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

The best means 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 newsstands and bookstores, and they also come with practical information that you may need to know on the go.

Buses are available for short and long distance routes. They are one of the cheapest means of transport available, although they are slower than the train. However, because there are rarely or no English signs available on buses, 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 through 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 toilets. If you plan to travel around the islands a lot, you can take a bicycle. The ferries allow bikes to be carried and are charged accordingly.

Last but not least, you can of course also travel by car. Since 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 share a ride with a rented Japanese 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.