Bus, plane, car, taxi
Trains do almost everything. The rest: the night bus to save, the plane for the islands, the car for the countryside, the taxi for the last mile.
Renting a car: the right license
Your license alonea US, UK, Canadian or Australian license is not valid in Japan on its own
International permit + your licensethe International Driving Permit (1949 Geneva Convention), with your own license
- Get the permit at home, before you leave: in the US, from AAA; in the UK, it can't be bought abroad.
- Only the paper booklet counts: card or phone versions aren't valid. It works for one year from your arrival.
- Drive on the left, zero alcohol. The ETC card is rented with the car: tolls are settled when you return it.
- Expressway pass for foreign visitors in Kyushu: from 6,200 ¥ for 2 days.
A country house by the rice fieldsBus, plane, taxi
Night bus
Cheaper than the train, and one less hotel night. Ticket before boarding; at the terminal 30 min early.
No JR Pass, no IC card
Domestic flights
Peach, Jetstar Japan: 7 kg (15 lb) carry-on, checked bags extra. Skymark: 20 kg (44 lb) checked bag included.
JAL Japan Explorer Pass: with an international ticket
Taxi
Tokyo: 500 ¥ for the first kilometer, more from 10 pm to 5 am. Automatic doors, no tipping.
GO app: foreign cards accepted
Your PlanJapan eSIM
Taxis, buses, trains: the GO app and route planners need data. Your eSIM connects you as soon as you land.
PlanJapanGetting around · Bus, plane, car, taxiPlanJapan · Japan, the complete guide · 2026–20271