Taxi

Taxis in Japan are quite expensive and you may prefer other public transportation services. However, in smaller cities or late evening hours, they may be the only solution to get to your destination. Taxi stands may be easily found outside airports and train stations but you also may flag down a taxi in the street. You may also use a taxi app or request the reception of your hotel to call a taxi for you.

A couple of things to know when using a taxi in Japan:

• A plate on the dashboard in the lower corner of the windshield indicates whether a taxi is vacant or not, red indicates vacant, green indicates occupied, exactly the other way around you may expect.

• When boarding and getting out of the taxi, DON'T touch the door, the left rear door is opened and closed automatically by the driver.

• If you don't speak Japanese, the easiest thing to do is to hand over the written address of your destination to the driver - or to show it on a map, if available, as the address system in Japan can be very confusing, even for the taxi driver. Most of the taxis accept credit card payments.

• If you use cash, try to avoid using large bills for small amounts as the driver may not have enough change.

• Last but not least: Tipping is not expected/done in Japan.

Local buses in Himeji (Shinki Bus)

Using the local bus, Shinki Bus may be the most convenient solution to move in Himeji. You will need cash or a rechargeable IC card https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2359_003.html before boarding the bus. You may also purchase special fare tickets in advance at the bus station ticket office.

Check the destination on the front and side of the bus. Always board the bus at the rear door and exit at the front door. When paying using cash, take a number from the small box next to the entrance and keep it with you; you will need to drop the number together with your cash in a box near the driver when getting off the bus. When paying with an IC card, hold the card to the reader near the entrance until you hear an acoustic signal. If you purchased a special fare ticket in advance, take a number as if you'd pay with cash; when getting off the bus, drop the number in the ticket box next and show the special ticket to the driver.

A good solution for foreign travelers is the Hyogo Amazing Pass, a prepaid one-day ticket that allows you to use all orange Shinki Buses for 1,000 JYN for one day. You can purchase your Hyogo Amazing Pass online here and only need to show the screenshot of your mobile ticket when getting off the bus.