Japan
General train travel information for JAPAN. Rail travel tours, accommodation, sightseeing.
Brief History
Japan's railroads have a rich and interesting history that began in the 19th century. In 1872, the first rail line between Tokyo and Yokohama was opened, laying the foundation for the development of the country's transportation infrastructure.
In the 20th century, Japan continued to break boundaries and expand its railroads, build bridges and pioneered the introduction of high-speed trains. In 1964, the first Shinkansen train was launched, ushering in a new era in rail transportation.
Today, Japan's railroads are considered among the most modern and efficient in the world, with high-speed trains and innovative technologies that provide fast and safe transportation of passengers and freight. Japan's railroads continue to attract attention and admiration from around the world for their achievements and technological greatness.
General Information and Statistics
Japan Railways Group, better known as JR Group, is the successor group to the state-owned Japan National Railways (JNR). In the fiscal year 2021, the number of passengers carried via JR transport reached approximately 7.06 billion
There are 30,625 km of railroad lines in Japan, 21,600 of which are electrified. Japan has a total of more than 8,567 railroad stations.
What connections to other countries there are.
There is no train connection to other countries from Japan.
Are trains fast in Japan in general? How much time to cross the country?
Most Shinkansen trains operate at speeds of about 500 kilometers per hour (200 to 275 miles per hour). As new technologies are developed and instituted, future trains may achieve even greater velocities.
To cross Japan by train from Kagoshima to Wakkanai, you will have to make 4 connections and spend about 22.50 hours on the journey.
What railway companies are available?
In Japan, there are two main types of railway operators:
Japan Railways Group (JR Group): The JR Group consists of six passenger operating companies - Hokkaido Railway Company, East Japan Railway Company, Central Japan Railway Company, West Japan Railway Company, Shikoku Railway Company, and Kyushu Railway Company. JR Group operates intercity and commuter rail services.
Major Private Railways: Japan also has several major private railway companies that operate their own mass transit systems. Some of the major private railways include Tobu Railway, Seibu Railway, Keisei Electric Railway, Keio Corporation, Odakyu Electric Railway, and Tokyo Metro, among others. These private railways operate both urban and suburban train services and often have diver.
What train types are available in Japan
There are several types of trains in Japan to suit the different needs and preferences of travelers. The main types of trains include:
• Shinkansen (bullet trains): The Shinkansen is a high-speed train network in Japan known for its incredible speed and efficiency. It connects the country's major cities and is one of the fastest ways to travel long distances.
• Limited Express: Limited Express trains are long-distance high-speed trains connecting major cities and tourist destinations. They offer a higher level of comfort and amenities than regular trains.
• Local trains: Local trains are regular suburban trains that stop at every station along the route. They are usually used for short distance travel within cities and suburban areas.
• High Speed and Express Trains: These are faster versions of commuter trains that skip some stations, providing faster travel for commuters and travelers.
• Suburban trains: Suburban trains are designed to meet the daily needs of commuters by connecting residential areas to city centers.
Are there high-speed-trains available?
Japan is famous for its high-speed trains, known as Shinkansen or Bullet Trains. The Shinkansen is a network of high-speed railway lines connecting major cities and regions across the country. These trains are renowned for their punctuality, efficiency, and speed, making them one of the most popular modes of transportation in Japan.
The Shinkansen trains can reach speeds of up to 500 km/h on certain routes, allowing passengers to travel quickly and comfortably between cities. They offer a convenient and time-saving way to explore Japan, making it easy for tourists and locals to move from one region to another with ease.
The Shinkansen network covers various routes, such as the Tokaido Shinkansen connecting Tokyo and Osaka, the Tohoku Shinkansen connecting Tokyo and cities in the Tohoku region, and many more. The availability of high-speed trains has revolutionized travel in Japan and continues to be a popular choice for both business and leisure travelers.
Most important train stations / hubs.
The main railway hubs in Japan are Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Kyoto, Yokohama, Hiroshima, Fukuoka, Sendai, Sapporo, Kobe.
Websites to buy train tickets for Japan?
Japan is divided into different parts of railroads, each serving specific regions. The main group of operators is the Japan Railways Group (JR Group), which consists of six passenger companies serving different regions of the country:
• Hokkaido Railway Company - Hokkaido region.
Website: https://www.jrhokkaido.co.jp/global/index.html
• East Japan Railway Company - eastern regions of Japan.
Website: https://www.jreast.co.jp/multi/en/
• Central Japan Railway Company - central regions.
Website: https://global.jr-central.co.jp/en/
• West Japan Railway Company - western regions.
Website: https://www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/
• Shikoku Railway Company - Shikoku Island.
Website: https://www.jr-shikoku.co.jp/global/en/
• Kyushu Railway Company - Kyushu Island.
Website: https://www.jrkyushu.co.jp/english/
Japan Rail Pass
For the convenience of traveling throughout the country, there is the Japan Rail Pass.
The pass can be purchased from the official websites of the following agencies that provide services for foreign travelers:
• www.japanrailpass.net
• www.jrpass.com
• www.japan-rail-pass.com
Mobile apps to buy train tickets in Japan?
• JR-EAST Train Info - This app is provided by East Japan Railway Company (JR East) and allows you to search for train schedules, purchase tickets, and check platform information for JR East trains.
• JR-West Online Train Reservation - Offered by West Japan Railway Company (JR West), this app allows you to book and purchase tickets for JR West trains.
• SmartEX - This app is provided by JR Central, JR Kyushu and JR West and allows you to reserve and purchase Shinkansen (bullet train) tickets as well as regular train tickets.
• Japan Transit Planner - This app provides information on train schedules, routes, and fares for all major railway companies in Japan, including JR and private railways.
• Japan Travel – Route,Map,Guide - This comprehensive travel app covers all modes of transportation in Japan, including trains. It provides route planning, fare information, and real-time updates.
Possible to buy a ticket at a Country railway station?
Japanese train tickets can be purchased in four ways:
• Buy tickets at a ticket office at local train station.
• Buy tickets at a self-service ticket machine at local station.
• Use prepaid IC cards.
• Use a Japan Rail Pass.
Can I buy my ticket by phone?
There's no such possibility.
Return the ticket.
Ticket Refunds on Japan's Railways:
Before Ticket is Used:
• Refund available for certain tickets within validity period before use.
• Refund fees range from 220 yen to 340 yen based on ticket type.
• Different rules apply for reserved seat tickets and unreserved seating tickets.
After Ticket is Used:
• Partial refunds possible for certain tickets, minus fare for used sections and a 220 yen fee.
• Unused portions of multi-ride tickets can be refunded, with some exceptions.
• Remember to check specific conditions for your ticket type and enjoy your journey on Japan's efficient railway network!
Train ticket prices
"Japan Railways offers a variety of pricing options for rail tickets, making it convenient for travelers to find affordable fares. By booking in advance, passengers can often get cheaper tickets. It is recommended to avoid peak times, especially on holidays and weekends, as ticket prices can be higher.
For long-distance travel within Japan, travelers can find bargains starting at €12.80. These discounted tickets can be purchased on major routes, such as from Tokyo to Osaka or Kyoto. In addition, there are special passes, such as the Japan Rail Pass for international travelers, which provide unlimited travel on JR trains for a certain period of time, providing excellent value for money.
With strategic planning and choosing the right ticket options, travelers can enjoy cost-effective train rides while experiencing the beautiful scenery and cities of Japan.
Cheapest train to the closest nearby country?
There are no international trains in Japan.
Where to find timetables.
Train schedules and route search in Japan:
• Jorudan (Japan Transit Planner):
Web site: https://world.jorudan.co.jp/mln/en/
• Navitime (Japan Travel by Navitime):
Web site: https://japantravel.navitime.com/en/area/jp/route/
Printed Timetables:
• Printed railroad timetables in Japanese are available at bookstores and kiosks in Japan.
• The JR and JTB timetables are comprehensive nationwide publications published monthly in full and pocket versions.
• Some railroad companies offer timetable booklets and brochures for individual routes.
Buying tickets in advance or right before the train
Although it is not obligatory, it is recommended to book train tickets in advance. This way, you will not only save prices, but also avoid a situation where the tickets you want are already sold out. Since traveling by train is a very popular way to get around Japan, this situation is not as unlikely as it may seem at first glance.
Types of tickets.
The most cost-effective option for train travel in Japan depends on your specific itinerary and travel preferences.
• Regular Tickets: Regular tickets are suitable if you have specific point-to-point destinations and do not plan to travel extensively. They cover the base fare and limited express fee if applicable.
• IC Cards: IC cards are convenient for frequent travel within major cities and can also be used for purchases at shops and restaurants. They provide flexibility as you can add credit as needed.
• Rail Passes: The Japan Rail Pass is the best option for extensive travel across the country, providing unlimited usage of JR trains for a designated period. However, there are also regional rail passes that may be more suitable if your travels are limited to specific areas.
• City Passes: City passes are great for unlimited travel within specific cities for a day or more. If you plan to explore a city extensively, these passes offer convenience and savings.
• Tour Packages: Tour packages combine transportation and accommodation, offering discounted rates for travelers who prefer a pre-planned itinerary.
• Discount Ticket Shops: If you're looking for a way to save on regular tickets, discount ticket shops can offer slight discounts on train fares.
Interrail/Eurail Passes in Japan
Interrail/Eurail Passes are not available in Japan.
Saver price.
The most cost-effective fare for train travel in Japan depends on the specific route and length of the trip. If you are planning to make a big trip and cover long distances in 7, 14 or 21 days, then Japan Rail Pass can be a favorable option.
However, if you plan to travel in a limited area or for a short time, buying regular tickets or other options such as IC cards may be more economical.
Ultimately, you should carefully plan your itinerary, consider your travel needs, and calculate costs to determine the best fare for your particular trip to Japan.
Is it cheaper to buy round-trip?
10 percent off on the base fare of round trip tickets, if the trip covers more than 600 kilometers one way.
Flexible tickets.
The most flexible fare for train travel in Japan is to buy separate tickets for each route of travel. When you buy individual tickets, you have the freedom to choose your travel route, date and time without being tied to specific dates, as is the case with the Japan Rail Pass and some other types of rail passes.
With individual tickets, you can travel on any train and choose the type of seat (unreserved or reserved seat) that suits you best. This way, you have more flexibility in planning your trips and can change your itineraries while traveling if necessary.
However, it's worth noting that buying individual tickets can be more expensive compared to specific rail passes, especially if you plan to travel long distances or move around the country a lot.
Rules of boarding.
In general, you do not need an ID card to enter a train in Japan. However, you may need to show your passport or another form of identification when purchasing certain types of train tickets, such as the Japan Rail Pass or other discounted passes available only to foreign tourists.
Discounts for group travel.
Discount 10-15% off for groups of eight or more adults and 30-50% off for groups of eight or more students. Additional discounts are available for groups of more than 30 people. Group tickets must be booked at least two weeks in advance.
Age groups and discounts.
Children (12 years and older) pay the full fare.
Child (6-11 years old) pay half the base fare, (limited) express fee and seat reservation.
Young Child (1-5 years old). Up to two young children per accompanying adult or child travel free, and each additional young child is charged at the child fare.
Student Discount
A 20 percent discount on tickets covering more than 100 kilometers. Students must be registered with JR as students to receive the discount. This includes junior high school students, senior high school students, university students, and students of other recognized educational institutions.
Age limitations for minors.
While there is no specific law on age, you can see children as young as 5-year-old traveling on a train to school alone in Japan.
Handicapped passengers.
In Japan, many train and subway stations are equipped for handicapped accessibility, making public transportation travel relatively convenient for the physically challenged. Here are some of the facilities available for people with disabilities:
• Platforms and elevators: Most stations are equipped with train-level platforms, making it easier for wheelchair users to board the train. Elevators are also available to access platforms and carriages, avoiding the use of stairs and escalators.
• Special seating in carriages: Some trains and metro trains offer special areas for disabled people and wheelchair spaces for comfortable seating during the journey.
• Station staff assistance: Most stations have trained staff who are available to assist people with disabilities in boarding the train, buying tickets, and getting around the station. These staff can provide slopes for boarding the train, as well as assist with transferring to another train.
• Travel Alert: If you let the station staff know your travel plans, they can alert the destination station of your arrival to ensure your smooth transfer or meeting with a station staff member.
• Removable Seats: Some carriages are equipped with removable seats, creating more space for wheelchairs.
Despite this, it is worth noting that not all stations and trains in Japan have fully adapted facilities for the disabled, and the situation may vary from one part of the country to another.
Seat reservations in trains in Japan.
On most local, rapid and express trains all seats are non-reserved. Seat reservations cost roughly €1.90 to €4.50, but are free with the Japan Rail Pass
Comfort classes on the trains.
There are different comfort classes on trains in Japan:
• Ordinary Class: This is the most common class and is offered on all trains in Japan. Ordinary seats are comfortable, clean and have plenty of legroom. On shinkansen, ordinary seats are usually 3+2 across the width of the carriage, but on other trains such as Limited Express and Express trains, they are 2+2.
• Reserved Seat and Unreserved Seat in regular class: Shinkansen trains and Limited Expresses offer Reserved Seats and Unreserved Seats in regular class. Reserved seat tickets allow you to choose your seat in advance, while non-reserved seat tickets allow you to take any available seat.
• Green Car: Green class is equivalent to first class in Japan. This class offers larger seats with more leg and elbow room. Green cars usually have 4 seats in a row (2+2) on shinkansen and 3 seats in a row (2+1) on limited express trains. Green Class tickets are always reserved and seats can be reserved up to a month before departure.
• Gran Class: Gran Class is a luxurious class with top-level comfort that is featured on some Shinkansen trains. Gran Class seats are arranged in 2+1 (two seats on one side of the aisle and one seat on the other side. Grand Class is not available on all trains, but there are plans to introduce it on more trains in the future.
Food and drink in trains / train restaurant in Japan.
Japanese trains don't have a dining car. Some long-distance trains have vending machines or refreshment trolleys selling ekiben as well as snacks, beer, and soft drinks. The vending machines and trolleys accept both credit cards and cash. The choice of ekiben on board is limited, however.
Night trains in Japan?
Before the bullet train, there was a time when night trains were commonplace in Japan. The country's elite as well as tourists traveled with glamor using these "blue sleeper trains". Today, however, luxury night trains are becoming a novelty, reminiscent of an earlier time and cheaper trains. Currently, Sunrise Seto and Izumo are the only regular night trains still in service.
Important train routes in Japan.
AUGUST 2023
Tokyo – Osaka /from 2:36 hours / from 51.25 EUR
Tokyo – Kyoto /from 2:08 hours / from 51.25 EUR
Tokyo – Hakone-En / from 3:50 hours / from 18.40 EUR
Tokyo – Osaki /from 0:14 hours / from 1.15 EUR
Osaka – Hiroshima / from 1:42 hours / from 33.30 EUR
Tokyo – Sapporo / from 3:51 hours / from 154.90 EUR
Osaka – Nara / from 0:50 hours / from 4.60 EUR
Tokyo – Nikko / from 1:58 hours / from 10.45 EUR
Kyoto – Nara / from 0:44 hours / from 5.60 EUR
Tokyo – Nagoya / from 1:39 hours / from 35.20 EUR
International train routes.
There is no train connection to other countries from Japan.
Tourist / scenic routes in Japan.
Japan has many tourist and scenic routes that you can explore by train, enjoying the beauty of the country and its nature. Here are a few of them:
• Tokaido Shinkansen (Tokaido Shinkansen) - This route is one of the most popular and beautiful routes in Japan. It runs along the Pacific coast and connects Tokyo to Osaka, passing through famous cities such as Yokohama, Nagoya and Kyoto. Traveling on the Tokaido Shinkansen allows you to enjoy breathtaking views of the mountains and sea.
• Sanyo Shinkansen - This route passes through the beautiful scenery of Honshu Island, connecting Osaka to Hiroshima and Fukuoka. Along the route, you can see scenic fields, mountains and waterfalls, as well as the seashore.
• Tobu Tobu-Tojo Line - This route passes through the Kanto region, linking the city of Tokyo with beautiful places such as Nikko and Kawagoe. In Nikko, you can visit famous temples and shrines surrounded by picturesque mountains and lakes.
• Kyoto Arashiyama - This is a beautiful route that passes through the Arashiyama district of Kyoto. Here you can see beautiful bamboo groves, historic temples and Zen gardens surrounded by nature.
• Hakone Tohoku (Hakone Tozan) - This route leads to the resort area of Hakone, which is famous for its hot springs and views of Mount Fuji. Traveling along this route provides a unique opportunity to enjoy nature and the tranquility of lakes and mountains.
Luggage information.
You may bring up to 2 baggage items with a total length, width, and height of up to 250 cm (up to 2 meters in length) and a weight of up to 30 kg.
Bicycle on the train.
Bicycles aren't allowed on trains unless they are foldable or can be stowed away in a 'Rinko bag'. Upon reaching the train station, alight from your bike, fold/dismantle it and put it away in the Rinko bag before carrying it with you.
Ski or snowboard on the train.
Technically you can put your skis or snowboard anywhere, as long as it's out of the way of passengers and not going to cause any problems. This is the same for other special baggage such as wheelchairs or other sports equipment.
Luggage lockers on the stations in Japan.
Airports, train stations, bus stations and tourist sites in Japan have many luggage storage facilities that can accommodate bags and luggage of various sizes. They are ideal for travelers with one or two pieces of luggage who want to leave them for a few hours while they explore the sights.
There are three main sizes of luggage lockers in Japan – small, medium and large.
• Small – 35cm x 34cm x 57cm (fee: €1.90)
• Medium – 57 cm x 34 cm x 57 cm (fee: €2.55)
• Large – at least 117cm x 34cm x 57cm (Fee: €3.20 - €6.40).
To use the luggage lockers, you must insert the exact amount (in 100 yen coins) into the slot and take the key.
If you need to leave your luggage in the luggage room overnight, you will have to pay an additional 1.90 € when you return to collect it the next day.
Lost and Found Items.
As long as you recently lost your item, you can go direct to JR to recover it by going along to their lost property counters. You can also give them a call before you go to the lost property service counter, to make sure they have your property.
Pets on the trains.
Only small pets weighing less than 10kg are allowed to travel in Japanese trains. The pets are to be carried in pet enclosures measuring not more than 70cm (length +width + height).
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