During my time studying abroad in mainland Japan, I have noticed that many people use the train as their first form of transportation. It is cheap, fast and very convienent depending on where you need to go. It saves you a lot of money compared to a car. During one month, a car could cost you around 10,000 - 50,000 yen per month for gas. But, a train pass for three months could only cost 21,000 yen, depending on the destinations. Way cheaper for those who want a low budget lifestyle and dont mind the limitations that come with using a train.
The main form is train, but you will also see buses, cars and mopeds that people use to get to their wanted destination. When I lived in Okinawa, I bought my own moped and used it very often. Gas every two weeks was only 700 yen. I could go very far and it was very convienent, except for in the rain.
When I first tried the trains, it was vey confusing. In Nebraska, we have no form of transportation this way. But since it is the main form in Japan, I had to get used to it. Google maps helps a lot for locations that I am not familiar with. But, the more I use it, the easier it gets!
