What airport do i fly into?

Osaka: This is the closest option to Kyoto, being only a 30 minute train ride to Kyoto. However, its uncommon to get a direct flight from Australia, with a stop over often in Tokyo.

Tokyo: has two airports, Narita & Haneda. It doesn’t matter which airport you fly in to, both airports have excellent transport options to central Tokyo. You will need to catch a shinkansen (bullet train) to Kyoto from Tokyo, which will take roughly 3 hours. This is a popular way to see different parts of the country, as well as experiencing the famous bullet trains.

Why are there so many trains?!

Japan has many rail systems, which can be overwhelming at first, but Google Maps is your friend. Google maps gives a great break down of train lines, platforms and colour codes so its easy to follow. Throughout japan, transportation signs are colour coded and written in english. Once you get your head around each train system and how to pay, it will be a piece of cake!

Shinkansen or Bullet Train - The Shinkansen bullet trains are the fastest trains in Japan, using magnetic levitation to achieve a startling speed of 320 kilometers per hour. The rail system connects almost every major city in the country and is typically the most favorable way to travel between Osaka/Kyoto and Tokyo.

You will need to pre-book seats and luggage storage on these trains, often at least a few days in advance. To do so, you can either book online via this link or at any train station via the JR booking booth. If you are planning to do a lot of traveling while visiting Japan, it may be worth considering the JR Pass. This pass allows you to book unlimited trains that full under the JR rail system (this does NOT include the local subway lines). However, in some cases, it works out cheaper to just book individual trains. We would recommend this website to comparing costs. Another thing to consider with the JR pass, is it does include some Ferries and Buses that are typically used by tourists when exploring the country. This link explains this in more depth.

Limited Express Trains or Express Trains - Similar to the Shinkansen, the Limited Express/Express also requires an additional fee to be paid and prior booking; however, this can typically be done at the train station via a booking booth or information center. The Japan Rail Pass does cover some of these trains, but not all of them. If you are flying into Tokyo, it's likely you will use this train to get into the city. Don't stress, as you will be able to book your seat when you arrive at the airport station.

Local Trains or Subway - These trains will be the most common transportation you will use in Japan and our preferred form of transport when exploring the cities. Tickets can be purchased via the ticketing booths are any station and does not require booked seating. However, we have found the easiest way to use the subway is by tapping on and off via a IC card. These can be purchased from a ticketing booth or can be added into your digital wallet via the app store.

Day Pass - If you are planning on visiting any major cities for a night, we would recommended getting a day pass as its a very economical way explore a new city. It is generally a 24h pass which will give you access to any of the city transportation means such as trains, trams, buses, and metro. You can purchase them at a ticket counter in any of Japan’s big cities: Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Sapporo, Nagoya, Hiroshima and more.

If you’re still feeling confused, have a look at this website as it is a good breakdown of each form of transport.

What should I know before traveling to Japan?

Sim Card - We recommend an unlimited Data Sim Card when traveling in Japan. Its by far the most helpful thing to have in the country, as you are constantly using your phone for google maps or google translate. Its easy to get lost and overwhelmed whilst traveling the country, and although the Japanese are extremely polite and helpful, most have very limited ability to speak English. It is also difficult to find Wifi to connected to. We recommended ordering a sim before leave online to pick up from the airport when you get there.

Cash - You will need cash. Japan is a cash society and we would recommend carry sufficient cash with you at all times. It is generally the preferred method of payment/only method of payment. We try to pay with card whenever its available, to avoid burning through cash quickly. Convince stores, Vending Machines, Hotels and Shopping generally have card facilities.We suggest getting a debit card with zero international fees, like Wise.

Where else should I visit apart from Kyoto?

Osaka - Only a 30min train ride away from Kyoto, Osaka is Japan’s third-largest city and is known as the “Kitchen of Japan”. If you are planning on staying in Osaka, we would recommended staying in Dotonbori.

Tokyo - The capital city of Japan and the most populous metropolitan area in the world. It is one of the most captivating cities in the world, from the majestic temples of traditional Japan to the bright neon lights of Shibuya. We recommend staying in Shibuya, with a close second being Shinjuku.

Nara - Nara is a great day trip from either Osaka or Kyoto, and is a historic location is home to eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and some cute (slightly aggressive) bowing deer.

Other notable places to visit are: Hiroshima, Miyajima (day trip from Hiroshima), Kobe, Takayama, Kanazawa, Hakone and Mt Fuji. Below are a few helpful links and videos to assist planning your trip.