Know your two stations 2つの駅

This is the part that confuses most newcomers. Central Toyota has two train stations with very similar names, run by two different railway companies. They’re only a few minutes apart on foot.

Taking the train 電車に乗る

There are two ways to pay. An IC card is the easiest.

Taking the bus バスに乗る

Toyota has local buses, including the Toyota Oiden Bus (とよたおいでんバス) and Meitetsu Bus. Buses in Japan may work differently from what you’re used to. On many Oiden Bus routes:

1. Get on through the rear door.
2. Take a numbered ticket or tap your IC card.
3. Watch for your stop on the display or listen to the announcements.
4. Press the stop button before your stop.
5. Pay the fare or tap your IC card as you leave.
6. Get off through the front door.

Let Google Maps do the planning ルートを調べる

Japanese timetables can be tricky to read. Google Maps usually shows everything in your phone’s language, including:

train and bus times, routes and transfers, platforms and bus stop locations, estimated fares, and walking directions.

How to use it

1. Open Google Maps.
2. Enter your destination.
3. Tap Directions.
4. Choose the public transport icon.
5. Pick your route.

Taking a taxi タクシーに乗る

Taxis are handy when your destination is far from a station or bus stop. You’ll find taxi stands near major stations, or you can book through a local taxi company or a supported app.

Things to know

🚪The door opens by itself

The rear door often opens and closes automatically — no need to touch it.

📍Show, don’t explain

Show the driver your destination on Google Maps.

💴Bring some cash

Payment options vary from taxi to taxi.

🙅No tipping

Tipping isn’t expected in Japan.

Exploring on foot 歩いて回る

Many places around Toyotashi Station and Shin-Toyota Station are within walking distance — shopping centres, restaurants, hotels and public facilities.

Toyota Stadium is also a popular walk from central Toyota.

A few useful phrases 便利な日本語

You don’t need to speak Japanese. These simple phrases go a long way — and if you’d rather not speak, tap Show and hold up your phone.

Replace 〇〇 / ___ with a place name, for example 豊田市駅 (Toyotashi Station).

How things work here 公共交通のマナー

A few local habits that will help you feel at home on trains and buses.

⏰Be on time

Trains usually run on schedule, so arrive before departure.

🤫Keep your voice low

Avoid phone calls and loud conversations on board.

🚶Wait in line

People queue at platforms and bus stops. Let passengers get off first.

💺Priority seats

Offer them to elderly or pregnant passengers and people with disabilities.

🌙Check the last train or bus

Most public transport doesn’t run 24 hours a day.

💴Carry some cash

Not every bus or taxi accepts every payment method.

🚭No smoking

Smoking isn’t allowed on most local trains and buses.

Helpful websites お役立ちリンク

• Google MapsRoutes, trains, buses and walking directions
• Meitetsu RailwayTrain information (English)
• Aichi Loop RailwayLocal railway information
• Toyota City Official WebsiteCity transportation information