Japan Travel Tips

Read all of our tips to travel by train in Japan!

Japan's railway system is widely considered to be one of the most efficient, reliable, and convenient in the world. With over 27,000 kilometers of train tracks spanning the length and breadth of the Japanese archipelago, train travel is not only a convenient mode of transportation but also an experience in and of itself. Whether you're planning a day trip to the bustling city of Tokyo, the historic cities of Kyoto and Hiroshima, or the gastronomic city of Osaka, train travel is undoubtedly the best way to get around and explore all that Japan has to offer.

However, for those unfamiliar with the Japanese railway system, it can be overwhelming to navigate the different types of trains, buy train tickets, and understand train etiquette. That's why our team has compiled insider tips that cover everything you need to know about traveling by train in Japan, from the different types of trains to the most convenient ways to purchase tickets.

Whether you're a first-time traveler or a seasoned veteran, our extensive guide will help you make the most of your train trips. Included is information on the different types of trains (Shinkansen, Express, Semi-Express, Local) and classes (Ordinary, Green, Gran), how to make a seat reservation, and how to navigate train stations. We also provide tips on train etiquette and what to expect during your journey.

If you're in the middle of planning your trip to Japan and want to explore the country by train, we hope our guide will help you navigate Japan's railway system with ease, giving you more time to sit back, relax, and enjoy the stunning scenery that train travel has to offer in Japan.

For maximum convenience in your train journeys, we recommend you buy one of the many train passes available. The National Japan Rail Pass is available for a duration of 7 days, 14 days or 21 days, and enables unlimited travel on all Japan Railway lines - the main train operator in Japan. Alternatively, a Regional Pass can help you cover the cost of your local train travel.

 

Taking the Train in Japan

train ticket exchange machines in japan

How to exchange your train tickets in Japan ?

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Japan Rail Pass Exchange Offices

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Train Conductor in Japan

Jorudan

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Shinkansen Travel Tips

The Shinkansen network

The Shinkansen Bullet Train Network

The first Shinkansen was issued for public use in 1964, right before the Summer Olympics held in Tokyo that same year.

Shinkansen

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The Shinkansen bullet train is hailed as one of the most premium and efficient means of rail travel in the entire world, making it a popular choice for visitors to Japan who are engaging in

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Shinkansen Bullet Trains in Japan

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Joetsu Shinkansen

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Unique Trains in Japan

Umisachi 1

Umisachi Yamasachi Limited Express

The Umisachi Yamasachi Limited Express sightseeing train runs along the scenic Nichinan Coast from Miyazaki Station to Nango.

Anpanman Train

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Okuizumo Orochi Train

The Okuizumo Orochi train offers a relaxed and scenic train ride through remote mountains and valleys in an open car through Shimane and Hiroshima prefectures.

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Aso Boy Trains

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Japanese Stations

Hara Station Entrance

Hara Station Nagoya

Hara Station is a subway station in the east of Nagoya on the Tsurumai Line. Hara is one stop after Hirabari going west; the next stop is Ueda Station.

Kuramaguchi Station, Kyoto.

Kuramaguchi Station

Kuramaguchi Station (鞍馬口 ) is a subway station on the Karasuma Line of the Kyoto subway one stop north of Imadegawa Station.

Fujigaoka Station Entrance

Fujigaoka Station Nagoya

Fujigaoka Station is at the eastern end of the Higashiyama (Yellow) Line of the Nagoya subway.

Izumo Station

Izumo-shi Station

JR Izumo Station JR出雲市駅 in Izumo, Shimane Prefecture is built in the style of the nearby Izumo Taisha shrine. Izumo Taisha is the main attraction in town.

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Getting Around Kyoto

Marutamachi Platform Sign

Marutamachi Station Kyoto

Marutamachi Station is a station on the Karasuma Line of the Kyoto subway one stop north of Karasuma Oike (the interchange station with the Tozai Line).

Imadegawa Station, Kyoto.

Imadegawa Station Karasuma Line Kyoto Subway

Imadegawa Station is a subway stop on the Karasuma Line of the Kyoto subway one stop north of Marutamachi Station and one stop south of Kuramaguchi Station.

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Nijo Station

Nijo Station Kyoto: find information on Kyoto's JR Nijo Station including train and subway services and nearby attractions including Nijo Castle.

Tokyo Tower

Kyoto Station

Kyoto Station: find information on Kyoto Station including rail services from Kyoto Station, the Kyoto subway and trains to Kansai international Airport (KIX).

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Getting Around Tokyo

Shinagawa

The JR Yamanote Line

The JR Yamanote line runs in a loop around Tokyo; a full circuit takes about an hour.

Hanzomon Station, Kojimachi

Hanzomon Station Tokyo

Hanzomon Station (半蔵門駅) is in the Kojimachi district of Tokyo’s Chiyoda ward and serves one of Tokyo’s most elegant neighborhoods.

Meguro Station

Meguro Station Tokyo

Meguro Station in Tokyo is on the circular Yamanote Line, the Tokyo Metro Namboku Line, the Tokyu Meguro Line between Meguro and Hiyoshi and the Toei Mita Line from Meguro to Nishi-Takashimadaira

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Nerima Station

Nerima Station in western Tokyo is a busy commuter station on the Toei Oedo Line, the Seibu Ikebukuro Line and the Seibu Toshima Line.

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Itineraries for Japan

Fukuoka City

How to get from Osaka to Fukuoka

Go from the largest city in Kansai to the largest city in Kyushu with the Shinkansen bullet train! 

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Hakone, a common trip for those coming from Kansai, is a great location to enjoy some of the best natural scenery in all of Japan. The two locations are connected via the Tokaido Shinkansen.

Kanazawa, Ishikawa

How to get from Tokyo to Kanazawa

Going from Tokyo to Kanazawa entails crossing the center of Honshu Island out to the Japan Sea Coast.

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