Getting around japan by yourself

Heya,

My boyfriend and I are considering going to Japan next year in april or may.

The escorted tours we were looking at are too expensive and we were considering doing an indepedent tour instead. This does mean we have to make our own way to train stations and such get around.

My question is how easy is it to pick up the train line systems/know what platform to go to/ask someone for help on where to go?

Consider also that these are long trips such as tokyo to takayama and such, so we dont want to risk getting on the wrong train and such

My question is how easy is it to pick up the train line systems/know what platform to go to/ask someone for help on where to go?

Depends on your background knowledge of trains. Trains in Japan work very similar than trains in other countries. For example, a person familiar with using the metro in Paris, Berlin or New York, will have no problems using trains in Japan.

The following page is an introduction on how to use trains in Japan:
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2016.html

As for signs, along the beaten track, they are all bilingual.

I've always found it incredibly easy to get around in Japan. I'm half way through my second visit on my own and havent had any problems atall. If i get stuck I just ask and everyone always seems very willing to help and very helpful.

I have never really used any train system just the subway in Toronto and I did pretty good the 2 weeks I have been here. If you are getting a Rail Pass just reserve all your tickets and it tells you most of the time what trains you need to take and makes things easier.

Like others said, it's pretty easy. If you have any doubts, just ask the staff at the ticket gate and tell them your destination. They will tell you the departure time and the track number for the train.

Hello Tash,

If you're serious about going to Japan, you're in for a real treat. April is a good time since the weather is cooler and the Cherry Blossom viewing season that you must see. Avoid traveling during May's Golden Week. Keep visiting this site and read posts on subjects that interest you. Get a map of Japan to target Cities you may want to visit and start from there relating to the number of days of your trip.

For everything you have questions about, do your research using the Search feature above the first page of these postings. Browse the links on the Homepage since you have a lot of time. I strongly recommend that you start drafting a very detailed Itinerary by days and hours including departure times and arrivals to better plan your days. You should also start preparing a line item budget. Periodically, review and revise your Itinerary and Budget.

As for train travel, look into Japan Railway (JR) Rail Passes, some available only to tourists that must be bought outside of Japan. Search this info too. Consider hotels/inns very conveniently located near train stations. Don't worry about asking for directions especially around train stations as most can speak some English. For the first few trains, get to the stations early, look around to familiarize yourselves and slowly look for your train. Always ask for directions to train platforms and confirm that you're boarding the right train by asking railway staff in black/blue uniforms while showing your ticket. Overhead signs are similar to airport's that show train name, numbers, destination, departure time, track number, etc. in both English and Japanese. You will do better if you're not rushed.

You should post your questions on this site only after you've done your research & planning and you will get good feedback. It helps if you post your arrival and departure airports and time.

Good luck,
Harold

Don't ask, just go and see. Focus on culture and rules of civility/politeness rather than worrying about trains. You wont have trouble using transport but culture -- depends on who you are.

know this:
- Japan Rail Pass
- Hyperdia

I used the website below when I was looking for a guest house in Japan.
http://www.tokyoroomfinder.com/?language=en

I stayed this one for 6 months. Very clean and loved it.
http://www.tokyoroomfinder.com/view/shared-apartment/sh...

I highly suggest going around the beginning of April 1st week would be ideal because of the cherry blossoms (sakura)

Have you checked into JTB or Sunrise Tours. It's not a full tour (I hate those) it is kind of pick and choose. WE did mostly tours and 2 free days in Tokyo and 2 free days in Kyoto.
I know it is expensive but I felt like it was the easiest to see as much as you can.
If you can afford to do some tours my suggestion to do do the following 2 tours: Hakone / Mt. Fuji tour which is about 1 full day and night stay in an onsen (japanese bath). Then go to Kyoto via bullet train do the tour of Nara for the afternoon and another 1 day around Kyoto.
If you have navigated around major subway stations such as London, New York and cities like Paris and Washington DC then you can handle Japan. It is not easy but definately not hard. Our hotel concierge actually gave us lots of directions and once in the station you could figure it out and we did ask station officials and some locals. I bought the Lonely Planet guide which gives information on how to get to each place. Not only did we get around the city on oour own via subway and train but we did outside excursions like Kamakura from Tokyo and Arashiyama from Kyoto.

japan is one of the friendliest country in the world. Their railways connect you to almost anywhere in Japan. If you intend to move extensively, get a JR pass, believe me, it will save you a bomb.If you are not sure which train which platform, just ask the attendent. They are very helpful. If possible, write the your destination in Kanji, it will make communication much easier.

Thanks for all your replies, theyve been really helpful. I feel a lot more at ease about it :D

The best way to visit Japan is on your own, using public transportation (train,bus and subway), which is very easy to use, and if you don't understand something, there is always a friendly, smiling somebody who wants to help you. Also at places of interest, sometimes people offer to give you a free sightseeing (so called volunteers, usually people who are learning English and want to practice their skills), you can also ask for a volunteer at most hotels in the bigger cities with many places of intererest like Kyoto or Nara. you only have to pay for the entrance fee(s), food, drink and transportation

I'm in my 3rd week in Japan alone and no major problems on train/bus travel. Some useful key phrases I've learned are:

1. kono densha wa ----- yuki desu ka? (does this train head to ---?)

2. kono densha wa ---- ni tomarimasu ka? (Does this train stop at ---?)

3. Tsugi no ---- yuki densha (tokkyu/ba-su) wa nan ji desu ka? (When is the next train (limited express/bus) to ----?)

4. Sono densha wa nan ban desu ka? (That train is on which platform?)

And, at your stations, always look out for posted timetables--there's generally always one in English (even in lesser visited regions of Shikoku), and in bigger stations, you'll see electronic signboards with train info.

It's fast, on time and easy. Have fun.