4.9
4.6🇯🇵 Travel to Japan at ease with Omio in 2026!
Omio is thrilled to announce that we are expanding and Japan is now a proud part of our global network! We know Japan's transport system can seem complex, but we believe navigating this incredible country should be part of your adventure.
How would you like to travel?
- Point-to-Point Tickets: Best for fixed itineraries. Effortlessly compare and book individual Shinkansen, bus, and flight tickets in one place.
- Japan Rail Pass: Best for flexible, multi-city exploration. Purchase your JRP voucher for unlimited travel across the national JR network.
From the serene temples of Kyoto to the vibrant streets of Tokyo, Omio helps you secure the best, most convenient, and most cost-effective travel options. It’s a place like no other and we’re excited to take you there!
✈️ Travel Options
Flights to Japan
Your journey to Japan begins the moment you book your flight. Japan features four principal international airports that regularly handle direct and connecting flights from Europe, North America and beyond.
Major Airport Transfers:
- Tokyo International Airport (Haneda - HND): The closest to the city center. Reach central Tokyo quickly via the Tokyo Monorail or the Keikyu Line.
- Narita International Airport (NRT): The primary international gateway. Seamless transfers are available via the Narita Express (N'EX) or the Keisei Skyliner.
- Kansai International Airport (KIX): The hub for western Japan. Use the Haruka Express for direct access to Osaka and Kyoto.
- Chubu Centrair International Airport (NGO): Perfectly situated for central Japan and Nagoya.
Seamless Airport Transfers across Japan
Getting from the tarmac to your hotel is the first step of your adventure. Omio covers all major international gateways and key regional hubs, so you can book your trains and buses before you land.
Narita Airport (NRT): The primary long-haul gateway.
- Rail: The Narita Express (N'EX) provides a direct, comfortable link to Tokyo, Shinjuku, and Shibuya stations.
- Bus: Choose the Narita Shuttle Ikebukuro Line for direct access to Ikebukuro, or take long-distance buses to Niigata, Kanazawa, or Toyama (including stops at Tokyo Disneyland).
Haneda Airport (HND): The closest airport to central Tokyo.
- Direct Shuttles: Omio offers easy booking for the Mishima Haneda Shuttle and routes to Nagano.
- Key Stops: Many services offer convenient drop-offs at high-traffic locations like Tokyo Disneyland.
Serving the western Japan region, Kansai International Airport is a major hub for travelers heading to the shrines of Kyoto or the neon lights of Osaka.
- Ltd. Express Haruka: The fastest and most popular rail link, connecting KIX directly with Osaka, Shin-Osaka, and Kyoto.
The gateway to the northern island of Hokkaido, perfect for ski trips and nature lovers.
- Rapid “Airport” Train: A frequent and efficient rail service that links New Chitose Airport directly to Sapporo and the historic port city of Otaru.
Omio supports regional travel with dedicated airport limousine buses and access routes:
- Hiroshima (HIJ): Direct access routes to Hiroshima city.
- Takamatsu (TAK): Dedicated limousine buses connecting to Takamatsu city (Shikoku region).
- Aso Kumamoto (KMJ): Seamless bus transfers to the Amakusa and Kumamoto areas (Kyushu region).
🚄 Trains in Japan
Trains are the most popular transportation for travelers due to their reliability and speed. With Omio, you can book the most popular routes in seconds:
Shinkansen - The Super Express Bullet Train
The ultimate symbol of Japanese efficiency, the Shinkansen is the backbone of long-distance travel.
Understanding Shinkansen Pricing
While Japanese rail pricing consists of a base fare and an express fee, Omio simplifies this for you.
When you book with Omio, we combine all fees into one single price. You don't need to worry about purchasing separate items; your Omio ticket covers everything needed to board the train, including your seat reservation. Once you receive your digital voucher, simply exchange it at a station ticket machine or counter for your physical ticket.
Limited Express and Express trains
These are essential mid-speed services acting as a link between the Shinkansen and local routes.
- Key Stops: These trains stop at major cities, airports, or regional hubs.
- Simple Booking: Just like the Shinkansen, Omio displays the total price including any necessary express fees.
Rapid, Local and Metro Trains
These trains handle short-distance travel and do not require additional express fees.
- Rapid trains: Faster than local trains as they skip smaller stops.
- Metro trains: Extensive underground networks operated in most big city areas.
🚌 Buses in Japan
Buses are an excellent, budget-friendly alternative to trains, often reaching scenic areas inaccessible by rail.
- Highway Buses: Connect major cities far cheaper than the Shinkansen.
- Night Buses: A convenient way to travel long distances while saving on a night's accommodation.
- Local Buses: Ideal for navigating smaller cities like Kyoto or traveling through the Japanese Alps.
🚢 Ferries in Japan
With thousands of islands, Japan's extensive ferry network is an essential travel option for those looking to explore off the beaten path.
- Island Access: Reach remote islands and stunning natural areas inaccessible by train.
- Modern Amenities: Large ferries often feature restaurants and traditional public baths (sento).
- Overnight Routes: Secure a cabin to sleep soundly and wake up refreshed at your destination.
🎟️ How to book transportation tickets in Japan
Omio makes securing your travel across Japan incredibly easy. Here is how to book:
- Search Your Route: Enter your departure and arrival points to see all available trains, buses, and flights.
- Compare Options: Filter by price, departure time, or travel duration to find the perfect fit for your itinerary.
- Secure Your Booking: Pay safely in your preferred currency using our secure gateway.
- Receive Your Voucher: Your digital voucher is stored in the Omio app.
- Travel with Confidence: For Shinkansen, swap your digital voucher for a physical ticket at any JR station counter or machine.
🏯 Travel Japan: Top Cities
Japan is defined by its incredible urban diversity. Whether you seek history or high-tech thrills, these cities are the essential anchors of any journey.
Tokyo
Osaka
Kyoto
Hiroshima
Kanazawa
Fukuoka
🎟️ One Pass for all Train Rides: The Japan Rail Pass (JRP)
The Japan Rail Pass (JRP) is the ultimate travel option for most visitors, giving you unlimited rides on JR trains nationwide for 7, 14, or 21 consecutive days.
Why the JRP is a great option for travellers:
- Unlimited Rides: Use the pass on almost all JR trains nationwide.
- Free Seat Reservations: Secure your seat at no extra cost at any JR station.
- Airport Transfers: Included on the Narita Express and Tokyo Monorail.
- Convenience: Travel without juggling separate trains, buses, flights or ferries.
How to get a Japan Rail Pass:
- Order Your Voucher: Purchase online via Omio. A physical exchange voucher will be shipped to your home address.
- Exchange in Japan: Upon arrival, visit a JR ticket office at an airport or major station to swap your voucher for the official JRP.
How much does it cost? Find further information here.
🎟️ How to book Shinkansen Tickets Individually
If you’re planning a shorter trip or visiting only one or two cities, purchasing individual Shinkansen tickets is often the best choice.
Explore more Japan transport options:
Explore the most popular trains, buses, flights and ferries in Japan - these pages focused on specific modes of transport will get you there.
🚄 Popular routes in Japan
Discover the most frequent connections across the country. Whether you're chasing the neon lights of Tokyo or the historical wonders of Kyoto, these routes are the preferred choice for travelers exploring Japan's iconic landscapes.
🌸 Best Time to Visit Japan
Japan is a fantastic year-round destination, but each of its four distinct seasons offers a unique experience.
Spring (March - May)
Summer (June - August)
Autumn (September - November)
Winter (December - February)
🎒 Travel Essentials
A trip to Japan is exciting, but preparing these small details can make your journey significantly smoother.
Most tourists from North America, Europe, and Australia do not need a visa for short stays (up to 90 days). You must have a valid passport and an onward ticket. Always check the latest requirements with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) well before your departure.
- Voltage: Japan operates on 100V. Check your device's charger label; most modern electronics (phones/laptops) are dual-voltage (100V-240V).
- Plugs: Standard plug type is Type A (two flat parallel pins). If your country uses three-pin or round-pin plugs, you will need a physical adapter.
- Signage: English signage is common in major cities, airports, and on the Shinkansen.
- Communication: English is generally understood at major tourist sites.
- Tip: Learning basic phrases like arigato (thank you) and sumimasen (excuse me) is highly appreciated by locals.
- Functionality: Essential prepaid, rechargeable cards used to tap-and-go on almost all trains, subways, and buses.
- Availability: Due to chip shortages, standard cards may be restricted. Look for the Welcome Suica or PASMO PASSPORT specifically for tourists.
- Mobile Option: You can often add a Suica or Pasmo card directly to your Apple Wallet or compatible Android device for a hassle-free experience.
Other destinations you might be interested in
The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy
We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.
