Travel in Chapter 9 こうつう 交通 Kotsu- - Japan has a very advanced public transportation system, with various modes of transportation available depending on the area. It has bullet trains, trains, subways, buses, taxis, cable cars, monorails, ferries, ropeways, etc. to help residents and tourists get around. This section will give an overview of the major modes of transportation and how to use them. Trains

でん しゃ 電車 Densha

With the exception of very countryside towns, trains are prevalent throughout Japan. Understanding the train system is essential for any travel within Japan. There are several companies that operate trains in Japan, but the “main” operator is Japan Railways, or JR. Japan Railways consists of seven different companies (JR East, JR West, JR Central, JR Shikoku, JR , JR Kyusyu, and JR Freight). Other railway companies found in the include the and the Kintetsu (both found in ). Fares are determined by distance travelled. There is a map of the railway lines posted above the automatic きっぷ う ば ticket machines, or 切符売り場 kippu uriba. Find your destination on the map. The fare listed by it is the fare from the station from which you first board the train. Buy a ticket for the posted fare. Even if you are transferring, you should buy the ticket through to your final destination. If you cannot read the kanji and there is no map with English or kana, you can buy a ticket for the lowest fare and then adjust the fare at your destination at a fare adjustment せいさん machine, or のりこし精算 norikoshi seisan.

Ticket Machine Turnstiles Fare Adjustment Machine There is only one train line running through Kameoka, which is the JR Sanin Line, also known as the . This line runs from to Sonobe. There is also a transfer to the Subway Tozai Line at Nijo Station. To avoid having to spend time looking up fares or buying tickets, you can also purchase a pre-paid ICOCA card that will track your fare. These cards can be bought and re-charged at the automatic ticket machines and used in the place of paper tickets. Pre-Paid Card Ticket To get to Kyoto Station from Kameoka costs ￥400. However, if you want to get to downtown Kyoto, such as Kawaramachi Street or Sanjo, it is best to take the Sagano Line to Nijo Station (￥320) and then transfer to the subway Tozai Line and go to either Kyoto Shiyakusho Mae or Sanjo Keihan station (￥200). To get to , , Nara, Shiga Prefecture, etc. take the train to Kyoto Station and transfer to the appropriate train. You can also get to Osaka by taking the Hankyu Line, which is slower but a little cheaper. There are several categories of trains based on the number of stops made along the line. ふつう 1普通 futsū: This is a regular train that will stop at each station along the line. It will take longer but is the safest bet when you aren’t sure which train to take. かいそく 2快速 kaisoku: This is a rapid train. It is faster than the regular train and will skip some stations. きゅうこう 3急行 kyūkō: This is an express train. It is faster than the rapid train and skips several stations. とっきゅう 特急 tokkyū: This is a special express train. It is faster than the express train and skips all of the smaller 4stations. There is often an extra charge for this train. You should double check that the train will stop at your destination before boarding. There is often a diagram on the platform that will help you figure this out.

Train Diagram Only 3 kinds of trains go through ; the futsū, the kaisoku, and tokkyū special long distance trains (the はしだて Express, まいづる Express, たんば Tanba Express, きのさき Express, and たんごディスカバリーTango Discovery Express). These special express trains all require an extra surcharge and a special ticket you can buy at the Green Ticket Window. If you accidentally board one, a conductor will come around to check your ticket and you will have to pay the fee directly on the train. You should also be aware of when the trains stop running. A taxi ride home from Kyoto to Kameoka costs しゅうでん around 7000 yen, so it is quite expensive if you miss the last train. The last train 終電 shūden toward Kameoka leaves at 12:06 a.m. from Kyoto Station and at 12:13 a.m.from Nijo Station. The earliest train leaves at 5:33 a.m. じこくひょう from Kyoto Station. You can get a copy of the train schedule 時刻表 jikokuhyō at the train station.

Subway

ちか てつ 地下鉄 Chikatetsu

In addition to an above ground train system, most major cities also operate subway systems. Kameoka does not have a subway, but Kyoto has two lines, the Tozai Line and the . The easiest transfer point to the subway from the JR train line is at Nijo Station. Exit the ticket gates, turn right, and go down the stairs to the subway station. The two subway lines in Kyoto interestect at . The subway system is not all that different from the train system. Tickets are sold at automatic ticket machines, and you can use an ICOCA card on the Kyoto subway lines. However, you cannot buy or charge an ICOCA card on the subway ticket machines. If you are traveling during rush hour, you should be aware that some subways, and in some cities, trains, have cars that are designated as Women じょせいせんようれっしゃ Only 女性専用列車 josei senyō ressha. This is posted on the side of the car, usually in pink, in both Japanese and English. Buses

バス Basu

For foreigners, the bus is probably the most intimidating of the main modes of public transportation in Japan because it tends to have the least amount of English support. You can pick up a bus map from the bus office at Kameoka Station. For a detailed map of Kyoto bus routes, visit the bus office out in front of the Central Exit of Kyoto Station. They offer some very detailed English maps, as well as daily bus passes for ￥500. These can be great for when you want to go sightseeing and save a little money. When riding the bus, board from the rear entrance, not the front, and take the numbered ticket that indicates what stop you boarded at. This determines the fare. There will be a lit up board at the front of the bus that will have different numbered boxes. The fare in the box that matches the number on your ticket is the fare you must pay when you get off. However, some buses have a flat rate of ￥220. Note that the bus may not stop if the driver does not てい see anyone at the bus stop バス停basu tei. When your stop is next, push one of the buttons that can be found on the walls, hand rails, or seat backs to indicate to the driver that you would like him or her to stop. Exit from the front of the bus and put exact change in the opening on top of the fare collection machine at the front of the bus. If you need change, you should try to get to the front of the bus before your stop to make change. You can insert a bill into the fare collection machine and it will break the bill into coins. However, five and ten thousand yen bills cannot be changed. Some buses will accept the use of a pre-paid ICOCA card.

Taxis タクシー Takushii

The easiest way to get a taxi is from a train station. As with Kameoka の ば Station, there is usually a special taxi lane タクシー乗り場 takushii noriba where the taxis line up and wait for passengers. However you can also flag them down off the street by standing on the corner and waving your hand at them. In the front passenger window there will be a little sign indicating whether くうしゃ ちんそう かいそう the taxi is empty, 空車 kūsha, carrying a passenger, 賃走 chinsō, or out of service, 回送 kaisō. The back door of the taxi will open and close automatically. Most taxi drivers do not speak English so it might be a good idea to have the name or address of your destination written out in Japanese, or have a map to show the driver. Also, taxi drivers are not tipped in Japan.

Bicycles

じて んし ゃ 自転車 Jitensha

It is fairly convenient getting around Kameoka on bicycle. Bicycles are sold at major department stores or at local bicycle and motorcycle shops. Most bikes come with a key and lock, generally around the back wheel. If you have a bicycle, you need to register it when you buy it, and write your name and phone number somewhere on the bicycle You should always lock your bicycle and store it in a safe place. Japan has a very safe image, but bicycle theft is quite common so you should take care to avoid leaving your bicycle unlocked or in a place where it could get stolen. Also, do not park your bike ちゅうりんきんし someplace where it is illegal. If you see a sign that says 駐輪禁止 chūrin kinshi, then you cannot park your bike there. When riding at night, be sure to use your headlight or you may be stopped by the police. Japan also has various laws regarding riding bicycles. For example, it is illegal to carry an open umbrella while riding, or to ride with two people on one bicycle. You may see many Japanese people doing these things, but they are illegal and as a foreigner you stand out more and are therefore more likely to be stopped by the police. Riding your bicycle after consuming even ONE alcoholic beverage can result in up to 5 years in prison or a fine of up to 1,000,000 yen.

Cars

じど うし ゃ 自動車 Jidosha- Driving in Japan is only permitted with an international permit or Japanese driver’s license. You cannot use your driver’s license from your home country on its own. Depending on which comes first, international driver’s licenses are only valid for one year until the license expires, beginning on the initial date of entry. You cannot stay in Japan for a year, return home and get an international driver’s license and then return to Japan and use it, unless you are out of Japan for at least 3 months. Before your international driver’s license expires you will need to get a Japanese license if you wish to continue driving. You can find more detailed information about the process of getting a Japanese driver’s license on the Kameoka English homepage http://www.city.kameoka.kyoto.jp/english/. There is a simplified process for foreign citizen’s that hold a driver’s license in their native country. Depending on your citizenship, you may have to take a driving test. Ordinary licenses are valid for passenger cars, light vans, small trucks, mopeds, and motorcycles less than 50 cc. Special licenses are required for large trucks and motorcycles larger than 50 cc and special heavy equipment. As a car owner, you are required to have a valid license, a legal permanent parking place, and compulsory liability insurance. Cars in Japan may seem cheap but they come with various hidden costs, such as the parking space, しゃけん insurance, taxes, and mandatory maintenance checks, known as 車検 shaken. The following is a list of requirements when buying a car. The Car Regardless of whether you buy from a dealer or an individual, you will need to visit the Inspection Registration けんさとうろくじむしょ Office 検査登録事務所 kensa tōroku jimusho to submit the following: めいぎへんこう 1. Re-registration 名義変更 meigi henkō (may cost up to ￥25,000) まっしょうとうろく 2. Owners cancellation registration papers 抹消登録 masshō tōroku The Parking Space You must have a registered parking space and you must submit certification of the parking space to the police. To get a parking space you may have to go through the real estate agent or rent directly from the owner. It depends on the area. Taxes There are three main taxes that are required when buying a car (not including consumption tax on gasoline). 1. Acquisition tax: paid only once when you buy the car 2. Weight tax: paid at purchase and subsequent inspections 3. Annual tax: paid by owner as of April 1st each year Automobile Liability Insurance and Vehicular Insurance There are two types of vehicular insurance: mandatory and optional. じどうしゃそんがいばいしょうせきにんほけん 1. Automobile Liability Insurance (mandatory) 自動車損害賠償責任保険 jidōsha songai baishō sekinin hoken にんいほけん 2. Voluntary Insurance (optional) 任意保険 nin i hoken: Although mandatory insurance covers injury and death, the actual costs accrued in accidents tends to exceed the maximum of the insurance. It is strongly recommended that you purchase an optional insurance. Mandatory Vehicle Inspection しゃけん All vehicles must undergo a vehicle inspection, or 車検 shaken, every two years (￥50,000-150,000)

Planes/Airports

ひこうき くうこう 飛行機・空港 Hikoki/kuko- - - For domestic and international travel, there are also several airports, or くうこう 空港 kūkō, in Japan. The closest airports (Itami and Kansai International) are located in Osaka Prefecture. There is also Haneda and Narita International Airport located in . Hokkaidō, Shikoku, and Kyūshū, and Okinawa also have airports. かんさいこくさいくうこう There are several ways to get to Kansai International Airport, 関西国際空港 Kansai Kokusai Kūkō. The とっきゅう fastest, and therefore more expensive method, is the Limited Express 特急はるか, which is one or two platforms over from the Sagano Line platform at Kyoto Station. From Kyoto Station, it takes approximately an hour and a half to get to Kansai International Airport by the Haruka Limited Express. A reserved seat on the Haruka costs まどぐち around ￥3290. Tickets can be bought at the Express Ticket Machine or the Green Ticket Window みどりの窓口 midori no madoguchi. Another way to get to Kansai International Airport is by bus. It takes about an hour and a half from Kyoto Station by bus. A one-way ticket costs ￥2500 and a round trip ticket costs ￥4000. More information about bus service to Kansai International Airport can be found at http://www.kate.co.jp.

Shinkansen (Bullet Train)

しんかんせん 新幹線 When making a long distance trip within Japan, by far the fastest mode of transportation is the shinkansen, or bullet train. Though relatively expensive, at speeds up to 300km/h, it is the fastest way to travel on land. There are six main shinkansen lines running across Japan, connecting most of the major cities. 1. 東海道新幹線 Tōkaidō shinkansen: Runs from Tokyo to Shin-Osaka Station 2. 山陽新幹線 Sanyō shinkansen: Runs from Shin-Osaka to Hakata 3. 東北新幹線 : Runs from Tokyo to Hachi-no-he 4. 上越新幹線 : Runs from Omiya to 5. 長野新幹線 Nagano shinkansen: Runs from Takasaki to Nagano 6. 九州新幹線 Kyūshū shinkansen: Runs from Shin-Yatsushiro to Kagoshima-chuo Tickets for the shinkansen must be bought prior to boarding. You can purchase まどぐち them at the Green Ticket Window みどりの窓口 midori no madoguchi or from とっきゅうけん the special 特急券 tokkyūken automatic ticket machine at a station (only non- していせき reserved tickets). Shinkansen trains are divided into cars for reserved seats 指定席 Sign for the Green Ticket Window じゆうせき shiteiseki, and cars for non-reserved seats 自由席 jiyūseki. Reserved seats are slightly more expensive but guarantee きつえんしゃ きんえんしゃ you a seat on the train. There are also smoking cars 喫煙車 kitsuensha, and non-smoking cars 禁煙車 kinensha. If you are not a smoker or are bothered by the smell of cigarette smoke, you should try to avoid the smoking cars because they are generally permeated with the smell of smoke. There are three different types of shinkansen, based on speed, operating on the island of Honshū. The is the slowest, is in the middle, and the is the fastest (and therefore more expensive). To check for seat vacancy you can go to http://www.jr.cyberstation.ne.jp/vacancy/Vacancy.html (Japanese only). Another good site for checking all train schedules online is www.hyperdia.com (English available). When purchasing shinkansen tickets, you will be asked what you would like to do じょうしゃけん about your 乗車券 jōshaken, or rider’s ticket. Shinkansen require two tickets: the とっきゅうけん jōshaken and the 特急券 tokkyūken. The tokkyūken is the ticket representing the extra Rider’s Ticket Shinkansen Ticket fare for riding the shinkansen while the jōshaken takes the place of a regular ticket, from the first station you board at to the last station you get off at. Therefore if you are traveling to , you will have a jōshaken starting at Kameoka Station and ending in Tokyo and a tokkyūken starting at Kyoto Station, where you board the shinkansen, and ending at Tokyo Station. You can either buy your jōshaken when you buy your shinkansen tokkyūken or you can use your ICOCA card. Please keep in mind that there is not a lot of space for luggage on the shinkansen, so you may want to send your luggage by takkyūbin or other delivery service (see the chapter on the post office). The Japan Railways offers a special pass for tourists visiting Japan under 90 day visitor status. As a resident of Japan it is not valid for you, but it could be useful if you have relatives or friends planning to visit. With the Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) you pay a lump sum for a one or two week pass that will allow you to board any JR train, excepting the Nozomi shinkansen, as many times as you like JR Pass within that time period.The JR Pass must be bought prior to entry into Japan. The purchaser will receive an exchange order which they can turn in to receive their JR Pass at the Green Ticket Window at most of the major train stations in Japan. For more information on the JR Pass visit http://www.japanrailpass.net/

Useful Vocabulary: Travel JR Pass Exchange Order

こう つう 交通など Kotsu-- nado

Phrases Around here is fine. この辺でいいです。 このへんでいいです。 Kono hen de ii desu. Could you draw me a map? 地図を書いてくださいませんか？ ちずをかいてくださいませんか？ Chizu wo kaite kudasaimasen ka? Does this ___ go to ____? この___は___へ行きますか? この__は__へいきますか？ Kono ___ha___he ikimasu ka? How do I get to _____? __へはどういけばいいですか? __ he ha dō ikeba ii desu ka? How much is it to___? ___まではいくらですか？ ___ made ha ikura desu ka? I am lost. 道に迷っています。 みちにまよっています。 Michi ni mayotte imasu. Please take me to____. ____へお願いします。 ____へおねがいします。 ___ he onegai shimasu. Please turn _at the next corner. 次の角を＿へ曲がってください。 つぎのかどを＿へまがってください。 Tsugi no kado wo __he magatte kudasai. Where are we? ここはどこですか？ Koko ha doko desu ka? Where is the nearest_____? 一番近い__はどこですか？ いちばんちかい___はどこですか？ Ichiban chikai __ha doko desu ka? Where is the______? ______はどこですか？ ______ha doko desu ka? English Kanji Kana Romanization Address 住所 じゅうしょ Jūsho Bound for 方面 ほうめん Hōmen Bus バス Basu Bus stop バス乗り場 バスのりば Basu noriba Car 車 くるま Kuruma Carrying passenger (taxi) 賃走 ちんそう Chinsō Commuter pass 定期券 ていきけん Teikiken Corner 角 かど Kado Empty (taxi) 空車 くうしゃ Kūsha Entrance 入り口 いりぐち Iriguchi Exit 出口 でぐち Deguchi Fare 運賃 うんちん Unchin Highway 高速道 こうそくどう Kōsokudō Last stop 終点 しゅうてん Shūten Last train 終電 しゅうでん Shūden Non-smoking car (on a train) 禁煙車 きんえんしゃ Kinensha Not in service (train) 回送 かいそう Kaisō Reserved seat 指定席 していせき Shiteiseki Road 道 みち Michi Smoking car (on a train) 喫煙車 きつえんしゃ Kitsuensha Special express ticket 特急券 とっきゅうけん Tokkyūken Station 駅 えき Eki Street 通り どおり Dōri Subway 地下鉄 ちかてつ Chikatetsu Taxi タクシー Takushii Taxi stand タクシー乗り場 タクシー乗り場 Takushii noriba Ticket 乗車券 じょうしゃけん Jōshaken Ticket counter 切符売り場 きっぷうりば Kippu uriba Ticket gate 改札口 かいさつぐち Kaisatsuguchi Timetable 時刻表 じこくひょう Jikokuhyō To get off (a train, bus, etc) 降りる おりる Oriru To ride 乗る のる Noru Train 電車 でんしゃ Densha Unreserved Seat 自由席 じゆうせき Jiyūseki Directions North 北 きた Kita South 南 みなみ Minami East 東 ひがし Higashi West 西 にし Nishi Right 右 みぎ Migi Left 左 ひだり Hidari In front of ～の前 ～のまえ ～no mae Behind of ～の後ろ ～のうしろ ～no ushiro Next to ～の隣 ～のとなり ～no tonari Straight まっすぐ Massugu To be lost 道に迷う みちにまよう Michi ni mayō Traffic light 信号 しんごう Shingō Map 地図 ちず Chizu You Are Here 現在位置 げんざいいち Genzai ichi