Transportation

Japan is far from being an English-speaking country, which often makes communication during transfers quite challenging. To avoid these difficulties, Frigate Aero Tours offers transfer services. When planning your trip, you can request any transfers you may need.

• Upon arrival in Japan, you will be met at the international arrivals exit with a sign bearing your name. Together with other travelers, you’ll be taken by shuttle to your hotel. Return transfers can also be arranged.
• Private transfers are available as well. In this case, you will travel only with the driver, with the option of choosing the type of vehicle.
• Private transfers are not limited to airport–hotel routes. Reservations can also be made for:
• Transfers to/from train stations (for those traveling across Japan by rail)
• Transfers to/from ports (for cruise passengers)

What options are available when traveling around Japan?

Japan offers a wide variety of transportation options:

Trains
Japan Rail (JR) is the country’s main railway company, covering both the national network and the famous high-speed bullet trains. There are different types of trains: local trains (futsu), rapid trains (kaisoku), express trains (kyuko), and limited express trains (tokkyu), which are even faster.
Tokyo’s metropolitan area is centered around the JR Yamanote Line, a circular route connecting the city’s major stations. Japanese trains are known for their comfort, with soft seating, vending machines for non-alcoholic drinks and coffee, public phones, restrooms, and bilingual electronic screens (Japanese and English).

To travel by train, visitors often purchase the Japan Rail Pass (must be bought in advance, available only to foreign tourists). This pass allows unlimited travel on JR trains, buses, and ferries, as well as certain private railways, for 1, 2, or 3 weeks. The pass is non-transferable and issued in the traveler’s name. A passport may be required at the time of purchase.

Buses
Japan also has an excellent bus system. In Tokyo, buses typically run from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM, while in surrounding areas, they operate from 5:30 AM to 11:00 PM.
Bus stops are clearly marked and named, although some may be difficult to read due to graffiti. In Japan, fares are usually paid when you get off the bus.

Subway
The subway operates only in Japan’s major cities, connecting different areas with frequent service every 5 minutes. Hours of operation are generally 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Fares vary depending on the zones traveled. Each subway line has its own color. Special priority seats (grey) are reserved for elderly passengers, people with disabilities, and those with reduced mobility—and must remain available at all times.

Taxis
Taxis are one of the most convenient ways to move around Japanese cities, but they are also quite expensive. They operate 24 hours a day, with a 30% surcharge between 11:00 PM and 6:00 AM.