Vehicles

1. 車

   Kuruma

   Car

   Usage

   The everyday word; signs and formal writing use "jidōsha"

2. バス

   Basu

   Bus

   Usage

   The city bus. On many regional lines you board at the rear, take a numbered ticket, and pay at the front when you get off

3. 高速バス

   Kōsoku basu

   Long-distance / highway bus

   Usage

   Intercity coach, far cheaper than the Shinkansen. Seats are reserved and booked in advance

4. 夜行バス

   Yakō basu

   Overnight bus

   Usage

   Runs overnight, e.g. Tokyo to Osaka. Popular with travellers because it saves a night's accommodation

5. 電車

   Densha

   Train

   Usage

   The most common everyday word. Strictly it means an electric train, but it is used for rail travel in general

6. 新幹線

   Shinkansen

   Shinkansen (bullet train)

   Usage

   Japan's high-speed rail. You need two tickets (base fare + express). Unreserved is "jiyūseki", reserved is "shiteiseki"

7. 在来線

   Zairaisen

   Conventional (non-Shinkansen) line

   Usage

   All JR lines other than the Shinkansen. Stations have separate gates for each, so show this word when transferring

8. 特急

   Tokkyū

   Limited express

   Usage

   A fast train with few stops. JR limited expresses need an extra express ticket; on some private railways no surcharge applies

9. 各駅停車

   Kakueki teisha

   Local train (all stops)

   Usage

   Stops at every station; also written "futsū". Take this if your stop is a small station

10. 地下鉄

    Chikatetsu

    Subway

    Usage

    Tokyo Metro, Toei, Osaka Metro and others. Different companies from JR — transferring means paying a new base fare

11. 路面電車

    Romen densha

    Tram / streetcar

    Usage

    Still runs in Hiroshima, Nagasaki, Kumamoto, Kagoshima, Sapporo, Hakodate and Tokyo. Most charge a flat fare paid on exit

12. モノレール

    Monorēru

    Monorail

    Usage

    The Tokyo Monorail from Haneda Airport to Hamamatsuchō, and Naha's Yui Rail

13. タクシー

    Takushī

    Taxi

    Usage

    The rear door opens automatically — don't open or close it yourself. No tipping

14. バイク

    Baiku

    Motorcycle

    Usage

    Unlike English "bike", Japanese "baiku" means a motorcycle. A bicycle is "jitensha"

15. 原付

    Gentsuki

    50cc scooter / moped

    Usage

    A moped of 50cc or less. Renting one is a classic way to see the smaller islands; a valid licence is required

16. 自転車

    Jitensha

    Bicycle

    Usage

    Park only in a designated lot near stations or it will be impounded. Lights are required at night

17. レンタサイクル

    Rentasaikuru

    Bicycle rental

    Usage

    Rent one at a station or tourist office. Standard for the Shimanami Kaidō route and for touring Kyoto

18. 飛行機

    Hikōki

    Airplane

    Usage

    Domestic flights are "kokunaisen"; international are "kokusaisen"

19. 船

    Fune

    Boat / ship

    Usage

    The general word. A port is "minato" and a boarding point is "noriba"

20. フェリー

    Ferī

    Ferry

    Usage

    The mainstay of Inland Sea and island routes. Long-distance ferries take cars and have open "nitō senshitsu" second-class rooms

21. 高速船

    Kōsokusen

    High-speed boat / jetfoil

    Usage

    Faster and dearer than the ferry. Often an option on island routes such as Yakushima and Oki

22. 遊覧船

    Yūransen

    Sightseeing boat

    Usage

    Tour boats at Matsushima, Lake Towada, the Sumida River and elsewhere. Show this at the ticket counter

23. ロープウェイ

    Rōpuwei

    Cable car / aerial tramway

    Usage

    The aerial cable up to summits and viewpoints — Hakone, Tateyama, Mt. Rokko and many more

24. ケーブルカー

    Kēburukā

    Funicular

    Usage

    A rail line climbing a steep slope — Kōyasan, Hieizan, Hakone. Different from the airborne "rōpuwei"

25. 救急車

    Kyūkyūsha

    Ambulance

    Usage

    Dial 119. The ride is free in Japan. Say "kyūkyūsha o yonde kudasai" to ask someone to call one

26. パトカー

    Patokā

    Police car

    Usage

    Police is 110. A neighbourhood police box is a "kōban" — you can also ask them for directions

27. 消防車

    Shōbōsha

    Fire engine

    Usage

    Fire and ambulance share the number 119. Start the call with "kaji desu" (fire) or "kyūkyū desu" (medical)

28. レンタカー

    Rentakā

    Rental car

    Usage

    You need an International Driving Permit (or, for some countries, a licence plus official translation). Japan drives on the left

29. トラック

    Torakku

    Truck

    Usage

    The "keitora" (kei truck) is the small flatbed you see all over rural Japan

30. 人力車

    Jinrikisha

    Rickshaw

    Usage

    A sightseeing ride rather than transport. Found in Arashiyama, Kamakura, Asakusa and Kawagoe

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