Transportation

Obviously trains are a popular and convenient mode of transport for a lot of Japan, I'm sure you are aware of the Shinkansen (bullet train) network. It's fast, efficient, and covers most major cities. It is great, and you can generally just rock up to the station and buy a ticket, with a reserved seat without too much difficulty for most routes on most days. I will say though, make sure you are giving yourself plenty of time to get to the train after buying the ticket. It can be harder than you expect to find the right platform, especially in some of the bigger stations. You don't want or need that stress in your life! I speak from the experience of sprinting up a billion stairs with 2 suitcases, then back down to carry a pram with child in it up as well.

Well, what about other trains, within cities, and buses and such? Well, just use google maps and it will tell you specifically what to catch. Honestly, it works so well! I definitely suggest you grab an IC card (Suica in Tokyo, Icoca in Osaka etc) and just top it up with some money and then you can just tap in and out of trains, buses, and even vending machines and all sorts of things. Double check just before you go for the latest on where to grab them, generally at the airport you arrive at, and decide if you want a full blooded one, or just the Welcome Card (28 days validity only, but no deposit). You can also get them for children, with passport to show the age, for half price fares for them (once 6 I think it is).

If you are on an iPhone you can get a digital Suica card in your wallet. Pip has done this, without issue.