A Guide to Using Trains in Japan

If you’re planning to explore Japan by train, you’re in for an adventure! Here’s a straightforward guide to help you navigate Japan’s train system, including tips on shinkansen (bullet trains), train tickets, timetables, luggage, and train etiquette.

Japan’s railway system is nothing short of amazing. As one of the first countries to invest in high-speed rail, Japan jumped ahead while others were still focused on planes and cars. The Shinkansen’s success solidified Japan’s reputation in rail travel. But even after this impressive milestone, JR Group, Japan’s largest train operator, hasn’t stopped improving the system.

Today, Japan’s rail network is incredibly efficient, with an average delay of just 54 seconds per year. If a train is delayed by more than 5 minutes, passengers receive an apology certificate, regardless of the cause. With trains connecting almost every part of the country, the famous bullet trains can take you from Tokyo to Hiroshima (816 km/507 mi) in under 4 hours. With such efficiency, it’s hard to imagine a better way to travel around Japan.

1) Train Categories

Japanese trains come in several types, each serving different needs:

Local Trains (kakueki-teisha or futsu-densha): These stop at every station along their route.
Rapid Trains (kaisoku): These skip some stations to get you to your destination faster. There’s no extra charge compared to local trains.
Express Trains (kyuko): With fewer stops than rapid trains, these also have no additional fare beyond the local train price.
Limited Express Trains (tokkyu): These only stop at major stations. You’ll need to pay an extra limited express fee on top of the base fare, usually between 500 and 4000 yen. JR is one of the companies that charge this fee.
Shinkansen (Super Express): Known as bullet trains, these run on dedicated tracks and require a separate super express fee, typically between 800 and 8000 yen, depending on your destination. Note that as of October 1, 2023, Nozomi and Mizuho trains require an additional surcharge and a special JR Pass ticket.

2) Seat Categories

For longer journeys, JR trains offer different seating options:

Ordinary Seats: Standard seats found on most trains.
Green Cars: Comparable to business class, these seats are more spacious and comfortable, costing about 30% to 50% more than ordinary seats.
Gran Class: Available on some shinkansen, these are the most luxurious and pricey seats.

Most shinkansen and limited express trains have both non-reserved (jiyū-seki) and reserved (shitei-seki) seats, with green cars often being fully reserved. On local, rapid, and express trains, seats are usually non-reserved. Seat reservations cost around 300-900 yen but are free with a Japan Rail Pass.

3) Buying Tickets

IC Cards: Prepaid IC cards like Suica and Icoca make train travel easier. Check out our page on IC cards for more info.

Short-Distance Tickets: Use ticket machines at stations:

Find your destination and fare on the map above the machine.
Insert money (coins or bills).
Select the number of tickets you need.
Choose the ticket price.
Collect your tickets and any change.

If station names are only in Japanese and you can’t find your fare, buy a ticket for the lowest price and pay the difference at a fare adjustment machine at your destination.

Long-Distance Tickets: Purchase these at manned ticket counters or select machines. Provide:

Number of travelers
Date of travel
Departure and destination stations
Ordinary or green car
Reserved or non-reserved seat preference

If you don’t speak Japanese, write down your details to show the staff. Some stations have forms in English.

4) Entering the Paid Fare Zone

After buying your ticket, pass through the gates:

Automatic Ticket Gates: Insert your ticket, walk through, and retrieve it on the other side. Invalid tickets trigger an alarm.
IC Card: Touch the card reader.

To access shinkansen platforms, use the designated gates, usually marked clearly.

5) Station Platforms

Find your platform by checking signs for your train line and direction. Most signs are in Japanese and English, and increasingly in Chinese and Korean.

Platforms often have markings showing where train doors will stop. On long-distance trains, look for marks indicating car numbers, seat types, and whether seats are reserved or non-reserved. Displays will show the next train’s category and upcoming stations.

6) Riding the Train

Wait for passengers to get off before boarding.
Avoid blocking doors, especially during busy times.
Store backpacks on the overhead racks or at your feet, making sure they don’t obstruct others.

Japanese trains are typically quiet, with passengers reading, sleeping, or using their phones. Talking on phones is not allowed inside trains, except in designated areas on shinkansen and limited express trains.

Announcements are made in Japanese and, on most shinkansen, in English. Newer trains have electronic signs showing upcoming stations.

7) At Your Destination

Station names are displayed in kanji, hiragana, and English. To exit, go through the gates like you did when entering. If your ticket wasn’t enough for your destination, pay the extra at a fare adjustment machine or at a manned gate.

Japan’s rail network is extensive and well-developed, with trains being a primary mode of transport. With over 30,000 km of rail lines and more than 9 billion passengers annually, it’s no wonder that Japan hosts many of the world’s busiest stations.

The rail system is operated by several companies, with JR Group controlling about 80% of the lines. Other privately owned companies also operate numerous routes.

Major Private Railway Companies

Here are some key private railway companies in different regions:

Greater Tokyo: Keikyu, Keio, Keisei, Odakyu, Seibu, Tobu, Tokyu
Greater Nagoya: Meitetsu
Greater Osaka: Hankyu, Hanshin, Keihan, Kintetsu, Nankai
Greater Fukuoka: Nishitetsu

These private companies manage over 2,870 km of railways, while JR Group oversees a significantly larger network. The JR Pass covers most of the JR-operated services.

Types of Trains

Shinkansen (Bullet Trains): The fastest, running on separate tracks. Extra fees apply.
Limited Express: Stops at major stations with an additional fee.
Express: Fewer stops than rapid trains, with no extra charge.
Rapid: Skips some stops but costs the same as local trains.
Local: Stops at all stations; best for short distances.

Special Tourist Trains

Japan also offers unique trains for tourists, including scenic steam trains and character-themed trains. These include the Coto Coto rolling restaurant train in Kyushu.

Train Tickets

Japan Rail Pass: Offers unlimited travel on JR trains, buses, and ferries.
Standard Tickets: For individual trips, bought at vending machines or counters.
IC Cards: Prepaid cards like Suica and Pasmo for easy travel and payments.
City Passes: Offer unlimited access to local transport in various cities.

Buying Tickets and Making Reservations

Short-Distance: Use vending machines by selecting your fare and inserting money.
Long-Distance: Purchase at counters or machines; reservations are free with the JR Pass but cost extra otherwise.

Navigating Stations

JR Pass Holders: Use designated gates.
Ticket Holders: Follow station signs and queues.
Luggage: Use overhead racks or check specific regulations for large items.

Travel Etiquette

Respect local customs by keeping phone conversations to a minimum, not playing loud music, and offering seats to those in need. Enjoy your journey through Japan, and immerse yourself in its efficient and courteous rail system!