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Buses provide cheap and convenient ways to travel in any cities or towns in Japan. The network of local bus lines is well established, efficiently covers a large area, and provides more destinations than the local train or subway networks; consequently, buses are primary means of transportations in most cities especially in smaller cities and towns. Getting around by buses can be very tough for non-Japanese speaking travelers since English displays and announcements may not be available except in major touristy areas or big cities. Long distance bus services are available between major cities, and the JR Highway Bus Network provides the services between Tokyo and other cities. Taking a long distance bus can be cheaper than taking a bullet train, yet provides a comfortable ride.

Highway bus network is linking a number of cities in all over Japan. One or more companies provide the services in each city or prefecture and many of those bus services are operated at night.

Most highway buses require seat reservations that can be made through the bus companies or travel agencies. You can also make a reservation by phone or online but these services are usually provided only in Japanese. As long as there are seats available on the bus, a seat reservation can even be made just before departure; however, it is advisable to book your ticket in advance to secure a seat, especially on weekends and holidays. For JR buses, seats can be reserved at the ticket counters located inside the JR railway stations.

To learn more about high way buses, go to Japan web bus

Local bus services provide an efficient way of transportation to get around in smaller cities and towns where no local trains or subways are available. In some big cities, local buses may not be preferable public transportation compared to local train and subway lines due to a possible traffic jam.

Getting around by buses may not be easy for non-Japanese speaking travelers since most of the information and announcements are not usually available in English. How to take a bus varies according to the bus company; however, a general way of taking a bus is described below:

Taxies may cost you a little bit more than taking a public transportation unless you are traveling in a group. In some areas, however, taxies may serve as a more efficient transportation. Taxies can easily be found at the railway stations and on the major streets. Taxies indicate their availability with a light on the roof or the green or red light placed lower left side of the windshield. If the red light is on, the taxi is empty. The fares are determined according to the distance and time. Late night charges apply from late evening. No tips are necessary.

Car rental is another option to travel in Japan. It is not advisable to drive in big cities; however, it may not be a bad idea to travel in smaller cities or rural areas where public transportations may not reach.

You must have a Japanese driver's license or an international driver's license that is issued based on the Geneva Convention of 1994 and no other driving licenses or permits can be accepted to rent or drive a car in Japan.

There's a handbook called "Rules of the Road" available in six languages including English. Published by the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF), the book provides you informative guide to Japan's Road Traffic Law. You can find the guidebook at one of the nearest JAF offices. For more information, you can visit the websites of the JAF. Japan Automobile Federation

Car rental is available at the major Japanese car rental companies such as Japa-Ren, Mazda Rent-a-Car, Nippon Rent-a-car, Nissan Rent-a-Car, and Toyota Rent-a-lease. It costs you about 6,000 yen per day to rent a compact car from those Japanese rent-a-car companies and the rate may go up for the busy times. Services in English may not be available at many of those Japanese rental companies.