Arriving in Japan and facing subways, trains, and huge stations can be intimidating at first glance. The good news is that the country was designed to work even if you don’t speak Japanese.
With a few small choices — from the right app to how you read signs — you can get oriented quickly and move around with confidence from day one.
Digital maps: set them up before leaving the hotel
Maps work very well in Japan, as long as they’re used the right way. Before heading out:
- Download the city map for offline use. - Enable public transportation view and schedules. - Pay attention to the platform number and the line name, not just the final destination.
One useful detail: in dense areas, GPS can “jump” a few meters. Always double-check the station name and the exit indicated on the map.
Japanese stations: think of them as mini-neighborhoods
Large stations aren’t just places to catch a train. They have malls, restaurants, underground passages, and dozens of exits.
Two practical rules help a lot:
- Confirm the **line** first, then the **platform**. - When you arrive, follow the signs for the **exit (Exit)** closest to your destination.
Leaving through the wrong exit can mean walking an extra 10 minutes — not a big deal, but confusing for beginners.
Lines, colors, and letters: the code that simplifies everything
In urban subways, each line usually has:
- A color - A letter - A number for each station
Even without reading Japanese, you can navigate like this: Line G, station G-09, for example. This pattern appears on maps, signs, and even inside the trains.
Direction matters more than the train name
Instead of memorizing long names, look at the **final direction** (terminal station). That’s what determines whether you’re going the right way.
Signs and signage: trust them
Signage in Japan is consistent and repeated several times along the way. You’ll see:
- Japanese and English side by side - Arrows on the floor indicating flow - Clear symbols for restrooms, elevators, and platforms
If you miss a sign, walk a few meters: another identical one appears shortly ahead.
IC cards and ticket gates: frictionless travel
Using an IC card (such as rechargeable ones) simplifies everything:
- Enter and exit without thinking about fares. - Works on subways, urban trains, and buses. - Avoids lines at machines.
At the ticket gate, wait for the “beep” and move on. If something goes wrong, the counter next to it fixes it in seconds.
When to ask for help — and how to make it count
Station staff are used to helping tourists. To make it easier:
- Show the station name on your phone. - Point at the map instead of explaining at length. - Use simple phrases: “This line?” or “Which platform?”
Even with basic English, guidance is usually quick and accurate.
Final walks: orientation continues outside the train
When leaving the station, keep the map open and confirm fixed reference points:
- Large intersections - Convenience stores - Numbered buildings (very common)
Addresses in Japan are by block, not by street. That’s why visual references help more than street names.
With these practices, getting around becomes a smooth part of the trip. In a few days, reading maps, signs, and stations becomes automatic — and you gain time to enjoy what really matters.
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