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

Golden Week Travel Advice

Japan will celebrate Golden Week from April 29 to May 7, 2023, which comprises four national holidays: Showa Day on April 29, Constitutional Memorial Day on May 3, Greenery Day on May 4, and Childr

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Japan Rail Pass Exchange Offices

Japan Rail Pass Exchange Offices: the major offices throughout Japan where an Exchange Order can be exchanged for a Japan Rail Pass. Below are a few of the 51 offices throughout Japan where the Exc

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Jorudan

If you want to optimize your time when taking the train in Japan, you should plan your routes well in advance (and ensure that you order your Japan Rail Pass prior to departing for Japan).

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Smartphone Apps for Your Japan Rail Travel

Check out a few of our favorite apps to use when traveling Japan by rail! Order your JR Pass today - available in 7-, 14-, and 21-day passes.

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Shinkansen Travel Tips

Joetsu Shinkansen

Joetsu Shinkansen: read a guide to the Joetsu Shinkansen which connects Tokyo Station with Niigata Station in Niigata via Echigo Yuzawa.

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The Shinkansen network

Here is an overview of the Shinkansen network in Japan - accessible with a Japan Rail Pass.

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Nozomi Shinkansen Train

The Nozomi is the super-express bullet train service on the Tokaido Shinkansen Line, faster than the Kodama and Hikari services, and is the only shinkansen service not covered by the Japan Rail Pas

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The Sanyo Shinkansen Line

The Sanyo Shinkansen Line is the Shinkansen Line between Shin-Osaka station and Hakata Station Station (Fukuoka) operated by JR West.

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Unique Trains in Japan

Umisachi Yamasachi Limited Express

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

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Anpanman Train

The Anpanman Train is a special train running in Shikoku with liveries and interior decorations on the theme of the popular Anpanman children's manga and anime series.

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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

Aso Boy Trains: Since 2011 the Aso Boy limited express train has been running, not surprisingly considering its name, to and from Mount Aso, the massive volcano in the middle of the island.

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Japanese Stations

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.

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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.

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Fujigaoka Station Nagoya

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

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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 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).

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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.

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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

The JR Yamanote Line

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

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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.

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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

Imagine that you are taking the train with full blooming cherry blossoms.

Sakura Views from the Train

If you're planning your trip for cherry blossom season, which goes from mid-March to mid-April depending on the region, you can make the most of your travel time right from your seat with these stu

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How to go from Sendai to Morioka?

From Sendai to Morioka, you will find outstanding views of rural Japan to the left and right of the train.

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How to go from Tokyo to Sendai?

Located just an hour and a half away from Tokyo by Shinkansen, Sendai is known for its tree-lined streets and Tanabata festival. A variety of sightseeing spots are abound on the way, too!

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How to go from Okayama to Matsue?

Japan has always boasted a very rich historical background, and the itinerary from Okayama to Matsue is especially representative of that.

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