If you are planning a trip with the Japan Rail Pass, better be prepared! You will be riding Japanese trains quite often.
In Japan, railroads are the primary mode of passenger transportation, and they have been ever since the first passenger steam locomotives debuted in Japan during the Meiji Restoration in 1872.
There is 30,625 km of rail lines all over Japan and they carry more than 9 billion passengers per year. Due to the country’s extensive use of its rail system, 46 of the top 50 busiest stations in the world are located in Japan.
Most Japanese rail lines have a unique name, normally taken from one of the cities or regions along the route, which means that the system is incredibly easy to navigate (the line names are even indicated on the tickets!).
Even so, figuring out how to manage the Japanese transportation system might be somewhat of a challenge for some. With that in mind, we’ve created this complete guide to the train system in Japan to help solve any doubts regarding riding the densha (how you say train in Japanese!).
The Japanese train system
The railway system in Japan is so well developed, punctual, extensive and diverse that you can simply assume that wherever you plan to go – there is a train that will take you there.
The very first thing to know is that railway lines in Japan are not operated by a single company. Japanese National Railways, a government-owned company, used to be in charge of the entire rail network in Japan as well as everything associated with it.
However, In 1987, the JNR underwent privatization and was split into six independent rail companies:
- Hokkaido Railway Company
- East Japan Railway Company
- Central Japan Railway Company
- West Japan Railway Company
- Shikoku Railway Company
- Kyushu Railway Company
Together, they make up the Japan Railways Group, or JR Group. JR Group owns roughly 80% of the railroads, but the rest are privately owned companies.
Due to this, when reading the visual maps above any ticket-vending machine around Japan you will notice that some lines headed in the same direction have different prices. This is so because each company has its own price list.
You are free to select the company you wish. The Japan Rail Pass multi-use ticket is part of the National JR Group and the JR Pass can be used on the vast majority of main services!
For more information about the national, regional and local lines, please check our maps page.
Privately owned rail companies
There are dozens of private railway companies in Japan. Some operate just a single line, while others manage larger networks.
According to the Japan Private Railway Association, these are the major private railway companies currently operating in the country:
Greater Tokyo
- Keikyu – connects Tokyo with Yokohama and southern Kanagawa Prefecture
- Keio – manages a network of railway lines west of central Tokyo
- Keisei – operates lines from Tokyo to Chiba Prefecture, including one to Narita Airport
- Odakyu – runs 3 three lines from central Tokyo to the west and Kanagawa Prefecture
- Seibu – runs a network of lines in the suburbs west of central Tokyo
- Tobu – operates lines in Tokyo’s suburbs and prefectures to the north of the city
- Tokyu – oversees a network of lines in southern Tokyo
Greater Nagoya
- Meitetsu – runs a rail network around Nagoya that includes access to Central Japan Airport
Greater Osaka
- Hankyu – oversees lines in northern Osaka, connects Osaka with Kobe and Kyoto
- Hanshin – runs a line between Osaka and Kobe, as well as a few shorter branch lines
- Keihan – operates a main line that connects Osaka and Kyoto
- Kintetsu – manages the largest non-JR rail network, connecting Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Ise, and Nagoya
- Nankai – runs lines in southern Osaka and Wakayama Prefecture, facilitates access to Kansai Airport
Greater Fukuoka
- Nishitetsu – in charge of a network of lines in Fukuoka Prefecture
Combined, these companies operate over 2,870.1 kilometers of railways across Japan. However, remember that the JR Group controls over 20,135 km of lines in Japan, a far greater number, and that you can use the JR Pass on the majority of these services.
Types of trains in Japan
Following are the intercity and suburban Japanese train categories explained:
Shinkansen (Super Express)
Also known as bullet trains, these are the fastest transportation modes in Japan with very few stops (if any) in comparison to the rapid or local ones.
The Shinkansen run on separate tracks and platforms since their track gauge is completely different from the others. This is due to the line’s high-speed capabilities and overall construction.
A Super Express fee is required when boarding any of the bullet trains, in addition to the regular base fee. The price is usually between 800 and 8,000 yen, depending on your final destination.
Note: Shinkansen bullet trains are included in the Japan Rail Pass, which means that JR holders will not have to make any extra payments* when boarding this train during the validity of their pass.
*A surcharge and a special complementary ticket to the JR Pass are required to use the “Nozomi” and “Mizuho” train services (from October 1, 2023).
Limited Express trains
There are over a 100 different types of Limited Express trains, with a limited number of stops, so they only go to major Japanese stations. Similar to the Shinkansen, the Limited Express also requires an additional fee to be paid. The Japan Rail Pass does cover some of those trains, however not all of them. The extra cost can vary between 400 and 4,000 yens.
Express trains
Many of the Japanese Express trains have been stopped and upgraded to Limited Express or downgraded to Rapid. The JR Group operates the current Express trains, which means Japan Rail Pass holders can use them free of charge. All other passengers will be charged an additional fee.
The JR Pass also covers the main airport transfers, which are usually operated by express or limited express trains: Haneda International Airport (Tokyo Monorail), Narita International Airport (Narita Express), and Kansai International Airport (Haruka Express).
Rapid trains
Passengers will not be charged any extra fees when boarding a rapid train. A single train ride costs equally to one local train ride. The only difference is that rapid trains skip a few stops in comparison to the local one, which makes their time of arrival notably shorter.
Local trains
To ride a local train you will need to buy a regular ticket. No extra fee will be required. Local trains can either go from point A to point B or run at loop lines in both directions (like the Yamanote line in Tokyo or the Osaka loop line), stopping at all stations. It is recommended not to take these trains for long distances as they are some of the slowest and least spacious in Japan.
Special trains
While most trains are geared toward commuting or business travel, there are many trains that are designed for tourists. In Japan, this type of train is broadly referred to as joyful trains.
The most popular trains are the various steam trains that run on more scenic lines. These mostly run on weekends and holidays and many operate only in the summer months. Many of them called character trains have been given unique designs to attract visitors to scenic locations.
This started with trains featuring characters popular with children, but more recently, prominent industrial designers have been recruited to design unique trains more appealing to adults.
One of the most recent tourist trains to debut in Japan is Kyushu’s 3.5- hour Coto Coto rolling restaurant train, launched in 2019.
Train tickets in Japan
Before explaining the ticket-buying process, let us focus on the train ticket options you will have with the different companies and services (you can also read our article about Train tickets in Japan for more detailed information):
The Japan Rail Pass
With the JR Pass, you can choose between a 7, 14 and 21-day pass, giving you access to all Japan Railways Group (JR) trains, buses, and ferry services available throughout Japan.
Standard train tickets
These are the regular tickets that will take you from point A to point B. For short distances, it is easier to purchase them from the ticket machines, which you can find easily on any platform.
IC cards
IC cards are prepaid rechargeable transportation cards, which can be used to pay your train or bus fare – similar to the London Oyster card, for example. Pasmo and Suica are the most popular transportation cards in Tokyo.
What is more, there is an increasing number of shops and restaurants where travelers can use an IC card to make a contactless payment.
Note: Please keep in mind that each Japanese city has its own prepaid travel card. The good news is that they are interchangeable, which means you can use your Tokyo Suica card on the Kyoto metro.
City passes
Many Japanese cities offer city passes that grant 24h unlimited access to any of the city transportation means such as trains, trams, buses, and metro. Such passes are also referred to as Day Pass. You can purchase them at a ticket counter in any of Japan’s big cities: Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Sapporo, Nagoya, Hiroshima and more.
How to buy individual train tickets
Tickets for short-distance trips are sold at vending machines, whereas tickets for long-distance trips can be purchased at ticket counters.
First-timers might be puzzled by the typical Japanese ticket machines as grasping how to buy a ticket right from the beginning is not always easy. Don’t be scared! Here is our step-by-step guide to managing the Japanese ticket vending machines:
How to use the ticket vending machines
- Locate the ticket vending area at your station. Typically there will be a big map above it.
- Take a look at the map and find the name of your final destination.
Tip: The station you are currently at will be written with larger letters (usually red) and in some occasions indicated by a red arrow (“You are here” style). The map displays the names of the stations in both Japanese and English together with the price to get to each destination. - Once you know how much your trip will cost you, take a look at the machine screen.
- Tap the “English” button on the top right corner of the screen for an English translation of the process.
- One the left hand-side of the screen select the number of passengers.
- If your final destination costs 200 ¥ (for example), select 200 on the screen (usually, you don’t choose the name of your destination but the price to get there).
- You can also insert coins/notes first. If you have added 200 (¥), the screen will highlight in green the options for this amount.
- Once you have selected the amount and inserted it, your ticket will be immediately printed and you will be given your change (if any).
Even though it might seem complicated or too unfamiliar at first, don’t be discouraged. The second try will already be easier!
Note: Keep your ticket with you until the end of your trip. You will need it to get out at your destination station.
How to reserve train seats on Japanese trains
All Japan Rail Pass holders are entitled to free seat reservations. If you are a JR Pass holder, you can simply go to any of the ticket offices located at the stations, specify which train you are planning to take and that is all. You will be given a confirmation of your seat reservation within seconds.
The procedure is the same for passengers with no Japan Rail Passes. However, they will have to pay an extra fee. The exact amount depends on the selected type of train and class.
Note: Always remember that Japanese trains are punctual to the second. If you have a seat reservation, make sure to be at the station in advance.
Getting around Japanese train stations
Japan Rail Pass holders enter the train platforms at the station from a different gate than those with standard train tickets. To enter, JR Pass travelers should go to the glass booth located next to the gates and show their JR Pass (and passport, if required) to the staff.
When at the station waiting for your train, there are a few things you need to keep in mind:
- Follow the queue like the Japanese do.
- Make sure to check which is your track before boarding, as sometimes more than one train leaves from the same platform.
- All the indications you need will be displayed on the monitors in both Japanese and English.
- Stand in a straight line. Personal space and waiting behavior matter to the Japanese!
- Follow the example of the Japanese when entering the train by first letting everyone get out.
Note: for more information about stations, please refer to our complete guide about Japanese train stations.
Where to store your luggage
Riding the trains with large suitcases is not recommended as there is little storage space provided on most trains. This excludes the Narita Express, which will take you to and from Narita Airport to central Tokyo, and the Haruka train. Both are well equipped for large luggage, however, the rest of the trains are not.
Shinkansen trains offer overhead storage compartments for regular luggage. Also, there is space behind the last row of seats of each car. However, this space is limited, and there is no guarantee it will be available.
Check the Japan Railways regulations for Shinkansen luggage for full specifications.
Note: for more information about transporting luggage, please refer to our guide about luggage forwarding and coin lockers.
Other travel tips
It is important to understand that the Japanese follow a strict etiquette in public and especially when riding a train or taking a bus. Always bear in mind that speaking on the phone is not accepted, as you are disturbing those who surround you.
Listening to loud music, placing your bags on the seat next to you or not giving it up to the elderly, sick or pregnant is practically forbidden.
A final recommendation will be to enjoy to the fullest your time in Japan but always to be mindful of those around you.
Cover photo – Local train next to Ueno Station (Tokyo) – By @chucknado (Flickr)