Arrival & Transport
Flights to Japan
Japan has several international airports. Most travelers land in Tokyo or Osaka:
Narita International Airport (NRT) — Tokyo's main airport
60 km east of Tokyo. Most international long-haul flights land here. Coordinates: [35.7647, 140.3864]. Transfer to the center: Narita Express (N'EX) ¥3,250 (20 €, 60 min to Tokyo Station) or Limousine Bus ¥3,200.
Haneda Airport (HND) — Tokyo's city airport
Only 15 km south of the center. Coordinates: [35.5494, 139.7798]. Significantly expanded for international flights since 2020. Monorail or Keikyu line to the center in 15–30 min for ¥300–500. Much more convenient than Narita!
Kansai International Airport (KIX) — Osaka
On an artificial island in Osaka Bay. Coordinates: [34.4347, 135.2440]. Gateway to the Kansai region (Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Kobe). Haruka Express to Kyoto: ¥3,640 (23 €, 75 min).
Direct flights from Germany
- ANA (All Nippon Airways): Frankfurt → Tokyo Haneda (11:30h), Munich → Tokyo Haneda. Daily nonstop flights, 600–1,100 € round trip.
- Lufthansa: Frankfurt → Tokyo Haneda, Munich → Tokyo Haneda, Frankfurt → Osaka. 600–1,000 €.
- JAL (Japan Airlines): Frankfurt → Tokyo Haneda (11:30h). Premium service, from 650 €.
Cheap connecting flights:
- Turkish Airlines: Via Istanbul. Many German departure airports, from 500 €.
- Emirates/Qatar Airways: Via Dubai/Doha, from 550 €.
- Finnair: Via Helsinki — shortest detour to Asia, from 500 €.
- Korean Air/Asiana: Via Seoul, occasional bargains from 450 €.
Flight prices (indicative round trip from Germany)
| Period | Economy | Premium Eco | Business |
|---|---|---|---|
| Off-season (Jan–Feb, Jun–Jul) | 500–700 € | 900–1,300 € | 2,500–4,000 € |
| Shoulder (Mar, May, Sep–Nov) | 600–900 € | 1,100–1,600 € | 3,000–5,000 € |
| Peak season (Cherry blossom Apr, Autumn foliage Oct/Nov) | 800–1,200 € | 1,500–2,000 € | 4,000–6,500 € |
| Christmas/New Year | 1,000–1,500 € | 1,800–2,500 € | 5,000–7,500 € |
Tipp
If possible, fly to Haneda (HND) instead of Narita (NRT) — the airport is much closer to the city center and saves 1–2 hours and ¥2,000 on the transfer. ANA and Lufthansa now both fly to Haneda.
Achtung
During cherry blossom season (late March – early April), flights to Japan are significantly more expensive and booked out early. Book at least 4–6 months in advance!
Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass)
The Japan Rail Pass is the most important savings tool for Japan travelers. It offers unlimited rides on almost all JR trains — including most Shinkansen lines.
Prices (as of 2025/26)
| Duration | Ordinary (2nd class) | Green Car (1st class) |
|---|---|---|
| 7 days | ¥50,000 (~312 €) | ¥70,000 (~437 €) |
| 14 days | ¥80,000 (~500 €) | ¥110,000 (~687 €) |
| 21 days | ¥100,000 (~625 €) | ¥140,000 (~875 €) |
Is the JR Pass worth it?
A round trip Tokyo → Kyoto with the Shinkansen costs ¥26,640 (~166 €). With just this one trip plus a few side trips, the 7-day pass pays off. On a classic Tokyo–Kyoto–Hiroshima route, the pass is a clear yes.
What's included?
- Yes: All JR lines (Shinkansen except Nozomi/Mizuho, regional trains, some buses and ferries), JR bus lines, Tokyo Monorail to Haneda Airport, Narita Express
- No: Nozomi and Mizuho Shinkansen (the fastest on the Tokaido line — but Hikari and Sakura run the same route, just 15–20 min slower), private railways, metro in Tokyo/Osaka
Tips for use
- Order online in advance and activate at the airport (Narita, Haneda, Kansai — all with JR office)
- Seat reservations are free and unlimited — use them, especially on popular routes (Tokyo → Kyoto on Fridays/Sundays)
- You can book seats at the counter or at the green reservation machines (with English menu)
- Activate the pass only on the day of your first long journey — not on the arrival day if you're just going to the hotel
Tipp
The JR Pass is only worth it for longer distances. If you're only staying in Tokyo, you don't need it. For the classic route Tokyo → Hakone → Kyoto → Nara → Osaka → Hiroshima → Tokyo, the 14-day pass is perfect.
Achtung
The JR Pass does NOT cover the fastest Shinkansen (Nozomi and Mizuho)! You must take the Hikari or Sakura — they are only 15–20 minutes slower, but this is important for planning.
Shinkansen (High-Speed Train)
The Shinkansen (新幹線, "new main line") is Japan's crown jewel of engineering — and one of the best travel experiences in the world. In operation since 1964, not a single fatal accident, average delay: 54 seconds.
The most important routes
| Route | Duration | Price (without JR Pass) | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tokyo → Kyoto | 2h 15 (Hikari) | ¥13,320 (~83 €) | Tokaido Shinkansen |
| Tokyo → Osaka | 2h 30 (Hikari) | ¥13,870 (~87 €) | Tokaido Shinkansen |
| Tokyo → Hiroshima | 4h (Hikari+Sakura) | ¥18,380 (~115 €) | Tokaido + Sanyo |
| Tokyo → Kanazawa | 2h 30 (Hakutaka) | ¥14,180 (~89 €) | Hokuriku Shinkansen |
| Tokyo → Sendai | 1h 30 (Hayabusa) | ¥11,210 (~70 €) | Tohoku Shinkansen |
| Kyoto → Hiroshima | 1h 40 (Sakura) | ¥10,440 (~65 €) | Sanyo Shinkansen |
Trains on the Tokaido line (Tokyo–Osaka)
- Nozomi: The fastest (2h 15 to Kyoto) — NOT included in the JR Pass
- Hikari: Almost as fast (2h 30 to Kyoto) — included in the JR Pass ✓
- Kodama: Stops at all stations (3h 40 to Kyoto) — included in the JR Pass ✓
Tips for the Shinkansen
- Fuji view: On the Tokyo → Kyoto route, sit on the right (window seat side E) for the best view of Mount Fuji (in clear weather, about 40–50 min. after departure)
- Ekiben: Shinkansen bento boxes (駅弁) are a culinary tradition — each region has its own specialty. Buy at the station and enjoy on the train!
- Luggage: Since 2020, oversized suitcases (over 160 cm total dimension) must be reserved in advance. Book an "Oversized Baggage Seat" — free but mandatory
Tipp
The Shinkansen is more punctual than any wristwatch — if the schedule says 10:23, it leaves at 10:23. Stand at the correct marking on the platform 2 minutes beforehand (car number on the ground). The train stops so that the door is exactly in front of the marking.
IC Cards: Suica & Pasmo
IC cards are Japan's contactless prepaid cards — your most important everyday tool. Just top up and tap everywhere: metro, bus, konbini, vending machines, coin lockers.
Suica vs. Pasmo — what's the difference?
Practically: None. Suica (JR East) and Pasmo (Tokyo Metro/private railways) work identically and can be used nationwide in all cities. Buy where you arrive — both are available at Narita/Haneda airports.
Since 2023: Welcome Suica & Pasmo Passport
For tourists, there is the Welcome Suica (valid for 28 days, no deposit) and the Pasmo Passport. Alternatively: Mobile Suica directly on the iPhone (Apple Wallet) or Android — no physical ticket needed!
Where IC cards work
- Transport: All metros, JR trains, buses, trams in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and all other major cities
- Shopping: 7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart, vending machines, many restaurants and shops
- Lockers: Coin lockers at stations (¥300–700 depending on size)
Topping up
At any station machine (English menu available), in konbinis, or via app (Mobile Suica). Maximum: ¥20,000 per card. Refund remaining balance when departing at the JR counter (¥220 fee).
Tipp
It's best to set up <strong>Mobile Suica</strong> on your iPhone (Apple Wallet → + → Transit Card → Suica). This way, you always have the card with you and can top it up anytime with a credit card — even without a Japanese bank account.
Metro & Buses
Japan's public transport is the backbone of travel — punctual, clean, and comprehensive. Especially in Tokyo and Osaka, the metro is indispensable.
Tokyo Metro
Tokyo's subway network is vast: 13 lines, 282 stations, operated by two companies (Tokyo Metro and Toei). In addition, there are JR lines (Yamanote Line!) and private railways. It sounds confusing, but thanks to the IC card, it's simple: Tap, board, transfer, tap.
- Single ride: ¥170–320 (~1–2 €) depending on the route
- Tokyo Metro day pass: ¥600 (~3.75 €) — worth it from 3 rides
- Tokyo Subway Ticket (tourists): 24h for ¥800, 48h for ¥1,200, 72h for ¥1,500 — for all Metro and Toei lines
The most important line: JR Yamanote
The Yamanote Line is Tokyo's loop line and connects all major points: Shibuya, Shinjuku, Harajuku, Ikebukuro, Ueno, Akihabara, Tokyo Station. One loop takes 60 minutes. Included in the JR Pass!
Buses in Kyoto
Kyoto's sights are better reached by bus than by metro. The bus day pass (¥700/~4.40 €) is worth its weight in gold. Buses have English announcements and displays. Board at the back, exit at the front, pay when exiting (IC card or change machine).
Navigation apps
Google Maps works excellently for route planning in Japan — with real-time data, prices, and transfer times. Alternatively: Navitime or Hyperdia for detailed train connections.
Tipp
In Tokyo during rush hour (7:30–9:30 AM), the trains are brutally full — literally Oshiya (pushers) press passengers into the train. If possible, avoid these times or use the less crowded cars at the beginning/end of the train. Some lines have Women-Only cars in the mornings.
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