What to do when you miss the last train home in Japan

The easiest solution is to take a taxi. Although prices vary across the country, the base fare is usually between 400 to 700 yen. From there, the fee increases by 80 to 90 yen for every 300 to 400 meters travelled. You can use credit cards, prepay app services, IC cards and cash to pay for most taxis in big cities, but cash is usually the safest option. Most taxi drivers don’t speak English, so it’s always good to have your address on hand, ideally in Japanese to ensure you get to your destination safely.

If you live somewhere close-by, taking a taxi would be a good option to choose. But, for those who live in the suburbs, prices can grow exponentially the further you travel. Fare calculators like Taxi Fare Finder and Navitime will help you figure out how much the ride will cost. There are also apps like Didi and JapanTaxi that make it easier to hail a taxi on the way home, while apps like Takuru (たくる) help you calculate whether taking a taxi or spending the night somewhere would be cheaper.

In some cases, staying overnight might be more cost effective. If you’re tired and just want to sleep, staying at a capsule hotel would be the best option. And if you’ve never stayed in one, this would be an interesting experience. Imagine rows and rows of capsules stacked on top of each other, with each one containing a single mattress, a light, and a small T.V. This futuristic design first emerged in 1979 in Osaka, with the opening of “Capsule Inn Osaka”.

Although capsule hotels usually come with shared amenities such as bathrooms and showers, they are more for practical, time saving purposes. For those who wish to have a more relaxing experience after a long night out, an overnight sauna, bathhouse, or spa is the way to go. Known as “Super Sento” (スーパー銭湯), these private bathhouses are open 24/7, but prices vary depending on the store.  The general admissions fee is usually around 2000 yen for a 10 to 12 hour plan. If entering around or past midnight, there is typically an additional fee of around 2000 yen, racking up the total to around 4000 yen. These come with a variety of facilities, like relaxation areas and hot stone spas, making it an enticing option. There are generally no set time limits, as the store simply charges extra the longer you stay. 

Singing until the sun rises is another way to pass the night, and karaoke bars offer an affordable place to do so. Usually located near train stations, most come with free Wi-Fi, drinks, and food. Each room is private, and the seats inside are cushioned and comfy. There are a number of plans to choose from before entering the karaoke bar, but if you’re going to spend the night, the unlimited plan, which is approximately priced around 1000 yen to 2500 yen, is the one to choose. Studies have also shown that singing can have health benefits like reducing stress and improving the immune system. So if you miss your last train, that frustration can be channeled into your voice as you sing your favorite songs.

If you decide to spend the night somewhere, it’s important to note that trains usually begin operating around 5am, and rush hour is from 7am. To head home in peace, the key here is to leave early or around noon, past rush hour. Regardless of how and when you get home, the important thing is to get home safely.