Find out which ticket you need, where to buy it – and how to navigate Japan’s world-renowned rail network like a pro with this expert guide.
For locals, trains are the most efficient and reliable mode of transport in Japan and an essential part of daily life. So, naturally as a traveller, whether you’re visiting for the first time or a seasoned pro, you’re going to get on a train at some point. In doing so, you’ll connect with an extensive rail network that stretches seamlessly across the country, linking together major cities as well as quieter, off-the-beaten-path destinations.
This world-leading rail system is known for its punctuality, efficiency and cleanliness, but they’re accessible to all too. Major stations are equipped with elevators, ramps and lifts to support travellers with mobility needs. And for solo female travellers seeking extra comfort, some lines even offer women-only carriages during rush hours.
Wherever you’re headed, there’s almost certainly a train that will take you there. Here’s how to make the most of them.
Learning the ropes of the rail system
Before you actually get on one of Japan’s impressive trains, there are some steps to take. First off, you need a ticket. There are rail passes and individual tickets – and regardless of which ticket you’re purchasing, you’ll need to either use a ticket machine, grab one from a counter at the station or get a rail pass online.
Let’s talk tickets
Ticket machines within the station are mostly used for short-distance travel, where you can buy a ticket at a vending machine. Just look at the map above the machine, find the station you’re heading to, look at the corresponding fare that’s right on the map and plug that fare into the machine. Most of these systems offer an English option that will guide you through the process, but this is one of those moments when travelling with a local often comes in handy.
Most major cities have a colour-coded system on the map with station codes to help you navigate, and when in doubt, you can always use your phone map to get a quick idea of how to get from point A to point B by rail.
The station you are currently standing in will usually be written on the map in large letters and sometimes indicated by a red arrow.
You can also purchase tickets at a ticket counter, but be prepared for lines. Oh, and cash is king for local trains, so always have some handy, just in case.
To reserve or not to reserve?
When it comes to seat reservations, most shinkansen and limited express trains have both non-reserved (first-come, first-served) and reserved seating. On most local, rapid and express trains, all seats are non-reserved. If you want to choose your seats ahead of time, it will cost extra unless you have a Japan Rail Pass, in which case, seat reservations are free.
Just go to a ticket office located at the station if you don’t have a rail pass to score a reserved seat or use a ticket machine with a green label. If you do have a pass, you can just go through the official Japan Rail Pass website.
Picking the right way to pay
The Japan Rail (JR) Pass gives you (almost) unlimited travel on Japan’s JR trains for a set period of time, which you can purchase online and then pick up at a designated JR Exchange office in major airports and train stations. A pass is recommended if you’re travelling across Japan for a week or more and taking long-distance trips. It makes getting through the train stations quick and convenient and allows you to pay a fixed price rather than buying tickets on a case-by-case basis.
Alternatively, individual tickets can be purchased at vending machines or counter service, and are best if you’re moving through Japan at a slower pace or staying in one region. They’re more flexible since you buy exactly what you need, so this can sometimes be a cheaper option depending on your itinerary.
There are also IC Cards, which are pre-paid rechargeable transportation cards that can be used to pay for local trains and buses, which is recommended if you’re going to be spending a lot of time in a major city like Tokyo.
So, the type of train tickets you purchase is dependent on the type of travel, but if you’re travelling with Intrepid on a curated small-group trip, you likely won’t need to buy this for trips where transport is included. So, keep that in mind before you book.
Read more: Everything I wish I knew before going to Japan
Now boarding: What to expect
So, you’ve got your ticket, maybe you reserved a seat, and now it’s time to get on the train.
Once your ticket is secured, you’ll walk into the paid fare zone by inserting your ticket into an automatic ticket gate, then grabbing it when it pops out on the other side. You can find your platform by looking for your destination, train-line name and departure time on the electronic signs – the most important signs are written in English.
There will be marks on the floor that show where the doors will be when the train arrives, and you’ll see passengers neatly lined up behind those marks. These trains are punctual down to the very second, so being on time is being late, and being early is being on time.
Once on the train, upcoming stations are announced in Japanese, but on the shinkansen, the announcements will also be made in English. This part may feel more confusing than the ticket-buying process, so if you’re nervous about this part of the trip, consider travelling to Japan with a local leader who can cut through any confusion for you.
Read more: Meet Japan’s trailblazing female sake brewer
Riding like a local
As with daily life in Japan, respect is at the heart of the train ride. You’ll find most passengers go out of their way to ensure they don’t take up too much space, and boarding is neat and orderly. When waiting in line for the train, stand in a straight line rather than bunching up in a crowd. Follow the queue like the Japanese do.
The most important rule to follow is not to talk on your phone and to speak very quietly if you chat with other travellers (indoor voices only, please). Here’s a simple list of train etiquette to follow:
- Wait for passengers to exit the train before you enter and do not block the door
- If someone bows, bow back
- Don’t put your feet, bags or any personal belongings on the seats
- Put backpacks in the baggage shelves
- Don’t talk on the phone
- Give up your seat to elderly, sick, injured or pregnant people
- If you’re sick, sniffling or sneezing, wear a face mask
- Be mindful of those around you
Essentially, just be a good human and be polite. And when it comes to luggage, packing light is crucial. This is not a trip you want to overpack for – riding the trains with large luggage is not recommended because storage is limited and not always guaranteed.
Advice around eating on the train
As for eating, it’s appropriate to eat on long-distance trains like the shinkansen but not on local trains. When in doubt, just follow what the locals are doing – be observant and read the room. If you’re going on a long-distance train, buy a bento box (ekiben) from the train station. These decorative food boxes come in hundreds of varieties, with rice, veggies, meats, seafood and more inside, and some even have self-heating boxes that warm up your meal when opened.
Read more: Where to go in Japan based on your travel vibes
Beyond the bullet: Meet Japan’s trains
Now let’s talk about the trains themselves and what kinds you’ll experience in Japan.
Most travellers dream of the bullet train, but sometimes taking it slow can be more rewarding than zipping across the country at lightning-fast speed. While the shinkansen is undeniably exciting, it’s the slower, local trains that really let you explore the off-the-beaten-path destinations, like visiting a tea farm and staying with a local family in Kawane.
Shinkansen
This is the speedy train that has gained global recognition. Japan’s fastest and most iconic train reaches speeds up to 320 km/h (200 mph). It’s clean, quiet and efficient, with free Wi-Fi, snack trolleys and storage space on board.
With very few stops, it’s used for getting from one major city to the next quickly and comfortably, and it combats what would typically require a plane ride. You’ll have the option of hopping in the Green or the Ordinary cars. The Green car offers a more luxurious experience with more privacy at a higher price, but the Ordinary car is still pretty high-class relative to trains in other countries. So, you don’t really need to upgrade, but if you’re feeling fancy, go for it.
Limited Express trains
This is still faster travel, but with limited stops. The Limited Express trains make fewer stops than the regular Express trains and travel to major cities, onsen towns and coastal regions, so it’s a popular option for travellers who want to get out of the urban hubs.
Express and Rapid trains
The Express and Rapid trains are good for covering shorter distances, but still skip some stations to reduce travel time. These are commonly used to move between nearby cities or airport transfers.
Local trains
Local trains are the backbone of daily commuting in Japan, stopping at all stations along their route. These are useful for short distances and to reach smaller towns and neighbourhoods.
If you want to get the most out of a trip to Japan, you’ll probably use a combination of trains, like taking the shinkansen to reach a far distance quickly, then hopping on a local train to explore specific destinations more intimately.
Read more: Things to do in Japan that most solo travellers miss
Oops! Common mistakes for first timers
A common mistake first-timers make is simply travelling at the wrong time. If you can avoid hopping on a train during rush hour (7 to 9:30 am and 5 to 7:30 pm), then avoid it. Aim to travel by train outside of these timeframes, and if you do have to take it during rush hour, don’t bring any luggage if you don’t need to as some trains are packed.
The most frequent mistakes are not following local etiquette, like not standing in a neat line or talking too much (or too loudly) on the train. Do as the locals do and be a respectful visitor. Keep your phone on silent so you don’t inadvertently disrupt an otherwise peaceful journey.
Lastly, it’s not uncommon to have the wrong train ticket if it’s your first time navigating the system. Most people think the Japan Rail Pass covers all lines, or don’t know the difference between the varying trains. Just make sure your ticket matches the train line you’re going on and lean on locals to advise if needed.
This may all seem daunting, but somewhere between the busy station and the blur of landscapes out the window, you’ll realise this isn’t necessarily all about getting from one place to the other – it’s about everything in between. Like witnessing daily life on a local level, getting a glimpse of a new culture and being part of the quiet choreography of strangers as they move from one place to another.
Let Intrepid’s local leaders guide you through the trains on a small-group trip in Japan.
