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Riding the Shinkansen - What you need to know

NAVITIME TRAVEL EDITOR

Shinkansen - also known as the bullet train - are operated by Japan Railways (JR). Valued for its speed, accuracy on time, comfort, safety and efficiency, the shinkansen can run at speeds of up to 320 km/h, carrying thousands of people across Japan daily. This article will guide you through what you need to know about the shinkansen.

Interior of the shinkansen

When you step inside the shinkansen, it reminds you of an airplane, with rows of seats on both sides of an isle, and windows. The seats all recline, with retractable tables and sometimes power outlets for charging your phone or PC. There is enough room to stretch your legs, and luggage can be stored below or above the seats. Although it travels at a sweeping 320 km/h, the ride is very quiet and comfortable.

Taking the shinkansen

There are many reasons why the shinkansen would be your first choice when traveling across Japan.

Shinkansen stops at many of the large cities across Japan, and most of the time, the stations are located at the center of the cities. Those stations are usually hubs with connections to local lines and subways in the same building or nearby, making it very convinient for travel. One great thing about shinkansen trains are that they are incredibly punctual. Even though the Tokaido shinkansen has over 130,000 journeys a year, it is surprising to know that the average delay is only 24 seconds!

The scenary may be another reason to take the shinkansen. Every shinkansen line have their own unique stunning seashore and mountainous scenery, which will definitely be one of the highlights of the train ride. For example, if you are traveling from Tokyo to Osaka on the Tokaido Shinkansen, make sure to sit on the RIGHT side of the train to see Mt. Fuji.

Train departure board

What is a shinkansen?

By law, trains that travel over 200 km/h is considered a “shinkansen.” To distinguish shinkansen from other trains operated by Japan Railway (JR), the term "zairaisen" (在来線/conventional train) was created in 1964, when the first shinkansen began its operation. It may sound like the shinkansen goes all the way from Hokkaido in the North to Kyushu in the South by a single operator, it is actually operated by different regional JR companies, and uses varying carriages.

Names and meanings of shinkansen

When it comes to the name of the train, it's a bit of a puzzle but the following lists might be a help to you. Tokaido Line (Tokyo to Shin-Osaka) : Nozomi (Hope) Hikari (Light) Kodama (Echo) Sanyo Line (Shin-Osaka to Hakata) : Mizuho (Bountiful Harvest) Sakura (Cherry Blossoms) Kodama (Echo) Kyushu Line (Hakata to Kagoshima-Chuo) : Mizuho (Bountiful Harvest) Sakura (Cherry Blossoms) Tsubame (Swallow) Hokkaido and Tohoku lines (Tokyo to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto) : Hayabusa (Peregrine Falcon) Hayate (Strong Wind) Yamabiko (Mountain Spirit) Nasuno (in reference to the Nasu Highlands) Komachi (A synonym for feminine beauty in Japan, in reference to the poet, Ono no Komachi) Tsubasa (Wings) Hokuriku Line (Tokyo to Kanazawa) : Kagayaki (Glitter) Hakutaka (White Hawk) Asama (in reference to Mt. Asama) Tsurugi (in reference to Mt. Tsurugi) Joetsu Line (Tokyo to Niigata) : Toki (Crested Ibis) Tanigawa (in reference to Mt. Tanigawa)

For trains travelling west on the Tokaido-Sanyo-Kyushu line:

Tokaido-Sanyo-Kyushu line

Tokaido line (Tokyo to Shin-Osaka)

There are few different names for the shinkansen that leaves Tokyo and travel west to Osaka and beyond. The fastest trains which stop the least are the Nozomi and Mizuho. The express trains, which are still very fast but stop more often, are named Hikari and Sakura. And the shinkansen that will basically stop at every station are called Kodama and Tsubame. The Nozomi is the fastest of the Tokaido shinkansen, travelling non-stop from Shin-Yokohama to Nagoya. It arrives at its final destination Hakata (in Fukuoka) in around five hours. This shinkansen has the most frequent departures from Tokyo, and most popular, and has the least number of non-reserved seats. That’s why it’s important to make a reservation before you board so you don’t risk the chance of having to stand for few hours. Since Nozomi is primarily a commuter train shuttling employees and salespeople between their offices in Tokyo and Osaka, it cannot be used with a JR Rail Pass.Especially during the morning and evening rush hours, these trains depart at intervals of 10 minutes or less. If you are travelling with a JR Rail Pass you should catch the Hikari, which are almost as fast as Nozomi but slightly less frequent in numbers. The Hikari is the second-fastest but this train makes more stops compared to the Nozomi. Hikari is the quickest bullet train that the JR pass covers. Most Hikari trains stop at Shizuoka and Hamamatsu, but Atami, Odawara, Mishima and Toyohashi are often skipped. Most Hikari trains stop at Shin-Osaka or Okayama, so if you are planning on going further to Hiroshima or Fukuoka, you will have to change trains. When doing so, make sure to find out which train will get you to your destination the quickest, since getting on the next available train may not be the best choice. The Japan Travel by NAVITIME app will be able to give you all this information and more, simplifying the ticket booking process (especially if you are using a JR Rail Pass). The Kodama shinkansen stops at all stations between Tokyo and Shin-Osaka. It is the only train to stop at Shin-Fuji, Kakegawa and Mikawa Anjo. Get this train and get off at Shin-Fuji station if you want to take the iconic photo of Mt. Fuji with the shinkansen in the foreground, depicted in the logo of the Japan Travel by NAVITIME app.

The Sanyo line (Shin-Osaka to Hakata) & Kyushu line (Hakata toKagoshima-Chuo)

Keep in mind that the Nozomi and Hikari Tokaido line trains may also stop at Hakata, just like the Mizuho, Sakura and Kodama trains that run from Shin-Osaka to Hakata. Please double check the schedule when purchasing the tickets. The Mizuho is the fastest train between Shin-Osaka and Hakata. It connects to the Kyushu shinkansen stopping at Kagoshima-Chuo. It will take approximately two and a half hours to go from Shin-Osaka to Hakata, and another hour and twenty minutes to reach Kagoshima-Chuo. The Sakura which is operated by the JR Kyushu, this train travel within Shin-Osaka and Kagoshima-Chuo. It is the second-fastest and stop in Shin-Kobe, Okayama, Hiroshima, Kokura, Hakata, Kumamoto and Kagoshima etc, where its route and destination are similar to that of the route Hikari takes. The Kodama stops at all stations that the Nozomi passes on its route inside the Tokaido/Sanyo Shinkansen. It stops at all stations between Shin-Osaka and Hakata. It stops at Hakata but doesn’t connect to the Kyushu shinkansen. The Tsubame will stop at all stations in-between Hakata and Kagoshima-Chuo stations.

For trains travelling north on the Tohoku-Joetsu line:

Tohoku-Joetsu line

The Hokkaido and Tohoku line (Tokyo to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station)

There are four main trains operating on the Hokkaido and Tohoku lines with Hayabusa being the fastest if your goal is Morioka, Aomori or Hokkaido. Services using the Hayabusa train are only guaranteed to stop at six stations on its journey north from Tokyo Station to Hokkaido, with most skipping common stops like Ueno, arriving at Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station after around four and a half hours. The Hayabusa train only has reserved seating, which also means that if it is full you won’t be able to purchase a ticket. The next fastest train is the Hayate, since it also runs non-stop between Omiya and Sendai. And to add on, the Hayabusa is the only train that runs from Morioka through to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station. The Yamabiko is the main train for the Tohoku shinkansen that travels as far as Morioka in Iwate Prefecture. This is the one to get if you want to change at Fukushima to head to Shinjo on the Yamagata Shinkansen. The Nasuno is the slowest of the Tohoku shinkansen, stopping at all stations from Tokyo to Koriyama. This train is the one to get if you are going to Nasu-Shiobara, which will get you there in around one hour and 10 minutes. The Komachi is the name of the train that runs on the Akita Shinkansen between Morioka and Akita; the stations it stops at between Tokyo and Morioka are the same as the Hayabusa. And finally, the Tsubasa runs on the Yamagata Shinkansen from Fukushima to Shinjo. The Tsubasa has non-reserved seating, so if you have the JR Rail Pass you can just get on without having to make a reservation.

The Hokuriku line operates between Tokyo and Kanazawa.

Hokuriku line

The Hokuriku line was constructed to open just before the Nagano Winter Olympics in 1997, and in 2015 the extension to Kanazawa was finally completed, making Kanazawa an accessible tourist destination for those travelling from Tokyo. There are four trains operating on the Hokuriku line, but if you are planning on travelling direct to Kanazawa, the Kagayaki is your best bet. Kagayaki is the fastest as it only stops at the main six stations (Tokyo, Ueno, Omiya, Nagano, Toyama, and Kanazawa). It will take around two and a half hours to get to Kanazawa, but there aren’t any non-reserved cars so you will need to make a seat reservation even if you are travelling using the JR Rail Pass. Hakutaka has the next fastest arrival time, taking just over three hours. It stops at almost twice as many stations, but also has cars with non-reserved seating. The local shinkansen, which terminates in Nagano is the Asama; it usually stops at all stations but depending on the time of day and schedule congestion, it may skip a few. Heading back from Kanazawa, another shinkansen you may see is the Tsurugi. It operates as a shuttle service between Kanazawa and Toyama station, so if you board the Tsurugi planning on heading to Tokyo, you will have to change again at Toyama.

The Joetsu line operates between Tokyo and Niigata

Joetsu line

The Joetsu Shinkansen is famous for having the only running double-decker shinkansen, the E4 series MAX which has elevated windows for those sitting in the upper level. Having said that though, this shinkansen will be phased out in March 2021 and replaced with the regular E2 and E7 series trains (The E2 will also be phased out in 2023). The Joetsu Shinkansen is convenient when going to the snow in winter, as it stops at Gala Yuzawa station, only a few steps away from the ski lift. Toki is the name of the train which goes all the way to Niigata and skips some stations, making it faster. The Tanigawa on the other hand, only goes to Echigo-Yuzawa (or Gala-Yuzawa in the winter) but stops at all the stations along the way.

Types of shinkansen seats

Railroad car interior - car number & information display

Seats on the shinkansen are broken up into roughly three types, with a few special ones that are available depending on the line or train. The most commonly available ticket type is the reserved seat. Most seats on shinkansen trains across the country are in reserved cars. If that’s the case, you will need to book a seat even if you are using the JR Rail Pass. The second most common type is the unreserved seat. Typically, three to six cars of the shinkansen are unreserved, meaning it isn’t necessary for you to book a seat; if you have the JR Rail Pass you can just jump on. It can be hard to predict if and when these cars are full, as they can sometimes be very crowded or completely empty, so It's safer to get a reserved seat when possible. If you are only going a short distance, need to be there as soon as possible, and don’t mind the possibility of having to stand the whole way, it’s good to know that you can just get an unreserved ticket even if all of the reserved seats are booked. The third type of seat is in the ‘Green Car’. The green car is similar to a first-class train car, or a business class flight, in that the seats are more spacious, and the car is generally quieter. The tickets are surprisingly not that much more expensive than a regular reserved seat. It’s also possible to get a special Green Car JR Rail Pass which will give you access to all of the green car seats nationwide. Green car seats are recommended if you are travelling with older or larger people who would appreciate the space and quieter atmosphere. The ‘Gran Class’ which operates on the E7 and W7 series shinkansen heading north from Tokyo on the Tohoku, Hokkaido, Hokuriku and some Joetsu lines, is equivalent to the first-class cabin on an international flight. There are meal and alcohol services, and the tickets are significantly more expensive than a regular reserved seat ticket.

JR ticket office

How to make a seat reservation (while in Japan)

Here's how to reserve a seat in Japan.

Making reservations in person

Seat reservations can be made in person at JR Ticket Offices (commonly known in Japanese as Midori-no-madoguchi, or the green window). These are located in most major JR train stations nationwide and are easily recognizable as all the signage is green. You can either line up to speak to the staff or purchase tickets at the vending machines.

Ticket vending machine

Ticket vending machine screen

If you have a valid JR Rail Pass and want to sit in one of the unreserved cars, there is no need to go to the ticket office; you can board the train directly. If you would like to sit in a reserved seat, you will need to make a seat booking at the Ticket Office which is free of charge. And if you have a regular JR Rail Pass, and want to ride in the green car or Gran Class, you'll need to pay additional charges.

Midori-No-Madoguchi (green window) - ticket office

Due to the sheer number of shinkansen trains in operation around the country, it’s perfectly reasonable to make a reservation and travel on the same day. There may be situations where you’ll have to wait for the next train — especially when travelling from Tokyo to Osaka along the Tokaido line — but it shouldn’t be a problem unless you are in a rush or are planning on travelling at peak times in the morning or after work.

Making reservations online

Due to the way JR-East, JR-Central, and JR-West companies are structured, which site or app you should use to make your booking will depend on your departure and arrival stations. JR-West - from Kagoshima to Shin-Osaka JR-Central - from Hakata (Fukuoka) to Tokyo JR-East - from Tokyo to Hokkaido

JR-Central - SmartEX Tokaido Shinkansen Reservation App

SmartEX Tokaido Shinkansen Reservation App

If you are travelling around central Japan — from Fukuoka to Tokyo — the SmartEX Tokaido Shinkansen Reservation App is the easiest: https://smart-ex.jp/en/ Covering trips between Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe, Hiroshima and Fukuoka, the SmartEX app covers a lot of popular destinations, and is easy to install and use. After registering, tickets can be booked up to a month in advance, and you can easily alter the date and time of time of your departure if you change your mind. If you are using the JR Rail Pass, you have the option to only search for services on the Hikari, Sakura, and Kodama trains.

SmartEX ticket purchase screens

After selecting your train and departure time, choose your seat type from the list or seat map, then proceed to purchase your ticket.

JR-West - JR-West Online Train Reservation

If you are travelling around western Japan — from Kagoshima to Shin-Osaka — you should use the JR West Online Train Reservation site: https://www.westjr.co.jp/ Tickets booked from this site can be paid for at the time of booking using a credit card, or at the station before you board the train. To pick up your ticket (or pay for it at a vending machine), look for ones with the ‘e5489’ logo. E5489 is an online reservation network run by JR-West.

JR-East - JR-EAST Train Reservation

If you are travelling around eastern Japan — from Tokyo to Hokkaido — you can use the JR East Train Reservation site: https://www.eki-net.com/ The JR-East site is the oldest of the online booking services and is the strictest regarding the information required and how it is submitted, making it esoteric and the hardest to use. Also, tickets booked with this service cannot be picked up on the day of travel, and an online credit card payment must be used to complete the booking. To use the service, you first select the line, choose departure and arrival stations, and then select boarding date and time. You will then need to add the date and the name of the station where you want to pick up the ticket(s). You can then add the number of passengers and seating preferences. You then will need to register, add billing information, and pay to complete the reservation process.

JR Rail Passes - There is more than one type!

There are actually a lot of different types of rail passes available in Japan. The most well-known is the nationwide JR Rail Pass, which allows pass holders to ride for free on JR trains from Kyushu to Hokkaido. Normally recommended for travelers who will at least be travelling from Tokyo to Kyoto or Hiroshima. If you are travelling all over Japan or using trains that are not on JR lines, it can be difficult to know exactly how much you would save by getting the nationwide pass. The Japan Travel by NAVITIME app allows you to easily find the prices of the routes (with an icon to show if they are covered by the rail pass). It also allows you to search for routes which specifically take advantage of the JR Rail Pass, so you can work out if the nationwide pass is the best value for your trip. Aside from the nationwide JR Rail Pass, there are also a lot of bespoke rail passes for different areas that can be found on their official JR railway sites. These aren’t widely advertised outside of the official sites, but have been developed with different types of travelers and specific routes in mind. They can be incredibly good value when compared to the nationwide pass, depending on what you are planning on doing and how you plan to travel while you’re in Japan. For example, the JR East Pass for the Tohoku Area, is a “flexible five-day pass (any five days within 14 days of issuance, including the day of issuance)” and is priced at 30,000 yen (as of July 2024) when purchased overseas (less than half the price of the nationwide JR Pass). When you're ready to get your Japan Rail Pass, you can purchase online from here. If you are planning on renting a car and exploring areas that are not readily accessible by train, having five ‘travel days’ over a 14-day period makes a lot of sense. It would be possible to get the shinkansen from Tokyo to Aomori, and traverse your way back down through Akita, Iwate, Miyagi, and Yamagata, ending up back in Tokyo.

If you are not travelling across the whole country it’s worth checking the JR railway sites related to the areas you are planning on travelling to. You can also ask the staff at the Midori no Madoguchi and see what passes and routes they recommend, since there are many routes that might include free bus and boat travel.

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Update date：2024/08/09

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Tohoku Shinkansen: What To See On Japan’s Longest Train Ride

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7 national parks better than yellowstone, japan braces for tsunami following 7.1 magnitude earthquake.

If we can revere technology and the marvel of engineering, Japan triumphs over it. The new needle-nosed bullet train of Japan called "Shinkansen" which literally means "New Trunk Line" or Super Express has garnered a lot of attention.

About Shinkansen

Operated by Japan Railways (JR) Group Companies, this train is recommended for any long-distance, be it between Tokyo and Kyoto or Osaka, Hokkaido to Kagoshima, Shinkansen covers most of Japan. A mesmerizing experience to watch all the coveted destinations of Japan on this journey makes it a more attractive proposition.

The speed of the train is a maximum of 320 km/hour or 199 mph. So, 500 km can be traveled in 2 to 2.5 hours surprisingly. Quite spacious and luxurious, one can relax around and bask in the glory of nature. Also, free Wifi is available on the Tokaido, Sanyo, and Kyushu lines. The train is famous for its speed, reliability, and safety.

History & Evolution of Shinkansen Trains

The first line, Tokaido Shinkansen, was from Tokyo to Osaka and opened in 1964. The trains ran up to a speed of 200 km/hour and the second generation was introduced around 1972 with a speed of 300km/hour. The first Shinkansen to the north of the country started in 1982  connecting Tokyo to Morioka and later Aomori, Joetsu to Niigata. Around 1997, the Hokuriku Shinkansen line started between Takasaki and Nagano. The project also involves the Hokkaido line from Aomori to Hakodate, having an extension to Sapporo scheduled for 2030. The speed has now evolved to 320 km/hour and the Shinkansen line entails fast semi-fast and local trains.

Related:  Top 10 Things To Do When Visiting Japan

Sights To See On The Journey Via Shinkansen Trains

One can view the enchanting locations which Shinkansen trains cover on their journey

Attracting thousands of visitors for being the tallest mountain in Japan, Mount Fuji is around 3776 meters in height. Known for its symmetrical shape and snow-capped summit in winter, this mountain is a view to go gaga over while the train surpasses it. It can be seen while traveling between Tokyo and Kyoto.

As one travels to Kyoto, Mt Fuji is located on the right side, and while traveling to Tokyo, one can view it on the left side. It is deemed E seats are quite recommended for this view. From Tokyo Station, Mount Fuji arrives after 40 minutes and the view persists for 10 minutes. From Kyoto Station, it arrives after 85 minutes but the view persists merely for 3 minutes.

Himeji Castle

A majestic castle constructed during the early Ado period with a blissful white exterior representing the bird, Shirasagi in Japan is one of the iconic castles of Japan. Between Kobe and Okayama, this jaw-dropping castle is visible on the Shinkansen journey. As one travels from Kobe towards Okayama, it is located on the right side and on the left side in the direction of Kobe.

Easy Access to Ski Slopes In Yuzawa

Yuzawa, one of the best ski resorts in Japan, can now be directly accessed by Shinkansen. One can access the ski slopes from Tokyo within 1.5 hours meanwhile, the station is also directly connected to the gondola, reducing the inconvenience.

Also, people with a foreign passport can have the liberty to travel for three days unlimited by Shinkansen if they purchase the Tokyo Wide Pass. With this pass, one can avail of the discount on the ski lift pass as well.

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The Secret Ghibli Spot

If you have seen the movie My Neighbour Totoro by Ghibli studios, it is said that you will be able to spot Totoro in the forest during your journey. While traveling to Kyoto, Totora is visible on the left side before Maibara station. While traveling to Kyoto, Totora will be visible on the right side.

Things to Do On The Journey via Shinkansen

Enjoy ekiben.

If you are familiar with a bento box, a home-packed meal of Japanese origin, then Ekiben is a special lunch box that people can carry on trains. "Eki" means station and "ben" means Bento (lunch box).

At the gate of Tokaido Shinkansen, one can buy all types of Ekiben from the shops such as Ekiben Matsuri, Ekiben Odori, Ekibenya. The USP of this bento box lies in the train-shaped box of Shinkansen which can be saved and reused.

On and off the Shinkansen

As the trains are connected from Hokkaido to Kagoshima, there are fun activities galore. One can step down at Mount Fuji and enjoy the area near Mount Fuji . Also, International travelers can purchase the Japan Rail Pass with which they can travel free for a certain amount of time on all Shinkansen except Nozomi and JR trains.

Check Out Themed Shinkansen!

It is just not a means to travel but it's also a fun activity. This experience is certainly a thrill as they are fun-themed Shinkansens too.

Hello Kitty

A bullet train with pink as its paint all over, this Kitty-themed Shinkansen train connects Fukuoka to the Shin Osaka route. There are carriages that have kitty merchandise, kitty-themed flooring, seats, and window shades. The trip between Osaka and Fukuoka lasts for around 4.5 hours and costs ¥15,280 for a reserved seat and ¥14,750 for an unreserved seat.

Doctor Yellow Shinkansen

It is deemed that spotting this yellow train is a lucky sign and the schedule for it has never been made public. These trains have special monitoring techniques to keep a check on the condition of tracks and overhead wires. It is called Doctor Train because it deals with diagnostic functions and operates at a speed of 270 km/hour.

With all such unique and marvelous features, this train is not solely for traveling but to experience something beyond it.

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Taking the train in Japan - all you need to know

Mar 28, 2024 • 11 min read

Find your way in Japan with our ultimate guide to rail travel © Chay_Tee / Shutterstock

You will fall passionately in love with trains in Japan .

Japanese people didn’t invent rail travel, but they arguably perfected it. Whether you’re on the newest shinkansen (bullet train) zooming across the country at 320km/h (199mph) or an elderly regional railcar, you can count on your train being scrupulously clean, safely operated, highly reliable, famously punctual and generally a joy to ride.

You can see almost the entire country by train, and with a wide variety of rail passes — including the iconic Japan Rail Pass — you can travel across Japan for less than US$50 per day, including the shinkansen.

Signs are in English even at the smallest stations, translation apps and devices are widely used for complicated questions, and staff are genuinely happy to help travelers.

Japan has an enormous number of train lines and kinds of train, but don’t be put off by the sheer volume: it’s surprisingly easy to navigate , even on your first trip, with your phone’s maps app and a sense of adventure.

There are different services on the Japanese train network

Trains run almost everywhere in Japan. The main backbone of the network, and the fastest, is the shinkansen. These bullet trains run from Hokkaidō  in the far north all the way to Tokyo Station , where you have to change for the shinkansen going to Nagoya , Kyoto , Osaka , Hiroshima and on to Kyushu. For travelers visiting Japan’s main sights , this will be the kind of train you take the most.

The next fastest are Limited Expess trains — “limited” as in “limited stops” — that run between cities and to rural areas on pre-shinkansen conventional lines (the non-high-speed ones). Many run through beautiful parts of Japan, so don’t count them out.

Local trains are the slowest and may even be as small as one single car. “Rapid” trains are fairly rare, and are essentially local trains that skip a few of the smaller stops.

Urban rail, commuter trains and subway lines are widespread in cities. These usually work very similarly to what you might be used to in your home country, although do watch out for limited-stop semi-expresses. The big picture transit maps can look a little intimidating, but most major cities now have a system of colors and station codes in place to help you navigate, and your phone's maps app is great for a quick idea of how to get from A to B.

Confident visitors outside major cities will love Joyful Trains, which are special tourist trains operated largely on weekends and holidays in rural areas. These might be renovated steam trains, or specially themed — JR East’s Koshino Shu’Kura is all about sake, including tastings, while the  JR Kyushu A Train is jazz-themed.

Japan’s train stations are destinations by themselves, with larger and newer stations offering a huge range of restaurants for every appetite and budget, and shops ranging from high-quality handmade artisanal local goods to Japanese malls to 100-yen stores. Convenience stores and pharmacies are also often on hand.

Do look out for special local snacks in the omiyage souvenir shops (these are intended for Japanese travelers to take back to friends and colleagues as presents) and for ekiben,  local specialty boxed bentō  lunches.

Travel short distances with a prepaid travel card

Coming from overseas, traveling short distances on Japanese railways often feels very inexpensive, while traveling longer distances without a rail pass can feel more costly. Let’s start with shorter distances.

Taking subways and urban rail is simple if you get an IC card – one of the many prepaid stored-value contactless cards – that works in a similar way to Oyster in London or Clipper in San Francisco: just tap on and tap off. Most rail operators across Japan will sell you their version, which are almost all interchangeable when it comes to loading and spending them — you can use an ICOCA card from the Osaka region in Tokyo , or a Pasmo from Tokyo in Sapporo . You can also use iPhones to get a virtual Suica card (JR East's version of a prepaid card) via the Wallet app and load it with money using Apple Pay. If you're using an international Visa card, be aware that JR East has had issues processing those payments in the past, so you may need to use a different credit card.

Travel long distances with the JR Pass

Over longer distances, the Japan Rail Pass (¥50,000 or about US$335 for seven days – less than US$50 a day!) is generally a good deal if you are planning anything more than simply Tokyo–Kyoto–Hiroshima–Tokyo, and the flexibility it gives you to take an earlier or later train is an added bonus.

You can either buy the ticket online or from an overseas travel agent. Note that you don’t actually buy the pass itself from overseas — you buy a voucher called an Exchange Order, which you then  exchange at a major station (including all international airports) for the pass itself. 

If you don’t have a pass, tickets cost the same no matter what time of day you travel, where you book, or how busy it will be — it’s not like airline tickets where that can change wildly. Most overseas travelers still use paper tickets for everything outside urban travel.

Long-distance travel fares are based on two elements:

• Ticket price, essentially the distance you travel
• Whether you want to reserve a seat or not, and in which class, if that’s available: Limited Express and Shinkansen trains will offer non-reserved seat tickets, a reserved seat in standard class, a reserved seat in the Green Car business class, or in some regions a reserved seat in Gran Class (first class).

Tickets can be bought at stations or at JR Travel Service Centers

Use Google Maps or the  Japan Transit Planner from Jorudan to find fares, or for JR trains visit your local JR station (look for the “green window” ticket booking office or a JR Travel Service Center), where you can also reserve a seat. At major airports and in Tokyo, you can expect some basic train-related English to be spoken by "green window" ticket agents. JR Travel Service Center staff tend to be more multilingual. Elsewhere, if you speak no Japanese you may well get lucky with someone who speaks English, and you can always lean on your phone's translation apps. Write down (on a printout or even just on your phone's notes app) the dates, times, destinations and details of the train you want, for example: "12 April, Tokyo–Osaka, 12:00, window seat, Mt Fuji side please."

Unless you’re visiting during a major Japanese holiday or want to take a specific Joyful Train, there’s little need to book before arriving in Japan. You can in some cases book online, but it’s pretty complicated and I wouldn’t recommend it to first-time visitors. If you’re confused and want English-speaking advice, head to  one of the stations that specializes in Japan Rail Passes . Only a few trains outside the JR network allow prebooking.

There are many rail passes to choose from

Japan has a wide variety of rail passes available to overseas visitors, from the JR Pass valid across the JR network (with a few exceptions like the very fastest trains west of Tokyo) to regional and commuter passes.

The most useful is the  Japan Rail Pass in its six variants: 7/14/21 days and standard car or Green Car business-class versions. This is probably what you should get your first time in Japan if traveling outside Tokyo.

Adventurous travelers and long-term visitors, or anyone wanting to go deep in a particular region, could also consider:

• The  various regional passes from JR East , including the very useful  Hokuriku Arch Pass for traveling the slower way between Tokyo and Osaka via Kyoto and Kanazawa
• The many  JR West Passes , including the  All Area Pass for most of western Honshu
• The  four JR Kyushu passes
• The  three JR Hokkaido passes  
• The  JR Shikoku ALL SHIKOKU pass

You’ll usually need to be visiting with the “temporary visitor” stamp in your passport, and there may be a small discount (a couple of thousand yen or US$5–10) for buying it online or outside Japan. Otherwise, check out the details online or visit a large station, including those at airports: the bigger, the better, and the more likely to have English-speaking assistance.

Train etiquette means not disturbing fellow travelers

Japanese urban trains can be famously crowded during rush-hour, but by and large even Tokyo is no worse than any major global city.

Even if crowded, the etiquette on a Japanese train is to be as quiet as possible and disturb others as little as possible: headphones on quiet, very little chatting, backpack on your front, give up your seat to anyone who needs it more than you.

There is something of a stereotype of loutish tourists yapping away to their traveling companions on long-distance trains. Try not to contribute to it. Separate your trash according to the recycling bins, and always leave the seat as clean and tidy as you found it.

Eating and drinking is fine (even encouraged!) on longer distance trains. General rule: if the seats are subway-style along the sides of the car facing inwards then don’t, but feel free if the seats are airline-style facing forwards. If in doubt, follow the lead of the nearest senior Japanese person.

On-board facilities vary depending on the service

With the exception of the Joyful Train tourist excursion services, Japanese trains don’t have buffet cars any more, although you can see what they used to look like at several of Japan’s excellent railway museums. A shrinking number of trains still have a trolley service offering snacks, sometimes bentō  and a variety of drinks.

Good news, though: any station smaller than the tiniest rural halt will have a convenience store inside or nearby, which will offer bentō , hot meals, snacks, drinks and essentials. Many larger stations have restaurant complexes, while some smaller ones will have delightful smaller options like a soba or ramen shop.

Long-distance trains will usually have toilet facilities, with newer ones (including all shinkansen and some Limited Expresses) having excellent facilities for disabled passengers, people with reduced mobility and often ostomy facilities too.

Shinkansen and newer Limited Expresses offer two-pin US-style 110V charging ports, while wi-fi is also increasingly available and easy to use.

Most Japanese trains are not set up for luggage bigger than a small carry-on — and “small” here does not include a US-sized rollaboard or anything like a bicycle. On some trains you have to pre-reserve anything bigger. Take advantage of the nationwide luggage shipping services like Yamato  – known as Kuroneko Yamato for its black (kuro) cat (neko) logo – that ships larger bags for US$10–20.

These are the best seats for great views

Always take a window seat, whether you’re gazing out on Japan’s sprawling megalopolises from an urban train, watching the country fly by at 320km/h (199mph) from a shinkansen, or enjoying picturesque views from a slow rural train.

On the shinkansen, if you want the best mountain views — including the iconic Mt Fuji between Tokyo and Shizuoka — select a window E seat in standard class and a D seat in the Green Car.

Limited Expresses are wonderful for countryside views, with the  Hida from Nagoya to Toyama through the Japanese Alps and the Inaho from Niigata to Akita just two great examples.

Ask for help when navigating busy city networks

Urban trains, commuter rail and subways may have a set of complicated and confusing names with different stopping patterns, especially during rush hour, but this is no worse than figuring out what a “Watford Semi-Fast” is on London’s Tube or how skip-stop works on the subway in New York. As a visitor, just ask station staff or, in a pinch, a fellow passenger — and be prepared to get on the wrong train with a confident smile and a sense of affable adventure.

The majority of trains are wheelchair accessible

A significant majority of intercity, urban rail and subway stations in most major cities (80–90% in Tokyo  according to official numbers ) are accessible for wheelchair users, with elevators, stair-climber lifts, and ramps widespread. 

Older stations, such as the main Tokyo Station, may be complex and accessible only from certain entrances. Tactile strips to assist blind people or those with reduced visual acuity are almost everywhere. 

Accessible Japan is an excellent resource for information, while the very detailed  For Safe and Convenient Accessibility website offers route and station search as well as  contact details for further assistance. Station staff are keen to help wherever they can.

Many trains offer wheelchair positions, level boarding, with ramps available if you need them. Urban rail and subways have priority seating, and Japan developed the  Help Mark badge system for people with invisible disabilities to easily signal their needs. The badge is  free from a number of locations in Tokyo , under US$10 from Amazon Japan (consider having it delivered to your first night hotel), or you can DIY your own before leaving home.

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• Transportation

Shinkansen: A Complete Guide to the Japanese Bullet Train

All you need to know about the Shinkansen, including how to book a ticket and more.

The Shinkansen or Japanese bullet train was the world’s first high-speed train, with its first service launched on October 1, 1964, linking Tokyo to Osaka. Today other countries have surpassed Japan in speed, but it is still among the top 5 fastest in the world.

Operated by Japan Railways, Japan’s largest railroad company, and from that first line, it now has nine Shinkansen lines covering practically the entire country from North to South. Today the Shinkansen has become without a doubt the best way to travel around Japan. Especially the bullet train from Tokyo to Osaka and the bullet train from Tokyo to Kyoto are the most frequent.

Types of Shinkansen

Although we call them all Shinkansen, there are different types of bullet trains, depending on whether they have more or less speed and how many stations they stop at. The best known are the Nozomi and the Mizuho, as they are the fastest, and then the Hikari, Kodama, and Sakura.

Shinkansen Cars and Seat Classes

There are mainly two types of cars, those with reserved seats and those with non-reserved seats. Most bullet trains in Japan (though not all), have about 5 cars as non-reserved. The explanation for this is that there is an extra charge for reserved seats. If you don’t want to pay the extra supplement, you can access the non-reserved cars. Also, if you don’t know exactly what time you will catch the train, you can buy a ticket without a reserved seat and jump on the first train of the category you paid for in the non-reserved cars.

Users of special passes such as the Japan Rail Pass can reserve seats at no extra charge, as it’s included in the pass.

Please note that if you are traveling to Japan during the high season for domestic tourism, such as Golden Week, Obon, or New Year’s Eve, some lines temporarily switch to reserved cars only.

Seat Classes

Most parts of bullet trains in Japan have only two types of seat classes, ordinary or green class, but in a few types, there is a third category called gran class.

Ordinary Car: they have so-called regular seats. However, on Japan’s bullet trains even the regular seats are spacious and comfortable.

Green Class: special cars with larger and more luxurious seats. Green car cars are all reserved seating.

Gran Class: only a few trains have this option, but is even more luxurious and comfortable than Green Class.

How to Book Shinkansen Tickets

Official JR ticket offices

Shinkansen tickets can be purchased at official JR ticket offices, called Midori no Madoguchi in Japanese or simply Ticket Office in English, at ticket machines, or online. Ticket Offices are located in all major JR stations, and in some cases, there is more than one office if the station is very large. It’s the most direct way to buy them, but be aware that except in some tourist spots such as the airport, the staff usually do not speak English even if they know some basic words related to the job. It’s also quite time-consuming (especially at times when there can be a long queue of people waiting).

Japan Bullet Train

Japan Bullet Train is a new service launched by our partner company, which offers bullet train and express train tickets in Japan for tourists. All the service is in English (and 3 other languages), including customer service. They accept payments with all major credit cards, and the process is very easy and simple, especially compared to Japanese websites.

After your purchase, once your ticket is confirmed you will receive a QR code. You simply have to scan this QR code in the vending machines available at the main stations from where the bullet train departs and you will get your physical ticket, with which you can access the platform. All from the comfort of your smartphone.

▶︎ Book now your Shinkansen tickets!

Vending machines

The other option would be to look for a ticket vending machine, which usually has an English version available. The cons are that there are not always machines, only at major stations, and some may not accept foreign cards. Also, the process can be equally long, especially if you don’t understand how bullet train tickets work in Japan (requires different information, etc).

Information and types of details written on the ticket

The bullet train ticket is divided into two parts: on the one hand we have the base charge, which is basically the price to go from one point to another (for example, from Tokyo to Osaka). The longer the distance, the higher the price. On the other side is the supplement for using the Shinkansen (the base price would be that of a local train). It’s called a limited express fee ticket. It’s quite common that when you buy a Shinkansen ticket, you end up with at least two tickets (one for the base fare and one for the limited express fee). In addition, those who wish to do so can also pay an extra supplement for seat reservations and for traveling in Green Car (or Gran class if available).

Boarding Ticket

1. Departure Station

2. Arrival Station

3. Validity Period

Limited Express Ticket

3. Departure Date & Time

4. Train Name & Type

5. Car Number

6. Seat Number

Japan Rail Pass

The Japan Rail Pass, also known as JR Pass, is a Japan Railways pass for foreign tourists in Japan that allows unlimited travel on all Japan Railways trains, including bullet trains, for 7, 14, or 21 days. It was one of the best-selling products by tourists in Japan as it allows you to save money on bullet trains. In addition, it also includes other JR transportation, such as some buses or the ferry that connects Hiroshima with Miyajima.

In October 2023 the prices have gone up, so depending on your route it might not be worth it, but it is still a good value for money if you want to go to several cities.

Ordinary Pass (2nd class)

Green Pass (1st class)

In return, with the new prices the JR Pass includes the Nozomi and Mizuho trains, that were previously excluded from the pass. Japan Railways has also announced that the new Japan Rail Pass will include discounts at various attractions in Japan.

For more information: A Guide to Japan Rail Pass

Other Passes

If this is not your first trip to Japan and you are looking to visit other less popular (but equally amazing!) areas, you may not need the Japan Rail Pass. There are other JR passes available that may interest you! Japan Railways is divided into East and West, and JR East has 3 very interesting 5 and 3-day passes that cover the areas of Tohoku, Nagano, Niigata, and part of Yamanashi and Shizuoka.

JR Hokkaido Rail Pass: Covers all the trains operated by JR Hokkaido in Hokkaido

5 days: 20,000 yen/ 7 days: 26,000 yen

JR East Tohoku Pass: Covers all the trains operated by JR East in Kanto and Tohoku

5 days: 30,000 yen

JR East Hokkaido Pass

6 days: 35,000 yen

JR East Nagano Niigata Area Pass: Covers Nagano, Niigata, and Kanto area and part of Yamanashi, Shizuoka, and Tohoku.

5 days: 27,000 yen

JR Tokyo Wide Pass

3 days: 15,000 yen

Hokuriku Arch Pass: Unlimited trains between Tokyo and Osaka using the Hokuriku Shinkansen (Nagano, Kanazawa, Toyama, etc).

7 days: 24,500 yen

JR West All Area Pass

7 days: 26,000 yen

JR Kansai Area Pass: Cover the trains in the Kansai area (Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Kobe and Himeji)

1 day: 2,800 yen /2 days: 4,800 yen/ 3 days: 5,800 yen/ 4 days: 7,000 yen

Shinkansen Lines

From tokyo to south japan.

Tokaido Shinkansen: Tokyo-Osaka

The first to be launched and the most popular line, it connects the three largest metropolises in Japan: Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka (passing through and Kyoto). There are three types of trains covering this route.

Nozomi: the fastest train of all. It arrives from Tokyo to Shin-Osaka in exactly 2 hours and 21 minutes (33 minutes to Nagoya).

Hikari: it would fall into the semi-fast train category, with a few more stops than the Nozomi and a time of just under 3 hours.

Kodama: the slowest train on this line, as it has more than 15 stops, taking almost 4 hours from Tokyo to Shin-Osaka.

Sanyo Shinkansen: Osaka-Fukuoka 

The second Shinkansen line, which was completed almost 11 years after the first. The first section, completed in 1972 links Osaka with Okayama, and the second section, completed in 1975 links Osaka with Fukuoka (Hakata station). It has up to 5 train services.

Nozomi, Mizuho: the two fastest, connecting Shin Osaka to Hakata in less than two and a half hours with 6 stops. Some Nozomi trains connect the Sanyo line with the Tokaido line, so it’s possible to travel from Tokyo to Hakata in 5 hours without getting off the train.

Kodama: the slowest option

Hikari, Sakura: this is the fastest service, but the Hikari train only connects Shin Osaka with Okayama, without reaching Fukuoka.

Hokuriku Shinkansen: Tokyo – Kanazawa

The original line connected Tokyo with Nagano and was opened in 1997 for the Nagano Olympic Games. In 2015 it was extended and now connects Tokyo with Kanazawa.

Kagayaki: connects Tokyo to Kanazawa in less than two and a half hours, with only two stops in between, being the fastest train for the Hokuriku Shinkansen line.

Hakutaka: takes 3 hours from Tokyo to Kanazawa, making more stops than the Kagayaki.

 Asama: connects Tokyo with Nagano, but doesn’t arrive in Kanazawa.

Tsurugui: this is a small service that only covers the route Toyama-Kanazawa

Kyushu Shinkansen: Hakata- Kagoshima Chuo

The southernmost line in Japan, it connects the capital of Fukuoka, Hakata with Kagoshima passing through other important cities such as Kumamoto.

Mizuho: as in all other lines, the Mizuho is the fastest, making only 3 stops.

Sakura: the second fastest in the Kyushu line.

Tsubame: the one that stops at all stations and, therefore the slowest.

Kamome: different from the three above, this train covers the route Nagasaki – Takeo Onsen.

From Tokyo to North Japan

Tohoku Shinkansen: Tokyo-Aomori

In the opposite direction, to the north, we have the Tohoku Shinkansen, connecting Tokyo with the northernmost part of the main island, Aomori.

Hayabusa: connecting Tokyo with Shin-Aomori in less than 3 and a half hours, this is one of the fastest trains in Japan and the only one in the Tohoku Shinkansen line that arrives at Aomori.

Hayate and Yamabiko: both connect Tokyo with Morioka, but the Hayate is slightly faster.

Komachi: instead of going to Shin-Aomori, this train goes to Akita after Morioka and takes around 4 hours.

Nasuno: makes a very short line from Tokyo to Koriyama.

Tsubasa: detour in Sendai to go to the Yamagata area in less than 3 hours, arriving at Shinjo Station.

Hokkaido Shinkansen: Aomori-Hakodate

After the Tohoku Shinkansen line finishes in Aomori, the Hokkaido Shinkansen connects the end of the main island with the southern part of Hokkaido.

Hayabusa: the same train that is in the Tohoku Shinkansen line, which continues on its way to Hakodate after stopping in Shin-Aomori. From Tokyo to Hakodate takes 5 hours approximately.

Hayate: after finishing in Morioka, the Hayate train operates between Shin-Aomori and Hakodate.

Joetsu Shinkansen: Tokyo-Niigata

Toki: connects Tokyo and Niigata in an hour and a half.

Tanigawa: Yuzawa is one of the most popular winter skiing destinations, and this route operates between Tokyo and Yuzawa, arriving in less than one hour.

How to Ride a Bullet Train in Japan

Once we have our tickets or our card, the next step is to get on the train and start our journey! Boarding a train in Japan should not be much different than in any other country, but some unwritten rules are best to learn.

Ticket gates

The turnstiles have two options. One is a slot on the front to insert tickets (those who have JR Pass, can insert it here as well in the JR lines). At the top, there is a kind of mini screen where you can place your Suica/Pasmo card or the IC card you use on top. If you have the Suica in your cell phone, you simply have to bring the cell phone close to that screen.

Once inside, find your train and your platform. There will be various information panels at different points. The information is first in Japanese, but at major stations, it will also appear later in English. If you have trouble understanding the information on the panels, take a look at this mini-guide.

How to interpret the platform display 

2. Train No.

3. Departure Time

4. Destination

6. Unreserved Seats Cars

At the Platform

Before entering the train, you will see people waiting in lines to enter in order. You must get in line and wait your turn. If there is no one and you are the first, let people out before getting on the train.

If you arrive when the train is about to leave, please don’t run or rush in, as it’s dangerous. Wait for the next train.

Inside the Train

The door opens automatically, so after entering, look for your seat if you have a reserved seat, and if you have an unreserved seat, freely sit in any free seat of your choice.

When boarding, it’s not necessary to give a baggage inspection or presentation of your ID, but the ticket inspector may ask you to present your tickets in the car, so it’s recommended to keep the tickets in a place where you can get them right away.

Shinkansen Tokyo to Osaka

The bullet train from Tokyo to Osaka is the most widely used. As mentioned above, the Nozomi connects Tokyo Station and Shin-Osaka Station in less than 2 hours and a half. The price of the tickets cost around 16,800 yen for a non-reserved seat and 17,500 for a reserved seat . The Green car ticket is approx. 22,000 yen.

From Tokyo Station

First train: 6:00

Last train: 22:47

Location of ticket gates:  blue areas on this map

Platform: platform No.14–19

From Shinagawa Station

Last train: 22:54

Location of ticket gates:  blue areas at the bottom of this map

Platform: platform No.23&24

Shinkansen Tokyo to Kyoto

Another popular route for tourists is Tokyo-Kyoto. It takes just over 2 hours with the Nozomi and about 2.5 hours with slower models. The fare of Nozomi with a reserved seat is near to 17,000 JPY and a non-reserved seat is around 16,000 JPY .

Platform: platform №14–19

Platform: platform №23&24

Can I eat on the Shinkansen?

Eating and drinking on the bullet train is allowed, as long as you leave your seat clean and do not disturb other passengers. At main stations, such as Tokyo Station, they sell so-called “ekiben”, which are bentos (Japanese packed lunch) to eat on the Shinkansen.

What facilities does the Shinkansen have?

All Shinkansen trains are equipped with several restrooms located in different cars. The number and locations of restrooms may vary depending on the carriage. They are also equipped with multipurpose rooms for individuals with physical disabilities or mobility challenges and breastfeeding babies ( on some shorter train configurations, there may be no multipurpose room).

Free Wi-Fi service is also accessible during your journey on the Shinkansen, and almost all of them have c harging outlets (although there may be some without).

Please note that smoking is totally forbidden inside the train. Some trains may have smoking rooms, but not all of them.

How can I change or cancel my ticket?

As a general rule, non-reserved seat tickets can be refunded up to the day of departure while reserved seat tickets are only refundable up to the departure time (even if the departure time has passed, a refund may be issued for the portion of the ticket).

For more information: How to Refund a Shinkansen Ticket

What to do if I miss my ride?

Depending on the type of ticket you have purchased and the Shinkansen line you are going to use, there are different options you can do if you miss your bullet train, like take a non-reserved seat on the following Shinkansen, rebuy a reserved seat for a subsequent Shinkansen or cancel and receive a refund.

More info: What to Do If You Missed the Shinkansen

What to do if I overshoot my stop?

In most cases, it’s possible to change trains and go backward without any extra fee, but a required special permission “ go-jou” ( 誤乗 ) is required. Please explain the situation to the conductor or the ticket gate staff and ask for a special stamp on your original ticket.

However, keep in mind that this is an exception, and do not take it lightly. Be aware of the voice announcements so as not to miss your stop.

Helpful phrases in Japanese:

I overslept: 寝過ごてしまいました (nesugoshite shimai mashita).

I took the wrong direction/other name/different stop train: 乗り間違えてしまいました (nori machigaete shimai mashita).

I couldn’t catch the train: 乗り遅れてしまいました (nori okurete shimai mashita).

Couldn’t door out by heavy/crowded by morning/evening rush hour, special big event or some special reason: 混雑していて降りられませんでした (konzatsu shiteite orirare masen deshita).

I missed hearing the car/station announcement: 放送を聴き逃してしまいました (housou wo kiki nogashite shimai mashita).

I couldn’t understand the announcement because it was only in Japanese: 日本語だけのアナウンスが理解出来ませんでした (Nihongo dake no “announce” ga rikai dekimasen deshita).

From Tokyo to popular destinations: Train or Bus?

If you are not sure which is the best option to get from Tokyo to some of the most popular cities, and want to compare different options such as train, bus, plane, or private transport, here you have a few complete guides for the most touristic destinations.

▶︎How to Get to Hakone from Tokyo

▶︎How to Get to Nikko from Tokyo

▶︎How to Get to Mt.Fuji from Tokyo

▶︎How to Get to Osaka from Tokyo

▶︎How to Get to Kyoto from Tokyo

▶︎How to Get to Hiroshima from Tokyo

▶︎How to Get DisneyLand and Disney Sea from Tokyo

Also how to get to Tokyo from the two main airports, Narita Airport and Haneda Airport.

▶︎How to Get from Nartita Airport to Tokyo

▶︎How to Get from Haneda Airport to Tokyo

Consider the bus option to save money

If you are concerned about the loss in case you miss your ride, we recommend using a highway bus, which costs way less than the Shinkansen. If you don’t have much information about highway buses in Japan, the following articles may be useful.

▶︎How to Ride a Bus in Japan: A Detailed Bus Guide for Tourists

▶︎How to Book Bus Tickets in Japan

▶︎3 Best Highway Buses in Japan

▶︎10 Best Destinations to Go from Tokyo by Bus

▶︎How to Ride a Night Bus in Japan

▶︎Bus Guide between Osaka and Kyoto

▶︎Bus Guide between Osaka and Kansai International Airport (KIX)

▶︎Bus Guide between Kyoto and Kansai International Airport (KIX)

If is your first time in Japan and don’t know where to go, this article may help! ▶︎A Comprehensive Guide to Trains in Japan: Including Shinkansen and Japan Rail Pass

▽For more Shinkansen Information▽

▶︎A Guide to Japan Rail Pass

▶︎The Ultimate Guide for Transportation in Tokyo

▶︎How to Move around Kyoto

Thanks for reading this far! I hope it has been helpful 🙂 For more tips and information about traveling in Japan, you have these articles too. And even more information in Japan Web Magazine!

▽Related Articles▽

▼Editor’s Picks▼

From Barcelona to Tokyo. Coffee  & Adventure lover 🌏☕️  

I started to like Japan because of the anime, music and doramas, but after my first trip to the country I found what I love the most: traveling around, the culture and history. I have travelled a lot in Japan, but I still have many places to discover that I want to share with you 🙋🏼‍♀️   Let’s discover Japan together!

Also, as a foreigner living in Japan for over 6 years I understand what kind of things are difficult when you move here and I want to help other people in the same situation that I have in the past.

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These 7 Scenic Trains Offer the Best Views of Japan

Japan—where remaining pandemic travel restrictions drop today —knows a thing or two about great train rides. The country boasts a solid railway system that’s fast, punctual, and relatively affordable, particularly if you get a discount rail pass—from the country-wide Japan Rail Pass (most commonly known as JR Pass, which must be purchased outside of Japan) to local ones homing in on specific regions.

But it also includes some of the splashiest private train lines there are, with on-board services akin to those you’d find in an ultra-luxury hotel , comfortable private cabins, lounges that are essentially salons on wheels, and elevated gastronomic offerings.

Simply put, whatever area in Japan you decide to focus on, there’ll be a captivating train journey to zip you around it. Here are seven of the very best trains in Japan, from glamorous to panoramic and plain romantic.

Kurobe Gorge Railway

The Japan Alps—the mountain ranges running along the spine of central Honshu (the country’s main island)—have long been the nation’s geographical and spiritual heart, home to shrines and sacred sites, hot springs, and traditional farmers’ villages. A trip to the region is an absolute must, and the Kurobe Gorge Railway is the perfect sightseeing train to set the mood for it.

Originally built in the mid-1950s to serve the construction of the Kurobe dam, the line operates along a winding 12.4-mile stretch that crosses the Kurobe Gorge—one of the deepest gorges in Japan—linking the stations of Unazuki and Keyakidaira. On the 80-minute ride, guests can take in views of rugged mountain landscapes and steep cliff sides, a forested ravine and the gurgling Kurobe River, as they traverse more than 20 bridges and some 40 tunnels. Different stops along the way offer plenty of opportunities to go for a hike or, why not, stop at an open-air onsen.

Tickets start at $18 (or 2,610 yen). Be aware that the train operates seasonally from late April through November, and it’s most popular in October, when the fall foliage turns the hillsides into a tapestry of reds and yellows. If you go then, bring a jacket: most of the cabins are open-sided.

Running along the western coast of the Aomori and Akita Prefectures in northern Japan—a region brimming with wild nature and volcanic mountain ranges—the 91.5-mile Gono Line is an important route for residents of the area. It also happens to be one of the country’s most scenic railways. Depending on the season, the train passes through lush forests and snowy landscapes, rice paddies and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Shirakami-Sanchi, a virgin forest of Japanese beech trees. Expect the standard quality of Japan trains—efficient, fairly comfortable, and extremely reliable. 

Word to the wise: Add an extra layer of entertainment to your sightseeing experience by booking the Joyful Train that runs along the Gono Line ( Joyful Trains are concept trains featuring on-board activities, special dining cars, and special station events). Called Resort Shirakami , it includes live “shamisen” (traditional three-string guitar from the Tsugaru region) performances and storytelling sessions in the Tsugaru dialect. JR Rail Passes can be used for the Gono Line and all Joyful Trains if reserved in advance.

Sagano Scenic Railway

At only 4.35 miles long and a mere 25 minutes one-way, the Sagano Scenic Railway is the shortest route on the list, but possibly the most romantic. Running from the Torokko Saga Station in Arashiyama—the second-most important sightseeing district in Kyoto—to the town of Kameoka, the train snakes leisurely through the mountains along the Hozugawa River, offering front row seats to the surrounding wooded ravine. Each train is outfitted with retro-nostalgic touches like wooden benches—a nod to its original debut back in 1899—and made up of one fully open cabin and four enclosed cars (with windows that can be opened). It is particularly popular during the autumn foliage season as the leaves along the way change their colors, but spring passengers can enjoy pretty views too, when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. The line doesn’t operate from late December through February. Tickets start at $6 (880 yen), and can be purchased at Torokko Saga Station or at JR ticket offices in the Kansai Region.

Tokaido Shinkansen Line

No trip to Japan would be complete without getting a glimpse of Mount Fuji. The Tokaido Shinkansen Line (a bullet train) is the easiest way to achieve that. Connecting Tokyo and Kyoto in around two hours and 20 minutes, the route passes the majestic mountain in both directions, delivering picture-perfect vistas of the country’s highest and most famous peak. Pick a seat on your right if you’re headed to Kyoto, or on your left if you’re going to the capital. Even better, reserve the window-side E row for the very best views. Plus, access to the Tokaido Shinkansen line is covered by the JR Pass.

Train Suite Shiki-shima

A hybrid electric/diesel deluxe sleeping train, the Train Suite Shiki-shima is one of the world’s most exclusive and expensive railroad rides in the world—so much so that passengers have to submit an online application to get on, and are chosen by a random draw. With interiors by industrial designer Ken Okuyama, known for his luxury car work with Ferrari, Maserati, and Porsche, the 10-cabin, 34-passenger service features a lavish east-meets-west aesthetic, (think Japanese seating and western style beds), floor-to-ceiling windows in some of the carriages, and a futuristic observatory car kitted out with sinuous white chairs and grass-green carpets. Rooms are over-the-top spacious, and categorized as suites, flats, and maisonettes.

Once you’re on board, you’ll be heading from Tokyo into Japan's far north , namely Tohoku and Hokkaido—wide-open regions boasting spectacular nature and enduring traditions.

Itineraries are either two or four days long, and include sightseeing stopovers and overnight hotel stays, as well as some seriously superb culinary experiences, from breakfast to dinner. New routes are scheduled to start from April 2022 onwards. Tickets start at $3,830 (555,000 yen) for single occupancy in an entry-level suite.

Twilight Express Mizukaze

One of Japan’s most luxurious trains, the 10-cabin Twilight Express Mizukaze (also referred to simply as Mizukaze) rides some of the most breathtaking routes on the western side of the country. Five different itineraries take passengers along the coastline of the Seto inland sea, making stops in Osaka , Setonaikai National Park, Miyajima, and the lesser-visited San'in region, depending which way you go. On board, passengers—a maximum of 34—can expect five-star service from the dining car to the six ‘rooms,’ the swankiest of which consists of an entire railcar that comes with its own tub (it’s aptly called ‘The Suite’). Tickets for it are quite hard to get, with a waitlist that can be over half a year, but snag yourself a seat, and you’ll be in for one of the most exclusive train journeys in the world. Tickets—only purchasable in Japan—start at $2,800 (400,000 yen)

Seven Stars

The luxury sleeper Seven Stars , which cruises around Kyushu island—Japan's southern and westernmost main island—is worth adding to your Japan bucket list if you’re ready to splurge. Launched in 2013, the 20-passenger, seven-cabin train is as fancy as it gets, with plush interiors across its 10 suites (all of which are built in maple, walnut, or teak wood), a fine dining restaurant run by Kyushu’s master chefs, and a lounge car that even has its own piano. The Seven Stars name refers to the region’s seven prefectures—Fukuoka, Nagasaki, Saga, Kumamoto, Oita, Miyazaki, and Kagoshima—which the train passes on two- and four-day circular itineraries, covering some 1,864 miles in total. Tickets are steep, but, on the plus side, include a series of activities that go beyond the train journey: sightseeing trips to mountain ranges, volcanoes, and traditional pottery villages, onsen experiences, and overnight stays at traditional (but still top-of-the-class) ryokan. Tickets start at $4,400 (650,000 yen) per person for a two-day trip, or $8,450 (1,250,000) per person for a four-day sojourn.

If you’re after something less pricey, Kyushu also has plenty of simpler sightseeing trains, like the Hisatsu Line, a slow, local railway line (currently suspended due to floods caused by heavy rains last July).

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The Man in Seat 61

A beginner's guide to

Train travel in japan.

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The best way to get around Japan is by train.  On this page you'll find an introduction to train travel in Japan, with advice on times, routes, tickets and passes.

Japan Rail pass guide 2024

What are japanese trains like, airport links & other useful info, ferries to & from japan, useful country information, maps of the rail network, how to check train times & fares, the classic network, shinkansen high-speed lines, ordinary class or green car, reserved or non-reserved , busy periods to avoid.

The busy periods when reserved seats sell out way ahead and unreserved cars are very crowded are:

- Golden Week between late April & early May;

- Obon in mid-August;

- New Year from 29 Dec to 3 January.

The most crowded trains tend to be the ones heading out of the big cities into the country at the beginning of the holiday and back into the big cities at the end.  If you can, time your visit to Japan to avoid these times.  Christmas itself isn't such a big issue in Japan.

If you can't avoid travelling at these busy holiday periods:

Aim for the less popular first & last trains of the day;

Try booking the slower trains such as the all-stations Kodama shinkansen rather than the faster & busier Hikari or Sakura trains;

Try splitting the booking: If you can't get reserved seats from Tokyo to Kyoto, try Tokyo to Nagoya then Nagoya to Kyoto, that may work;

When using unreserved seats, pick a train that starts at the station you're at, not one which comes from elsewhere, already heavily-loaded.

Example journey times & prices

£1 = 180 yen.  $1 = 140 yen.

* Nozomi = fastest Shinkansen stopping pattern.

** Hikari = next fastest train type, Japan Rail Passes can be used.

*** Fare by Nozomi with reserved seat.

Check Japanese train times & fares at www.jorudan.co.jp . 

Children aged 0 to 5 travel free, children aged 6 to 11 travel at half fare, children aged 12 and over pay full fare.

Rail fares in Japan are expensive, and if you are an overseas visitor a Japan Rail Pass can be the cheapest way to travel even if you are only planning one return trip from (say) Tokyo to Hiroshima.  See the Japan Rail Pass section .

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How to buy tickets

You can of course buy tickets at the station, either at the staffed counters or using ticket machines, these have a touch screen with an English language facility.  There are many trains & seats, so buying at the station is unlikely to be a problem unless you hit one of the busy national holiday periods - and even then, you can always travel in the unreserved seats cars. 

How to buy local tickets

Use the self-service ticket machines.  At any main station you'll find a row of these with a big network map above them near the ticket gates onto the local platforms, see the photo in the Tokyo station section below .  You'll soon get the hang of buying tickets, like this:

-  Look at the big network map on the wall above the machines.  Find your destination station & note the fare shown next to it. 

-  On the touch screen, press English .

-  Press the side button for the number of adults/children in your party.  For 2 adults & 2 children you have to buy as 2 transactions.

-  You'll now see a screen full of possible one-way fares for one adult.

-  Touch the fare for your destination.  So if the fare shown on the map against your destination is 350, touch the 350 button.

-  It'll now show the total cost for the number of adults & children you have selected.

Japan Rail Pass guide

Japan Rail Pass or point-to-point tickets?

Train fares in Japan are expensive as there are no cheap advance-purchase fares, just one hefty fixed price for each journey.  A Japan Rail Pass can save money over point-to-point tickets even for one round trip, if it's a long-distance one.  A significant Japan Rail Pass price rise in October 2023 means it's no longer a foregone conclusion, but here are some comparisons after the pass price increase:

A 7-day Japan Rail Pass costs ¥50,000 = £268 or $340 .

The normal return fare from Tokyo to Kyoto is ¥27,940 = £150 or $190. 

The normal return fare from Tokyo to Hiroshima is ¥39,120 = £210 or $270.

The normal return fare from Tokyo to Nagasaki is ¥52,620 = £290 or $360.

So a 7-day Japan Rail Pass saves money for one round trip from Tokyo to Nagasaki, but not for a round trip from Tokyo to Kyoto.  It may be worth buying a Japan Rail Pass for a round trip from Tokyo to Hiroshima if you do one or more side trips as well.

How to work out if a pass makes sense

First check Japan Rail Pass prices at www.jrailpass.com .  Then use japantravel.navitime.com to check point-to-point fares for the journeys you intend to make.

Remember that the total point-to-point price you'd pay = basic fare + the reserved or unreserved seat fee.  A pass covers both of these elements, reservations are free.

Big price rise in October 2023

Green car or ordinary class?

A green class pass is great if you can afford it, but ordinary class on Japanese trains is perfectly adequate, there's no need to pay more if you don't want to.  Green car simply gets you more leg and elbow room, and carpet rather than synthetic flooring, that's all.

Personally, I find shinkansen ordinary class seats a little cramped where they are arranged 2+3 across the car width, the 2+2 seats in the green car are much more spacious.  On the other hand, if you plan to be spontaneous much of the time and not pre-plan everything you'll end up in the unreserved ordinary class cars, so don't fork out for a green car pass if you're not going to use it.

What does a Japan Rail Pass cover ?

You can buy a Japan Rail Pass for 7, 14 or 21 days in either ordinary class or green car (1st class).

The pass gives unlimited travel on all JR trains across the whole of Japan, including high-speed shinkansen (bullet trains), the local, rapid, express and limited express trains on the classic network and even the Narita Express between Narita Airport & Tokyo and the monorail to & from Haneda Airport .

There are just the following exceptions:

You can't use a Japan Rail Pass on lines run by private rail operators , only lines operated by one of the six JR companies.  For example, it doesn't cover the Tobu Railway from Tokyo to Nikko, or the Tokyo subway trains which aren't run by JR either.

But it does cover the Narita Express airport train as that's run by JR.  It also covers JR local trains in Tokyo & other cities including the useful Yamanote loop line linking Tokyo main station, Ueno, Shinjuku, Shibuya, Shimbashi, Ikebukuro every few minutes, which you can use to get around Tokyo.

Sleeper trains:   There there's only one sleeper train left in Japan, the Sunrise Seto / Sunrise Izumo , but you can use this with a Japan Rail Pass if you either pay the hefty sleeper supplement for a private sleeper - we're talking ¥20,000 per room for a private 2-berth B-type sleeper - or use the open-plan shared nobinobi or 'carpet berths' which are free of charge with a Japan Rail Pass, reservation required.  Indeed, if you're on a budget, saving a hotel bill by taking the Sunrise Seto between Tokyo & (say) Himeji is an interesting option!

Nozomi or Mizuho shinkansen trains:   Until October 2023, Japan Rail Pass holders couldn't use the fastest limited-stop Nozomi or Mizuho category shinkansen trains.  You can now use them, but must pay an extra fee, typically ¥4,000-¥6,500 ($27-$44) depending on distance.

You'll find more detailed info at www.jrailpass.com .

How does a Japan Rail Pass work ? 

Order your pass & receive a voucher

You order your Japan Rail Pass online at an official pass agency website such as www.jrailpass.com and an exchange voucher is sent by tracked courier to your home address.  You'll also get a free Japan rail map and a Japan railways timetable booklet.

You need to buy the pass before you leave home, you can't buy a Japan Rail Pass in Japan.

When you get to Japan, exchange the voucher for the pass

When you arrive in Japan, you exchange this voucher for a Japan Rail Pass at any of the JR ticket offices & travel centres designated as a Japan Rail Pass exchange office.

The voucher can be exchanged for a pass any time within 3 months of buying the voucher, so there's no need to specify exact travel dates when you order it.

There are Japan Rail Pass exchange counters at around 50 JR stations, including Tokyo's main station which has Japan Rail Pass exchange counters on both the Marunouchi (west) & Yaesu (east) sides of the station, Tokyo's Ueno, Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ikebukuro stations, Narita Airport, Haneda Airport, Kansai Airport, Shin-Osaka, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Nagasaki and even Sakaiminato where (if & when operating) the ferry arrives from Vladivostok.

Tip:   The Japan Rail Pass exchange counters at Narita and Haneda airports are usually fairly relaxed places to exchange your voucher.  In Tokyo the JR East Service Centre in the historic North Entrance on the quieter Marunouchi (west) side of the station is also a good and relaxed place to exchange your voucher, more relaxed than the Japan Rail Pass counter on the more hectic Yaesu (east) side of the station.

When you exchange the voucher, you'll be asked to show your passport and to fill in a simple form with your name and passport number which they incorporate into the pass itself.  You'll be asked on what specific date you want the 7, 14 or 21 days to start, this can be any date within the next 30 days - the pass does not need to start on the same day you exchange the voucher for the pass.

For example, in July I booked a flight to Japan for travel in late October.  I ordered my 7-day Japan Rail Pass in September.  I didn't need to decide in advance exactly what days I would use it, as long as I exchanged the voucher for a pass within 3 months of ordering it.  So I could have delayed my visit until November and still used the same voucher.  Arriving in Japan on 20 October, I exchanged my voucher for a pass at Tokyo station on 21 October, asking for my 7 days of unlimited travel to start on 22 October.

Then ride as many trains as you want!   Once you have your pass and your 7, 14 or 21 days of unlimited travel have started, you use as many JR trains as you like, travelling whenever and wherever you like.  There is no limit on the number of trains you can take or the distance you can travel - that's what unlimited means.

Making reservations with your pass

Local & Rapid trains:   You don't need a reservation to travel on local or rapid trains on the classic network, such trains don't even have seat reservations.  Just hop on and show your pass when the conductor comes along.  Easy!

Unreserved seat cars:   Express, limited express and shinkansen trains usually have several non-reserved ordinary class cars, as the name suggests you don't need a reservation to travel in these.  Platform announcements, departure boards and platform signs in English will tell you which car numbers these are, and where you should stand on the platform for them - it's all very efficient.

If you are happy travelling in the non-reserved cars you can just get on and sit where you like, and show your pass to the conductor when he comes long.  Normally there's little problem finding a seat, indeed you may even be spoilt for choice.  But a seat isn't guaranteed, and at busy times of day or at busy holiday periods you may have to stand or sit on your luggage in the aisle if you find all the seats are taken.

Reserved seat cars:   To be sure of a seat on a shinkansen, limited express or express train, or to sit in a Green Car seat with a Green Car pass, you must reserve a seat in one of the reserved cars.

You are unlikely to have any problem getting the reservations you need, even booking at short notice when you get to Japan, unless you hit a busy holiday period .  And even then, you can always use the unreserved cars so you'll never be stranded, although it may be crowded so you may have to stand.

Reserving seats at stations:   You can reserve seats this free of charge at any JR ticket office or travel centre where you see the green seat reservation symbol.  Just show your Japan Rail Pass and passport and ask for a reservation in the class you want on the train you want.  You can make reservations at any time right up to a few minutes before the train leaves.

Reserving seats using a ticket machine:   You can also make reservations using self-service ticket machines, these have an English language facility.  Select the rail pass option.  Select the number of passengers.  Then scan the QR code on your Japan Rail pass and enter your passport number, repeating this for each passenger (so you’ll need their pass & passport numbers).  You then enter the starting station, destination, date & time and it will find trains and let you choose seats.  It will also let you select oversized baggage seats if available.  It’ll issue a seat reservation ticket.

You can't make seat reservations before you get to Japan

You can't reserve seats to go with your pass until you reach Japan and can get to a station.  There's one key exception:  JR East have set up a website for Japan Railpass holders to make reservations on their high speed trains north & east of Tokyo, including the Narita Express and the Joetsu, Tohoku, Hokuriku, Hokkaido, Yamagata & Akita shinkansen, but not the Tokaido, Sanyo or Kyushu shinkansen linking Tokyo, Kyoto, Shin-Osaka, Hiroshima, Hakata, Nagasaki as obviously these aren't run by JR East, but by JR Central & JR West.

To make reservations on JR East services, see www.eki-net.com/pc/jreast-shinkansen-reservation/English/wb/common/Menu (if this link stops working, try www.jreast.co.jp/e/eastpass and please let me know ).  Seat reservations made using this service must be collected before 21:00 the day before travel or they will be cancelled.

Green car seats:   Green car (1st class) seats on shinkansen & limited express trains are always reserved , if you sit in a green car seat without a reservation you'll be charged the hefty green car shinkansen reserved seat fee, even if you have a Green Car Japan Rail Pass.  So if you have a Green Car pass, either make a reservation to use the Green Car, or if you want to be spontaneous and hop on a train without a reservation, use the ordinary class unreserved cars.

Reservation tips

There's no penalty for not using a seat reservation you've made with a Japan Rail Pass.  Bad manners not to cancel it perhaps, but if you had a reservation for (say) the 18:45 and decided to leave earlier, you could hop on the 17:45 and sit in the unreserved cars, no problem.

If you know your itinerary, there's no reason why you can't make all the necessary reservations for your trip in one go when you exchange your voucher for the pass.  But do the legwork first.  Look up each of the trains you want using world.jorudan.co.jp/mln/en then type out a clear written list of reservations specifying date, journey, train number, departure time, class and number of passengers.  If it's not too busy, the staff at the Japan Rail Pass counter may work through the list for you, issuing a reservation ticket for each reserved seat.  But if it's busy and there's a queue behind you, don't be surprised of they turn you away, asking you to make reservations as you need them at the ticket office.  Staff at the JR East Service Centre did all my reservations for me, no problem.  But a notice at the Haneda Airport travel service centre said they were only prepared to do reservations for today.  Feedback appreciated !

Suggested 7-day itinerary

Click here for my recommended itinerary using a 7-day Japan Rail Pass, starting in Tokyo and visiting Kyoto for its temples & geisha district, Himeji for its castle, Hiroshima for its museum and Peace Park and Nagasaki for its history as the only point of contact with the outside world from the 17th to 19th centuries.  I think this is the ideal tour for a first visit to Japan!

Buy a Japan Rail Pass

You need to buy your Japan Rail Pass before you leave your home country as you can't (generally) buy a pass once you're in Japan.

Option 1 buy a Japan Rail Pass at www.jrailpass.com .

Passes can be sent any address worldwide, you can book up to 180 days in advance, prices are shown in various currencies.

Option 2 , buy a Japan Rail Pass at www.jrpass.com .

Also a well-known and popular vendor, in GBP, Euro, USD or AUD, with shipping worldwide.

Option 3 , buy a Japan Rail Pass at www.klook.com , here's a direct link to their all-Japan pass page .

When you buy your pass

1. Exchange Voucher.   When you order your pass online, you are sent an Exchange Voucher (above, on left) plus a handy Japan Rail Pass user guide, a Japan rail timetable and a Japan rail map.  The voucher can be exchanged for a Japan Rail Pass at any time in the 3 months after ordering.

2.  Japan Rail Pass.   You exchange the voucher for a Japan Rail Pass at any one of 50 designated JR exchange offices in Japan, including Tokyo main station (2 offices), Ueno, Shinjuku, Narita International Airport, Haneda International Airport, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Nagasaki.  The photo above shows an old-school pass, from 2023 passes are being issued as credit-card-size card tickets which can operate ticket gates.

Regional rail passes

Japan east pass, sanyo pass, kansai pass.

There are also regional Japan Rail Passes covering smaller areas.

The Japan East Pass covers Tokyo, Nagano, Niigata, Sendai, Morioka, Misawa & Akita.

The JR West Pass covers Osaka-Fukuoka and all trains run by JR West, for 7 days.

The Sanyo area pass covers an area including Osaka, Himeji, Okayama, Hiroshima & Hakata.

The Kansai area rail pass covers Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe, Nara & Himeji and costs only around £15/$23 a day, a pretty good deal.

For more information and to buy a pass , see www.klook.com (passes sent to any address worldwide) or www.japan-rail-pass.com .

Seishun 18 Kippu

The Seishun 18 Kippu (Youthful 18 Ticket) gives 5 days unlimited travel on Japan Railways' local trains and kaisoku (accelerated local) trains for ¥12,050, about $97 or $20 per day.  It's possible to travel all the way across Japan this way, incredibly cheaply, but only using the narrow-gauge local trains.

It's sold to both Japanese citizens and overseas visitors of any age (in spite of its name), but only during specific Spring (March-April), Summer (July-September) & winter (December-January) periods.

Rather than explain it further here, see this page for details:  www.japan-guide.com/e/e2362.html or en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seishun_18_Ticket or www.jreast.co.jp/e/pass/seishun18.html .  Update:  Most online info seems to have disappeared, but in March 2024 it's confirmed that the pass still exists if you buy in Japan.

1, 2 & 3-day metro passes for Tokyo

Foreign visitors can buy Tokyo metro 24 hour, 48 hour & 72 hour tickets, see www.tokyometro.jp/en/ticket/travel .

If you like, you can buy a 1/2/3 day Tokyo metro pass online in advance at www.klook.com and collect it from the metro ticket machines.

You can buy one-day passes covering the Tokyo metro, or Tokyo metro+Toei Subway+JR local trains (called the Tokyo Combination ticket), see www.tokyometro.jp/en/ticket/value/1day .

What are Japanese trains like ?

Shinkansen high-speed trains.

Everyone has heard of Japan's bullet train lines, more properly known in Japan as shinkansen which means new trunk line .  These are high-speed lines, built to European and North American standard gauge with rails 4' 8½" apart.  The first shinkansen was the Tokaido Shinkansen opened in 1964 between Toyo, Kyoto and Osaka, later extended as the Sanyo Shinkansen to Hiroshima, Kobe and Hakata.  There are now a whole range of shinkansen lines linking all the most important cities in Japan, including Niigata, Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, Hakata and Kagoshima.

Tokaido & Sanyo shinkansen N700A

These 16-car N700As owned by JR Central & JR West operate the Nozomi and Hikari services on the Tokaido Shinkansen between Tokyo, Kyoto and Shin-Osaka.  Many Nozomis and a few Hikaris extend to Hiroshima, Kobe & Hakata over the Sanyo Shinkansen.  These trains operate at up to 285 km/h (175 mph) on the Tokaido Shinkansen and up to 300km/h (186 mph) on the Sanyo Shinkansen.

Shinkansen seats are always rotated to face the direction of travel, and all seats come with a drop-down table attached to the seat back in front.  If there are four of you, you can rotate one pair of seats to make a face-to-face group of four.  There are power sockets (Japanese 2-pin) at all seats on these N700s.

Sanyo & Kyushu shinkansen N700

These 8-car N700 shinkansen trains owned by JR West & JR Kyushu operate the Mizuho & Sakura services on the Sanyo & Kyushu shinkansen lines between Shin-Osaka, Hiroshima, Himeji, Hakata and Kagoshima.

On most shinkansen trains, ordinary class seats are the same whether reserved or non-reserved.  But on these particular trains, ordinary class reserved seats (above left) are arranged 2+2 across the car width, much more spacious than the non-reserved cars (above right).  An added benefit of reserving a seat!

Joetsu, Tohoku, Hokuriku, Hokkaido, Yamagata & Akita shinkansen

You'll find a range of exotic trains on the Joetsu, Tohoku, Hokuriku, Hokkaido, Yamagata & Akita shinkansen routes heading north & east of Tokyo.

Limited Expresses

An extensive network of classic 3' 6" narrow-gauge lines covers the whole of Japan taking you to almost every city and town of any size.  The fastest trains on the classic network are classified Limited Express , and these train come in all shapes and sizes.  Indeed, the classic network often parallels the shinkansen:  For example, you can travel between Kyoto, Osaka and Himeji by Limited Express on the classic network just as easily as by shinkansen.  Give it a try!

Local & rapid trains

Completing the picture, there are many local & rapid trains on the classic 3' 6" narrow-gauge network, again of many shapes and sizes.

Sleeper trains : See the video

There's now only one sleeping-car train left in Japan, the Sunrise Express .  It runs as one combined train from Tokyo to Himeji & Okayama and then splits, the Sunrise Seto heading for Takamatsu on the island of Shikoku and the Sunrise Izumo heading for Izumoshi.

You can use the Sunrise Express at no extra charge with a Japan Rail Pass if you make a reservation for one of the basic nobinobi berths (see the photo below left) or you can pay the room fee to have a private compartment.  Expect a private sleeper compartment for one person to cost around ¥8,000 for a B-type single , around ¥7,000 for a similar but slightly smaller B-type solo , or ¥15,000 for a more spacious A-type deluxe single-bed sleeper with washbasin.  For two people, it costs around ¥15,000 per compartment in a B-type single-twin with upper & lower berths or ¥16,000 per compartment in a B-type Sunrise twin with two lower berths side by side.  Without a pass, you pay the regular fare and limited express extra fare plus these berth costs.

The sleeper train runs on the classic narrow-gauge network, but it can save time compared with daytime shinkansen travel but more importantly it's a unique experience, watch the Sunrise Express video .  It could save a hotel bill too!  See the official Sunrise Express information page , in Japanese, translatable with Google Chrome, to see photo of each accommodation type and check current berth fees.

Travel tip:   Himeji is a popular destination, but the Sunrise Express arrives there very early westbound and leaves late at night eastbound.  Remember that with a Japan Rail Pass you can easily double back, leaving or boarding the train an hour away in Okayama at a more attractive time instead.  The useful Tokyo-Nagasaki sleeper train is long gone, and the Hokutosei   & Cassiopeia sleeper trains between Tokyo & Sapporo disappeared in late 2015/early 2016 with the expansion of high-speed shinkansen services to Hokkaido.

Travel tips

Ticket gates.

When entering (or leaving) the platform area at any principal Japanese station, you'll need to pass through a set of automatic ticket gates like the ones shown here.  To catch a shinkansen train you may need to pass through two sets of gates, the first to access the JR Lines platform area serving the classic network, then another to access the Shinkansen platforms.  The gates are usually open by default, they'll spring shut if you try to pass through without a ticket.  All gate lines have a staffed side-gate, and if you have an old-style Japan Rail Pass you'll need to use this.  Just flash your pass at the side gate and you'll be waved through.  However, Japan Rail Passes are now being issued in the same format as normal magnetic-stripe card tickets, and passes in this format will operate the gates.

Finding your platform, train & seat

Many visitors worry about language in Japan, but signs are in both Japanese and English and the system is so efficient and easy to use.  The photos below show how easy it is to find the right platform, stand in the right place for your car when the train comes in, and be sure you're getting on the right train.

Tip:   The board also tells you which cars are unreserved.  If you want to use Sakura 557 without a reservation, you can see that cars 1-3 are the non-reserved ones.

Luggage on Japanese trains

Luggage is no real problem on Japanese trains.  Within reason, you can take what you like, nobody weighs it, measures it or argues about it.  You simply take it with you onto the train and stick it on any suitable luggage rack.  The overhead racks on shinkansen trains take anything up to backpack size.  If you have a huge suitcase or don't want to lift heavy bags to the overhead rack, go to the back of your car and put your bags in the gap between the wall and the rearmost seats, as in the photo below right.

Rules for very large suitcases from 2020

Extra large luggage rules have applied to the Tokaido, Kyushu & Sanyo shinkansen lines since May 2020.  Passengers with very large suitcases over 160 linear centimetres (linear cm = length + width + depth) will have to reserve a place for their suitcase at the same time they reserve their shinkansen seat, it's free of charge.  But if they don't reserve, they face a ¥1,000 fine (about $8) on the train.  It will no longer be possible to travel in an unreserved seats car with very large suitcases.  The suitcases will go in behind the rear row of seats, or (when modifications are completed) in a new lockable luggage area which will replace some of the washbasins in designated cars.  Obviously, the 160cm cut-off means this won't affect backpacks or normal-sized luggage, just over-sized cases.  For more details see www.tsunagujapan.com/large-suitcases-shinkansen-policy .

Luggage lockers at stations

All principal stations have luggage lockers in various sizes in various locations.  Expect a small locker to start at around ¥300 or ¥400, and you'll need coins.  It's not usually difficult to find vacant lockers at any time of day.  Below right, arriving in Himeji at lunchtime it was no problem to find a vacant large locker which took two backpacks and a holdall for ¥700.  There's also a small staffed left luggage office at Tokyo station, inside the Marunouchi central entrance inside the JR Lines gated area.

Food on board:  Eki-ben

First the bad news.  Japanese trains don't have restaurant cars or even a bar car, just vending machines and in some cases a refreshment trolley.  The trolley on premier shinkansen trains such as Nozomi, Hikari, Mizuho or Sakura services sells tea, coffee, soft drinks, wine, beer, sake, snacks, small tubs of ice cream.  The trolley accepts both cash and credit cards.

Now the good news.  You can of course take your own food and drink onto Japanese trains, and one of the joys of Japanese train travel is the ekiben - eki meaning station, ben short for bento , meaning traditional Japanese packed lunch.  Ekiben is sold at ekiben shops found at all main stations, and also from the refreshment trolley on principal shinkansen services.  Ekiben comes in all sizes, shapes and qualities, but expect a decent large box to cost perhaps ¥800 bought at the station or ¥1,000 bought from the trolley on board a train.  The ekiben boxes include chopsticks and finger wipes.

If you want to buy ekiben from the shinkansen refreshment trolley, just ask the trolley lady - she'll show you pictures of the what she has available in a little laminated menu booklet, just point to the one you want.  You'll soon be a Black Belt in the ancient and honourable Japanese martial art of Eki-ben...

Power sockets & WiFi

You can reckon on finding power sockets for standard Japanese plugs at seats on almost all shinkansen and most limited expresses.  Free WiFi is now available on most shinkansen routes including the Tokaido, Sanyo & Tohoku lines.  Check your mobile provider for a data package for Japan, there is good mobile data reception along most shinkansen routes.  You'll also find JR Free WiFi at a key stations including Tokyo, Shinagawa, Nagoya, Kyoto & Shin-Osaka.

Tokyo station : See location map

Tokyo's main central station is shown as plain Tokyo in timetables.  Unlike most main stations worldwide, Tokyo station lacks a main entrance and main concourse.  It's something of a rabbit warren, but as most visitors end up there sooner or later, here are some tips.  You can read more about the station and its history at en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tokyo_Station .  It's the busiest station in Japan in terms of trains, though not in terms of passenger numbers.

The west side of the station is called the Marunouchi side , and it features the historic station building built in 1915 and now beautifully restored, with it's upper floors housing the wonderful Tokyo Station Hotel .  It's the quieter side of the station, close to the Imperial Palace.

There are Marunouchi North, Central & South entrances, each with a row of ticket gates to access the JR lines (classic network) platforms 1-10.  If you are catching a shinkansen, you'll need to pass through one of these gatelines and cross the JR Lines area to another set of ticket gates at the entrance to either the Tokaido/Sanyo shinkansen platforms 14-19 or the Joetsu, Tohoku, Hokuriku, Hokkaido/Yamagata & Akita shinkansen platforms 20-23.  It's all well-signed in English.

Which platform?

Tokyo station, marunouchi side, tokyo station, yaesu side.

Buying local tickets in Tokyo.   There's a row of ticket machines like this near every entrance to the platform area.

The yellow & green machines on the left sell Shinkansen & Limited Express reserved & unreserved tickets & reservation changes.

One-day metro & local train passes for Tokyo:   There are 1-day passes you can get to cover either metro trains or metro trains + JR local trains in the Tokyo area.  You need to clock up perhaps 5 or 6 journeys in a day to make one of these worthwhile.  See www.tokyometro.jp/en/ticket/value/1day .

The Tokyo Station Hotel : Check prices

The lovely 5-star Tokyo Station Hotel is another unique place to stay that deserves a special mention, even if (unlike capsule hotels) it's not a budget option!  The hotel occupies the 2nd & 3rd floors of the historic and beautifully-restored 1915 station building on the quieter Marunouchi side of Tokyo station.  Given that so many of Tokyo's classic hotels have been destroyed by earthquakes or wartime bombing then rebuilt as modern tower blocks, this has to be one of the most historically-interesting places to stay.  It's a luxurious and well-located choice, too, with a first-rate breakfast buffet served in the Atrium located inside the large central pitched roof above the 3rd floor.  And it's so handy for the trains.

Ryokans & capsule hotels

Any visit to Japan is a cultural experience.  Don't just stay in western hotels and visit the sights.  Make the places you stay part of the experience, by staying in a traditional Japanese ryokan, or even a capsule hotel.

Ryokans are traditional Japanese inns.  The rooms don't have beds, the floor is covered with tatami matting on which you place a bedroll.  You may be offered a hot cup of green Japanese tea when you first arrive.  You can sometimes find ryokans online on hotel booking sites such as www.booking.com .  The very best and most famous ryokans can be fabulously expensive, but cheaper ones can be a budget option.  Search for Ryokans in Tokyo .  Search for Ryokans in Kyoto .

In Kyoto, the excellent Gion Ryokan Q-Beh (pictured above) is 10-15 minutes walk from the Kyomizu-dera temple, 10 minutes walk from the Gion Geisha district.  It has budget dorm rooms and private rooms, and free WiFi.  The photos above show a family room with shower & toilet.

In Hiroshima, try the Chizuru Ryokan , 10 minutes walk from the Peace Park.

Capsule hotels

Another classic Japanese experience is to spend a night in a capsule hotel - which coincidentally is also a money-saving option for staying a night in the heart of Tokyo or another big city.  These are more civilised than you might think.

The hotel reception looks like any other hotel reception.  Remember to take your shoes off before you walk in, and place them in one of the lockers in the lobby.  Upstairs, there will probably be several floors of fibreglass sleeping capsules, each floor with its own locker room and shared showers.  You change in the locker room and put your clothes and bags into your locker.  Your capsule has radio, alarm clock and TV, and a screen or curtain pulls over the capsule entrance for privacy.  The main drawback is that the main clientele for these hotels is Japanese businessmen who have missed their last train home, so capsule hotels are usually male-only.  But capsule hotels for women do exist.  The pictures below show end-entry capsules, but some capsule hotels have side-entry types, and you'll now find some capsule hotels with larger, more hotel-style capsules too.

You can usually walk into a capsule hotel and ask for a bed for the night, but if you want to pre-book this unique experience, try the Capsulevalue Kanda in downtown Tokyo near Kanda station, one stop north of Tokyo station, a bed in downtown Tokyo for as little as ¥3,400 (about £26 or $32) per night.  Men and boys over 10 can stay there, but not women or children.

Haneda Airport to Tokyo

Emerging into the Haneda Airport International Arrivals hall, follow the signs to the Monorail which is just a few metres straight ahead of you. 

Narita Airport to Tokyo

Option1, narita express to tokyo main station, option 2, keisei skyliner from narita to ueno station, cheaper options, europe to japan by trans-siberian railway.

You can travel from London to Tokyo in just 12-14 days by Trans-Siberian Railway for roughly £800 in round figures.

Update 2024 :  War in Ukraine & sanctions on Russia currently make this route impractical.  Moscow-Beijing trains are suspended.

Option 1, via Vladivostok

- Travel from London to Moscow, see the London to Russia page .  This takes 48 hours using the Paris-Moscow Express .

- Take the Rossiya from Moscow to Vladivostok, this runs every second day taking 7 days, see the Trans-Siberian page . 

- Take the ferry from Vladivostok to Sakaiminato in Japan, sailing once a week taking 36 hours, see the Vladivostok-Japan ferry section .

Option 2, via Beijing & Shanghai

-  Travel from Moscow to Beijing on one of two weekly Trans-Siberian trains, taking 6 days, see the Trans-Siberian page . 

- Take an overnight or high-speed train from Beijing to Shanghai ( see the Beijing to Shanghai page ).

- Take one of the two weekly ferries from Shanghai to either Osaka or Kobe in Japan, see the China to Japan ferry section .

Going via Vladivostok is simpler to organise as you need fewer visas, but going via Beijing more varied and interesting, and the one I'd recommend.

Ferries between Japan & China, Korea, Vladivostok

For the weekly ferry from Sakaiminato in Japan to Vladivostok in Russia, see the Trans-Siberian page .

For ferries between Japan and Shanghai in China, see the China page .

For ferries between Japan and South Korea, see the Korea page .

Tours of Japan by train

If you want a tour agency to organise a tour of Japan for you with train travel, transfers & hotels included as a package, Railbookers specialise in train-based tours and have several suggested tours of Japan by rail, including Best of Japan, Scenic Japan and Golden Route of Japan.  These can be adjusted to your specification.

  UK call 0207 864 4600, www.railbookers.co.uk .

  us call free 1-888-829-4775, www.railbookers.com .,   canada call free 1-855-882-2910, www.railbookers.com .,   australia call toll-free 1300 971 526, www.railbookers.com.au .,   new zealand call toll-free 0800 000 554 or see website ..

Japan by Rail & Lonely Planet guides:  In the age of the internet, a printed guidebook may seem an unnecessary expense, but you'll see so much more and know so much more about it if you have a decent pocket guidebook.  The Trailblazer Japan by Rail guide is specifically aimed at train travel around Japan, with both city and train information - highly recommended!  Other than that, for the serious independent traveller, the best guidebooks to take are either the Lonely Planet or the Rough Guide.  I personally prefer the layout of the Lonely Planet, but others prefer the Rough Guides.  Both guidebooks provide excellent levels of both practical information and historical background. 

Click the images to buy online at Amazon.co.uk

Flights to japan.

Overland travel around Japan by train is an essential part of the experience, so once there, don't cheat and fly, stay on the ground!  But a long-haul flight might be unavoidable to reach Japan in the first place. 

1)  Check flight prices at Opodo, www.opodo.com

2)  use skyscanner to compare flight prices & routes worldwide across 600 airlines....

Travel insurance & other tips

Always take out travel insurance.

Never travel overseas without travel insurance from a reliable insurer, with at least £1m or preferably £5m medical cover.  It should also cover cancellation and loss of cash and belongings, up to a sensible limit.  An annual multi-trip policy is usually cheaper than several single-trip policies even for just 2 or 3 trips a year, I have an annual policy with Staysure.co.uk myself.  Here are some suggested insurers.  Seat61 gets a small commission if you buy through these links.

Get an eSIM with mobile data package

Don't rely on WiFi, download an eSIM with a mobile data package for the country you're visiting and stay connected.  Most newer mobile phones can download a virtual SIM card so you don't need to buy a physical SIM, including iPhone 11 & later, see device compatibility list .  Maya.net is a reliable eSIM data retailer with a 4.5 out of 5 Trustpilot rating and a range of packages including unlimited data .

Get a Curve card for foreign travel

Most banks give you a poor exchange rate, then add a foreign transaction fee on top.  A Curve MasterCard means no foreign transaction fees and gives you the mid-market exchange rate, at least up to a certain limit, £500 per month at time of writing.  The money you spend on your Curve card goes straight onto one of your existing debit or credit cards.

How it works:   1. Download the Curve app for iPhone or Android .  2. Enter your details & they'll send you a Curve MasterCard - they send to the UK and most European addresses.  3. Link your existing credit & debit cards to the app, you can link up to two cards with the free version of Curve, I link my normal debit card and my normal credit card.  4. Now use the Curve MasterCard to buy things online or in person or take cash from ATMs, exactly like a normal MasterCard. Curve does the currency conversion and puts the balance in your own currency onto whichever debit or credit card is currently selected in the Curve app.  You can even change your mind about which card it goes onto, within 14 days of the transaction.

I have a Curve Blue card myself, it means I can buy a coffee on a foreign station on a card without being stung by fees and lousy exchange rates, just by tapping the Curve card on their card reader.  The money goes through Curve to my normal debit card and is taken directly from my account (in fact I have the Curve card set up as payment card on Apple Pay on my iPhone, so can double-click my phone, let it do Face ID then tap the reader with the phone - even easier than digging a card out).  I get a little commission if you sign up to Curve, but I recommend it here because I think it's great.  See details, download the app and get a Curve card , they'll give you £5 cashback through that link.

Get a VPN for safe browsing.  W hy you need a VPN

When you're travelling you often use free WiFi in public places which may not be secure.  A VPN encrypts your connection so it's always secure, even on unsecured WiFi.  It also means you can select the geographic location of the IP address you browse with, to get around geoblocking which a surprising number of websites apply.  See VPNs & why you need one explained .  ExpressVPN is a best buy with a 4.7 out of 5 Trustpilot ranking which I use myself - I've signed up as an ExpressVPN affiliate, and if you go with expressvpn.com using the links on this page, you should see a special deal, 3 months free with an annual subscription.  I get a small commission to help support this site.

Carry an Anker powerbank

Tickets, reservations, vaccination records and Interrail or Eurail passes are often held digitally on your mobile phone, so it's vital to keep it charged.  I always carry an Anker powerbank which can recharge my phone several times over if I can't get to a power outlet.  Buy from Amazon.co.uk or from buy from Amazon.com .

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JRailPass.com » Japan Travel Blog » Train travel in Japan: a complete guide

Train travel in Japan: a complete guide

July 31, 2023

If you are planning a trip with the Japan Rail Pass, better be prepared! You will be riding Japanese trains quite often.

In Japan, railroads are the primary mode of passenger transportation , and they have been ever since the first passenger steam locomotives debuted in Japan during the Meiji Restoration in 1872.

There is 30,625 km of rail lines all over Japan and they carry more than 9 billion passengers per year. Due to the country’s extensive use of its rail system, 46 of the top 50 busiest stations in the world are located in Japan.

Most Japanese rail lines have a unique name, normally taken from one of the cities or regions along the route, which means that the system is incredibly easy to navigate (the line names are even indicated on the tickets!).

Even so, figuring out how to manage the Japanese transportation system might be somewhat of a challenge for some. With that in mind, we’ve created this complete guide to the train system in Japan to help solve any doubts regarding riding the densha (how you say train in Japanese!).

The Japanese train system

The railway system in Japan is so well developed, punctual, extensive and diverse that you can simply assume that wherever you plan to go – there is a train that will take you there.

The very first thing to know is that railway lines in Japan are not operated by a single company. Japanese National Railways , a government-owned company, used to be in charge of the entire rail network in Japan as well as everything associated with it.

However, In 1987, the JNR underwent privatization and was split into six independent rail companies:

• Hokkaido Railway Company
• East Japan Railway Company
• Central Japan Railway Company
• West Japan Railway Company
• Shikoku Railway Company
• Kyushu Railway Company

Together, they make up the Japan Railways Group, or JR Group. JR Group owns roughly 80% of the railroads , but the rest are privately owned companies.

Due to this, when reading the visual maps above any ticket-vending machine around Japan you will notice that some lines headed in the same direction have different prices. This is so because each company has its own price list.

You are free to select the company you wish. The Japan Rail Pass multi-use ticket is part of the National JR Group and the JR Pass can be used on the vast majority of main services!

For more information about the national, regional and local lines, please check our maps page.

Privately owned rail companies

There are dozens of private railway companies in Japan . Some operate just a single line, while others manage larger networks.

According to the Japan Private Railway Association, these are the major private railway companies currently operating in the country:

Greater Tokyo

• Keikyu – connects Tokyo with Yokohama and southern Kanagawa Prefecture
• Keio – manages a network of railway lines west of central Tokyo
• Keisei – operates lines from Tokyo to Chiba Prefecture, including one to Narita Airport
• Odakyu – runs 3 three lines from central Tokyo to the west and Kanagawa Prefecture
• Seibu – runs a network of lines in the suburbs west of central Tokyo
• Tobu – operates lines in Tokyo’s suburbs and prefectures to the north of the city
• Tokyu – oversees a network of lines in southern Tokyo

Greater Nagoya

• Meitetsu – runs a rail network around Nagoya that includes access to Central Japan Airport

Greater Osaka

• Hankyu – oversees lines in northern Osaka, connects Osaka with Kobe and Kyoto
• Hanshin – runs a line between Osaka and Kobe, as well as a few shorter branch lines
• Keihan – operates a main line that connects Osaka and Kyoto
• Kintetsu – manages the largest non-JR rail network, connecting Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Ise, and Nagoya
• Nankai – runs lines in southern Osaka and Wakayama Prefecture, facilitates access to Kansai Airport

Greater Fukuoka

• Nishitetsu – in charge of a network of lines in Fukuoka Prefecture

Combined, these companies operate over 2,870.1 kilometers of railways across Japan. However, remember that the JR Group controls over 20,135 km of lines in Japan , a far greater number, and that you can use the JR Pass on the majority of these services.

Types of trains in Japan

Following are the intercity and suburban Japanese train categories explained:

Shinkansen (Super Express)

Also known as bullet trains , these are the fastest transportation modes in Japan with very few stops (if any) in comparison to the rapid or local ones.

The Shinkansen run on separate tracks and platforms since their track gauge is completely different from the others. This is due to the line’s high-speed capabilities and overall construction.

A Super Express fee is required when boarding any of the bullet trains, in addition to the regular base fee. The price is usually between 800 and 8,000 yen, depending on your final destination.

Note : Shinkansen bullet trains are included in the Japan Rail Pass , which means that JR holders will not have to make any extra payments* when boarding this train during the validity of their pass.

*A surcharge and a special complementary ticket to the JR Pass are required to use the “Nozomi” and “Mizuho” train services (from October 1, 2023).

Limited Express trains

There are over a 100 different types of Limited Express trains, with a limited number of stops, so they only go to major Japanese stations. Similar to the Shinkansen, the Limited Express also requires an additional fee to be paid. The Japan Rail Pass does cover some of those trains, however not all of them. The extra cost can vary between 400 and 4,000 yens.

Express trains

Many of the Japanese Express trains have been stopped and upgraded to Limited Express or downgraded to Rapid. The JR Group operates the current Express trains, which means Japan Rail Pass holders can use them free of charge. All other passengers will be charged an additional fee.

The JR Pass also covers the main airport transfers , which are usually operated by express or limited express trains : Haneda International Airport ( Tokyo Monorail ), Narita International Airport ( Narita Express ), and Kansai International Airport ( Haruka Express ).

Rapid trains

Passengers will not be charged any extra fees when boarding a rapid train. A single train ride costs equally to one local train ride. The only difference is that rapid trains skip a few stops in comparison to the local one, which makes their time of arrival notably shorter.

Local trains

To ride a local train you will need to buy a regular ticket. No extra fee will be required. Local trains can either go from point A to point B or run at loop lines in both directions (like the Yamanote line in Tokyo or the Osaka loop line ), stopping at all stations. It is recommended not to take these trains for long distances as they are some of the slowest and least spacious in Japan.

Special trains

While most trains are geared toward commuting or business travel, there are many trains that are designed for tourists. In Japan, this type of train is broadly referred to as joyful trains .

The most popular trains are the various steam trains that run on more scenic lines. These mostly run on weekends and holidays and many operate only in the summer months. Many of them called character trains have been given unique designs to attract visitors to scenic locations.

This started with trains featuring characters popular with children, but more recently, prominent industrial designers have been recruited to design unique trains more appealing to adults.

One of the most recent tourist trains to debut in Japan is Kyushu’s 3.5- hour Coto Coto rolling restaurant train, launched in 2019.

Train tickets in Japan

Before explaining the ticket-buying process, let us focus on the train ticket options you will have with the different companies and services (you can also read our article about Train tickets in Japan for more detailed information):

The Japan Rail Pass

With the JR Pass , you can choose between a 7, 14 and 21-day pass, giving you access to all Japan Railways Group (JR) trains, buses, and ferry services available throughout Japan.

Book your Japan Rail Pass now

Standard train tickets

These are the regular tickets that will take you from point A to point B. For short distances, it is easier to purchase them from the ticket machines, which you can find easily on any platform.

IC cards  are prepaid rechargeable transportation cards, which can be used to pay your train or bus fare – similar to the London Oyster card, for example. Pasmo and Suica are the most popular transportation cards in Tokyo.

What is more, there is an increasing number of shops and restaurants where travelers can use an IC card to make a contactless payment.

Note : Please keep in mind that each Japanese city has its own prepaid travel card. The good news is that they are interchangeable, which means you can use your Tokyo Suica card on the Kyoto metro.

City passes

Many Japanese cities offer city passes that grant 24h unlimited access to any of the city transportation means such as trains, trams, buses, and metro. Such passes are also referred to as Day Pass. You can purchase them at a ticket counter in any of Japan’s big cities: Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Sapporo, Nagoya, Hiroshima and more.

How to buy individual train tickets

Tickets for short-distance trips are sold at vending machines, whereas tickets for long-distance trips can be purchased at ticket counters.

First-timers might be puzzled by the typical Japanese ticket machines as grasping how to buy a ticket right from the beginning is not always easy. Don’t be scared! Here is our step-by-step guide to managing the Japanese ticket vending machines:

How to use the ticket vending machines

• Locate the ticket vending area at your station. Typically there will be a big map above it.
• Take a look at the map and find the name of your final destination. Tip :  The station you are currently at will be written with larger letters (usually red) and in some occasions indicated by a red arrow (“You are here” style). The map displays the names of the stations in both Japanese and English together with the price to get to each destination.
• Once you know how much your trip will cost you, take a look at the machine screen.
• Tap the “English” button on the top right corner of the screen for an English translation of the process.
• One the left hand-side of the screen select the number of passengers.
• If your final destination costs 200 ¥ (for example), select 200 on the screen (usually, you don’t choose the name of your destination but the price to get there).
• You can also insert coins/notes first. If you have added 200 (¥), the screen will highlight in green the options for this amount.
• Once you have selected the amount and inserted it, your ticket will be immediately printed and you will be given your  change (if any).

Even though it might seem complicated or too unfamiliar at first, don’t be discouraged. The second try will already be easier!

Note : Keep your ticket with you until the end of your trip. You will need it to get out at your destination station.

How to reserve train seats on Japanese trains

All Japan Rail Pass holders are entitled to free seat reservations . If you are a JR Pass holder, you can simply go to any of the ticket offices located at the stations, specify which train you are planning to take and that is all. You will be given a confirmation of your seat reservation within seconds.

The procedure is the same for passengers with no Japan Rail Passes. However, they will have to pay an extra fee. The exact amount depends on the selected type of train and class.

Note : Always remember that Japanese trains are punctual to the second. If you have a seat reservation, make sure to be at the station in advance.

Getting around Japanese train stations

Japan Rail Pass holders enter the train platforms at the station from a different gate than those with standard train tickets. To enter, JR Pass travelers should go to the glass booth located next to the gates  and show their JR Pass (and passport, if required) to the staff.

When at the station waiting for your train, there are a few things you need to keep in mind:

• Follow the queue like the Japanese do.
• Make sure to check which is your track before boarding, as sometimes more than one train leaves from the same platform.
• All the indications you need will be displayed on the monitors in both Japanese and English.
• Stand in a straight line. Personal space and waiting behavior matter to the Japanese!
• Follow the example of the Japanese when entering the train by first letting everyone get out.

Note : for more information about stations, please refer to our complete guide about Japanese train stations .

Where to store your luggage

Riding the trains with large suitcases is not recommended as there is little storage space provided on most trains. This excludes the Narita Express, which will take you to and from Narita Airport to central Tokyo, and the Haruka train. Both are well equipped for large luggage, however, the rest of the trains are not.

Shinkansen trains offer overhead storage compartments for regular luggage. Also,  there is space behind the last row of seats of each car. However, this space is limited, and there is no guarantee it will be available.

Check the Japan Railways regulations for Shinkansen luggage for full specifications.

Note : for more information about transporting luggage, please refer to our guide about  luggage forwarding and coin lockers .

Other travel tips

It is important to understand that the Japanese follow a strict etiquette in public and especially when riding a train or taking a bus. Always bear in mind that speaking on the phone is not accepted, as you are disturbing those who surround you.

Listening to loud music, placing your bags on the seat next to you or not giving it up to the elderly, sick or pregnant is practically forbidden.

A final recommendation will be to enjoy to the fullest your time in Japan but always to be mindful of those around you.

Cover photo – Local train next to Ueno Station (Tokyo) – By @chucknado (Flickr)

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Getting Around Japan: A Complete Guide to Train Travel

Japan’s railway system, including its world-renowned shinkansen (bullet train), is famously clean, safe, modern, and efficient. But to a first-time visitor, getting around Japan can also seem a bit confusing — especially at first.

Don’t worry if the idea of navigating Japan by train feels a little overwhelming to you now. After you read this introductory guide to train travel in Japan, you’ll be ready to:

• Use an IC transport card to navigate the Tokyo Metro subways (and buy drinks at vending machines)
• Understand the difference between Japan Railways (JR) and other railway companies operating throughout the country
• Purchase train tickets — and avoid some of the most common mistakes most travelers make –– including how to read shinkansen timetable
• Decide whether to reserve ordinary, Green Car, or Gran Class seats
• Map out your travel plans utilizing a combination of shinkansen , limited express trains, and local trains

There’s no shame in feeling daunted by Japan’s extensive network of trains and rail operators, veritable web of stations, and dozens of different types of trains. But after experiencing Japan’s wonderful rail system for yourself, you’ll find it’s an absolute joy to travel by train in Japan!

Also, as if it weren’t enough that the trains are spotless (and run on time), it’s also worth remembering that Japanese people are extraordinarily helpful. If you are ever lost or in doubt, simply find the nearest station attendant and ask for help — unlike in many countries, they’ll actually be happy to assist (one of the many amazing things about Japan )!

Guide to Train Travel in Japan

If you’re not sure where to begin, we suggest starting at the top. But if you’re wondering about a specific topic, refer to the Table of Contents below:

Types of Trains (Train Categories)

Ic cards (refillable transport passes), how to buy train tickets in japan, how to use train tickets in japan, planning your journey (and japan travel apps), useful rail and transport passes, non-train travel in japan.

Let’s be honest: The terminology below may not sink in for you immediately, but as you read the rest of this article, it should come in handy.

In Japan, as in any other country with a robust rail network, there are various types of trains, ranging from slower to faster. The classifications can get painfully specific in Japan, but for most travelers, it’s not necessary to get into excessive detail.

To avoid overwhelming you, here is a brief summary of the main types of trains you will encounter while traveling around Japan, in order of relative speed:

• Express (急行)
• Limited Express (特急) / Special Express (特急)
• Shinkansen (Bullet Train) (新幹線)

If you want to nerd out, here is an excellent guide to the various types of trains in Japan .

You don’t need to do anything with this information yet. Just keep this in mind as we proceed. All aboard!

Let’s start with the single easiest “travel hack” that will make your trip to Japan smoother and more pleasant: obtaining an IC card.

If there is one thing you can do to make exploring a city easy, it’s getting that city’s version of a transit card. Some well-known examples include London’s Oyster card, Hong Kong’s Octopus card, and New York City’s MetroCard.

In most ways, Japan’s IC cards put them all to shame.

IC cards are rechargeable passes that you can use to pay fares on public transportation. You can also use them to buy drinks and snacks at most conbini (convenience stores) and vending machines.

Japan’s IC cards come by different names across Japan, with several regional variants. Most travelers to Japan are likely to come into contact with the Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA cards, but they are essentially all interchangeable.

For example, if you have a PASMO (issued by Tokyo Metro), you can still use it on trains in other cities (for example, in Osaka). Or say you have an ICOCA (issued by JR West, where Kyoto and Osaka are located): Fear not, as you can use it elsewhere, including in Tokyo, for example.

Imagine being able to use your New York MetroCard in Boston or San Francisco!

You don’t strictly need an IC card. If you prefer inconvenience (why?!), you could simply buy tickets each time you need to hop on the subway.

But if you favor simplicity and ease of travel, an IC card is essential. With an IC card, you can explore much more freely, seamlessly switching between trains and buses, and even different railway companies.

IC cards are also easy to refill. On occasion, you may reach the end of your journey, perhaps after an evening exploring Tokyo nightlife , only to find that you don’t have enough credit to exit the station.

Don’t worry! There are always “fare-adjustment” machines in the vicinity of the ticket gates, where you can top up as needed.

IC cards are ideal for short-distance travel and an essential part of getting around within cities in Japan. Referring back to the types of trains introduced above, IC cards are generally useful for these types of trains:

But for the following types of trains — this includes longer journeys and most intercity travel — you’ll need train tickets, or a rail pass:

Do You Need the Japan Rail Pass?

One of the most persistent myths about traveling in Japan is that the Japan Rail Pass is a must. We won’t bore you with all the details, but the short answer is that it’s not.

Yes, it’s true that the Japan Rail Pass can be the best option in certain circumstances (and it’s often ideal for budget travelers). But for travelers who prioritize convenience and comfort, the Japan Rail Pass is rarely the best option.

For more information on its pros and cons, check out our Japan Rail Pass guide .

Where to Buy Train Tickets in Japan

The easiest place to purchase train tickets is typically at your local station. In Japan, there are countless railway companies, with routes crisscrossing the country. But one railway company stands above them all: Japan Railways .

While traveling around Japan, it is likely you’ll come across other companies including Tokyo Metro, Keikyu, Odakyu, Tokyu, Hankyu, Kintetsu, and many others. But for most long-distance trips — including via the shinkansen (bullet train) — you’ll be on JR.

In major cities, most large stations have a ticket office (at JR stations, they’re called Midori no Madoguchi ) where you can speak with an agent to purchase the tickets you need. While you may feel daunted by the Japanese language barrier , most ticket agents are used to helping non-Japanese speakers, so don’t worry!

If you’d rather try your luck at an automated ticket machine, there is usually an option to go through the process in English. JR West has a useful video and visual guide to purchasing train tickets .

Types of Train Tickets in Japan

Now that you’re ready to buy your tickets, a little train ticket terminology may help you make the right choices.

Reserved Versus Non-Reserved Tickets

If you’re traveling solo, or on a tight budget, then you may want to consider non-reserved seats.

Most bullet trains have a few non-reserved carriages, and finding a seat is usually not too challenging — provided you’re traveling on a busy route with frequent trains, it’s not peak season, and your travel party is small (naturally, if you’re traveling in a party of two people or more, you may not be able to sit together).

For most travelers, reserved seats are the way to go.

Classes of Service: Ordinary, Green Car, and Gran Class

Even ordinary class in Japan is of a very high standard, but if you’re looking for a bit of extra comfort, you may want to consider splurging on Green Car or Gran Class seats.

As you might expect, ordinary car seats are clean (the usual, in Japan), and they’re also surprisingly spacious. But if you’re looking for more space, consider springing for Green Car. In the Green Car, you have a bit more space (ordinary class seats are laid out in 3×2 configurations, while Green Car seats are 2×2).

Generally speaking, even ordinary car seats have electrical outlets, but on the whole, the higher-category seats are most likely to have electrical outlets and heated seats (it can vary by train).

We recommend browsing for ekiben (bento boxes designed for train travel) before departure. In most stations, you’ll find a colorful array of fresh, beautifully packaged meals to enjoy on the train, including local and seasonal specialties.

As for Gran Class: This is a whole different experience altogether. Gran Class cars have their own attendant, and come with lovely bento lunch boxes, and unlimited drinks (including beer, sparkling wine, sake , Japanese whisky , and more). The seats are also extra plush and spacious.

Unfortunately, most bullet trains don’t yet have Gran Class carriages, but more are being added to cater to demand!

For “advanced studies,” check out JR East’s detailed chart on the various types of tickets .

You have tickets in your hand. Now what?

Japan Train Ticket Dos and Don’ts

Tip 1: hold onto — i.e., don’t lose — your ticket(s).

This is not the New York subway! When riding trains in Japan, you always need your tickets for the whole journey.

Here’s how it works:

• When entering the station, insert your ticket at the ticket gate. It will pop back up at the other end almost immediately.
• Walk through the open gate and retrieve your ticket.
• At the end of your journey, insert your ticket into the exit ticket gate.
• This time, you can walk right through (your ticket stays in the machine).

The general rule is: If you haven’t left a station yet, you should still have your ticket on you.

Warning: If you get to the end of your journey and you’ve lost your ticket, there’s a good chance you’ll be asked to pay for the entire journey again.

Another reason you shouldn’t lose your ticket: Train attendants may ask to see your ticket while you’re on the train, so keep it handy.

Tip 2: Deal With Multiple Tickets

This is something that probably won’t make sense to you until you get to Japan … and then you’ll see what we mean!

For many long-distance journeys — for example, on the shinkansen or limited express trains — you’ll be provided with more than one ticket.

One of them is a joshaken (乗車券), or “base fare ticket,” which is essentially the basic fare from point A to point B. The other is a tokkyuken (特急券), or “special fare ticket,” which tells the ticket machine or agent that you’ve paid for the privilege of riding an extra-fast train, such as a bullet train or an express train.

You need both tickets!

The counterintuitive part for most travelers is what to do when passing through the ticket gates. Which ticket do you insert? The answer is both, simultaneously.

Simply insert both tickets into the gate at the same time. The machine will automatically process the tickets, and one or both will pop out at the other end. Retrieve the ticket(s) and proceed to your train.

Then remember tip 1 above. When you reach your destination, you’ll once more put the ticket(s) into the exit ticket gate to be on your merry way.

If you’re ever in doubt, simply ask a station attendant for help!

Tip 3: Know Your Train Number

Your train ticket contains a plethora of information, and much of it may be undecipherable if you don’t read Japanese. But you’ll also find plenty of useful information here, including travel times, plus your train and seat number.

After reaching your departure train’s platform, you’ll want to go ahead and make your way to the proper boarding point. Train and bullet train doors always open at the right place on the platform, and you’ll see car numbers labeled clearly on signs above and on the floor in front of the train doors.

When it comes to shinkansen platforms, keep in mind that they’re extremely long, so it’s not a bad idea to head to your boarding spot a little early … walking from one end of the platform to the other can take as long as 10 minutes or more.

Once you reach your spot, enjoy the delightfully orderly queues before boarding the train and finding your seat.

Of course, the easiest way to plan your travels is by asking an expert: whether a friend in Japan, a ticket agent, or a company such as Boutique Japan.

But if you prefer to do all the legwork yourself, there are some really helpful travel apps we recommend.

Useful Train Travel Apps for Japan

Navitime is one of the most popular route planners for visitors to Japan. Search routes in detail, and compare timetables to plan your perfect train trip. Along with the useful website functionality, Navitime also offers an app, which some travelers may prefer.

Like Navitime, Jorudan is a powerful transport app, which offers similar functions. Some people prefer Navitime and others prefer Jorudan. Both are reliable, so try them both and see which one feels more intuitive to you.

Google Maps

While not quite as robust as Navitime or Jorudan when it comes to detailed routes and timetables, Google Maps is still a handy reference tool. It’s also ideal for navigating within a city, as you can compare train times versus estimated travel times via other means (such as taxi or walking).

If you plan to use travel apps, make sure you have reliable Wi-Fi in Japan , too!

Navigating the Subway and Local Trains

The apps mentioned above are great for planning, but what if you’re already at the station — and don’t have Wi-Fi? The best thing to do is probably ask a station attendant, but if you want to map out your own trip, here are some basic tips to keep in mind:

• Determine whether your destination station is a local-only stop, or whether express trains stop there. Train maps will have a color-coded legend, and you can tell which trains (local versus express) stop at which stations.
• Make your way to the departure platform, and consult the signs above to ensure you board the correct type of train. If you’re not sure, ask someone! Most people will be happy to help.
• When the train arrives, make sure it is the train you want. Again, if you’re not sure, don’t hesitate to ask a stranger!

In addition to the famous Japan Rail Pass (mentioned above), many cities and regions in Japan have their own rail and transport passes local to their own area.

They vary by pass, providing unlimited travel over a set period of time in a given region, and might include a round trip to a particular station.

There are too many to list in detail here, but we like the following passes for their ease and convenience in their respective areas.

Tokyo Transport Passes

• Tokyo Metro 24-hour Ticket (600 JPY): Unlimited rides for 24 hours on the Tokyo Metro underground. You’ll recoup the cost with three or four rides on the subway.
• Common One-Day Ticket for Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway (900 JPY): Unlimited rides on both subway lines for 24 hours.
• Tokyo Combination Ticket (1,590 JPY): Unlimited rides on Tokyo Metro, Toei Subway, and JR Lines. Valid only on the same day. If you’re traveling extensively around central Tokyo in a single day, this is a good pass to get.

Kansai (Kyoto and Osaka) Transport Passes

• Kyoto City Bus and Kyoto Bus One-Day Pass : With only two subway lines in Kyoto, there’s much in the city that’s accessible only by bus. Most people who rely on public transportation will ride the city buses. At 230 JPY per ride, you recoup the 600 JPY pass in just three rides.
• Subway, Bus One-Day (Two-Day) Pass : Gives you unlimited bus and subway rides within the central Kyoto area. Available in one- or two-day versions.
• Osaka 1-day or 2-day pass: Gives you unlimited rides on the Osaka Metro and Osaka City Bus for one or two days.

Other Destinations

• Hakone Freepass : Whether you choose the 2-day or 3-day pass, this gives you unlimited rides throughout the Hakone area on almost any mode of transport: trains, cable cars, buses, and even the sightseeing cruise boat. You can choose to include a round-trip ticket from Shinjuku Station to Odawara Station.
• Koyasan World Heritage Pass : Valid for two consecutive calendar days, this rail pass gives you a round trip to Mount Koya from one of Osaka’s Nankai Railway stations (such as Namba Station), along with unlimited bus travel on Mount Koya.

While Japan does have an extensive train network, other forms of public transportation aren’t too shabby either. You’ll find buses in most major cities, and some more remote areas in rural Japan are accessible only by bus.

When in major cities, it is incredibly easy to hail a cab. Find a main road rather than a quiet side street, and chances are that a taxi will come drifting past.

Don’t bet on always being able to use ride-sharing apps such as Uber in Japan — due to a strong taxi industry lobby, these companies haven’t made significant inroads into the country. But given the quality of Japanese taxi services — the cars are clean, and the drivers unfailingly polite — we don’t miss ride-sharing apps in cities here. Much.

You can go to most places in Japan by train. Sometimes, though, the travel time and number of transfers make it more trouble than it’s worth.

A good rule: If your train journey looks like it’s going to be more than four to six hours and isn’t a direct train, and you have the option to take a domestic flight, just do it.

Ferries are a more unorthodox but fun way to travel in Japan. It’s an interesting option to look into if you’re keen on traveling to more remote parts of the country — especially if you like slow travel, and have good sea legs!

Need more reasons to get excited about exploring Japan by train? Don’t miss our article on the best time of year to visit Japan .

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UPDATED! Japan Rail Pass: The Ultimate Guide (2024 Edition)

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Download my "Essential Japan Rail Pass" checklist:

Selecting a start date for the Pass

When you exchange your voucher for the actual pass, you can select any start date provided it is within one month from the day you exchange . Note: once the actual pass is issued, the start date cannot be changed. 

If you purchase passes through the official JR website you will need to select the start date of the passes at the time of purchase, and again, the start date cannot be changed later.

Where can I activate my Japan Rail Pass?

For Japan Rail Passes purchased in advance outside of Japan, you need to activate them at an exchange office after arriving in Japan . Exchange offices can be found in several major train stations and airports.

The official JR Pass website has a complete list of exchange offices here: https://japanrailpass.net/en/exchange.html .

How to make seat reservations

Seat reservations are free with the Japan Rail Pass . After exchanging your voucher for the actual pass, you can make seat reservations for JR trains for free at ticket machines or ticket offices across Japan. Note: reservations cannot be made on board trains.

The official Japan Rail Pass website includes a list of all of the exchange offices: https://japanrailpass.net/en/exchange.html .

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GUIDE Japan Rail Pass The JR Pass, a convenient and affordable way to travel Japan by train

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Make the most of your trip to Japan with a JR Pass

The Japan Rail (JR) Pass is a deal offered exclusively to foreign visitors traveling in Japan under temporary visitor status. It allows you to pretty much take unlimited rides on the JR network throughout Japan. Since the JR Pass was first created, the shinkansen (bullet train) network has greatly expanded, and now it's possible to ride the shinkansen all the way from Hokkaido to Kyushu.

From October 1st, 2023, a regular seven-day adult pass costs 50,000 yen, while those looking for a little more luxury can buy a Green Car (first class) pass from 70,000 yen. The 14-day regular adult pass is 80,000 yen, while the regular 21-day pass costs 100,000 yen.

Kids' passes are reduced by 50 percent for children aged between 6 and 11.

The shinkansen is one of the fastest, most convenient ways to get around Japan

What is covered?

Outside urban centers such as Tokyo and Osaka, the pass is best used to cover distance, as it does not include municipal subways and private suburban lines. With thousands of kilometers of track, the JR network connects you to attractions across Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu, the four main islands of Japan.

The pass allows you to ride many local buses operated by JR as well, including the tourist loop bus in Hiroshima, JR Hokkaido buses around Sapporo, and the local bus to Kusatsu Onsen. You can even ride the JR West Miyajima ferry, which operates from Miyajimaguchi, Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima and Miyajima.

NOTICE: Miyajima Visitor Tax

• From October 2023, visitors to Miyajima will be required to pay the Miyajima Visitor Tax. Please show your JR Pass at the service window of the JR West Miyajima Ferry and then pay the Miyajima Visitor Tax separately. https://another1000years-miyajima.jp/en/visitortax/index.html

The Japan Rail Pass makes plenty of famous attractions accessible, allows for easy and convenient travel across the country, and can save you money on your travels. Aside from discounted travel, some tourist facilities also offer special discounts or other benefits when you show your JR Pass.

What isn't covered?

There are some important exceptions you should know before deciding to buy a pass or not. For instance, the JR pass does not include rides on the Nozomi (the fastest service on the Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen route) or Mizuho trains (fastest on the Sanyo-Kyushu Shinkansen route). If you're traveling on these lines, be careful which trains you board, as passengers who ride the Nozomi and Mizuho with a JR Pass will have to buy an additional ticket before boarding. However, purchasing these additional tickets includes added benefits, like being able to ride from Tokyo to Hiroshima without changing trains, for example.

In cities like Tokyo, the pass doesn't give you access to the subway and metro lines, so you might find it a little inconvenient if you will spend most of your time in one major urban area. Many of the major attractions have JR stations nearby, but if you find a quicker or more convenient route on the subway, you will have to pay extra. Using a pre-paid IC travel card, though, is a convenient way to make use of both private railways and JR lines. However, some suburban "liner" express trains on the JR network, aren't included either, and passengers need a special separate ticket to board them.

It's also important to note that Japanese railroad networks can be extremely complex, so sometimes JR trains will also use private railway tracks. In these cases (as well as those involving JR express buses), additional fees may apply.

How do I get a JR Pass?

How do I use it?

When you arrive to Japan, you can pick up your pass or exchange your voucher at a designated pickup location. Make sure to have your passport, temporary visitor stamp or sticker and your exchange order or reservation number ready before you arrive at the counter to ensure a smooth exchange. Once you receive your JR Pass, you can start using the trains. The JR Pass itself is your ticket, and you can sit in any of the available seats of the non-reserved seat cars except when you reserve a seat, in which case you are issued a seat ticket.

You can make reservations on most shinkansen and other long-distance travel (like limited express trains) for no extra cost with your JR Pass. Making seat reservations is a good idea, especially if you're traveling during peak times and seasons, or riding the first or last trains of the day.

Some trains, including the fastest shinkansen like the Hayabusa (Tohoku Shinkansen), and Kagayaki (Hokuriku Shinkansen), certain limited express trains and some popular sightseeing trains don't offer non-reserved seats, so seat reservations are mandatory. Seat selection is generally not available on local and urban trains, but some quick web research will help you to confirm.

JR Pass holders can now use the automatic gates at stations when available, and if you have additional tickets you can stack them and feed them into the machine at once.

Travel tip: if traveling in the direction of Kyoto and Osaka from Tokyo on the shinkansen, reserve a window seat on the right for a view of Mt. Fuji.

So, should I buy it?

If you're hoping to cover a lot of ground, want to use the shinkansen for day trips, or even if you'd prefer to avoid air travel, toll roads, highways, and long-distance buses, the JR Pass might be a good investment. However, if you choose to spend most of your time exploring Tokyo or Osaka, it may be wise to look into subway passes, or area rail passes.

The potential disadvantage to owning a JR Pass might be trying to squeeze too much into your itinerary to maximize your discount or, the opposite: buying a pass and not using it to its full potential. Both of these scenarios can be avoided with a little planning.

Even rural spots are within reach

JR Pass alternatives

Regional JR passes offer unlimited rides in specific areas. If you plan to travel extensively through Western Japan (Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, etc.), consider JR-West Rail Passes. If you'd like to focus your travel on the eastern parts (Tokyo, Nagano, Niigata, and Tohoku), look into the JR East Pass.

The latest information may differ, so please check the official website.

* The information on this page may be subject to change due to COVID-19.

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Guide to Japanese Train Tickets

Below is a list of the various railway tickets available in Japan:

Regular tickets simply get you from A to B. Our page about regular train tickets provides an introduction to the various fares and fees, such as the base fare and limited express fee, and the rules for using tickets. Read more...

IC cards are prepaid rechargeable stored value cards that can be used to pay the fare for trains and buses. There are ten major IC cards, including Suica and Icoca, that are interchangeably usable in most major cities in Japan. Furthermore, there are several minor IC cards whose usability is limited to local areas. IC cards can also be used for making purchases at many shops and restaurants across Japan. Read more...

Rail passes entitle their holders to unlimited usage of trains in a designated area. There is a variety of nationwide and regional rail passes available in Japan. The most famous of them all is the nationwide Japan Rail Pass , but other rail passes can be more suitable, depending on your itinerary. View a list of rail passes...

Passes for unlimited city travel on subways, trams, trains and buses on one day and similar tickets are offered in many cities across Japan . Take a look at the "Passes and Tickets" section at the bottom of the following city pages:

Tour packages combine transportation and accommodation at big discounts to individual or group travelers. They are offered by travel agencies inside and outside of Japan, including the railway companies themselves.

Discount ticket shops purchase large amounts of discounted tickets and re-sell them to individual shoppers at prices which are typically around five percent below the cost of regular tickets. Discount ticket shops can be found around major railway stations.

Questions? Ask in our forum .

How High-Speed Rail Transformed Japan

T he Shinkansen, Japanese for "bullet train," forever changed transportation in Japan and in nearly two dozen countries around the world.

Japan's high-speed rail journey began in 1964, just before the Tokyo Olympics , with the opening of the Tokaido Shinkansen. This line connected the capital city with Osaka, covering 320 miles and revolutionizing rail travel by significantly shortening the journey, now reduced to 2.5 hours.

Today, Japan 's nearly 2,000 miles of track connect major cities across three of the country's four main islands: Honshu, Kyushu, and Hokkaido. The high-speed rail network is the second most extensive in Asia among the top contenders globally.

The Tokaido Shinkansen was the first and remains the busiest line. Other key routes include the Sanyo Shinkansen, connecting Kansai with the western Chugoku region; the Tohoku Shinkansen, stretching from Kanto to the northern Tohoku region; the Joetsu Shinkansen, linking Kanto and the Chubu region on Honshu's west coast; and the Kyushu Shinkansen, which serves Japan's southwesternmost island of Kyushu.

The fastest train currently in operation in the archipelagic country is the Hayabusa Shinkansen, which runs on the Tohoku and Hokkaido lines, reaching speeds of up to 199 miles per hour.

A train is generally considered high-speed if it travels at least 124 mph on upgraded tracks or 155 mph on new tracks. Over 20 countries now have high-speed rail networks, including several in Europe and East Asia, as well as Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Uzbekistan.

Shinkansen trains transport approximately 150 million passengers per year. Remarkably, no passengers have been killed in 60 years of operation.

"The Shinkansen is a whole system, based on ensuring a safe reliable service," Christopher Hood, reader in Japanese studies at Wales' Cardiff University and author of Shinkansen : From Bullet Train to Symbol of Modern Japan, told Newsweek.

Contributing to passengers' safety, the Shinkansen boasts a specially designed signaling system tracking other trains at all times, enabling them to avoid collisions.

And instead of being powered by a single locomotive, many of a Shinkansen's carriages are equipped with an engine in case one malfunctions, adding to their reliability. "Alongside the technology and improvements in designs to trains, the staff are highly trained and work to ensure there's a good service," Hood told Newsweek .

The Central Japan Railway Company (JR Central), which operates the Tokaido Shinkansen, is set to reclaim for Japan the bragging rights of having the world's fastest train for Japan with its L0 Series Maglev—which has been clocked at 375 mph during testing.

Superconducting magnetic levitation technology provides the train with less resistance and greater stability than older electromagnetic suspension systems. It is expected to enter service in 2027.

Japan's neighbors have also made strides in high-speed rail. South Korea launched its first high-speed rail line, the Seoul-Busan line, in 2004 and now has two operators and four lines totaling 542 miles. Taiwan's high-speed railway, operational since 2007, spans 217 miles of track to connect the island's north and south.

China, meanwhile, has built up the world's largest high-speed railway network in just two decades.

Japan's high-speed rail success may offer a valuable lesson to the U.S., which has for decades struggled to expand its own rail infrastructure.

Reports emerged in April that the Biden administration seeks to jump-start a high-speed rail project that would see Japanese bullet trains ferrying passengers between the Texas metropolises of Houston and Dallas.

Update 8/1/24, 1:30 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with a comment from Dr. Christopher Hood.

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The Best, Worst, and Most Affordable Times to Visit Japan

Whether you want to see the cherry blossoms or avoid the crowds, here's when to plan your next trip to Japan.

Frank Lukasseck / Getty Images

Suppose you're interested in shrine-hopping in Kyoto, seeing the cherry blossoms in bloom across Japan, or simply gazing at the country's stunning fall foliage. In that case, you'll want to plan your trip carefully, since the best time to visit Japan depends entirely on what you want to do there. To avoid the crowds, arrive during the less popular rainy season from June to mid-July or during the winter when prices tend to be lower. Head to Tokyo Disney Resort in spring and fall for fewer visitors and decent weather, or follow the seasonal nature of ingredients and menus around Japan for the perfect foodie vacation.

Here's a look at the country's main tourist seasons:

• High Season: Mid-March to mid-May and September to mid-November
• Shoulder Seasons:  Late May to August and late November to December
• Low Season:  January to early March

Whether you want a snowy getaway in Hokkaido, a beach vacation in Okinawa, or a photography trip to capture the city lights of Tokyo, these are the best times to plan your dream trip to Japan.

Best Times to Visit for Smaller Crowds

Visitors from all over the world come to Japan to admire the cherry blossoms, so it should come as no surprise that Sakura season (late March to April) marks the busiest time for tourism. Domestic travelers also take advantage of Golden Week, a series of four national holidays in Japan, from April 29 to May 5. You'll want to avoid visiting the country during that time unless you meticulously plan ahead, as trains, hotels, and sightseeing spots can often be overcrowded or sold out entirely. Stunning foliage tends to draw crowds in autumn, especially when the leaves reach their colorful peak, typically from mid-November to early December.

If you're looking to avoid the crowds, visit during the rainy season, which usually begins in June and lasts until mid-July. Though this period tends to be humid and drizzly, it's one of the best times to enjoy popular tourist attractions without the masses. Japan also tends to be quieter between January and March, making it a perfect time to pair sightseeing with snow sports — and relaxing soaks at the nearest onsen (hot spring).

Best Times to Visit for Good Weather

Japan, while not an especially large country, is surprisingly varied when it comes to weather. Frigid winters at the northernmost tip of Hokkaido make the subtropical islands of southern Okinawa seem worlds away. The rainy season runs from early June to mid-July throughout most of the country — Tokyo included — except in Okinawa where showers begin in early May. In Hokkaido, summertime brings mild temperatures and blue skies.

If you aren't hitting the ski slopes, March to May and September to November are generally considered the best times to visit Japan for pleasant weather. That's when travelers can find the iconic cherry blossoms, or, in the fall, vivid autumnal leaves. During these two seasons, rainfall is minimal, skies are clear, and temperatures are mild, ranging from 40 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit most days, depending on where you are.

For those who are not averse to heat and humidity, summer brings a different tempo to Japan. It's the perfect time of year for exploring nature — ideally, somewhere cool up a mountain or as far north as possible. The lusciously cooler climes of Hokkaido are heaven in the summer, with rainbow-bright flower fields and opportunities for countless outdoor activities, from hiking to horseback riding.

In the winter, the northernmost prefecture of Hokkaido is undeniably the best place to ski or snowboard. That said, some areas outside Tokyo, such as Niigata, are only a Shinkansen (bullet train) ride away and boast great alpine resorts. Those who prefer the warmer weather would be better off flying south to Okinawa during the winter for a more subtropical climate.

Best Times to Visit for Lower Prices

Japan has a reputation for being a pricey destination, but there are times of year when it's less expensive to visit. During the low season between January and early March, you may be able to find flight and hotel deals. Prices tend to spike during the holiday season, especially around the New Year, so it's best to avoid coming at the beginning of January if you're trying to save money.

Costs rise again in late March and April for the peak cherry blossom season and remain high throughout the spring and summer, except for the brief rainy season from June to mid-July (mentioned above). For your best bet of scoring reasonably priced accommodations while also enjoying mild weather, aim to visit in September or October.

Best Times to Visit Tokyo Disney Resort

Fuà Guido / AGF / Universal Images Group / Getty Images

Spring and autumn are generally the best, most temperate times of the year to visit Tokyo Disney Resort . It's worth avoiding weekends and national holidays, especially Golden Week, one of the busiest periods at the theme park. Extreme heat in July and August can make it difficult to enjoy outdoor attractions. On the other hand, the temperatures rarely exceed 50 degrees Fahrenheit in January and February, making those months less popular.

The period from mid-September through the beginning of December offers a combination of pleasant weather, thinner crowds, and seasonal entertainment. Spooky decorations and fall-themed events can be enjoyed in the weeks leading up to Halloween. Starting in November, the theme park celebrates the holiday season with special programming, including magical parades, characters in festive costumes, and heart-warming decorations that help offset the chill in the air.

Best Time to Visit for Cherry Blossoms

Steven Han / Getty Images

If you're hoping to time your trip with the height of cherry blossom season, bear in mind that the peak bloom dates vary each year depending on the weather. The cherry blossom front , meticulously studied and broadcasted across the country, edges its way up, starting at the southernmost tip of Japan as early as January.

The best times to see the cherry blossoms in Kyoto, Tokyo, and the surrounding regions are often from the last week of March to the first week of April. And for more northerly cities such as Sapporo, don't expect to see any pink at least until May.

Best Times to Visit for Food Lovers

While Japan is a great foodie destination year-round, it's important to take the time of year into account, as many specialties are only available seasonally. If you have a favorite Japanese cuisine or ingredient, it's worth finding out when to visit to avoid missing out completely.

Popular summertime treats include light, cool sōmen noodles, kakigōri shaved ice, and delicious unagi (eel); autumn is heaven for matsutake mushrooms, sweet potatoes, and sanma (Pacific saury); winter is all about warming nabe hot pots, citrus fruits, and kaki (persimmon); and spring goes hand in hand with sea bream, takenoko (bamboo shoots), and sakura mochi rice cakes.

Worst Times to Visit Japan

While there's no bad time to visit Japan, some months are worse than others, depending on your travel preferences. If pleasant weather is a priority, avoid the rainy season, which typically runs from early June to mid-July throughout Japan (except in Okinawa, where it begins in May). This period is often preceded by extreme heat and humidity, with cities such as Tokyo and Kyoto being especially unbearable during the peak summer months of July and August. Also be aware that Japan's typhoon season happens from May to October, with the greatest risk being in August and September. Though these storms rarely make landfall, it's something to be aware of, just in case.

Those looking to save money and avoid crowds should steer clear of Golden Week, which runs from the end of April to the beginning of May. That's when domestic travelers tend to take their holidays, so you can expect to see higher prices, less availability at hotels, and larger crowds.

Related Articles

Japan issues first 'megaquake' warning after 7.1-magnitude temblor

TOKYO — Japan issued its first warning Thursday about the possibility of a long-feared "megaquake" after a powerful 7.1-magnitude temblor struck off its southern coast, sparking a tsunami advisory but no immediate reports of serious damage or injuries.

The ea r thquake occurred off the coast of Miyazaki Prefecture on the main island of Kyushu at 4:42 p.m. local time (3:42 a.m. ET), at a depth of about 18 miles, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency.

Three people were reported injured, Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi said, although he added that there had been no blackouts or damage to the water or communications systems reported in the region. Police in Miyazaki Prefecture said there had been 10 reports of damage. Hayashi urged residents to stay away from the coastline.

Seismologists held an emergency meeting to analyze whether the quake had affected the nearby Nankai Trough — the source of past devastating earthquakes. The meteorological agency ultimately issued what it called a "mega earthquake caution," assessing that the possibility of a large quake was relatively higher than usual but not that one would definitely occur in the near future.

It urged the country's residents to practice increased vigilance for the next week.

"We ask all citizens to carefully check every new information issued by the government, reconfirm their daily earthquake preparedness, and be ready to evacuate immediately in the event of an earthquake," Prime Minister Fumio Kishida told a news briefing.

Earlier, officials issued a tsunami advisory following Thursday morning's quake, warning residents to immediately leave coastal areas of Kochi and Miyazaki prefectures until the warning is lifted. Advisories are issued when the waves are not expected to exceed 1 meter (3.3 feet).

Tsunami waves of up to 1.6 feet were detected along parts of Kyushu’s southern coast and the nearby island of Shikoku about a half hour after the quake struck. Japanese broadcaster NHK said Miyazaki Port had reported a surge of 20 inches.

That said, most of the damage so far has been relatively light. Police in Miyazaki Prefecture said there have been some reports of landslides and some traffic lights have stopped working. NHK said some windows were broken at the prefecture's airport and that the runway had been temporarily closed for checks.

Meanwhile, in neighboring Kagoshima Prefecture, concrete walls collapsed and a wooden house was damaged.

Of the people injured across the two prefectures, two are reported to be older women, who were taken to hospital after falling, while another was a female factory worker struck in the back by a falling object.

The Nuclear Regulation Authority said all 12 nuclear reactors on Kyushu and Shikoku remain safe. Earthquakes in areas with nuclear power plants have been a major concern since a massive 9.0-magnitude earthquake and ensuing tsunami triggered the Fukushima nuclear disaster in March 2011.

Japan sits on the Pacific 'Ring of Fire' — a line of seismic faults encircling the Pacific Ocean — and is one of the world’s most earthquake-prone countries. A temblor there Jan. 1 in Japan’s north-central region of Noto left more than 240 people dead.

Arata Yamamoto reported from Tokyo, and Jennifer Jett reported from Hong Kong.

Arata Yamamoto has been a NBC News producer in Tokyo since 1993.

Jennifer Jett is the Asia Digital Editor for NBC News, based in Hong Kong.

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Japan Warns of Elevated Risk of Giant Earthquake After Strong One Hits

The official warning came after a 7.1-magnitude temblor struck off the coast of southern Japan on Thursday.

Strong Earthquake Hits Southern Japan

Shake intensity.

By River Akira Davis Kiuko Notoya Hisako Ueno and Victoria Kim

River Akira Davis, Kiuko Notoya and Hisako Ueno reported from Tokyo, and Victoria Kim from Seoul.

Japan’s meteorological agency said on Thursday that there was a higher-than-usual chance that an immense earthquake could hit the country in the next few days, following a 7.1-magnitude temblor off the southern island of Kyushu.

Japan has long expected a major earthquake to occur along the Nankai Trough off its eastern coast. As of last year, researchers said there was a 60 percent chance that an earthquake of magnitude 8 to 9 — even more devastating than the one in 2011 that laid waste to the country’s northeast coast and knocked out cooling systems at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant — would occur in the trough area over the next 20 years.

After the 7.1-magnitude quake on Thursday, Japan’s meteorological agency convened a group of experts to evaluate whether it could be related to the long-anticipated bigger disaster, called a “Nankai Trough megathrust earthquake.”

Experts warn that an earthquake between two tectonic plates that converge along the Nankai megathrust fault, which runs from Kyushu north through Tokyo, could cause devastation. It could extensively damage cities throughout Japan, potentially cause a tsunami and lead to hundreds of thousands of deaths.

“The possibility of a large-scale earthquake occurring in the area of ​​the Nankai Trough is relatively higher than usual,” the meteorological agency said in a statement late Thursday.

The risk that an earthquake of magnitude of 8 or higher would occur after one with a magnitude of 7 is particularly elevated for about a week after the initial temblor, the agency said.

Japan’s meteorological agency issued a “caution” level of warning on Thursday. The next step up would be an “alert,” which would advise residents to evacuate from areas deemed a tsunami risk. The agency said it was the first time Japan had issued a “caution.”

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida urged people to ensure that they were ready at all times in case an earthquake occurred and they had to evacuate. He told reporters that the government was on high alert.

Earlier on Thursday, a tsunami advisory was issued for coastal regions on the southern Japanese islands of Kyushu and Shikoku after the 7.1-magnitude quake. As of late Thursday evening, the maximum height of waves recorded reached about a foot and a half off the coast of Miyazaki Prefecture on Kyushu.

A handful of injuries but no deaths were reported related to the earthquake. Footage showed images of strong shaking in buildings in Miyazaki Prefecture, but damage in the area appeared to be minimal. The earthquake occurred less than 20 miles off the coast of Miyazaki, according to the United States Geological Survey.

Bullet train service was temporarily halted on Kyushu, and the Miyazaki Airport suspended takeoffs and landings to inspect runways for any damage. Both bullet train and airport operations resumed later Thursday evening.

The Kyushu Electric Power Company said its nuclear power plants were operating normally.

Separate from the heightened possibility of a Nankai Trough earthquake, Japan’s meteorological agency advised being alert for aftershocks of a similar magnitude off the eastern coast of Miyazaki Prefecture over the next week. It said that landslides could also be a risk if there is rain in the coming days.

An earlier version of this article used an incorrect map showing an earthquake on Japan’s west coast. The earthquakes occurred on Japan’s east coast.

How we handle corrections

River Akira Davis covers Japan, including its economy and businesses, and is based in Tokyo. More about River Akira Davis

Kiuko Notoya is a Tokyo-based reporter and researcher, covering news and features from Japan. More about Kiuko Notoya

Hisako Ueno is a reporter and researcher based in Tokyo, writing on Japanese politics, business, labor, gender and culture. More about Hisako Ueno

Victoria Kim is a reporter based in Seoul and focuses on breaking news coverage across the world. More about Victoria Kim

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[3% OFF] How to Get from London to Edinburgh

August 7, 2024

Planning a trip from London to Edinburgh? 👀This article offers a detailed guide to how to get from London to Edinburgh, including trains and flights. Check to timetable and ticket fare for the two transport options and start your trip now!🥳

How to Get from London to Edinburgh

There are several transport options for traveling from London to Edinburgh, each with its own pros and cons. The most common methods are by trains and flights. Here's an overview of each option:

*The price varies depending on the exchange rate and date.

London to Edinburgh Train Timetable & Fare

Taking trains from London to Edinburgh generally takes 4 hours and 20 minutes ,with the cheapest Stardard Class seat ticket at $63.42. The first train starts at 05:48, and the last train departs at 23:33. There are about 50 trains per day to cater to the needs for every passengers. Check the following table of timetable & fare to learn more:

The Advantage of Taking Trains from London to Edinburgh

Taking the train from London to Edinburgh offers several advantages over other modes of transportation, such as driving or flying. Here are some of the key benefits:

• Convenience : Trains between London and Edinburgh depart from central locations in both cities. In London, trains to Edinburgh typically depart from King's Cross Station . In Edinburgh, the train arrives at Waverley Station , right in the heart of the city.
• Speed : The journey by train can take as little as 4 hours, which is competitive with flying when you consider the time needed to get to and from airports, security checks, and waiting for boarding.
• Comfort : Trains offer more legroom than airplanes and allow you to move around, visit a dining car, and generally relax more than you can on a plane or in a car.
• Environmental Impact : Train travel is generally more environmentally friendly than car or air travel, emitting less CO2 per passenger.
• Productivity : On a train, you have the space and the ability to work, with many trains offering tables, power outlets, and free Wi-Fi . This can be especially beneficial for business travelers.

London to Edinburgh Europe Train Discount

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Moreover, Trip.com also offers exclusive 3% discount for new users on trip.com APP to buy Europe Trains! Grab 3% coupon to start your trip from London to Edinburgh now!

Flights from London to Edinburgh

Taking flights from London to Edinburgh generally takes 1 hour and 15 minutes. Check the schedule and ticket fare for flights from London to Edinburgh now!

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Best Things to Do in Edinburgh

Edinburgh castle.

Edinburgh Castle is a historic fortress perched on Castle Rock, which serves as a royal residence, military garrison, prison, and treasury. Today, it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Scotland, offering stunning views of the city and a glimpse into the country's rich history.

• 📅 Opening Hours: 10:00-17:00
• 💰 Entry Fee: Adult tickets from $29.35
• 📍 Location: 354 Castlehill, The Royal Mile, Edinburgh EH1 2NE

Palace of Holyroodhouse

The Palace of Holyroodhouse, also known as Holyrood Palace, is the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland. Located at the end of the Royal Mile in Edinburgh, the palace is steeped in history and grandeur. It is best known as the home of Mary, Queen of Scots, and as the setting for many dramatic events during her reign.

• 📅 Opening Hours: 09:30-18:00 (Closed on Tuesdays & Wednesdays)
• 💰 Entry Fee: Adult tickets from $25.57
• 📍 Location: Canongate, Edinburgh EH8 8DX, United Kingdom

The Scotch Whisky Experience

The Scotch Whisky Experience is a five-star visitor attraction located near Edinburgh Castle. It offers a sensational journey into the world of Scotch whisky, taking visitors on a barrel ride through a replica distillery. It also houses the world's largest collection of Scotch whisky, making it a must-visit for whisky enthusiasts.

Easy to Travel from London to Edinburgh

In this article, we offer 2 ways to get from London to Edinburgh: by trains and planes, each with its own pros and cons. However, if you're unsure about how to choose, trains are the best option. Whether you're traveling for business or leisure, Europe trains make the journey an easy and enjoyable experience.

So why wait? If you've decided and are ready to go, buy your European train tickets now and grab exclusive 3% discount now!

FAQs about London to Edinburgh

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London to Edinburgh

• 1. How to Get from London to Edinburgh
• 2. London to Edinburgh Train Timetable & Fare
• 3. The Advantage of Taking Trains from London to Edinburgh
• 4. London to Edinburgh Europe Train Discount
• 5. Flights from London to Edinburgh
• 6. Best Things to Do in Edinburgh
• 7. Easy to Travel from London to Edinburgh

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