The Turista Series: Transportation Tips in Japan

Japan is presently opening up to the world and is attracting more and more tourists, especially since it will be hosting the 2020 Olympics. Living here for a year, I can say that it's a good destination to explore as the culture is so rich and yet you'd be fascinated by Japan's advancements in technology at the same time. Not to mention, the food is awesome and it's a shopping haven. One thing you have to expect though-- transportation can be quite pricey.

But! Have no fear. For the budgeting traveller--I have a few tips on how you can get around more (mostly in Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka) for less. 

1. Avoid using cabs. The flag down rate starts at $70 and it usually gets more expensive after midnight. I would highly recommend utilizing the trains and buses as they are more efficient and, of course, cheaper. 
2. Icoca (IC)/ PASMO/ Suica cards. These are prepaid cards that can get you on ANY train in Japan. You can even use them to purchase items in vending machines and convenience stores. Using these cards is a cheaper and easier option compared to buying train tickets every time. Charging them is easy, too, as machines have language options. You can even personalize your own card by printing your name on it!
3. Day passes. If you are not getting a JR pass, don't fret! Day passes for trains and buses around Japan can be great alternatives. I would highly suggest getting such passes if you want to go to multiple places in just one day. In Tokyo, you can purchase a one-day Tokyo Metro pass which allows you unlimited rides on the Tokyo Metro (around $6), the Tokyo Metro plus Toei Subway lines (around $10) or a combination of the Tokyo Metro, Toei Subway and JR lines within the metropolitan area (around $16). If you prefer to use JR lines within the metropolitan area only, you can purchase a different one-day pass from JR stations for around $7. For more information, you can check out the Tokyo Metro and JR East websites. Osaka and Kyoto also have unlimited bus passes for only $5 and a whole bunch of other tourist transportation options that you can look through here (for Kyoto) and here (for Osaka-- see bottom of this link's page for information on various discount tickets). 
4. Night buses. The shinkansen or bullet trains are stylish and fast but they are also very expensive. A one-way ride from Tokyo to Osaka can cost at least $130. ONE WAY. If you don't mind roughing it out overnight, night buses are the way to go. You can get one-way tickets for as low as $30. Not bad, right? You can leave at 10 or 11 in the evening and arrive at your next destination by 6 or 7 the next morning. I would highly suggest Willer buses as they are more comfortable compared to other buses. You can choose what kind of bus you'd like to take (yes, there are different options) but it would be best to reserve in advance. Seats run out fast and it is also a lot cheaper if you get tickets ahead of time. Click here for more information on Willer.  
5. Highway buses. There are a number of beautiful places (like Mount Fuji!) about an hour away from Tokyo and you can access them for a reasonable price by taking highway buses. You can easily reserve seats on the highway buses website and pay at the bus terminal right before your departure. Again, it would be better to book in advance to make sure you get a seat for your desired time and date. I would also suggest going to the bus terminal early to allot time in finding your bus and settling down.

There are actually more discount tickets all over Japan but these are my top tips for Osaka, Kyoto and Tokyo. If you have any questions, feel free to comment below. I hope this helps!