Japan
JapanGetting around
Tapping through gates, finding a taxi, and the parts nobody explains.
Do I need to buy a ticket for every train ride?
No. One rechargeable IC card taps you through almost every train, subway and bus in the country.
How do you get a taxi in Japan?
Raise a hand at any vacant taxi, or queue at a station rank. A red sign in the windscreen means it is free.
What do I do if the ticket gate won't open?
Use the fare adjustment machine inside the gates to top up in cash, or take it to the staffed gate beside them.
Why is nobody talking on the train?
Phone calls are what is being avoided, not conversation. Keep the phone on silent, and on a long-distance train take the call between cars.
Why did the taxi door open by itself?
The driver opened it. The rear kerbside door is worked from the front seat — stand back and let it swing.