Japan (Lonely Planet, 11th Edition) - Chris Rowthorn [647]
Taiwan
Travellers who have been to Japan before might recall the Arimura ferry line that used to operate between Kagoshima (Kyūshū) and Taiwan, via Okinawa. Sadly, this line has ceased operating, and there are now no passenger ferries between Taiwan and Japan.
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GETTING AROUND
Japan is justifiably famous for its extensive, well-organised and efficient transport network. Schedules are strictly adhered to and late or cancelled services are almost unheard of. All this convenience comes at a price, however, and you’d be well advised to look into money-saving deals whenever possible (Click here).
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AIR
Air services in Japan are extensive, reliable and safe. In many cases, flying is much faster than even shinkansen (bullet trains) and not that much more expensive. Flying is also an efficient way to travel from the main islands to the many small islands around Japan, particularly the Nansei-shotō (the southern islands of Kagoshima-ken and Okinawa-ken).
In most of Japan’s major cities there are travel agencies where English is spoken. For an idea of the latest prices in Tokyo check the travel ads in the various local English-language publications, and in Kansai check Kansai Time Out. In other parts of Japan check the Japan Times. For more details on city-based travel agencies, see the relevant sections under Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto.
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BAGGAGE FORWARDING
If you have too much luggage to carry comfortably or just can’t be bothered, you can do what many Japanese travellers do: send it to your next stop by takkyūbin (express shipping companies). Prices are surprisingly reasonable and overnight service is the norm. Perhaps the most convenient service is Yamato Takkyūbin, which operates from most convenience stores. Simply pack your luggage and take it to the nearest convenience store; staff will help with the paperwork and arrange for pick-up. Note that you’ll need the full address of your next destination in Japanese, along with the phone number of the place. Alternatively, ask the owner of your accommodation to come and pick it up (this is usually possible but might cost extra).
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Airlines in Japan
Japan Airlines (JAL; 03-5460-0522, 0120-255-971; www.jal.co.jp/en) is the major international carrier and also has a domestic network linking the major cities. All Nippon Airways (ANA; 0570-029-709, 03-6741-1120, 0120-029-709; www.ana.co.jp/eng) is the second-largest international carrier and operates a more extensive domestic system. Japan Trans Ocean Air (JTA; 03-5460-0522, 0120-255-971; www.jal.co.jp/jta, in Japanese) is a smaller domestic carrier that mostly services routes in the Nansei-shotō.
In addition to these, Skymark Airlines (SKY; 050-3116-7370; www.skymark.co.jp/en) is a recent start-up budget airline, and Shinchūō Kōkū (0422-31-4191; www.central-air.co.jp, in Japanese) has light-plane flights between Chōfu airport, outside Tokyo, and the islands of Izu-shotō.
The Domestic Air Fares map Click here shows some of the major connections and one-way fares. Note that return fares are usually around 10% cheaper than buying two one-way tickets. The airlines also have some weird and wonderful discounts if you know what to ask for. The most useful of these are the advance-purchase reductions: both ANA and JAL offer discounts of up to 50% if you purchase your ticket a month or more in advance, with smaller discounts for purchases made one to three weeks in advance. Seniors over 65 also qualify for discounts on most Japanese airlines, but these are sometimes only available if you fly on weekdays.
ANA also offers the Star Alliance Japan Airpass for foreign travellers on ANA or Star Alliance network airlines. Provided you reside outside Japan, purchase your tickets outside Japan and carry a valid international ticket on any airline, you can fly up to five times within 60 days on any ANA domestic