TRANSPORTATION

AIR

DIRECT FLIGHTS FROM CANADA TO JAPAN

Air Canada runs direct flights to Tokyo from Vancouver and Toronto.  In addition, Japan Airlines (JAL) runs direct flights to Tokyo from Vancouver.* 
The direct flight time between Toronto and Tokyo is 13 to 14 hours.  The direct flight time between Vancouver and Tokyo is about 9 hours.

For more information:

*This information is accurate at the time of writing, however please be sure to check with the airline directly to confirm flight information.

DOMESTIC FLIGHTS

In order to book domestic flights in Japan, you can reserve through your travel agent or contact the airline directly. For more information, including flight schedules, please contact the airlines directly:

AIRPORT INFORMATION

There are over 80 airports in Japan. Currently direct flights from Canada fly to Narita International Airport and Haneda Airport, Tokyo. These airports have tourist information centres and currency exchange counters. International ATM machines are available if you need to withdraw Japanese yen using debit cards.

Major Airports in Japan

For more information on airports in Japan, please consult: www.jnto.go.jp/eng/arrange/transportation/

RAIL

Travelling by train is an excellent option for tourists making their way around Japan.  Efficient, safe, clean and comfortable, trains in Japan run almost anywhere via the extensive rail network that spreads across the country.  Whether visitors are being whisked through the countryside on sleek Shinkansen bullet trains or winding their way through mountain valleys aboard scenic railways, they can expect train service to be punctual, frequent, and dependable.

THE ALL JAPAN RAIL PASS

The ALL JAPAN RAIL PASS offers overseas travellers excellent value and convenience, allowing the passholder unlimited travel on almost* all JR lines as well as many JR buses and ferries and is valid for all regions of Japan.  The All Japan Rail Pass is available for 7, 14, and 21-day periods.  The ‘All Japan Rail Pass’ and must be purchased outside of Japan.

The JR Passes are only available to sightseeing visitors to Japan.

*The pass cannot be used on the superexpress, called Nozomi.

Where to purchase a JR Pass Exchange Order in Canada

The ‘All Japan Rail Pass’ must be purchased outside of Japan.  It is necessary to purchase an Exchange Order before your departure. After entering Japan, you will have to obtain your JR Pass by submiting  your Exchange Order at a JR office or designated Rail Station. In Canada, you can purchase a JR Pass by contacting your travel agent or one of the following travel agents or tour operators:

Sales Outlets for the JR Pass Exchange Order in Canada

Japan Rail Pass Exchange Offices (in Japan)

You cannot use an Exchange Order when you travel on JR lines. Turn in your Exchange Order and obtain your JAPAN RAIL PASS at one of the JAPAN RAIL PASS exchange offices listed here. (Please note the service hours and holidays.)

For more information about the ALL JAPAN RAIL PASS: www.japanrailpass.net/eng/en003.html

Regional Japan Rail Passes

There are also REGIONAL JAPAN RAIL PASSES which offer the passholder unlimited travel on most* JR lines within specific regions of Japan.  Regional JR Passes can be purchased in Japan. 

Select appropriate region:
JR Hokkaido
JR East
JR West
JR Kyushu

*The pass cannot be used on the superexpress, called Nozomi.

Seat Reservations

For information on how to reserve seats with your JR Pass in Japan, please click here.

JR Routes

For a PDF map of the major Japan Rail routes click here. 

JR Timetables and Fares

JR Hokkaido
JR East (Tokyo-Tohoku area, Tokyo-Niigata, Tokyo-Nagano)
JR Central (Tokyo-Nagoya-Kyoto-Osaka-Hiroshima-Hakata)
JR Kyusyu

Plan your route! You can search for transportation routes, fares and travel times through the JNTO Travel Planner (click on JNTO Travel Planner in the Utility Zone).

In addition, digital timetables, routes, and fare searches are available here.

SUBWAY

Subway lines are available in all major cities, and provide prompt, efficient transportation. The JR Yamanote-sen loop line in Tokyo and the Osaka Kanjo-sen loop line both circle the centre of their respective cities. In Tokyo, JR rates start from 130 Japanese yen, subway fares at 160 Japanese yen for Tokyo Metro and Toei (Metropolitan) lines, and both increase with the distance traveled. Almost all stations have vending machines for tickets and automatic ticket-checking machines at their entrance/exit gates.

Fukuoka Subway Network
Kobe Subway Network
Kyoto Subway Network
Nagoya Subway Network (PDF 528KB)
Osaka Subway Network (PDF 645KB)
Sapporo Subway Network (PDF 678KB)
Sendai Subway Network
Tokyo Subway Network (Tokyo Metro Lines)
Tokyo Subway Network (Toei Lines)
Yokohama Subway Network

ROAD

BUSES

JR operates long-distance buses between Tokyo and other major cities (JR Bus Network). Though travel takes longer, the fares are cheaper than Shinkansen train fares. Other bus companies provide bus travel between major cities as well.

Highway Buses

Highway buses run mainly on expressways. There are many bus services linking cities to cities or cities to tourist spots. Traveling by highway bus is generally less expensive than by  air or rail. Highway buses are also called long distance buses or overnight buses (they run at night). 

Bus Routes and Fares

You can purchase tickets or ask for information at any ticket offices of JR stations (for the routes run by JR affiliated bus companies) or travel agencies. In addition, below are a list of selected web sites providing English information about various bus services in Japan.*

*The information on this website is provided for reference only.  Please be sure to check directly with the bus company when planning your trip.

Nihon Bus Association

This site provides a database by which you can check nationwide express bus services. An English version is also available.

JR Bus Kanto

This is limited to the highway buses of JR Kanto (departure or arrival at Tokyo). The timetable and detailed information on vehicle types etc., are available in English.

Raku Bus

You can search this site and book highway buses which depart or arrive in the Kyushu area (excluding JR buses). Fantizi and Chinese information is also available.

DRIVING IN JAPAN

Visitors who intend to drive in Japan should note the following:

On main roads most major destinations are sign-posted in English. In rural areas this may not be the case. If you are planning to drive in more remote areas, it is advisable to purchase a reliable English-Japanese road atlas before you depart. Companies such as Shobunsha and Kodansha publish these atlases.

Driving in Japan is on the left.  Parking can be difficult to find in some urban centers.  An International Driving Permit is required.  Tolls are levied on expressways and other major routes. Toll charges will depend on how far you wish to travel and which roads you intend to take. Example: Tolls for one route from Tokyo to Kyoto cost approximately ¥4,770.

The Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) publishes an English guide to driving in Japan called "Rules of the Road". These are available at JAF offices throughout Japan. For further information go to the JAF website or contact the International Affairs Department of JAF on Tel. +81 (0)3 3436 2811 / Fax. + 81 (0)3 3588 6055.

A Metropolitan Expressway map in English is available within Japan from the Metropolitan Expressway Public Corporation:

Metropolitan Expressway Public Corporation
Address: Nittochi Bldg 9F, 1-4-1 Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-8930
Phone: +81 (0)3 3539 9259
Fax: +81 (0)3 3503 7678

International Driving Permit

If you wish to drive a car while in Japan, you must obtain an International Driving Permit prior to departure. You will also need to be in possession of your national license while driving in Japan.

Car Rental

Car Rental services are available in most large and medium-sized cities as well as at airports and major train station, with international driver's licenses recognized. You will be required to produce your International Driving Permit when renting a car in Japan.

Prices*

Rental prices may vary from company to company. Average rates for 24 hours rental with unlimited mileage are as follows:

*This information is provided for reference only, please be sure to check directly with the rental car company to confirm rates.

Rental Companies

Companies offering vehicle rental at various locations throughout Japan include:

SEA

Japan consists of four major islands, surrounded by over 4,000 smaller islands.  An impressive network of ferries connects its numerous ports.  Ferries provide visitors an opportunity to view Japan’s stunning coast and can be less expensive than rail travel if you don’t mind the extra transit time.  Accomodations on ferries ranges from a simple futon in a shared room to private cabins.  Ferry schedules change depending on the season and weather, so it is best to check with the ferry company directly when planning your trip.

DOMESTIC FERRIES

Reservations for domestic ferry services can be made within Japan at major travel agencies or directly through the relevant ferry company.

Prices and Journey Times

Note: Prices and journey times are estimates only. 

*This information is provided for reference only, please be sure to check directly with the ferry company directly to confirm rates.

INTERNATIONAL FERRIES

International ferry services are very popular and advance reservations are recommended. Reservations can be made through major travel agencies within Japan, directly with the ferry company or at your port of departure.

Osaka - Shanghai

The Shanghai Ferry Company

The Shanghai Ferry Company operates a weekly service between Osaka and the Chinese port city of Shanghai. One-way tickets cost between ¥20,000 and ¥40,000 with discounts of up to 40% on return fares. A 10% discount for students is also available. The journey takes approximately 48 hours. Please contact the Shanghai Ferry Company for further information.

Japan-China International Ferry Company

The Japan-China International Ferry Company connects Osaka and Kobe with Shanghai. The ship departs on a weekly basis, alternating each week between Osaka and Kobe. Fares range between ¥20,000 and ¥50,000 one-way with discounts of up to 40% on return tickets. A 10% discount for students is also available. The journey takes approximately 48 hours. Please contact the Japan-China International Ferry Company for further information.

Kobe - Tanggu Port (Tianjin)

China Express Line

China Express Line ships sail once a week between the Chinese Port of Tanggu, near the city of Tianjin, and Kobe. Fares start at ¥20,000 one-way with discounts of up to 40% on return tickets. A 10% discount for students is also available. The journey takes approximately 48 hours. Please contact China Express Line for further information.

Shimonoseki - Qingdao

Orient Ferry Ltd.

Orient Ferry Ltd. operates a regular service between Shimonoseki, on the western tip of the main island of Honshu, and the Chinese port city of Qingdao. One-way tickets cost between ¥18,000 and ¥70,000 with discounts of 10% on return fares. Passengers departing from Shimonoseki are also required to pay a passenger facility service charge of ¥600. The journey takes approximately 40 hours. Please contact Orient Ferry Ltd. for further information.

Ferries to / from Korea

Shimonoseki - Busan

Kampu Ferry Company

The Kampu Ferry Company sails daily between Shimonoseki, on the western tip of the main island of Honshu, and the South Korean port of Busan. Fares range between ¥8,500 and ¥18,000 one-way. Passengers departing from Shimonoseki are also required to pay a passenger facility service charge of ¥600. Discounts of 10% are available on return fares. The journey takes approximately 14 hours. Please contact the Kampu Ferry Company for further information.

Fukuoka (Hakata) - Busan

There is a choice of two services on the route between Fukuoka (Hakata), on the southern island of Kyushu, and Busan in South Korea.

JR Kyushu 'Beetle' Hydrofoil

The journey between Fukuoka and Busan on this high-speed service takes just 2 hours and 55 minutes. The Hydrofoil operates daily and costs ¥13,000 one-way (¥26,000 return). Please contact JR Kyushu for further information or visit the JR Kyushu 'Beetle' web site.

Camellia Line Ferries

Camellia Line ferries operates three times a week on this route The journey takes approximately 15 hours and 40 minutes and costs between ¥9,000 one way and ¥17,100 round trip. Discounts of 10% are available on return fares. Please contact the Camellia Line Company for further information.

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