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Japan flagTransportation & Infrastructure Guide

Public transit, airports, and getting around in Japan

Japan boasts one of the world's most advanced transportation landscapes, anchored by its legendary Shinkansen high-speed rail network connecting major cities at speeds up to 320 km/h. With 3,744 airports including 107 major ones, extensive expressways, and world-class urban metros in Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya, the country excels in efficient mobility for its 126 million residents and millions of visitors. Key strengths include punctual public transport, smart city innovations, and robust infrastructure investments exceeding USD 122 billion in 2025. Challenges involve aging systems, rural connectivity gaps, and driver shortages amid left-hand driving norms.
Public Transport
Good
Road Infrastructure
Good
Public Transport
9.8/10

World-class integrated systems with Shinkansen high-speed rail (up to 320 km/h), extensive JR and private urban metros/subways in Tokyo/Osaka/Nagoya offering 99% on-time performance, dense bus networks, and seamless IC card integration (Suica/Pasmo). 24/7 operations in cities, full accessibility, exceptional frequency/reliability.

Road Infrastructure
9.2/10

Exceptional expressway network (over 7,600 km well-maintained toll roads), high-quality urban arterials with advanced traffic management, ITS smart systems, excellent signage/lighting/safety features. Ongoing upgrades for automated logistics roads; minor rural gaps but superior maintenance nationwide.

Internet Speed
9.7/10

Among world's fastest with ubiquitous gigabit fiber (FTTH) covering 99% households, minimal urban-rural gap due to national broadband strategy. Leading mobile speeds too.

Avg: 593+ Mbps • Nationwide FTTH availability >95%, gigabit standard in urban/suburban areas, extensive rural fiber deployment

Airport Connectivity
9.1/10

Extensive network of 3,744 airports including 107 major hubs with global reach. Strong domestic coverage, key international gateways.

Hubs: Tokyo Narita (NRT), Tokyo Haneda (HND), Osaka Kansai (KIX), Nagoya Chubu Centrair (NGO), Fukuoka (FUK), New Chitose Sapporo (CTS)

Transportation Costs

Metro Pass
¥10,000-15,000/month (Tokyo metro/subway)
Bus Trip
¥200-300 single ride
Taxi
¥500-700 start + ¥300-400/km
High-speed Train
¥13,000-14,000 Tokyo-Osaka Shinkansen

Mobile Network

5G Coverage: Nationwide coverage achieved by NTT Docomo, au, SoftBank, Rakuten Mobile as of 2025; full urban/rural deployment
4G Coverage: 99.9% nationwide coverage, reliable even in remote/mountainous areas

Top-tier reliability with ultra-high speeds (5G median >500 Mbps urban); leading global mobile infrastructure, excellent handover between carriers/regions.

Driving License

IDP requiredConversion needed

Foreign licenses valid 1 year with official Japanese translation or IDP (Geneva Convention). Long-term residents (>1 year) must convert via exam. Left-hand driving. IDP essential for visitors.

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