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Japan can be a difficult country to navigate at times, a lot of it coming down to language difficulties. Despite being a big highly developed country, or maybe for that very reason, the majority of Japanese learn English as a hobby rather than a necessity. Google Maps and translate apps are one way to get around, and luckily the locals are usually very helpful in a jam. But here are some travel hacks that will help you have a smoother journey.
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Getting connected and Must Have Apps
First off you may want to consider getting pocket wifi or if you have an unlocked phone, even better is a data SIM card which you can pop into your phone and get good download speeds. There is not too much free wifi without pre-registration in Japan which can be frustrating as you need to send email to set it up. There are lots of Must Have Apps in Japan and some such as stay.com and others that work offline. Using translators and chat apps like LINE can make it easier to make new friends with the locals. You'll be surprised how many Japanese are really willing to show foreign travellers hospitality. Get you phone ready for Japan!
Takyubin Luggage Delivery
This is my number one favourite service in Japan. Next day delivery for luggage from door to door to any address in Japan. You can even specify the date and time of arrival. Take an overnight bag when stopping at a small village en route between Kyoto and Tokyo, or even deliver to and from the major airports. Even many convenience stores take the bags and fill in the forms for you. Cost is from 1500yen per bag. Worth every penny when you need to take a rush hour train to the airport and don't need to squeeze onto a super crowded train.
BUYING TICKETS FROM MACHINES
The main thing is to first find the English button. No button? Have no fear as almost all the machines are money up front.
A: First load some coins or notes into the machine
B:Travelling in a pair or group you can select the number of passengers (skip for one ticket)
C: Select the amount of money the ticket is for*
*this is the tricky part, google maps will tell you, also a big map above the ticket booth with tell you. If you can't figure it out, no problem. Just buy the cheapest ticket and then adjust the fare when you get off the train.
D: Remember your ticket and place in the wicket as you go through and keep it until you exit the final destination when it will disappear into the machine.
A: First load some coins or notes into the machine
B:Travelling in a pair or group you can select the number of passengers (skip for one ticket)
C: Select the amount of money the ticket is for*
*this is the tricky part, google maps will tell you, also a big map above the ticket booth with tell you. If you can't figure it out, no problem. Just buy the cheapest ticket and then adjust the fare when you get off the train.
D: Remember your ticket and place in the wicket as you go through and keep it until you exit the final destination when it will disappear into the machine.
GETTING TO AND FROM NARITA AIRPORT
Narita is way out there! If you are like most staying on the West side of town (Shinjuku and Shibuya) it can take about 90mins. Here are the options.
Friendly Airport Limousine Bus 2000-3000yen (Depending on distance)(ask for a free 1-day subway pass)
Pros: comfortable, no transfers, door to door to many hotels throughout the city, free wifi on the bus, luggage stored by the driver, easy to sleep through the trip, hotels can arrange a taxi for onward travel, the no-hassle solution
Cons: less to see along the way, a bit slower than the train, no drink services or toilets
Keisei Skyliner Express Train 2400 yen (to UENO)
Pros: quick at getting you into the East side of the city (Ueno), cheap, comfortable.
Cons: if staying on the West side of the city (Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ebisu etc.) requires a change of trains and about a 30 min ride on busy commuter trains
Keisei Bus 900 yen
Pros: the cheapest
Cons: Not very good website, bus stop is a bit difficult to find, have to go to Tokyo station in order to catch the bus
JR Narita Express 1500-3000 yen (includes transfer to any JR station in Tokyo Area)
Pros: Fastest way to the West side of the city, drinks and snacks sold onboard.
Cons: if not staying at a main station you will have to get on a crowded commuter train with your luggage to get to your destination
Friendly Airport Limousine Bus 2000-3000yen (Depending on distance)(ask for a free 1-day subway pass)
Pros: comfortable, no transfers, door to door to many hotels throughout the city, free wifi on the bus, luggage stored by the driver, easy to sleep through the trip, hotels can arrange a taxi for onward travel, the no-hassle solution
Cons: less to see along the way, a bit slower than the train, no drink services or toilets
Keisei Skyliner Express Train 2400 yen (to UENO)
Pros: quick at getting you into the East side of the city (Ueno), cheap, comfortable.
Cons: if staying on the West side of the city (Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ebisu etc.) requires a change of trains and about a 30 min ride on busy commuter trains
Keisei Bus 900 yen
Pros: the cheapest
Cons: Not very good website, bus stop is a bit difficult to find, have to go to Tokyo station in order to catch the bus
JR Narita Express 1500-3000 yen (includes transfer to any JR station in Tokyo Area)
Pros: Fastest way to the West side of the city, drinks and snacks sold onboard.
Cons: if not staying at a main station you will have to get on a crowded commuter train with your luggage to get to your destination
COMMUTER PASSES IN KYOTO and OSAKA Area
Many visitors to Kyoto and Kansai area in general will visit within a longer trip which may include other major areas like Tokyo, Hiroshima and beyond. The JR pass is still great value for making long cross country journeys but within certain regions private rail, city bus and subways lines are much more convenient. Here is a list of some options for other passes but focusing on using Kyoto as a base. Click here for info on the Osaka Amazing Pass.
BEST VALUE in KYOTO Kyoto City Bus Day Pass: One Day 500 yen
This is a great deal as you can use the pass all day giving you access to hundreds of sightseeing spots. The only downside is you have to pay extra for the other transport options and for areas outside the city limits like Arashiyama. Beware also that Kyoto traffic (especially along Shijo Street) can be terrible and it can even be faster to walk! But a great deal and best for range of access to the city sights. Passes can even be purchased directly from the driver before disembarking. PS. In Kansai you pay when you get off the bus ;)
DISCOVER NATURE Kuruma and Kibune 1 day pass from Keihan: 1600 yen
This is a great way to explore the villages of Kyoto's Northern mountains. A place of spectacular nature and rich with mythical history. This pass also gives you access to the Hiei San ropeway station which leads to an ancient temple grounds. Up for a moderately challenging hike? Try climbing from Kibune over the 500m tall peak toKurama visiting the Kurama temple up in the hillside. Stroll down the other side through nature and there is a hot springs just around the corner with an outdoor bath and great views of the nature filled area. A perfect one day escape from the city.
DAY TRIPPER SAVINGS Hankyu Tourist Pass: One day 700 yen, Two day 1200 yen
The Hankyu Railway is one of the more useful ways to get around Kansai as you can access to Kyoto City Centre (Kawaramachi/Karasuma), Arashiyama, Osaka Station (Umeda), Kobe and more. And this is an amazing deal. This offer is available only to travellers, and you must show your passport to purchase.
FULL MEAL DEAL Kansai Thru Pass: Two Day 4000 yen, Three Day 5200
This is the granddaddy of them all as it covers almost every bus train line and subway in the whole region including Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, Nara, Wakayama, Okayama and everything in between. This pass does not cover JR lines but still has great access and is the best one for travel to Koya San as well. Definitely the pass to get if you have a big itinerary and want to not worry about calculating costs. Plus you get a huge coupon book with up to 20% off at dozens of sightseeing places.
AIRPORT PLUS Haruka Express & Preloaded IC Card: 4060 yen (with roundtrip to KIX airport)
This is the most flexible and guaranteed a good deal. The airport bus is also very convenient, especially ease of dropping luggage and comfortable seats, but the Haruka Express is a pleasant ride through the city and getting the IC card already charged with money you can pick and choose any transport you wish and even buy drinks and snacks at convenience stores as it's like an E-money card. This offer is available only to travellers, and you must show your passport to purchase.
BEST VALUE in KYOTO Kyoto City Bus Day Pass: One Day 500 yen
This is a great deal as you can use the pass all day giving you access to hundreds of sightseeing spots. The only downside is you have to pay extra for the other transport options and for areas outside the city limits like Arashiyama. Beware also that Kyoto traffic (especially along Shijo Street) can be terrible and it can even be faster to walk! But a great deal and best for range of access to the city sights. Passes can even be purchased directly from the driver before disembarking. PS. In Kansai you pay when you get off the bus ;)
DISCOVER NATURE Kuruma and Kibune 1 day pass from Keihan: 1600 yen
This is a great way to explore the villages of Kyoto's Northern mountains. A place of spectacular nature and rich with mythical history. This pass also gives you access to the Hiei San ropeway station which leads to an ancient temple grounds. Up for a moderately challenging hike? Try climbing from Kibune over the 500m tall peak toKurama visiting the Kurama temple up in the hillside. Stroll down the other side through nature and there is a hot springs just around the corner with an outdoor bath and great views of the nature filled area. A perfect one day escape from the city.
DAY TRIPPER SAVINGS Hankyu Tourist Pass: One day 700 yen, Two day 1200 yen
The Hankyu Railway is one of the more useful ways to get around Kansai as you can access to Kyoto City Centre (Kawaramachi/Karasuma), Arashiyama, Osaka Station (Umeda), Kobe and more. And this is an amazing deal. This offer is available only to travellers, and you must show your passport to purchase.
FULL MEAL DEAL Kansai Thru Pass: Two Day 4000 yen, Three Day 5200
This is the granddaddy of them all as it covers almost every bus train line and subway in the whole region including Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, Nara, Wakayama, Okayama and everything in between. This pass does not cover JR lines but still has great access and is the best one for travel to Koya San as well. Definitely the pass to get if you have a big itinerary and want to not worry about calculating costs. Plus you get a huge coupon book with up to 20% off at dozens of sightseeing places.
AIRPORT PLUS Haruka Express & Preloaded IC Card: 4060 yen (with roundtrip to KIX airport)
This is the most flexible and guaranteed a good deal. The airport bus is also very convenient, especially ease of dropping luggage and comfortable seats, but the Haruka Express is a pleasant ride through the city and getting the IC card already charged with money you can pick and choose any transport you wish and even buy drinks and snacks at convenience stores as it's like an E-money card. This offer is available only to travellers, and you must show your passport to purchase.
