Japan is an archipelago of over 3000 islands with the 4 main islands connected by bridges giving access to numerous transport options in Japan.  The normal course for most travelers is to purchase a JR pass before they leave which is a definite expense in Japan and can eat up a chunk of your daily budget if you are not madly going from one side of the country to the other. 

The efficiency of the transportation system in Japan is second to none other in the world with the very fast Shinkansen that streams along over 300 km hour and can really get you places quick!

Japan also has very good ferry routes from island to island which connects the 4 main islands together and the smaller islands are only possible to get to by boat.  The ferry service is the cheapest of options and also if traveling at night, becomes part of your accommodation expenses thus reducing that side of your budget. 

I have taken several long ferry rides throughout Japan and had a very amazing experience slowing down the pace allowing you to recuperate before hitting the big cities again.  Not to mention it is the least inexpensive way to travel combining a good rest with a night’s accommodation.  Ferry’s are between 5000 - 12,000 yen depending on distance but well worth the adventure. 

Long distance buses are also a good option with night and day services all over Japan and can also reduce that daily budget. 

Of course, the quickest way would be to use the ANA or JAL domestic flight routes and bargains can be picked up but with most flights you will have to piece this all together prior to you leaving your country. 

So whatever tickles your comfort levels, you can get anywhere in Japan, in your time and on time!

Boat Journey’s

In keeping up with land travel in Japan, the inter-islander ferry services from the 4 main islands of Japan, are a very reliable and rewarding experience, slowing down the pace and giving you some breathing space from the 127 million odd people in Japan. 

The ferry services are not as popular as they used to be due to the efficiency of the other transport options Japan has to offer, but hey, what’s the rush I say?  You are on holiday.  Is it really that important to rush all over the country attempting to cram more sites in or were you here to travel as you really should?  I have traveled to many countries in my time in all sorts of different formats and styles and have preferred to use as many of the local transport options that are available to really mix it up. 

The benefit of ferrying from one island to the other is cost and relaxation.  It gives you a rest after exploring Kyoto for 5 days and before heading to another city such as Tokyo you are going to need it! 

The ferry’s are actually like small cruise liners and all come with vending machines with hot food options, alcohol and comfortable sleeping arrangements. 

Journeys can last for 34 hours from Tokyo to Kita-Kyushu or 18 hours from Tokushima to Tokyo.  Why not sit in an onsen and rest those blisters and get off the beaten track!