Nagoya

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Transportation

Sections

1. Types of Public Transportation in Nagoya

Nagoya's public transportation system includes the following options:

A. Subway

  • Overview: The Nagoya Municipal Subway is the backbone of the city's public transport system, with six lines covering most of the city and connecting to major attractions, business districts, and residential areas.
  • Lines:
    • Higashiyama Line (Yellow): Connects Nagoya Station to key areas like Sakae and Fujigaoka.
    • Meijo Line (Purple): A circular line that loops around the city.
    • Tsurumai Line (Blue): Connects Nagoya to Toyota City.
    • Sakura-dori Line (Red): Runs east-west, connecting Nagoya Station to Tokushige.
    • Meiko Line (Pink): Extends south from the Meijo Line to Nagoya Port.
    • Kamiiida Line (Green): A short line connecting to the Meitetsu Komaki Line.
  • Operating Hours: Approximately 5:30 AM to midnight.
  • Frequency: Trains run every 3โ€“10 minutes, depending on the time of day.

B. Buses

  • Overview: Nagoya City operates an extensive bus network, including local buses and sightseeing buses.
  • Key Routes:
    • Me~guru Sightseeing Bus: A convenient option for tourists, stopping at major attractions like Nagoya Castle, Toyota Commemorative Museum, and the Nagoya City Science Museum.
  • Operating Hours: Typically 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
  • Frequency: Every 10โ€“30 minutes, depending on the route.

C. Railways

  • JR Central (Japan Rail): The Tokaido Shinkansen (bullet train) connects Nagoya to Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and other major cities. Local JR lines also serve the surrounding areas.
  • Meitetsu Railway: A private railway connecting Nagoya to Chubu Centrair International Airport, Inuyama, and other regional destinations.
  • Kintetsu Railway: Links Nagoya to Mie Prefecture and Osaka.
  • Aonami Line: Connects Nagoya Station to the Nagoya Port area, including the SCMAGLEV and Railway Park.

D. Taxis

  • Overview: Taxis are widely available but more expensive than public transport. They are metered, and drivers are generally polite and professional.
  • Base Fare: Around ยฅ500โ€“ยฅ700 for the first 1.2โ€“2 km, with additional charges per kilometer.

E. Bicycles

  • Overview: Nagoya is a bike-friendly city with rental services and designated cycling paths.
  • Rental Services: The "Hatch!!" bike-sharing system offers convenient rentals at various docking stations.

2. Ticketing Systems

A. IC Cards

  • TOICA: The JR Central IC card, usable on JR trains, subways, buses, and other transport systems in Nagoya and beyond.
  • manaca: The local IC card for Nagoya's subway, buses, and Meitetsu/Kintetsu railways. It is interchangeable with other IC cards like Suica and Pasmo.
  • How to Use: Tap the card on the reader at ticket gates or when boarding buses. Recharge at ticket machines or convenience stores.
  • Cost: A refundable deposit of ยฅ500 is required when purchasing an IC card.

B. Tickets and Passes

  • Single Tickets: Available for subways and buses. Prices depend on distance, starting at ยฅ210 for adults.
  • Day Passes:
    • Donichi Eco Kippu: ยฅ620 for unlimited subway and bus rides on weekends and public holidays.
    • 1-Day Subway Pass: ยฅ740 for unlimited subway rides on weekdays.
    • 1-Day Bus & Subway Pass: ยฅ870 for unlimited rides on both buses and subways.
  • Me~guru Sightseeing Bus Pass: ยฅ500 for unlimited rides on the sightseeing bus for one day.

3. Major Routes and Connections

A. From Nagoya Station

  • To Sakae (Downtown): Take the Higashiyama Line (5 minutes, ยฅ210).
  • To Nagoya Castle: Take the Me~guru Bus or the subway (Meijo Line to Shiyakusho Station, 10 minutes, ยฅ210).
  • To Chubu Centrair International Airport: Take the Meitetsu ฮผ-SKY Limited Express (28 minutes, ยฅ1,250).

B. Key Tourist Destinations

  • Nagoya Port: Take the Meiko Line to Nagoyako Station (20 minutes, ยฅ270).
  • Atsuta Shrine: Take the Meijo Line to Jingu-Nishi Station (10 minutes, ยฅ210).
  • Toyota Commemorative Museum: Take the Aonami Line to Sako Station (5 minutes, ยฅ210).

4. Transportation Apps and Maps

  • Nagoya Subway App: Official app for subway navigation, available in English.
  • Google Maps: Reliable for planning routes and checking schedules.
  • Japan Transit Planner (by Jorudan): Useful for detailed train and subway itineraries.
  • Me~guru Bus Website: Provides route maps and schedules for the sightseeing bus.

5. Tips for Navigating Nagoya's Transportation

  1. Plan Ahead: Use apps like Google Maps or Japan Transit Planner to check routes and schedules.
  2. Carry an IC Card: Itโ€™s the most convenient way to pay for public transport and avoids the hassle of buying tickets for each trip.
  3. Mind the Last Train: Subways and trains stop running around midnight, so plan accordingly.
  4. Queue Properly: Stand in line at designated spots on platforms and allow passengers to exit before boarding.
  5. Keep Quiet: Public transport in Japan is generally quiet. Avoid loud conversations or phone calls.
  6. Respect Priority Seats: These are reserved for the elderly, pregnant women, and people with disabilities.
  7. Cash is King: While IC cards are widely accepted, some buses and smaller stations may only accept cash.

6. Cultural Considerations

  • Politeness: Bow slightly when interacting with staff or drivers, and thank them when exiting buses or taxis.
  • Cleanliness: Eating, drinking, and littering are discouraged on public transport.
  • Punctuality: Trains and buses are extremely punctual. Arrive at the platform a few minutes early to avoid missing your ride.
  • Escalator Etiquette: Stand on the left side of escalators in Nagoya, allowing people to pass on the right.

By familiarizing yourself with Nagoya's transportation system and following these tips, you'll find it easy to navigate the city efficiently and respectfully. Enjoy your time in Nagoya!