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Transportation

Getting to our center in Hikone is not too difficult! Below are the most common forms of transportation that you will use while at JCMU.

JCMU - Biking in Japan sbs.jpgBiking

Bicycles are the main form of daily life transportation in Japan! This is especially true for JCMU students. You will be issued your own bicycle and helmet to be used during your program. Most JCMU students use their bike to commute to the train station, purchase groceries, etc. If you are unable to ride a standard bike for any reason, we encourage you to contact us or set up an advising appointment to discuss what other travel options might be. 

JCMU - Traveling by Train in Japan sbs.JPGTrains

Train stations allow for easy access to most parts of Japan, including the main airports. Detailed travel itineraries can be found using sites like HyperDia Route Search or even Google or Apple Maps. If you are traveling to JCMU on your own, please arrive at either the Maibara or Hikone train stations and take a taxi from there (see "Taxis").

Note that the following airports' train stations might appear named as follows:

    • HND (Tokyo Haneda): HANEDA AIRPORT TERMINAL 1-3
    • NRT (Tokyo Narita): NARITA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT TERMINAL 1-3
    • NGO (Nagoya): CENTRAL JAPAN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT(NGO)
    • KIX (Osaka): KANSAI AIRPORT

If you are ever unsure of which train to take, then ask a station attendant! Even if you cannot speak Japanese, station attendants often speak English and are always willing to ensure that you end up going in the right direction.

JCMU - Taxis in Japan sbs.jpgTaxis

Taxis are readily available in Japan and can be found right outside of both Hikone and Maibara train stations. The cost to go to the JCMU Hikone campus from these stations is approximately 2,000 yen. Taxi drivers will know where to take you if you tell them that you are going to the "Michigan Center."

JCMU - Waiting for the Charted Bus from the Airport sbs.JPGChartered Bus

JCMU sometimes arranges a chartered bus option to transport students directly from the recommended arrival airport to JCMU campus. If a chartered bus option is available for your program, it will be included in your post-acceptance Welcome Letter. If no chartered bus is offered, a different chaperoned option (via other public transit) may be offered. 

The cost for this bus might be included in your program fee, or it may be out-of-pocket for you. The cost varies depending on the number of students, but tends to be around 4,000-7,000 yen.