How to take the train
Tickets
Tickets are required to ride trains.
These are readily available from ticket vending machines.
Check your destination on the route map located right above the vending machines and purchase the ticket value corresponding to your destination.
Ticket gates
Most of Japan's ticket gates are fully automated.
Just insert your ticket into the slot to pass through the gate.
Your ticket will be ejected out the slot on the opposite end of the gate.
Do not forget to retrieve your ticket as you will need this to exit the ticket gate at your destination.
IC cards
You may also purchase IC cards that allow you to ride trains and buses without purchasing a ticket.
These cards are prepaid and can be reloaded.
Touch your card to the card reader located on the upper portion of the gate instead of inserting them into the slot.
IC cards may be purchased from ticket vending machines and other outlets. (A refundable deposit is charged upon purchase. A fee is also charged upon return of the card.)
Boarding the train
Upon crossing the ticket gates, check the billboards and signs scattered across the station and fall in line at the platform for the train headed towards your destination.
Train door locations in Japan are fixed and the locations where entry and exit doors align on the platform are properly marked.
When the train arrives, allow passengers to alight the train first before boarding.
Queue up beside the door to give alighting passengers space as they leave the train. Enter the train in queue order after all alighting passengers have disembarked.
How to take the bus
The specifics of riding a bus may vary from region to region, but the general flow in Hachioji is as follows:
Boarding the bus
Board the bus via the rear door.
As you enter, take the numbered ticket issued from the machine to the right of the door.
Touch the card to the reader when using an IC card.
Alighting
Alight from the bus via the front door.
Fare varies depending on your destination. Verify your fare by checking your ticket number on the display terminal located at the front of the bus.
Insert the appropriate amount into the fare collection box located beside the driver.
when using an IC card, touch the card you used for riding the bus to the reader located on the fare collection box.
How to take a taxi
There are two ways to ride a taxi: you may either ride one from a designated taxi stop, or hail an empty cab on the street.
Taxi stops
Taxi stops may be found in public places such as train stations.
When riding from a taxi stop, please queue up and wait for your turn to be served.
How to hail a taxi
Taxi drivers will turn on the roof light or the windshield light to indicate that the taxi is unoccupied.
If you find an unoccupied taxi, raise your hand to hail it down.
Boarding the taxi
Enter the taxi from the rear left door.
Taxi doors are automatic; there is no need to open or close them by yourself.
A taxi can hold up to 4 passengers excluding the driver: 3 at the back and 1 in front.
Be sure to fasten your seat belts, even if you are seated in the backseat.
Let the driver know your destination once you are inside the taxi.
Note that many drivers do not speak English, but you can always bring notes or a guidebook and show them to your driver to avoid inconvenience.
Alighting
The fare is paid upon arrival at your destination.
The fare amount is displayed on the indicator panel beside the driver.
You may incur additional charges early in the morning, in the evening, or late at night.
Some taxis are unable to accept credit card payments. Check with your driver before riding to be sure.
