Travel & transport in Gunma!

群馬Allen and Jenn

Bicycle

Bus• Buses are often used in Gunma.• Fairly cheap and convenient mode of transport– Ask a supervisor, teacher or someone in your town to

explain the schedule.

1. Board in the back of the bus2. Collect a ticket3. Press the stop button at the stop before you get

off. 4. Pay at the front – at your stop- fare listed on board– 1000 yen accepted.

4. Get off in the front

Train around Gunma

• JR EAST– Accepts SUICA

cards

• LOCAL lines– Exclusive

Tickets• Signs are in Japanese

& English. • Learn the Kanji

• Tickets available at vending machines

• Hyperdia.com• Jorudan.co.jp

To Tokyo: Takasaki line, Shonan-Shinkuku line, Tobu lineRapid urban (90 minutes) from TakasakiRinkai Furii Kippu りんかいフリーきっぷ

Roundtrip to Tokyo and unlimited travel within city 2 days

Train

Shinkansen (Bullet Train)

• Buy tickets at separate gate – counter/vending machine

• Fast, convenient, punctual and comfortable• Reserved and non-reserved seats• Japan Rail Pass for visitors only • Base fare and shinkansen supplement (ltd.

Express fee)• Plan shinkansen trips with Hyperdia

Taxis/ Daiko

• Taxis are a relatively expensive (Y700 for first 2km and ~Y100 per additional 500m)– Depending on size, can fit 3-5 passengers– Doors are automatic– Between 10pm and 5am, rates raised ~20%– Vacant Occupied

• Daiko– About same price as taxis– Both you and your car are driven home (convenient!)– DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE

Highway bus• Great way to travel to Kansai and other far areas• Cheaper than plane ticket or shinkansen• Overnight bus allows you to travel while you sleep• Willerexpress.com • Buy tickets at bus terminals, through travel agents,

machines in convenience stores (i.e. 7-Eleven)• Ask fellow JETs in your area which buses they use

Airplane- domestic

• Can be cheaper than Shinkansen• Combo flight/hotel packages often available• Most domestic flights from Tokyo depart

from Haneda• Japan-saver.com• Japanese co-workers/friends may know

about great discount booking sites

Ferry

• Some parts of Japan can only be accessed by ferry

• Locally, there are ferries from Tokyo and Niigata• Bicycles can be taken on ferries• Purchase tickets online, at ferry terminal, or

travel agencies• Ferries to Korea/China are available, but most

leave from southern or western coastline

Travel to the Airport

• Airport bus, local trains or bullet train• Most cities have airport buses from a station• Buy tickets at station, combini, or travel agent• Information can be found on airport sites

Traveling Abroad?• Notify your supervisor of your travels– Destination and locations of stay,– Emergency contacts– Travel itinerary– Photocopy of Visa and passport.

• Bring:– Passport– Residence card– JET accident insurance form– National Health Insurance info– Employer/Supervisor contacts– Embassy info– International driving License.

Abroad- Airplane• Most international flights depart from Narita, though some from

Haneda as well• Many online travel agencies offer great discounts

– Ask Japanese co-workers/friends about sites they use• Often require Japanese creditcard

– Ask fellow JETs about sites they use• Book early to avoid rising prices• To get to airport, take airport bus or train to Tokyo first• The bigger cities usually have airport buses departing from the

main station– Tickets can be purchased at the combini– Travel time is 3-4 hours– Ask your fellow local JETs which options are best for your area

Ferry

• Some parts of Japan can only be accessed by ferry

• Locally, there are ferries from Tokyo and Niigata• Bicycles can be taken on ferries• Purchase tickets online, at ferry terminal, or

travel agencies• Ferries to Korea/China are available, but most

leave from southern or western coastline

Immigration and Customs

• Re-entry permits no longer required• Don’t bring illegal things into Japan– Drugs– Pornographic material– Swords and weapons (even display items)

• Don’t risk it• Check airport website for amounts you can

bring of medicines and fluids