Cars in Japan · Buses in Japan · Taxis in Japan · Trains in Japan
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The narrow alleys of downtown Japan.
Cold soba noodles.
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In Japan, cars drive on the left-hand side of the road and have their steering wheels on the right. You have to be at least 18 years old to get a driver's license. It is pretty expensive to get a driver's license and own a car. Even though a lot of Japanese people do not own cars, the roads of Japan are crammed with too many cars. Traffic is a serious problem in Japan. It can take hours just to drive 20 miles! That's why most people prefer to use public transportation.
In smaller cities, buses are the main method of public transportation. However in larger cities, buses are just a supplemental method of transportation to the busy train and subway systems. For a foreigner, taking the bus can be confusing since there are different systems to using the buses. Some buses are always the same price, no matter how far you travel. On these buses, you are required to pay the driver as soon as you enter through the front door. However, other buses let passengers on through the back door. Upon entering, you take a numbered ticket. The price you have to pay when getting off the bus is displayed on a board next to the corresponding number of your ticket.
Taxis are an expensive method of transportation. The taxi drivers usually do not speak English; therefore, it is a good idea to write your destination down on a piece of paper. Most Japanese people can understand written English a lot better than they can understand spoken English. If you want to play it even safer, have one of your Japanese friends write down your destination in Japanese on a piece of paper. This way you are sure to arrive at your correct destination!
The train and subway system is by far the most efficient and reliable method of transportation in Japan. It can be intimidating at first because of the hustle and bustle and all the people. During rush hour, it is not uncommon to have train station employees standing outside the train doors pushing people in to get the maximum number of people on the train as possible. People are crammed in the trains like sardines! The funny thing is that no one seems to mind! Rush hour on a Japanese train or subway is a memorable and sometimes scary experience for a foreigner. The great thing about the train system in Japan is that most of their destination signs are written in English as well. This is certainly helpful when you are in a country where you do not speak, read, or write the language. It is quite a humbling experience to be in a place where you are at the mercy of luck and the kindness of strangers. |
Understanding Japanese Culture |
Useful Phrases and Words |
Japanese Food |
Japanese House |
Bath and Toilet |
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