- -In comparison to most countries, Japan's transport network is pretty advanced. Japanese people frequently use public transport because it invariably ends up more efficient and cost effective than using a car. Trains are the most popular form of transportation in Japan, so the sooner that the train system becomes familiar to you, the sooner you can explore and really start enjoying Shiga.
JR Lines:
Japan Rail runs four major lines in Shiga: the JR Biwako, JR Kosei, JR Kusatsu, and JR Hokuriku lines. While Shiga Prefecture is not large, Lake Biwa's location in the center of the prefecture can turn a trip between two cities a short distance from each other into a lengthy journey if they are on opposite sides of the lake.
- JR Biwako Line (blue)
- JR Kosei Line (teal)
- JR Kusatsu Line (green)
- JR Hokuriku Line (brown)
Private Lines: Omi Tetsudo (red), Keihan Railway (not pictured) and Shigaraki Kohgen Tetsudo (not pictured).
There are several types of Japan Rail trains in Shiga (and the Kansai region)
Local Trains (普通 - futsuu) - stop at every station
Rapid Trains (快速 - kaisoku) - skip minor stations
Special Rapid(新快速 - shinkaisoku) - major stations only
Limited Express (特急- tokyuu)- special ticket required in addition to base fare ticket, e.g. Haruka to Kansai Airport
Thunderbird (サンダーバード – sandaabaado) - for Tsuruga (connection to Hokuriku Shinkansen) or Osaka
Shinkansen (新幹線 – shinkansen) - limited services stop at Maibara; Kyoto for Tokaido Shinkansen to Tokyo or Osaka for connection to Sanyo Shinkansen (Hakata Station in Fukuoka)
Special Rapid trains are often the most convenient if you are travelling a good distance within Shiga, since they require no additional fare and they are quite frequent and only stop at major stations. The Special Rapid trains also that pass along the Biwako Line and Kosei Line cover a wide swath of Japan: you can hop on the train in Maibara or Takashima and ride it all the way to Himeji.
Shinkansen are the fastest trains available and the most expensive but offering quick travel to the farthest reaches of Japan. If you need to go to Tokyo in two hours, this is your best option. These trains have the option to reserve a seat for an added fee. If you opt for a non-reserved seat ticket, you will have to sit in one of the non-reserved cars of the train. These seats are first come, first served and it’s possible for people to have to stand when the train is particularly busy.
Omi-Tetsudo:
The Omi-Tetsudo covers a lot of area in Shiga and is completely separate from the JR train system. The two lines do, however, often meet at key stations (Maibara, Hikone, Omi-Hachiman, Kibukawa). The rickety Omi-Tetsudo trains come infrequently, are relatively slow and are some of the most expensive per distance in the country.
Keihan Line:
There are Keihan train lines in Osaka, Kyoto and Shiga. The Shiga lines run through Otsu, extending from Ishiyamadera to Sakamoto-hieizanguchi. They also connect Hamaotsu Station with Sanjo Station in central Kyoto. They’re a convenient way to get around if you’re in the southern part of the prefecture.
Kusatsu Line:
Between Kusatsu and Tsuge (Mie Prefecture) via Koka.
Shigaraki Line:
The Shigaraki Line is a very small line that connects Shigaraki, the home of Shiga’s famous Shigaraki pottery (and the point of origin of most of those cute tanuki statues) with Kibukawa Station.
JR Lines:
Japan Rail runs four major lines in Shiga: the JR Biwako, JR Kosei, JR Kusatsu, and JR Hokuriku lines. While Shiga Prefecture is not large, Lake Biwa's location in the center of the prefecture can turn a trip between two cities a short distance from each other into a lengthy journey if they are on opposite sides of the lake.
- JR Biwako Line (blue)
- JR Kosei Line (teal)
- JR Kusatsu Line (green)
- JR Hokuriku Line (brown)
Private Lines: Omi Tetsudo (red), Keihan Railway (not pictured) and Shigaraki Kohgen Tetsudo (not pictured).
There are several types of Japan Rail trains in Shiga (and the Kansai region)
Local Trains (普通 - futsuu) - stop at every station
Rapid Trains (快速 - kaisoku) - skip minor stations
Special Rapid(新快速 - shinkaisoku) - major stations only
Limited Express (特急- tokyuu)- special ticket required in addition to base fare ticket, e.g. Haruka to Kansai Airport
Thunderbird (サンダーバード – sandaabaado) - for Tsuruga (connection to Hokuriku Shinkansen) or Osaka
Shinkansen (新幹線 – shinkansen) - limited services stop at Maibara; Kyoto for Tokaido Shinkansen to Tokyo or Osaka for connection to Sanyo Shinkansen (Hakata Station in Fukuoka)
Special Rapid trains are often the most convenient if you are travelling a good distance within Shiga, since they require no additional fare and they are quite frequent and only stop at major stations. The Special Rapid trains also that pass along the Biwako Line and Kosei Line cover a wide swath of Japan: you can hop on the train in Maibara or Takashima and ride it all the way to Himeji.
Shinkansen are the fastest trains available and the most expensive but offering quick travel to the farthest reaches of Japan. If you need to go to Tokyo in two hours, this is your best option. These trains have the option to reserve a seat for an added fee. If you opt for a non-reserved seat ticket, you will have to sit in one of the non-reserved cars of the train. These seats are first come, first served and it’s possible for people to have to stand when the train is particularly busy.
Omi-Tetsudo:
The Omi-Tetsudo covers a lot of area in Shiga and is completely separate from the JR train system. The two lines do, however, often meet at key stations (Maibara, Hikone, Omi-Hachiman, Kibukawa). The rickety Omi-Tetsudo trains come infrequently, are relatively slow and are some of the most expensive per distance in the country.
Keihan Line:
There are Keihan train lines in Osaka, Kyoto and Shiga. The Shiga lines run through Otsu, extending from Ishiyamadera to Sakamoto-hieizanguchi. They also connect Hamaotsu Station with Sanjo Station in central Kyoto. They’re a convenient way to get around if you’re in the southern part of the prefecture.
Kusatsu Line:
Between Kusatsu and Tsuge (Mie Prefecture) via Koka.
Shigaraki Line:
The Shigaraki Line is a very small line that connects Shigaraki, the home of Shiga’s famous Shigaraki pottery (and the point of origin of most of those cute tanuki statues) with Kibukawa Station.
Timetables
Train timetables are posted in every station.
NAVITIME
The go-to resource for accurate transport information in Japan (Japanese only).
www.navitime.co.jp/ (iOS and Android apps available)
Google Maps
Easy to use but may be lacking bus information in rural areas and not be fully up to date on delays and cancellations.
NAVITIME
The go-to resource for accurate transport information in Japan (Japanese only).
www.navitime.co.jp/ (iOS and Android apps available)
Google Maps
Easy to use but may be lacking bus information in rural areas and not be fully up to date on delays and cancellations.
Purchasing Train Tickets
Most stations have automated ticket machines. These machines are usually blue or pink in color and can be found outside the train station gates. These machines normally have an English language button at the top of the touch screen.
At most stations, to determine the price of your ticket, use the large map located above the ticket machines. Your current station will be written in red letters. Insert your money and tap the amount for the station you want to travel to.
A lot of people in Shiga opt to use JR West's ICOCA Card. An ICOCA card is a rechargeable IC card that you can top up at most stations, meaning you no longer have to worry about buying tickets! The ICOCA card works on most of the JR lines around the country, and some buses. ICOCA cards can also be used on the Keihan Lines.
It is not discounted and requires a deposit but it makes life easier when rushing for a train. You can make a card right at the ticket machine. In addition to stations, the money on this card can also be used at certain vending machines and convenience stores.
Fare Adjustment Machines
In the case that you buy the wrong ticket, adjusting the ticket is simple. Adjustment machines are located just near the ticket gate, which allow pay the difference and receive the correct ticket. These can also be used to top up your ICOCA card if your balance is insufficient to cover the cost of your trip.
The Omi-Tetsudo
ICOCA cards cannot be used to board the Omi-Testusdo trains. At the busier Omi-Tetsudo stations there will often be an attendant and an automated ticket machine (often with station names written in kanji only). At many of the more rural stops along the Omi-Tetsudo lines there will be neither an attendant, nor a ticket machine (more on this shortly) and the trains going both directions often share a single track at the station. It’s important to be sure you are standing on the right side of the tracks before the train arrives because at many stations it will be impossible to cross once it has: this becomes doubly important when considering how infrequently the trains come. At some stations, only one set of train doors open near the rear of the train, so please be mindful of signage for boarding location.
As you board, there will be a ticket machine beside the doors. If you are coming from an unattended station and are boarding without having paid your fare already, you have to take a ticket. The number of the current station will be printed on the ticket. At the front of the train, you’ll see the prices listed for the current stop based on your boarding location.
When disembarking at manned stations, usually all of the train doors will open, and you can pay or show your ticket to the attendant after you’ve disembarked. At unmanned stations, only the front doors of the train will open. You will have to the pay the conductor directly by dropping the required fare in a money box at the front of the train. You have to pay in exact change. If necessary, there is a small change box at the front of the train that can break 1000-yen bills, and a coin slot that can break 100-yen coins. If you find yourself in a pinch, the conductor may be able to break larger bills, but it’s best not to put yourself in that situation, so be prepared!
At most stations, to determine the price of your ticket, use the large map located above the ticket machines. Your current station will be written in red letters. Insert your money and tap the amount for the station you want to travel to.
A lot of people in Shiga opt to use JR West's ICOCA Card. An ICOCA card is a rechargeable IC card that you can top up at most stations, meaning you no longer have to worry about buying tickets! The ICOCA card works on most of the JR lines around the country, and some buses. ICOCA cards can also be used on the Keihan Lines.
It is not discounted and requires a deposit but it makes life easier when rushing for a train. You can make a card right at the ticket machine. In addition to stations, the money on this card can also be used at certain vending machines and convenience stores.
Fare Adjustment Machines
In the case that you buy the wrong ticket, adjusting the ticket is simple. Adjustment machines are located just near the ticket gate, which allow pay the difference and receive the correct ticket. These can also be used to top up your ICOCA card if your balance is insufficient to cover the cost of your trip.
The Omi-Tetsudo
ICOCA cards cannot be used to board the Omi-Testusdo trains. At the busier Omi-Tetsudo stations there will often be an attendant and an automated ticket machine (often with station names written in kanji only). At many of the more rural stops along the Omi-Tetsudo lines there will be neither an attendant, nor a ticket machine (more on this shortly) and the trains going both directions often share a single track at the station. It’s important to be sure you are standing on the right side of the tracks before the train arrives because at many stations it will be impossible to cross once it has: this becomes doubly important when considering how infrequently the trains come. At some stations, only one set of train doors open near the rear of the train, so please be mindful of signage for boarding location.
As you board, there will be a ticket machine beside the doors. If you are coming from an unattended station and are boarding without having paid your fare already, you have to take a ticket. The number of the current station will be printed on the ticket. At the front of the train, you’ll see the prices listed for the current stop based on your boarding location.
When disembarking at manned stations, usually all of the train doors will open, and you can pay or show your ticket to the attendant after you’ve disembarked. At unmanned stations, only the front doors of the train will open. You will have to the pay the conductor directly by dropping the required fare in a money box at the front of the train. You have to pay in exact change. If necessary, there is a small change box at the front of the train that can break 1000-yen bills, and a coin slot that can break 100-yen coins. If you find yourself in a pinch, the conductor may be able to break larger bills, but it’s best not to put yourself in that situation, so be prepared!
Money Saving Tips
If you will be traveling daily between two stops, you can purchase a commuter's pass (通勤定期券 tsūkin teikiken), which will allow unlimited travel between two stops (including all the stops in between) for the period of its validity. This can be purchased at major train stations.
If you are traveling frequently, but not daily, between two stops, it may be economical to purchase a book of tickets (回数券kaisūken). You will receive eleven tickets for the price of ten. These tickets can be purchased at machines and counters of most JR stations and major stations of other lines.
The Omi-Tetsudo offers an unlimited day-pass called the Smile Ticket (Fri-Sun) that costs 900 yen. If you will be travelling long distances on the Omi-Tetsudo or doing a day trip you might find this saves you some of your hard-earned cash. Just ask for it at the ticket gate, or if boarding at a rural station with no attendant, you can purchase it from the conductor or station attendant when you disembark.
Vending machines can be found outside of some stations, selling tickets at a slight discount. If your destination is available as a ticket, it might be worth purchasing to save a few Yen, particularly for longer distance trips.
Discount ticket stores can often be found in super markets, offering ticket prices at a similar discount to vending machines.
If you are traveling frequently, but not daily, between two stops, it may be economical to purchase a book of tickets (回数券kaisūken). You will receive eleven tickets for the price of ten. These tickets can be purchased at machines and counters of most JR stations and major stations of other lines.
The Omi-Tetsudo offers an unlimited day-pass called the Smile Ticket (Fri-Sun) that costs 900 yen. If you will be travelling long distances on the Omi-Tetsudo or doing a day trip you might find this saves you some of your hard-earned cash. Just ask for it at the ticket gate, or if boarding at a rural station with no attendant, you can purchase it from the conductor or station attendant when you disembark.
Vending machines can be found outside of some stations, selling tickets at a slight discount. If your destination is available as a ticket, it might be worth purchasing to save a few Yen, particularly for longer distance trips.
Discount ticket stores can often be found in super markets, offering ticket prices at a similar discount to vending machines.
The Seishun Jūhachi Kippu (青春18きっぷ)
This ticket can be used five times by an individual or if you are traveling in a group, by up to five people(once) and costs ¥12,050. the ticket is available a few times a year, coinciding with school breaks.
Period of Validity |
Sold |
|
Spring |
March 1st – April 10th |
February 20th – March 31st |
Summer |
July 20th – September 10th |
July 1st – August 31st |
Winter |
December 10th – January 10th |
December 1st – December 31st |
How it works:
Each ticket allows five full days of unlimited travel, anytime during the period of validity, on all local and rapid JR trains. The pass can be used by one person over five days, or five people in one day, it’s up to you! Each full day of use equals one stamp on the card per person, and there is room for five stamps in total. All you have to do is have the card stamped the first time you board a train on a day you will use the ticket. For every subsequent train you ride that day, simply show the attendant your stamped ticket and they’ll let you through. You can buy the pass during the sales period at most JR stations, just ask the station attendant.
Note: The seishun 18 ticket cannot be used on Limited Express / Thunderbird / Shinkansen trains. These tickets are best suited for slower travel, multi-day trips or group day trips and are particularly useful in more rural areas that are not served by faster trains or more affordable long-distance buses.
Long-Distance Buses
An alternative to traveling long distances by train would be to take a long-distance bus (highway bus - 高速バス, kōsoku bus). These have become a more popular option in recent years as they are often much cheaper than travelling by train, even using discount tickets like the seishun 18 ticket and depending on the destination, the duration of the trip might be comparable. There are several companies that offer long distance buses, but one of the most popular (and with a site that’s easy to navigate in English) is Willer Express.
While long distance buses are usually much slower than traveling by train, taking an overnight bus can be a very affordable and very convenient way to get from point A to point B when you’re traveling cross-country. Spending all day on a bus can be unpleasant, but being able to get on a bus, go to sleep and wake up at your destination can be quite convenient. Many of the buses depart and arrive near major train stations, so it’s easy to combine long distance bus travel with train journeys. Tickets can be purchased online and to board, simply show the e-ticket to the driver.
While long distance buses are usually much slower than traveling by train, taking an overnight bus can be a very affordable and very convenient way to get from point A to point B when you’re traveling cross-country. Spending all day on a bus can be unpleasant, but being able to get on a bus, go to sleep and wake up at your destination can be quite convenient. Many of the buses depart and arrive near major train stations, so it’s easy to combine long distance bus travel with train journeys. Tickets can be purchased online and to board, simply show the e-ticket to the driver.
Local Buses
Bus Stops
Bus stops have a schedule posted at each stop. These are remarkably similar to train station schedules, following a similar system. Before going to a bus stop, make sure you know the name of your destination in Japanese so you can check the schedule for accurate information. It’s useful to know the final destination of the bus you want to take to ensure you get on a bus going in the right direction, especially in rural areas where the sign for the bus stop might only be on one side of the street, but buses will stop going in both directions.
Taking the bus
When you get on the bus, there will be a machine that dispenses a slip of paper with a single number on it. This number will also be displayed at the front of the bus in a diagram, showing how much the fare will be if you get off at the next stop. Pay attention to these numbers so you can give the correct fare.
If you use ICOCA, there is no need to take the paper slip. Simply tap on entry and exit. Not all bus routes may accept ICOCA, so make sure to be prepared with change in case.
At several positions on the bus, there are small buttons that tell the bus driver that your stop is coming up next. When you hear the name of your stop on the loudspeaker, press the button and the bus will stop at that place.
Kaisuken (回数券)
In addition to paying for bus fare with cash, you can also pre-purchase a ticket book called a kaisuken the same as you can for trains. These can be purchased nearby train stations, and offer a small discount compared to paying with cash. These are most useful for commuting, where you’ll expect to pay the same amount frequently.
Bus stops have a schedule posted at each stop. These are remarkably similar to train station schedules, following a similar system. Before going to a bus stop, make sure you know the name of your destination in Japanese so you can check the schedule for accurate information. It’s useful to know the final destination of the bus you want to take to ensure you get on a bus going in the right direction, especially in rural areas where the sign for the bus stop might only be on one side of the street, but buses will stop going in both directions.
Taking the bus
When you get on the bus, there will be a machine that dispenses a slip of paper with a single number on it. This number will also be displayed at the front of the bus in a diagram, showing how much the fare will be if you get off at the next stop. Pay attention to these numbers so you can give the correct fare.
If you use ICOCA, there is no need to take the paper slip. Simply tap on entry and exit. Not all bus routes may accept ICOCA, so make sure to be prepared with change in case.
At several positions on the bus, there are small buttons that tell the bus driver that your stop is coming up next. When you hear the name of your stop on the loudspeaker, press the button and the bus will stop at that place.
Kaisuken (回数券)
In addition to paying for bus fare with cash, you can also pre-purchase a ticket book called a kaisuken the same as you can for trains. These can be purchased nearby train stations, and offer a small discount compared to paying with cash. These are most useful for commuting, where you’ll expect to pay the same amount frequently.
Bikes
Purchasing a bike
Bikes in Japan have certain legal requirements before they can be used. Fortunately, these are almost always covered by the store you purchase it from. However, if you buy a bike secondhand, make sure it has the following things:
Parking your Bike
Japan, being a nation where commuting by bike is common, has many options for both free and paid bike parking. Most stores will have free bike parking for customers around the store itself.
If you are biking to the station and then parking there, there are likely paid options for you to park your bike for longer stretches of time. At more popular stations, large buildings nearby function as bike parking. At smaller stations, there will usually be automated bike parking outdoors. In rural areas, there may be free parking at stations.
Taking Your Bike on the Train
Did you know you can take your bike on the train with you for no extra cost? It can be a bit of a hassle, but if you’re a cycling enthusiast, it might be well worth it. On JR trains, you can bring your bike with you as long as is it stored in a bike bag. The bike bags completely cover your bicycle. There are folding bikes that are made to fit easily into these bags, otherwise you’ll have to remove your front tire to fit the bike in. Since bike bags tend to take up a fair bit of space, avoid peak travel times when boarding with them.
Bikes can also be brought on the Omi-Tetsudo without a bike bag at most stations. From Maibara in the north, down to Kibukawa in the south (except Hikone), you can board and disembark with your bike as is. Bikes are not permitted between Shin-Yokaichi and Omi-Hachiman. Bikes are permitted on the previously-specified trains Weekdays 9:00-4:00 and all day on weekends (subject to change if a major event is being held or for year-end holidays).
Bikes in Japan have certain legal requirements before they can be used. Fortunately, these are almost always covered by the store you purchase it from. However, if you buy a bike secondhand, make sure it has the following things:
- Registration: There should be a small yellow sticker with several numbers on the frame of the bike, denoting that it is registered.
- Light: Most bikes have an automatic light system that is powered by pedaling. Make sure this is functioning at all times to comply with Japanese law.
- Helmet: You are required to wear a helmet under Japanese law.
- Only one passenger per bicycle.
- Bicycles are legally categorized as vehicles in Japan. Do not ride a bike after consuming any alcohol.
- Locks: While not legally required, a lock is extremely important for making sure your bike doesn’t get stolen. Most Japanese bikes have a lock on the back of the frame that blocks the back wheel from turning when there isn’t a key inside.
Parking your Bike
Japan, being a nation where commuting by bike is common, has many options for both free and paid bike parking. Most stores will have free bike parking for customers around the store itself.
If you are biking to the station and then parking there, there are likely paid options for you to park your bike for longer stretches of time. At more popular stations, large buildings nearby function as bike parking. At smaller stations, there will usually be automated bike parking outdoors. In rural areas, there may be free parking at stations.
Taking Your Bike on the Train
Did you know you can take your bike on the train with you for no extra cost? It can be a bit of a hassle, but if you’re a cycling enthusiast, it might be well worth it. On JR trains, you can bring your bike with you as long as is it stored in a bike bag. The bike bags completely cover your bicycle. There are folding bikes that are made to fit easily into these bags, otherwise you’ll have to remove your front tire to fit the bike in. Since bike bags tend to take up a fair bit of space, avoid peak travel times when boarding with them.
Bikes can also be brought on the Omi-Tetsudo without a bike bag at most stations. From Maibara in the north, down to Kibukawa in the south (except Hikone), you can board and disembark with your bike as is. Bikes are not permitted between Shin-Yokaichi and Omi-Hachiman. Bikes are permitted on the previously-specified trains Weekdays 9:00-4:00 and all day on weekends (subject to change if a major event is being held or for year-end holidays).
Driving
Do Not Drive with an Expired International Driver’s License
“To drive legally in Japan you will need to have either an International Driver's Permit (IDP) plus valid home country license, or a valid Japanese driver's license. Your IDP is valid for one year from either your date of entry into Japan or the date you got it (written on the IDP), whichever comes first.”
You need to receive permission from your supervisor in order to drive a car to work.
For more information about driving in Japan, refer to Saga JET: sagajet.com/driving/
“To drive legally in Japan you will need to have either an International Driver's Permit (IDP) plus valid home country license, or a valid Japanese driver's license. Your IDP is valid for one year from either your date of entry into Japan or the date you got it (written on the IDP), whichever comes first.”
You need to receive permission from your supervisor in order to drive a car to work.
For more information about driving in Japan, refer to Saga JET: sagajet.com/driving/
Useful Vocab and Phrases
Vocabulary
Train |
Densha / Ressha |
電車 列車 |
Train Station |
Eki |
駅 |
Platform |
Hōmu |
ホーム |
Ticket |
Chiketto |
チケット |
Bus |
Basu |
バス |
Bus Stop |
Basutei |
バス停 |
Bicycle |
Jitensha |
自転車 |
Bicycle Parking Lot |
Chuurinjou |
駐輪場 |
Car |
Kuruma |
車 |
Car Parking Lot |
Chuushajou |
駐車場 |
Phrases
How do I get to [X]? |
[X] ni ikitai desu kedo [X] ni ikuniwa dousureba iidesuka? |
Is this train a local train? |
Kono densha wa futsuu desuka? |
Does this train stop at [X]? |
Kono densha was [X] eki ni tomarimasuka? |
Does this bus stop at [X]? |
Kono basu wa [X] eki ni tomarimasuka? |
How much does it cost to get to [X] station? |
[X] eki made wa ikura desuka? |
What platform is the train that's going to [X]? |
[X] made no densha wa nanban hōmu desuka? |
What time is the next train for [X]? |
[X] made no tsugino densha wa nanji desuka? |