The public transportation is very reliable, with amazing options with trains, buses, and trams. Ubers and Lyfts do not exist in the same way as in North America; taxis are available, however, they can be expensive as they are very professional luxury, and the drivers dress accordingly. They have an app for that as well (go/TAXI app). When a taxi arrives, the driver will open the door for you from the driver’s seat, don’t try and force it open yourself, same when you reach your destination.
On all public transit, but especially on the trains, the silence is powerful; the Japanese do not speak or make noise so as not to disturb other people.
Google Maps is an excellent way to navigate the country, including public transportation. It will tell you the trains you can take to reach your destination, including the platform they will leave from next. If you close the app, and re-open it however, you may notice the train number has changed. This is because the app will assume you need a few minutes to reach the platform and will give a later train to allow you time to get there. You can tap on the train or bus number, and a list of other buses that will also take you where you want to go will appear, allowing you to re-select the current one. Japan transit planner app as well as Tokyo subway navigation, are other apps available that can help you navigate the transit systems.
Shinkansen SmartEX is the official way to book tickets from your mobile device for the Shinkansen (bullet trains). Tickets can also be purchased from the kiosks at the stations. If you are planning to do a lot of travel via Shinkansen, consider ordering a JR rail pass before you leave. This could be a very in-depth consideration, as the cost may not be as efficient as purchasing individual tickets, and will depend entirely on your itinerary.
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