Tips on getting around

 Tips on bus and coach 

            Places such as Kyoto have tourist day passes and bus route maps in English, which you can obtain at a bus station. Local buses usually board from the rear door and if your journey is not covered by a flat fee you may need to pick up a numbered ticket. A board at the front of the bus displays the fares, based on the numbers. You will need to know your destination in Japanese characters. Some buses board from the front door and require you to pay as you enter. Tickets for long/middle distance coach trips, as well as airport limousines, are usually sold at the coach counter or ticketing machine.

 Tips on Metro 

            The Japanese metro and train services are clean, safe and run on time. You can either purchase a prepaid card or an ordinary ticket from the ticketing machine. Silver seats are for the elderly or people with difficulties. Mobile phones need to be on silent and you must not talk in the carriage. In major cities, the rush hour (between 7 and 9 am and 5 and 8 pm) crush can be really bad. Some trains have women-only carriages. The Japanese metro system is very similar to the one in London. The first thing you must do is obtain a metro map which indicates all the lines and stops.

 Tips on Train 

You will find Midori no madoguchi in major train stations where you can exchange Japan Rail Passes to make seat bookings etc. A JR pass can get you a considerable way around Japan. Details can be found at www.japanrailpass.net.

 Tips on Taxi 

            Japanese taxis are safe, clean and operate on meters. The basic fee is based on the vehicle size. It canbe rather expensive but there is no need to tip. There are taxi stands at stations and major hotels but taxis can also be hailed from the roadside. You can identify whether a taxi is available by the sign 空車 (Kuusha) displayed in the front windscreen. All the doors are automatically operated by the driver. A receipt can be requested if necessary.

 Tips on Boat and ferry 

            Japan Railways (JR) run ferry services on certain routes where the JR Pass can be used. There is a good ferry network in Japan linking the various islands. Ferries can be used as an alternative to trains if you wish to travel between the islands and have time to spare. During the holidays some lines can be very busy, so if you are driving it is advisable to book a place in advance.

 Tips on Air travel 

            At the airport, most signs are written in both Japanese and English. All the airport staffs understand and speak some English. You can find airport details by visiting www.narita-airport.or.jp or www.kansai-airport.or.jp.

 Tips on Customs control 

            UK, US, Canadian and Australian visitors to Japan do not require a visa for short business trips and holidays. During your stay, you are not allowed to work. It is advisable that you carry proof of identity at all times, so make sure that you always carry your passport.