TAXI and Uber
Because of the dispute with Taxi companies, Uber as a taxi service is NOT common (that is what I was told). More often, Japanese people use Uber for Uber-Eats purposes.
Watch 8 tips to take a Taxi in Tokyo YouTube (3:40).
In my opinion, Taxi is an expensive choice, since many roads in the city in Japan are congestied. You might pay a huge amount money for a small distance, but you cannot deny the comfort and convenience.
Remeber that people in Japan drive on the left side of the road (like UK), so the taxi driver is on the right side of the car. Unless absolutely necessary, they prefer that you take a back seat, not next to the taxi driver. I would suggest to "Ask about how much would cost to your destination before getting into the taxi" (XXX-made daitai ikura kakari masuka?) In that way, you know the price expectation (see if you have enough money), also checking their willigness to serve an English speaker.
Trains and Buses
The trains and buses are the most economical ways to travel (except walking or get a free ride from a friend, of course)!
Here I posted Osaka train map ( thinking about 2025 Osaka Expo).
Within this area, there are so many train companies.
Tricky things for the foreigners are
1) how to buy a ticket since the ticket price changes for each destination from where you are dependeing upon the distance. Definitely watch this YouTube (8:51)
2) how to go through the train entrance at the correct platform(turnsiles) , how to feed and pick up the ticket you have just bought.
3) when and where to get off the train to change to another line. (mostly no announcement in English)
4) getting on the express train and pass through your destination station when you are supposed to be on local train. YouTube
5) Avoid the commuting rush time (7:30 - 10 am) and (5 - 7 pm). I used to walk to work from Osaka to K14 Kitahama (30-35 minute walk map below)
Shinkansen Bullet Train and JR Pass.
Shinkansen is a fast speed super-express train, but you will pay the price for it. But riding one is an interesting experience.
Compare the prices depending upon the modes of transportation to Hiroshima from Tokyo, for example.--> see this website
The airplane may sound quick and cheap, but usually the airport is far from the center of the city, so always consider the cost from the airport to the destination in the city.
Shinkansen is a fast speed super-express train, but you will pay the price for it. But riding one is an interesting experience.
Compare the prices depending upon the modes of transportation to Hiroshima from Tokyo, for example.--> see this website
The airplane may sound quick and cheap, but usually the airport is far from the center of the city, so always consider the cost from the airport to the destination in the city.