Before you do anything else, get an IC Card (Suica, Pasmo, or ICOCA). These rechargeable cards pay for trains, buses, vending machines, and convenience stores with a simple tap.

• Where to use: Almost everywhere. Subways, buses, 7-Eleven, coin lockers.
• Physical Alternatives: If you can't use mobile, look for the Welcome Suica (Haneda/Narita Airports) which is valid for 28 days but non-refundable.

The Shinkansen (Bullet Train)

The crown jewel of Japanese engineering. It whisks you from Tokyo to Kyoto (500km) in just over 2 hours.

• Nozomi: The fastest and most frequent train. (Not covered by standard JR Pass).
• Hikari / Kodama: Slower trains, fewer stops.
• Luggage: If your bag is huge (over 160cm total dimensions), you MUST reserve the "Oversized Baggage Area" seat at the back of the car.

Is the JR Pass Worth It?

Probably not. Following a massive price hike in late 2023, the nationwide JR Pass rarely pays off for standard round-trip itineraries (e.g., Tokyo → Kyoto → Tokyo).

Better Alternatives:

• Regional Passes: Highly valuable. (e.g., JR Kansai Wide Area Pass, JR East Tohoku Pass).
• Single Tickets: Often cheaper and give you the freedom to ride the faster Nozomi trains. buy via SmartEX app.

Tokyo and Osaka have labyrinthine subway networks. They are fast, cheap, and confusing.

• Tokyo Subway Ticket: A fantastic deal for tourists. Unlimited rides on Metro and Toei lines for 24h (¥800), 48h (¥1,200), or 72h (¥1,500). Buy at airports or big stations with your passport.
• Navigation: Stations are numbered (e.g., M14 is Marunouchi Line, station 14). Follow the numbers if you can't read the Kanji.
• Exit Strategy: Look for the Yellow Signs on the platform telling you which exit leads to your destination. Choosing the wrong exit can mean a 15-minute detour.

City Buses (Kyoto)

In Kyoto, buses are king. You enter from the Back and pay at the Front when you exit.

Highway Buses

The budget traveler's secret weapon. A night bus from Tokyo to Osaka can cost as little as ¥4,000 (vs ¥14,000 for Shinkansen) and saves you a night of accommodation. Look for "Willer Express" for comfortable seats.

Japanese taxis are spotless, with automatic doors (don't touch them!).

• Cost: Expensive. Use them for short hops or when carrying heavy luggage.
• Apps: Uber works in Tokyo/Kyoto (it hails a taxi). GO is the most popular local taxi app.
• Red vs. Green: A glowing RED sign means "Empty" (Available). GREEN means "Occupied". It's the opposite of what you might expect!

• Takkyubin (Luggage Forwarding): Don't drag big bags onto trains. Services like Yamato (Black Cat) will ship your suitcase from hotel to hotel for ~$20. Ask your hotel front desk; it's a lifesaver.
• Station Lockers: Every station has coin lockers. Great for day trips. Use your IC card to pay/lock.
• Bike Rental: "Luup" is a popular e-scooter/e-bike share app in major cities. Great for short distances.