The sun is out, so it’s a great start to the day. You want to go places in this foreign country. So what would be the best mode of transportation to travel in Japan?

The best mode of transportation to take if you plan to travel far would be the train. The train system in Japan is something to be proud of as they are very reliable in their timing. Some of the trains also stop throughout all the districts, making it very convenient for tourists. Train travel timetables are also widely available everywhere, such as kiosks and bookstores, and they also come with handy information you may need to know along the way.

Buses are available for short and long distance routes. They are one of the cheapest modes of transportation available, although they are slower than the train. However, because English signs are usually not available, or rarely are, taking the bus can be a bit intimidating for tourists. Make sure you understand some Japanese roads, or ask if you’re not sure which bus to take.

Although the islands are connected via tunnels and roads, the smaller islands will require a different type of transportation. If you plan to visit smaller islands, taking the ferry would be very suitable. Traveling by ferry can be exciting, as you can enjoy the cool breeze and pleasant surroundings along the way. With larger ferries, you can enjoy the restaurants and public baths. If you plan to travel around the islands a lot, you can take a bicycle. The ferries allow bikes to be brought and are charged accordingly.

Last but not least, you can of course also travel in a car. As some of the most popular car brands come from Japan itself, Japanese cars are very reliable. Get a ride from a local you know, or carpool with a Japanese rental car, you can drive to nearby places while taking most of your belongings with you. It is also a very convenient mode of transportation in rural areas. If you plan to drive, you will need an international driving permit.