Self-driving in Japan - advice?
#181
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I've seen individuals drive their cars up to a platform, and then the cars magically disappear. While I understand the premise of how these parking systems work, I'd be at a loss with how to operate it such that I can get my car back without causing a scene.
I don't disagree - renting a car to use IN Tokyo or Osaka makes as much sense as doing the same in New York City - no one would do it.
However, if you are exploring outside of those cities, and want to be as efficient and cost effective as possible (especially with a family or group), renting a car can't be beat.
However, if you are exploring outside of those cities, and want to be as efficient and cost effective as possible (especially with a family or group), renting a car can't be beat.
#182
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: YYZ
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Fair point. While taxis are incredibly expensive when compared to the likes in Toronto or New York City, keep in mind parking availability in the big cities in Japan is not only difficult to locate but also expensive.
Transportation in Japan outside of taking buses and/or the train is expensive, period.
Transportation in Japan outside of taking buses and/or the train is expensive, period.
Japanese taxis are cheap for short distances (up to 2km) compared to Toronto.
Parking cheaper than Toronto, downtown compared to downtown. And easy to find. Those automated multistory parking立体駐車場 establishments almost always have attendants.
Bus: Toronto - Montreal 50 - 70 CAD Tokyo - Osaka 4000 - 6000 yen
(excluding the ultra cheap for both routes) ~500km
#183
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Japanese taxis are cheap for short distances (up to 2km) compared to Toronto.
Parking cheaper than Toronto, downtown compared to downtown. And easy to find. Those automated multistory parking立体駐車場 establishments almost always have attendants.
Bus: Toronto - Montreal 50 - 70 CAD Tokyo - Osaka 4000 - 6000 yen
(excluding the ultra cheap for both routes) ~500km
Parking cheaper than Toronto, downtown compared to downtown. And easy to find. Those automated multistory parking立体駐車場 establishments almost always have attendants.
Bus: Toronto - Montreal 50 - 70 CAD Tokyo - Osaka 4000 - 6000 yen
(excluding the ultra cheap for both routes) ~500km
Totally agree that bus fares are reasonable in Japan. It's how I get myself from Narita to downtown Tokyo. Beats hauling luggage on the N'EX
#184
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Hilton, Hyatt House, Del Taco
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#186
Join Date: Feb 2014
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Comparisons that rely on exchange rates are no use to anyone except tourists, and even then only as a guide for when to stop spending. Otherwise, a comparison on % cost of living is more use. And quite honestly, on that basis it's cheaper to take a taxi in Japan than it is in most western countries IMO.
#188
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http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/201...ost-ridership/
#189
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Tokyo
Posts: 608
As mentioned, the fare only dropped at the beginning of 2017.
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/201...ost-ridership/
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/201...ost-ridership/
#190
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#191
Join Date: Sep 2015
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No. I found parking rather affordable. In downtown areas of medium-sized cities I probably paid around 2$/hour. That's definitely less than what you would pay in similar sized NA or European cities.
#192
Join Date: Mar 2015
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#193
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Hilton, Hyatt House, Del Taco
Posts: 5,377
$55Australian is $43USD (I just looked up). So then, US is sort of similar. I stayed at Hilton in San Francisco Chinatown... $55USD/night. Lots of hotels in downtown Seattle are like $40/night. Seattle is a teeny-tiny town compared to Tokyo. Yet typical parking rate at a 4-star hotel in Tokyo is like 2-4x cheaper than Seattle.
#194
Join Date: May 2016
Location: SIN
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At the risk of digressing from this Japan-focused forum, what I did two trips ago to Melbourne was to book an apartment in Richmond on Airbnb that came with its own parking space. It was right next to Richmond station. To get into the CBD I took the train (10 minutes, tops, and the apartment came with MyKi cards you can use, just top up as and when you need to); for everywhere else, I drove. Last trip, rented another Airbnb apartment, this time on LaTrobe Street, again with free parking. Both stays I enjoyed huge, beautiful flats at roughly 2x the cost of what your hotel is asking for parking alone.
#195
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Hilton, Hyatt House, Del Taco
Posts: 5,377
Driving in Hokkaido - March (Skiing)
We're going skiing in March. Thinking about Niseko. Was originally going to travel by bus. But the bus schedule is not very convenient, plus rental cars are so cheap that time of the year. Rental car would be 4WD, snow tires.
I've driven in Hokkaido only during summer. For me, driving in Jpn is very nerve-wrecking to begin with. But I think it's all mental, and I've not really had actual problems thus far driving in Jpn. I have very little experience driving in the snow, except I spent one winter in a very snowy place where they didn't plow the roads very well and I almost got into an accident one time. I have some hangups from that. I've never put chains on, etc. I've driven to Whistler quite a few times in winter, but the highway to Whistler is so well-maintained despite snow around the road, that it's not been a problem. It seems like the road from CTS to Niseko is maintained well in winter, but I'm nervous. Then again, rental car would be so much more convenient than bus. Would appreciate feedback from those who have driven in Hokkaido during winter time. Should I take a chance with a rental car, or play it safe with the bus?
I've driven in Hokkaido only during summer. For me, driving in Jpn is very nerve-wrecking to begin with. But I think it's all mental, and I've not really had actual problems thus far driving in Jpn. I have very little experience driving in the snow, except I spent one winter in a very snowy place where they didn't plow the roads very well and I almost got into an accident one time. I have some hangups from that. I've never put chains on, etc. I've driven to Whistler quite a few times in winter, but the highway to Whistler is so well-maintained despite snow around the road, that it's not been a problem. It seems like the road from CTS to Niseko is maintained well in winter, but I'm nervous. Then again, rental car would be so much more convenient than bus. Would appreciate feedback from those who have driven in Hokkaido during winter time. Should I take a chance with a rental car, or play it safe with the bus?