Transportation
Bus
Board the bus at the rear door (though on some routes, you board at the front). Take a numbered ticket from the ticket dispenser at the door. The bus driver or an automated voice will announce each stop. Push the button next to the windows to signal when you want to get off the bus. There is a fare board at the front of the bus, above the driver. Check the fare board for the number on your ticket, that’s the cost of your bus fare. Deposit your ticket and the exact fare into the payment box next to the driver as you depart. If you don’t have correct change, there is a change machine beside the fare box (this only works between stops).
Car
Owning a car
If you own a car, you are required to pay shaken, car tax and insurance. Shakken is a bi-annual check up for your car and costs anywhere between 100,000 yen and 150,000 yen and is valid for two years. You must pay car tax (30,000 yen - 55,000 yen/year) and secondary insurance every year (usually less than 10,000 yen; be sure to have secondary insurance!!) There are two types of cars: white plates and yellow plates. White plate cars are larger, have larger engines and will cost more on insurance, taxes, gas, road tolls and shaken. Yellow plate cars are cheaper on those items but are more expensive to purchase up front.
Road rules
When driving beware of pedestrians and cyclists. Japanese people often run red lights, so be careful pulling out after a light turns green. Also, beware of speed trap cameras on the expressways, then can photograph you when speeding and then send you the ticket. Left side driving, right side passing. Always stop at railroad crossings. Always wear your seat belt.
Getting petrol
Gas stations in Japan are full serve, although you will find some self-serve only gas stations. Some helpful phrases:
- fill it up = mantan onegaishimasu
- x amount of petrol = x sen en made onegaishimasu
They will then fill your tank, clean your windows and take your rubbish, all while you sit in your car listening to the radio!
Japanese License
You will be required to get a Japanes driver’s license if you stay for more than one year, as your IDPs are only valid for one year. Please refer to your JET handbook for details. Your home country’s license will need to be translated by JAF (0952-30-7000) before beginning the paperwork and tests at the Drivers License Center in Yamato.