Let's Talk Transportation: Transit in Japan

As someone who has a severe aversion to all forms of public transport, I was a little nervous about going to Japan, where public transport is the best way to get where you need to go. I didn’t realize just how attached Americans are to our cars until I got to Japan. Sure, you’ll still see cars driving around but the vast majority of people you see are either riding their bikes, walking, or taking the various trains and subways from station to station. 

There was a definite learning curve that came with navigating the stations. It’s fast-paced, crowded, and confusing to get around if you haven’t been in a major station before. On the plus side, all the signs have English translations underneath them. And while you might be nervous the first time around and lose your way a few times, once you’ve got it down, you’re set for any station! 

On top of the cultural difference with cars, using coins is ACTUALLY beneficial in Japan. Vending machines, convenience stores, and transit tickets alike can be paid with minimal change. Unlike the US, Japan uses cash for almost all daily expenses and cards are rarely used with the exception of large purchases. When you hop on a bus or a train in Japan, you can pay for the ticket quickly at little kiosks without waiting in long lines. Overall the experience is pretty painless. Plus, trains are regularly coming through so you don’t have to worry about missing one and not being able to hop on another one for two hours. 

Etiquette on public transit also had its unique characteristics: no talking and super crowded. To be honest, I actually really preferred this environment. It felt restful after a long day in the hot Kyoto sun and gave me some much needed alone time. 

Overall, public transport in Japan is leagues ahead of the United States. It’s clean, orderly, and super efficient. It made me feel safe and relaxed despite the crowded environment. Even in the busy metropolitan Tokyo area, I was confident and felt as though I could find my way around in no time.