Transportation in Japan
Japanese Train, Subway, Car, Bicycle and Boat
From the foreign travelers’ point of view, the reputation of the Japanese railway network is indisputable: its efficiency, punctuality and coverage are very much appreciated by locals as well as tourists. Neophytes might find it a little confusing at first, but it does not question its very high quality overall.
The railway network in Japan connects the large agglomerations and create a web between the cities. It is therefore quite natural to chose train as the primary transportation mean for its convenience. The four largest islands have a dense railway network, with various types of trains, from the Shinkansen high-speed train to connect the regional capitals, to slower but scenic railways that allow to enjoy the beautiful natural landscapes of the archipelago while comfortably seating.
However, trains and subways should not outshine all the other transportation means in Japan. They are indeed convenient to reach places that are a bit away from the mainstream areas, too expensive or too difficult to go by train. The other ways are for example bus, taxi, boat, bike and even rental car, for those who would like to be completely freed from a rigid schedule or discover remote places. Domestic flights, on the other hand, offer an alternative for long distance travels between islands and are required to reach Okinawa archipelago.