Japan by Rail: A Guide to Japanese Train Travel
Japan conjures up distinct images for a lot of people.
Neon-lit streets and alleyways at night in Tokyo. Shrines and temples in Kyoto. Amazingly detailed and delicious food being served up all over Japan.
But perhaps none are more iconic than the scenes from Japan’s railways – such as the bullet train speeding past Mount Fuji, or the jam-packed Tokyo commuter trains at rush hour.
It's no exaggeration to say that trains are the core component of Japan's transportation system, offering visitors an unparalleled way to travel around Japan.
Japan's railway network is a world class example of efficiency, punctuality and comfort that never fails to impress international travelers.
Let’s hop on a journey through the intricate Japanese train system, sharing insights that will help you make the most of your self-guided tour in Japan.
Japan’s Iconic Bullet Train: Speed, Frequency, Comfort & Convenience
The bullet train, aka the “Shinkansen” in Japanese, is the pinnacle of Japan’s rail & transportation prowess.
Connecting major cities across the country, Japan’s bullet train in Japan offers you speed, comfort and reliability that's rivaled by few other systems in the world.
Imagine settling into a comfortable seat, gazing out the window as the Japanese countryside whizzes by at speeds of up to 320 kilometers per hour (200 mph). The journey from Tokyo to Kyoto, which would take around six hours by car, is condensed to just over two hours on the shinkansen.
It's not only about speed, though. The frequent and punctual shinkansen schedules, as well as the onboard comfort, make the journey itself a memorable part of your Japan travel experience.
One of the most popular routes for visitors is the Tokaido Shinkansen, connecting Tokyo, Nagoya, Kyoto and Osaka. This line offers different train categories to suit various needs and budgets. The Nozomi is the fastest, making fewer stops, while the Hikari and Kodama offer slightly slower journeys but are often less crowded.
For those venturing beyond the well-trodden tourist path, the shinkansen network extends to other regions as well.
・ The Tohoku Shinkansen whisks you to the northern part of the main island of Honshu, known as the Tohoku region (including Sendai, Akita & Aomori).
・ The Hokkaido Shinkansen continues from Tohoku under the Seikan tunnel to the northern island of Hokkaido (with stops including Hakodate and Sapporo)
・ The Sanyo Shinkansen (in fact an extension of the greater Tokaido Sanyo Shinkansen) goes from Osaka through Hiroshima and to Japan’s southern island of Kyushu
・ From the hub of Hakata in Fukuoka, the Kyushu Shinkansen takes you further afield to explore the volcanic landscapes and hot springs of Kyushu
Thanks to Japan’s extensive high-speed rail network, you can experience the highlights of the Golden Route (Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka) and then get out beyond the beaten path to experience a myriad of Japanese destinations, sights and experiences.
The Japan Rail Pass: Weighing the Pros & Cons
The Japan Rail Pass, long hailed as a money-saving tool for tourists, has undergone significant changes in recent years.
In 2023, the Japanese government substantially increased the price of the pass by approximately 70%, making it less of the bargain it once was. This price hike has led many travelers to reassess whether the pass is still worth it for their trip.
Pros of the Japan Rail Pass
Here at Japan Travel Pros, we don’t casually aim to sell Japan Rail Pass (despite the commission it pays us) to all clients. Rather, we get a better understanding of your travel goals and plans.
In some cases, there are advantages for some travelers to buy the Japan Rail Pass. These include:
Unlimited travel on JR trains, including most shinkansen
Flexibility to change plans without additional costs
Covers some JR buses and the Tokyo Monorail to Haneda Airport
Still potentially economical for extensive travel plans within a specific duration in Japan
Having said that, the Japan Rail Pass isn’t for everyone.
Cons of the Japan Rail Pass
Especially with the recent price hikes, as well as other reasons including underuse and potential loss of time, the Japan Rail Pass isn’t optimal for many travelers to Japan.
・ Significantly higher price than in previous years
・ Doesn't cover the fastest Nozomi and Mizuho trains (additional supplement required)
・ May not be cost-effective for travelers focusing on one region or making fewer long-distance trips
・ Necessitates itinerary planning to ensure you maximize its value
It's important to note that while the Japan Rail Pass doesn't cover the Nozomi or Mizuho trains, travelers can still use these services by paying a supplement fare. For those who value time over cost savings, this might be a worthwhile option to look into. Then again, if you’re only taking a few bullet trains, the value of the pass may be eroded by the supplements.
One point we’ll get to later but worth mentioning now is that, in some cases, flying is faster than taking the train. Japan’s domestic air network is fast and convenient, with Japanese airports being a relative breeze compared to those in the US and elsewhere. But many travelers overlook the flight options, opting instead to use the rail pass because they’ve “paid for it already.” True, but the extra time spent on trains (as nice as they are) is costing you something too, isn’t it.
Regional and Local Passes: Tailored Travel Options
For travelers focusing on specific regions or cities, there are numerous regional and local passes that might offer better value than the nationwide Japan Rail Pass.
JR Regional Passes
Offered by different JR companies, these passes cover specific regions like Hokkaido, Tohoku or Kyushu. They're often more affordable and tailored to regional exploration.
Private Railway Passes
Many private railway companies offer their own passes.
For example, the Kansai Railway Pass is excellent for exploring the Kansai region, including Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, Himeji and Nara. This pass covers a number of private railways, both within cities as well as inter-city within the region. Travelers should note that JR trains are not covered by this pass – and similar regional passes elsewhere in Japan offered by private railways.
City-specific Train/Transport Passes
Major cities like Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto offer day or multi-day passes that cover their metro systems and sometimes buses. These can be incredibly convenient and cost-effective for city exploration.
Intra-city Travel: The Convenience of Urban Railways
While long-distance trains are excellent for traveling between cities, Japan's urban railway systems are equally impressive for getting around within cities.
Tokyo's extensive metro system, for instance, is known around the world for its efficiency, cleanliness and punctuality. Well, that, and of course for packing commuters into train cars like sardines in the morning rush hour (slightly less so in the after-5 rush, but still really crowded).
Similarly, Osaka's subway network (Osaka Metro) and Kyoto's combination of subways and buses make navigating these cities quite manageable.
These urban networks often integrate seamlessly with the broader rail system, allowing for smooth transitions between long-distance and local travel. Many major stations serve as hubs where shinkansen, regional trains and local metros converge, making it easy to plan multi-leg journeys.
Navigating Train Stations in Japan
Japanese train stations can be overwhelming at first glance, especially in major cities. However, they're designed with efficiency and user-friendliness in mind.
Here are some tips to help you navigate:
Look for English signage: Most major stations have signs in both Japanese and English.
Use the JR East app or Google Maps for real-time navigation.
Don't hesitate to ask station staff for help. Many staff speak basic English; smartphone translation apps can also help the process.
Pay attention to platform numbers and train departure times, which are usually displayed prominently. WIth few exceptions (such as extreme weather or mechanical problems), trains in Japan depart on-time to the second.
Etiquette & Cultural Nuances on Japanese Trains
Understanding and respecting local customs can greatly enhance your train travel experience in Japan.
Quiet Please: Train Yourself to Respect the Space
Japanese trains are often quiet spaces. Keep conversations low and phone calls to a minimum. Observe those around you and follow their lead. Some train cars are marked as quiet (some may also have signage to indicate weaker air conditioning, stronger air conditioning, or women-only at certain times of day.
Priority Seating on Trains & Buses
You’ll often see designated priority seats for elderly, pregnant or mobility challenged passengers. With the disproportionate number of senior citizens in Japanese society (a growing trend at that), this is an important factor.
Eating & Drinking on Trains (and Elsewhere in Public)
While it's generally acceptable to eat or drink on shinkansen and other long-distance trains in Japan (in fact it’s encouraged, with “ekiben” bento box meals famously sold in and near major train stations specifically for this purpose), please avoid eating on local trains or buses. In general, it is frowned upon in Japanese society to eat or drink while on the go; this holds true for walking on the street, for example, as well as in transit.
Queuing: Follow the Line
You’ll notice in nearly all train stations in Japan that locals line up in orderly queues on the platform where indicated.
Planning Your Journey Across Japan – Train & More
When planning your self-guided tour in Japan, it’s good to think about how train travel can enhance your itinerary.
Here are some additional tips for train travel in Japan:
Book in advance: For popular routes or travel during peak seasons, booking seats in advance is advisable.
Compare a mix of passes: Depending on your itinerary, a combination of the Japan Rail Pass, regional passes and/or point-to-point tickets might be most cost-effective.
Allow buffer time: While Japanese trains are famously punctual, it's wise to allow some extra time for transfers, especially in large stations.
Embrace the journey: Train travel in Japan is more than just getting from A to B – it's an opportunity to see the country and experience its culture.
As much as we love Japanese trains here at Japan travel pros, there’s sometimes a looming question we talk about with clients.
Train vs. Plane: What’s the Better Option?
The Japanese rail network is world class, truly.
But despite initial appearances, Japan isn’t a small country. The distance and traveling time between Tokyo and a number of destinations often throws the itinerary into the train-versus-plane debate.
Sometimes the answer is a slam-dunk. Unless you really love trains, that is. For example, flying to a city like Sapporo (on the northern island of Hokkaido) is eight hours (or more) by train, while only an hour and change by air. Even factoring in airport commuting and movement times (security is MUCH faster in Japan than in the US or many other countries), flying will save you a lot of time.
In other cases, a rail-vs-fly equation is more of a coin toss; this is true for Osaka to Fukuoka, for example, as well as Tokyo to Hiroshima, etc. It also depends on where exactly in the city (Tokyo is huge!) one is starting and ending their journey.
We’re happy to go over itineraries with clients and recommend the most convenient options for these train-versus-plane scenarios.
The Convenience of IC Cards: Your All-in-One Train Travel Companion
When navigating Japan's extensive rail network, IC cards are a traveler's best friend. These rechargeable smart cards, such as Suica, Pasmo and ICOCA, offer a convenient and efficient way to pay for train fares, bus rides, and even purchases at convenience stores and vending machines.
Originally introduced in major cities, IC cards have now become interoperable across most of Japan. This means that a Suica card purchased in Tokyo can be used in Osaka, Kyoto, Sapporo or Fukuoka, making travel seamless across regions. The most common IC cards include:
Suica: Issued by JR East, primarily used in the Greater Tokyo area (including the Welcome Suica card for international visitors, sold at Tokyo airports)
Pasmo: Issued by Tokyo Metro, used in Tokyo and surrounding areas
ICOCA: Issued by JR West, commonly used in the Kansai region
Kitaca: Used in Hokkaido
TOICA: Used in the Tokai region
Manaca: Used in the Nagoya area
Using an IC card is simple: just tap the card on the reader at the ticket gate when entering and exiting stations. The correct fare is automatically deducted, eliminating the need to purchase individual tickets for each journey. This is particularly useful when navigating complex urban networks or making multiple trips in a day.
Benefits of using IC cards
Convenience: No need to buy tickets for each journey or calculate fares
Time-saving: Quickly tap and go, avoiding queues at ticket machines
Slight discounts: Some lines offer small discounts for IC card users
Flexibility: Can be used on multiple transport systems and for small purchases
Refundable: Unused balance and deposit can typically be refunded when leaving Japan
For short-term visitors, many regions now offer special IC cards designed for tourists. These often come with additional benefits like discounts at tourist attractions or can be kept as souvenirs.
While IC cards don't replace passes like the Japan Rail Pass for long-distance travel, they're invaluable for city exploration and short trips. They're especially useful in cities with complex transit systems like Tokyo, where you might use a mix of JR lines, private railways, and metro systems in a single day.
Remember, while IC cards make travel easier, they don't offer unlimited rides like day passes do. You'll need to keep your card charged, which can be done at ticket machines in stations or at convenience stores.
For visitors planning to travel to multiple cities in Japan or use a variety of transportation methods, picking up an IC card upon arrival is a smart move. It's a small investment that can significantly enhance the ease and enjoyment of your Japan travel experience.
The Japanese Rail Network: Making Japan Travel Smooth & Convenient
Japan's train system is a pinnacle of modern transportation, offering visitors its renowned efficiency, comfort and cultural experience.
Be it racing across the Japanese countryside on a bullet train or exploring the depths of Tokyo's metro, train travel is an integral part of the Japan travel experience.
By understanding the options available and planning accordingly, you can make the most of your journey through this fascinating country.
Got questions about trains or other aspects of your Japan itinerary? Don’t hesitate to get in touch!
Until next time, happy travels – train and otherwise!