people around you. When using transportation, please use good manners!