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About Kansai Transportation
Railroads, buses, ferries, and expressways are available for transportation between the major cities in the Kansai region. Subways are also available in the cities of Kyoto, Osaka and Kobe. Bus services are available in all towns and cities, and buses can usually be boarded in front of train stations. As a good part of the Kansai region is located around the Seto Inland Sea, ferry and high speed ferry services connect the ports of Osaka, Kobe and Wakayama to Tokushima. Including expressways (toll roads), there is a wide variety of ways to travel to your destination. Please inquire at information centers before departure to find out the best and most efficient route.
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■Regular Bus Routes
Bus services exist in most towns in Kansai. There are two ways to pay the fare: when boarding or when alighting. Medium- and long-distance buses which connect the major cities of Japan via expressways are also in wide use. In most cases the seats must be reserved, so you need to buy your ticket and confirm your seat beforehand. It is advisable to find out where you will be getting off before boarding, as English announcements are not given on most buses.
■Sightseeing Buses
・Regular Tour Bus
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Taxis are available downtown and can be boarded at a taxi stand (located in front of train stations, etc.), or by simply hailing one on the street. Mind the passenger doors which open automatically.
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Holders of international driving licenses may use a rental car. Offices are in front of major stations, etc.
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To use a train in the Kansai region, first buy a ticket from the automatic ticket machine near the ticket gate inside the station. Fares are listed by destination near the machines. Most rail companies offer economical and convenient coupon tickets.
・Kansai Rail Access Map
・Subway Map
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Ferries and high speed ferries run between ports such as Osaka, Kobe, Wakayama, Tokushima, and Kansai International Airport (KIX). Tickets can be purchased at the quay.
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A host of expressways traverse the Kansai region such as the Hanshin Expressway, connecting Kobe and Kansai International Airport, as well as the Chugoku, Kinki, Hanwa, Meihan, Meishin and Hokuriku expressways, with Osaka at the heart of the network.
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Please watch out for other traffic when using a bicycle. Also, please note that some rental bicycle outlets are closed in some seasons (especially winter) and that they may require sight of some form of ID or prior booking. Please contact them beforehand to check.
・Rental Bicycles
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