Transportation

 We are going to take the public transport during the tour, the transport networks being extremely well-developed in Japan, and designed for the best comfort of passengers.
(Please notice that in some public transport as stated above, there are no guaranteed seats)

Above all, it is reliable and punctual and it will allow us to travel easily even in the mountainous areas. You will be immersed into Japanese day life and will enjoy a best experience of Japan. However, when traveling into the most isolated areas of Japan, we may need to take private buses or taxis.  

Japan subway

Although it is the most complicated in the world, the Japan subway is very convenient, clean, quiet and above all well organized, and punctual. A wide range of different companies are in charge of the japan transportation web sharing lines and stations. It is better to give attention to the transport company you will travel to before purchasing your ticket and watch on the map, the price which varies depending on the destination you head for. However, almost everything is translated in English and there are many announcements that you will understand. In order to respect the manners, do not eat in the train, take care about reserved seats for older people, or pregnant women, refrain from talking on the phone, and put your phone on silent mode.  

JR (Japan Railways)

It could be easy to confuse the JR train and Japan subway, both working sometimes in the same station, so be careful. Indeed, JR station are managed by different companies and are in charge of a very wide rail web in entire country. JR is divided between 7 different companies, 6 regions and 1 for freight transport. JR train is very convenient for foreigners who purchase the JR Pass which allow them to enjoy many interesting sightseeing without taking the subway. For example, in Tokyo, you will access many sites taking the Chuo Sobu Line or the Yamanote line that is a circular line which travels around the capital. Nowadays, JR creates new luxurious trains to help visitors enjoy an unforgettable and comfortable journey.

The shinkansen (Japanese high-speed train)

Although it travels at a 320 km/h speed on average, the shinkansen also called “bullet train”, is the fastest train in the world breaking its own 2003 record of 581 kph with a top speed of 603 kph (SG MAglev train). You can access it with the JR pass. It provides a pleasant trip in a clean, elegant, spacious and quiet interior. Above all, it is well-scheduled, and it is easy to go anywhere at anytime of the day. The train travel from south of Kyushu (Kagoshima) to Hokkaido (Hakodate). In 2027, Tokyo and Nagoya will be connected with the linear motor car line.

There is plenty of particular Shinkansen as the Evangelion, opened in 2015 which is designed as the famous manga of the 90’s. Another example is the Genbi Shinkansen which connects Echigo-Yuzawa to Niigata on the west coast. So, it is possible to admire works of famous contemporary artists who designed the train and whose works are also exhibited in the cars. The train is also equipped with a play area for children.

The other local railway companies

Many local companies have developed a wide range of tourist trains, working on the interior design to provide the most playable travel as possible. For example, the Romance car which connects Tokyo and Hakone is equipped with a luxurious car located front of the train, made with window glass to enjoy a stunning panoramic view. Odoriko train traveling through Izu peninsula provides comfortable seats from which you can enjoy a sea-view or an amazing view on the mountain. Each region, with some ingenuity and imagination is proud of making its own special train that travel across Japanese countryside, mountains and coastlines.

The tramway

Former public transportation, the tram is still preserved in few cities as a nostalgic vestige of the past and became a tourist attraction although it could be very convenient in some cities as Hiroshima or Hakodate. You will notice the ancient classical design they could have. In Tokyo, the tramway Toden Arakawa is one of the oldest and is still traveling under the Japanese cherry blossoms in spring. That is why it is named today the Sakura Tram.