Airplanes & Boats

This mode of transportation takes passengers through the sky, rather than land or water. For those planning to travel long distances across Japan, this will be the most convenient mode of transportation. Not only is it faster than traveling by bullet train, but (in most cases) it’s cheaper, too. This is a (especially) useful way to travel for those with limited time.

Airline tickets can be purchased at a ticket counter or ticket machine inside an airport. One can also reserve a flight online and then pay for the ticket at a convenience store. When boarding a plane, one goes to the designated terminal at the airport. Because of this, there’s no need to worry—finding one’s boarding area is relatively easy.

Travel agencies often offer special package deals that combine flights and hotels. These can be a good way to save money. Before booking accommodation or flights, it’s a good idea to check with a travel agent to see if any packages are available. This is especially recommended for travelers heading to popular tourist destinations.

This is a mode of transportation that travels over water rather than land. Depending on one’s destination, this can be a great way to travel. Japan is divided into four main islands: Hokkaido, Honshū, Shikoku, and Kyūshū. However, many smaller islands also make up the country. Many of these can be reached by airplane, while others are best (and more conveniently) reached by boat. There are even some islands in Japan that can only be reached by boat. When riding this vehicle, the scenery of Japan can be enjoyed from perspectives that aren’t available on other forms of public transportation. Particularly for those who’d like to explore areas of Japan that are “off the beaten path”, traveling by boat can be a great option.

There are many different types of boats in Japan. Listed below are the ones most commonly used by tourists.



Ferry (Long Distance・Car Ferry)
The most common type of boat that tourists are likely to ride in Japan is a ferry. These are (generally) large boats that aren’t just a means of transportation. Many ferries are like hotels with facilities such as cafés and restaurants. Step onto the deck and enjoy a fantastic view of the ocean. With so much to enjoy, the journey itself becomes part of the attraction of riding a ferry.

On many ferries, cars or motorbikes can be transported to one’s destination. There’s an extra fee, but it means one doesn’t have to worry about hiring a car when they get off. It’s convenient because one can start sightseeing immediately at their destination.

A reservation must be made in advance to ride a ferry. This can be done via the internet or over the phone. One can also make a reservation at a ferry terminal (the dock where a ferry is ridden) or through a travel agent.



High Speed Ferry
This means of transportation is just as its name implies: a boat that transports people at higher speeds than other boats. A good example of this is the boat that takes tourists from mainland Hiroshima Prefecture to Miyajima Island, a famous sightseeing destination. These boats will generally take tourists to islands near the mainland for sightseeing.

Tickets for these boats can be purchased in advance online or over the phone. They can also be purchased directly at the ferry terminal. On routes used by many tourists each day, ferries often run round-trip multiple times daily. Particularly in popular tourist destinations, one generally won’t have any difficulty purchasing a ticket on the day they ride.



Yakatabune
Written in Japanese as 屋形船 (yakatabune), this is a boat where one can enjoy good food while enjoying the scenery from the water. This is a boat designed with the intent of enjoying the boat and the journey itself; it’s not just (simply) a means of transportation.

This is a traditional Japanese boat. The elegant outings on these boats are said to have begun in the Heian period (794–1185). During the Edo period (1603–1868), the culture of enjoying time on these boats spread throughout, and these boats—then known as 屋根船 (yane-bune) or roofed boats—were used for a variety of purposes.

These boats eventually went out of fashion, but experienced a revival in the late 1970s. Today, they have been reimagined as comfortable spaces where guests can enjoy meals, drinks, and even カラオケ (karaoke—a machine that plays instrumental versions of songs, with users singing along to the lyrics on screen) while cruising along the water.

Yakatabune are most commonly found in Tokyo. Today, one can enjoy a variety of Japanese dishes and beautiful Japanese scenery while riding them. These boats are well worth boarding if one is looking for a special experience. As with other boats in Japan, tickets for yakatabune can be purchased online or by phone. One can also make a reservation at a ferry terminal or through a travel agent.



Yūransen
Similar to a yakatabune, a 遊覧船 (yūransen) is a sightseeing boat that travels around a particular body of water to enjoy the scenery. These boat rides usually last about an hour. They’re a great opportunity to see sights up close that one wouldn’t normally be able to. One example is the Hakone Pirate Ship in Hakone, Kanagawa Prefecture. From this boat, one can enjoy a beautiful view of Mt. Fuji. Yūransen are perfect for those who’d like to take photos and/or videos of famous locations across Japan.

Tickets for these boats can be purchased online or through a travel agent. They can also be bought at ticket counters or ticket machines at the ports where these ships depart. For yūransen at popular tourist destinations, one generally shouldn’t have any trouble purchasing a ticket on the day of their ride.



Water Bus
Just like a fixed-route bus, this is a boat that travels a short distance across a specific body of water. Some of the best-known water buses in Japan are the Tokyo Cruise Ship and the Tokyo Mizube Line. There are also services in the Chūbu and Kansai regions. Not only can passengers see many tourist spots up close from these boats, but, as with water taxis, they can also enjoy Japan’s scenery from a different perspective. It’s not just tourists who use these boats—many people commute to work and school on them. In some areas, rides are even free.

Tickets for these boats can be reserved and paid for online. They can also be purchased at ticket counters on the departure platforms, or paid for directly on board. Payment options include cash, credit card, rechargeable transit card, cashless payments, and QR code payments.



Water Taxi
Just as its name implies, this is a taxi that travels across water. As with a taxi on land, passengers can be picked up wherever (and whenever) they like and can be dropped off at their desired destination. One might not have many opportunities to ride one of these taxis, but, as with other boats, one can enjoy the scenery of Japan from a different perspective. This is worth trying for those looking for a unique experience.

One of the best-known water taxis in Japan is the Tokyo Water Taxi. However, one can also find these taxis in the Kansai and Shikoku regions. There are two options when riding them: a Basic Ride or a Custom Ride. A Basic Ride follows a predetermined route to one’s destination, while a Custom Ride lets one choose the route taken.

When making an online reservation, one can also pay the fare in advance. Just like a taxi on land, one can also pay upon arrival at their destination. Payment options include cash, credit card, rechargeable transit card, cashless payments, and QR code payments.