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| Bus |
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| You can get a free
Aizu Wakamatsu bus schedule (in Japanese) from the ticket booth
located on Shinmei-dori or at the
main bus station. If you have problems reading the schedule, you
can call the International Association and we can help you.
When you get on the bus, check with the bus driver to make sure
the bus goes where you want to go. Take a ticket from the ticket
dispenser and when you want to get off, match the number on the
ticket with the amount indicated on the electronic board at the
front of the bus. You pay by how far you ride. Push the button when
you want to get off and pay at the front of the bus. Ask the driver
how to make change if you don't have the exact amount.
If you are travelling a long distance (ie. Tokyo, Kyoto, etc.)
you might want to consider taking the bus. You can usually save
time and money, especially if you bus travels at night. |
| Highway
Buses |
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When you think of travelling in Japan, trains are probably the
first mode of transportation that comes to mind. However, occasionally
buses can be cheaper and more convenient. Quite a few highway buses
are now available from Aizu Wakamatsu:
Wakamatsu - Koriyama - Iwaki (1000 yen one way to Koriyama)
(2300 yen one way to Iwaki)
Wakamatsu - Fukushima (1600 yen one way)
Wakamatsu - Niigata (2000 yen one way)
Wakamatsu - Sendai (2800 yen one way)
Wakamatsu - Shinjuku (4800 yen one way, 8600 yen return) |
| Taxi |
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There are several taxi companies in Aizu Wakamatsu. If you want
the taxi to come to your house, give your address, name and phone
number, as well as where you want to go to the dispatcher. If you
need a taxi ride early in the morning, it is advisable to call the
night before and make a reservation.
- Aizu Taxi 0242-38-1234
- Dai Ichi Taxi 0242-27-6611
- Tsubame Taxi 0242-27-6055
- Byakko Taxi 0242-28-1555
- Wakamatsu Taxi 0242-26-6655
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| Car |
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You must have a valid drivers
licence to drive in Japan. Please be aware that an International
driver's licence is only valid for 12 months from the date you entered
Japan. After this time you will have to change to a Japanese driver's
licence.
Getting
a Japanese driver's licence in detail=>
Owning a Car in Japan
If you own a private car in Japan you must
fufuil the following legal obligations.
- Have a parking place (When
buying a car the dealer will ask to see proof of parking, "shakoshomeisho".)
- Register the vehicle (All
vehicles must be registered with the number appearing on the
licence
plate.)
- Have it inspected (All
vehicles must be periodically inspected. Every 2 years
the car
must undergo "shaken" inspection and service.)
- Insurance (It
is compulsory for all automobile owners to take out an "Automobile
Liability Insurance " policy . Most owners also buy
further optional insurance as well as the compulsory insurance.)
- Pay tax (All
owners of a vehicle must pay an annual tax on that vehicle.
The amount
varies according to the size and weight of the car. Kei cars
with a yellow number plate are the cheapest.)
Basic traffic rules
In Japan you drive your car on the left side of the road. If you
come from a country where cars drive on the right side of the road,
take special care when turning. The law requires that the driver
and the front seat passenger use seat belts at all times. It also
requires motorcycle riders to wear helmets. Drunken driving is strictly
prohibited. Severe penalties, such as suspension or cancellation
of your driver's license, will be enforced. For details concerning
driving licenses etc., contact the Fukushima Prefecture Driving
Center (1-1 Ohara, Machiniwasaka, Fukushima-shi Tel. 024-591-4381)
Japan Auto Federation
The Japan Auto Federation (JAF) offers emergency road repairs and
towing service to its members nationawide. It also publishes an
English language guide to driving in Japan. JAF membership costs
2000yen for signing up and 4000yen annually. The address and telephone
number of the Fukushima branch is, 12-1 Yaji Yoshikura, Fukushima-shi,
Fukushima 960-8165. Tel: 024-546-0022
JAF website http://www.jaf.or.jp/e/index_e.htm
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| Daiko |
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There is also a system called "daiko" which
is one taxi with two drivers, one of whom will drive your car
home for you when
you are unable to drive.
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| Train |
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Train schedules are published regularly and you can get a copy
at any bookstore for under 1000 yen. They are confusing at first,
but quite handy once deciphered. The schedules change often, so
make sure your copy is the most up-to-date version before making
definite plans. We usually have a fairly up-to-date copy at the
Association, so please stop by or call for information.
Japan English Rail Service 03-3423-0111
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| Airplane |
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Narita Airport 0476-28-1010
Remember, you can send your luggage to the airport for a small
fee so you won't have to take it on the train.
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back |
| Bicycles
are an excellent way of getting around the city; generally faster
than cars and much easier to park. Used bicycles ("chuko jitensha)
are sold as most bike shops around the town. If you buy a used bike
make sure it has good tires and a good light as these things can
be quite expensive to replace. You can register your bike at most
bicycle shops in the city - "jitensha toroku" . If your
bike is stolen or "borrowed", the police can trace it
with this number.
You can get a bicycle safety booklet from the Kotsu Anzen section
at the City Hall. Always ride at night with a light. |
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