Do I need a car to live in Tokyo?


Do I need a car to live in Tokyo? It is easy to live in Japan without a car. Trains and buses run regularly. The high-speed Shinkansen train, also known as the “bullet train”, moves riders throughout the country at speeds of up to 240-320 km/h (150-200 mph). You can read more about this in our Public Transportation section below.


Why is Tokyo so walkable?

There are a few exceptions, but more than 95 percent of Japanese streets have no street parking at all, even during the day. This, rather than any beautiful architecture, explains why Tokyo's streets feel so pleasant to walk down, or indeed to look at. There are no cars filling them up.


Is Uber available in Japan?

Yes, there is Uber in Japan Locals tell us that although Japan does have Uber, it's not super well-known and it's definitely not the most convenient option when it comes to traveling around the more sprawling places in Japan, namely cities like Kyoto or Tokyo.


Can you live in Tokyo without a car?

It is easy to live in Japan without a car. Trains and buses run regularly. The high-speed Shinkansen train, also known as the “bullet train”, moves riders throughout the country at speeds of up to 240-320 km/h (150-200 mph).


Is it easy to get around Tokyo as an American?

The best way to get around Tokyo is the subway. This extensive, efficient network will take you anywhere in the city as quickly as possible. The subway also connects to Tokyo's two major airports – Narita International Airport (NRT) and Haneda Airport (HND).


How do you get around Tokyo without a car?

Subways and trains are the best way to get around Tokyo. A prepaid Suica or Pasmo card is the BEST way to pay for transport. You can buy a Suica card online for pickup at the airport. Taxis are excellent but rather expensive.


Is it hard to drive in Japan as a foreigner?

Driving in Japan can be quite complicated and expensive. Those who cannot read the language will have trouble understanding road signs. Highway tolls are assessed at about US $1 per mile. City traffic is often very congested.


Is $1,000 dollars a month good in Japan?

Whether $1,000 a month is enough in Japan depends on several factors, such as your lifestyle, location, and expenses. Japan is known for being a relatively expensive country, so it is important to keep this in mind when planning your budget. It depends on what city you plan to live in.