for more on how to get around this big city.
Buy your train tickets from vending machines. Most machines take both coins and notes and will automatically dispense change.
BY BUS
The Japanese bus system isn't that complicated either. Destinations are clearly labeled on the front of most buses, and stops are also clearly marked. Routes often begin and end at railway stations.
BY TAXI
For foreigners, taxis are a bit of a challenge. It's a good idea to have your destination written down in Japanese. But don't be alarmed if the driver suddenly stops and pulls out a large A-Z. It's quite routine. Taxi's can be expensive.
BY CAR
This is one option you will not have to worry about as a missionary in Japan. Only the mission president has a car.
BY BICYCLE
By far the most widely used to get around locally. It's o-k to bike along and share the pavement with pedestrians. If you are walking in the suburbs, you may find yourself out-numbered. A word of caution - if a bike looks like it's been abandoned don't whatever you do take it! All bicycles must be registered and police sometimes carry out random checks. If they find that you are not the registered owner there are likely to be consequences.
Japan has one of the world's finest transporation systems. Aside from private cars, the basic mode of getting around in the larger cities is train or subway. In smaller centres it is by bus. Taxicabs are also plentiful, but pricey.
