Japan is distributed on more than 7,000 islands, dotted with big cities, mountains and powerful national parks. At first glance, this seems a bit daunting exploration. But if you look closely, you will find that this big Asian country is a pleasant trip, whether by train, ferry or using rented wheels. The following is our travel guide to Japan.
Trains are the most popular way for travelers to explore Japan, and they can also be said to be the best. They are fast, efficient and very reliable. Although they are not the cheapest means of transportation, they can take you anywhere in this country with minimal pressure.
The main operator is Japan Railway Corporation, which is often called "JR". It is actually many different railway systems, providing a kind of connection service all over the country. JR runs the famous Shinkansen (bullet train) route, whizzing through major cities in Japan at a speed of nearly 200 mph (320 km/h). In addition to JR service, there is a huge private railway network, and each big city usually has at least one private train line to serve it and its surrounding areas. Several sleeper trains are still running.
The main stations are marked in English, and the stops of long-distance trains are marked in English. In Japan, the most challenging aspect of taking a train is browsing its many routes at a huge station. Give yourself enough time!
Tickets can be purchased from touch-screen ticket vending machines in major railway stations (most ticket vending machines with English function accept credit cards for Shinkansen travel), from Mr. Wang's internal travel agency midori-no-madoguchi, from major JR stations, or from Japanese travel agencies, which can usually be found at railway stations. Japan Tourism Board (JTB) has branches all over the country. The fare is comparable to that of trains in western Europe, and the cost of faster service is higher than that of slow trains.
Seat reservation can only be used for Shinkansen (bullet train) service and some tokky lines (necessary in this case). Booking tickets can be purchased at any time on the day of departure one month in advance. Otherwise, the plane ticket can't be booked, which means that there is no seat allocated; These tickets won't be sold out, but if all the seats are taken, you may find yourself standing.
Many tourists to Japan can choose to buy a railway pass. If you want to travel by rail many times during your visit, you can make the train travel in that country cheaper. Japan Railway Pass is a popular choice. You can take all JR services indefinitely within 7 days, 14 days and 2 1 day. The cost of a seven-day pass is about 33,700 yen (about 300 US dollars). There are also passes for specific areas in Japan (Northeast Pass, Tokyo Radio and Television Pass, etc.). ) for travelers who are concerned about specific areas of the country. You can find most of the pass information from the relevant JR railway websites (JR Central, JR East Japan, JR West Japan), although there are also passes outside JR network.
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Japan has an integrated long-distance bus network connecting Honshu Island, Shikoku Island and Kyushu Island. They are far less fast than Shinkansen, but much cheaper than Shinkansen. Buses also take the route that trains don't take.
Japan Railway (JR) operates the largest road bus network in Japan; It is often more expensive than other operators, but it is very reliable. Buses often leave and arrive at the train station, not the bus stations in other parts of the city.
Cheap operators with large networks include Willer Express. Seats can be reserved for weller and other well-known operators through the company's Japanese bus line service.
Most long-distance lines have night bus options. The seat of the senior coach is quite spacious and can be obviously tilted; These expenses are almost twice as much as ordinary coaches, but you still save on accommodation. They often arrive early, about 6 or 7 in the morning. All buses have toilets.
There are some incredible scenic roads in Japan. It's best to explore them in Sean Pavon/Alamy's inventory photos.
Traveling to the countryside, the car is the best way to travel, especially for two or more people. The area that is very suitable for driving exploration is Hokkaido; Northeast China; Feiqing, Shirakawa Township, Japanese Alps, Nengden Peninsula (central Honshu); Yin Shan coast (western Honshu); Four countries; Kyushu; And Okinawa.
Navigation system is much easier to drive in Japan than in the past. However, in remote mountainous areas, these are not foolproof. Be sure to give yourself enough time to find your destination.
When renting a car, the price of all car rentals is basically the same. The price of a small car usually starts at around 7,000 yen (US$ 60) per day, and the rent for more than one day can be reduced. Japan and Toyota have huge rental networks all over Japan and provide English navigation systems for vehicles. You can book online in English.
Renting a motorcycle for a long trip is not as easy as renting a car. Rent 8 19 is one of the few institutions that can make an appointment in English. However, scooter rentals are common on smaller islands. Renting one of them still requires an international driver's license (although it is not a motorcycle driver's license). In Japan, motorcyclists must wear safety helmets.
Japan's roads are generally in good condition. You are more likely to encounter ongoing road projects than roads that need to be maintained. Remember, mountain roads are often narrow, as are many mountain roads in cities (where you have to fight against one-way streets).
If you have no experience in ice and snow, it may be dangerous to drive in winter in Japan. As early as165438+1October (Hokkaido 65438+1October), it may snow at high altitude, and the mountain pass may be closed in April. Although roads are marked in English, weather warnings and road closures are usually not. If you drive through the mountains in winter, ask someone (perhaps where you live) to check your route to make sure it is feasible under the current conditions.
Travelers from most countries can drive in Japan (cars and motorcycles) and hold international driving licenses, which are supported by their own regular licenses. Residents in some countries need a license to authorize translation; Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) Branch provides the same-day translation at a cost of 3,000 yen (US$ 26).
Japan's aviation services are extensive, reliable and safe. Flying is usually faster than the Shinkansen (bullet train), and sometimes it is cheaper. Although it is more harmful to the environment, there are fewer opportunities to watch the wonderful scenery of Japan at close range.
Japan Airlines, including Hokkaido Aviation System (HAC) and Okinawa Airlines Japan Overseas Airlines (JTA), have the most extensive domestic networks. All Nippon Airways ranked second. Most cities have domestic airports.
All Nippon Airways (ANA) and Japan Airlines (JAL) offer discounts of up to 50% if you buy your ticket one month or more in advance, and even less if you buy it one to three weeks in advance.
Some cities have bicycle enjoyment programs, including Alexander Spatari/Getty Photo Agency in Tokyo.
Some cities, including Tokyo, Osaka, Kobe and Sapporo, have bicycle entertainment projects. They may be a bit difficult to use and usually need to register online in advance; Follow the online help. Many Japanese people visit the city by bike; According to the law, bicycles should be ridden on the road, but many people use sidewalks. Bike lanes are almost non-existent. Drivers (pedestrians) are usually polite. In cities, bicycles should be parked in ports or designated bicycle parking areas.
Many tourist areas have bicycle rental services. These are almost all heavy-duty frames and single-speed shopping bicycles, although there are electric bicycles in some places; Children's size bicycles are rarely provided. As part of the local tourism plan, they may be free; Otherwise, private enterprises near the railway station usually rent it at the price of 1000 yen (9 US dollars) every day. Please consult the local tourist information center. Many youth hostels also offer bicycles for rent or loan.
/kloc-Children aged 0/2 and under must wear helmets. Adults rarely wear them unless they are in road trip, so rental shops don't provide them (unless they provide children's bicycles; Then the child's helmet will be included in the rent).
It is difficult to rent a tourist bike in Japan. Osaka Bicycle is one of the operators providing these services. When riding a bicycle on the train, you need to take it apart and put it in a bicycle bag.
Ferry is almost never the cheapest place and always the most time-saving, but the ship itself can be unforgettable: long-distance ferry in Japan has public bathhouses, canteens and even karaoke rooms.
On the overnight ferry, second-class travel means sleeping on the plastic mat or floor in the common room; However, you can pay an extra fee to upgrade to a dormitory (or suite).
Most major ferry companies have English websites for booking tickets; Otherwise, please book through travel agencies such as JTB.
Japan gets different scores on accessibility, but you will find that the staff are trying their best to help coward_lion/Getty Images.
Japan has obtained mixed signs in terms of accessibility, or in Japanese it is called bariafur: (Accessibility; バリアフリー)。 You will find that most service personnel will try their best to help, even if they don't speak English very well. In cities, railway stations generally have elevators, and station staff will help you get on and off through temporary slopes. Rural radio stations are more difficult to navigate.
Generally speaking, newer buildings may have access ramps and wheelchair-accessible toilets. Major scenic spots are usually accessible, even if they are not obvious: for example, shrines and temples usually have back doors with ramps. In other words, what is considered "accessible" in many scenic spots may still mean steep slopes or long gravel roads.
A considerable number of hotels, from mid-range and above high-end hotels, provide one or two barrier-free rooms (booked in advance); Please note that what constitutes accessibility is not always consistent, so please check the details carefully. If you decide to use a wheelchair when you arrive; It will be very helpful. The hotel staff can rent one for you.
Some disadvantages: Many communities in Japanese cities have no sidewalks, and restaurants are often too crowded to accommodate diners in wheelchairs. Find a shopping street (shopping street; Market street), usually a covered arcade for pedestrians; Most cities have them.
Accessible Japan is the best resource; It produced an e-book with many details. In addition, download Lonely Planet's free barrier-free travel guide for more information.