I think the navigation system, which is company independent, is fantastic. For those that have never been to Japan and using Tokyo Metro as an example: Every

I think the navigation system, which is company independent, is fantastic. For those that have never been to Japan and using Tokyo Metro as an example: Every metro line has a name and a color. For example: The Asakusa line (A) has a reddish color. The A designation is only used by the Asakusa line and each station has a number. Higashi-Ginza is A11. It's also H09, because it's also a station for the (gray) Hybia line. The system is extended to other operators. All Yamanote line stations are JYn, where n signifies the station number. That (and a Pasmo or Suica smart card, which lets you switch systems seemlessly) makes navigation, even in the Tokyo transit system, which is arguably the most complex in the world, very easy and intuitive. The same system is applied in every other Japanese city I've visted, alas the system is usually much simpler.