Taking the train in Japan Cost, Information and Tips

Why take the train at all?

How do you best get from A to B in Japan? The answer is simple: by train! Japan has an excellent train network that will take you to almost every corner of the country. From super modern express trains to nostalgic local trains, there is something for everyone. All trains are very clean and comfortable, and they run frequently, so you never have to wait too long for the next departure!

What about the language?

Traveling in Japan can be a challenge if you don't speak Japanese. Many locals cannot speak English, and menus in restaurants and public information often consist only of Japanese characters. Luckily, the train system is much better. Important stations are always marked in Japanese and English. For long-distance trains, most stops are also announced in English. You don't have to worry about buying tickets either: many ticket staff speak English and are used to helping tourists. But even the machines where you can buy your own ticket have an English-language user menu and are very easy to use.

Providers/Train Companies

Japan Rail

Japan Rail has the largest train network in Japan. You can travel the entire country by Japan Rail trains. It was originally operated by the state, similar to the German railway. However, it has now been privatized, also like the German railway. Japan Rail is the only train company in Japan that operates the super fast Bullet Trains (Shinkansen). Very convenient for tourists: there are various Rail Passes for different regions of Japan, where you pay a fixed amount for your ticket and can then travel by train as often as you like.

Private Companies

In almost every major Japanese city there is at least one own train line. Ticket prices are often cheaper than Japan Rail trains. Be careful though: even if you have a Japan Rail Pass, you still need to buy a separate ticket for private company trains.

What trains are there?

Depending on the speed and region you want to travel to, there are different trains.

Local (futsū) 

This is the slowest train. It stops at every small station and therefore takes a long time.

Rapid (kaisoku)

A bit faster, but by no means an express train, is the "Rapid" train. It skips some stations, but often stops.

Express (kyūkō)

The express train only stops in larger cities and is therefore quite fast.

Limited Express (tokkyū)

This special form of express train usually goes to resort towns with the famous hot springs, Onsen. You can often only travel with the Limited Express trains with a reservation. They are a bit more expensive than Local, Rapid and Express trains, but have very comfortable seats.

Super Express (Shinkansen)

This is probably the most famous Japanese train. It is operated by Japan Rail. The so-called "Bullet Trains" travel at a maximum speed of 320 km/h and connect almost all major cities in Japan. However, how fast the individual Bullet Trains actually are depends on the number of stops they make. Be careful: often the Shinkansen stations are quite far from "normal" train stations, and it can be difficult to get to the city center from there. It is possible to reserve seats in advance. However, this costs a bit more. If you don't reserve a seat, you may have to stand! The cheapest tickets for the Shinkansen are for the route between Tokyo and Osaka. Kodama trains are the slowest on the Shinkansen line, and they are about 20% cheaper than regular Bullet Train tickets. Once you've bought them, they're non-refundable.

Overnight Trains

These trains only operate from Tokyo to Takamatsu or Izumo. They are equipped with private compartments. It is advisable to reserve a ticket here, as the trains sell out very quickly.

On the Train

Green Car

These carriages are the Japanese "First Class". You have a little more legroom and more comfortable seats here (although the seats in standard class are also very comfortable). However, you have a clear advantage at peak travel times, when the Green Cars are a bit emptier than the rest of the train.

Gran Car

This is the luxury class. Gran Cars are not available on all trains. There is usually a waiter here, unlimited drinks, snacks and bento boxes, and extremely comfortable seats.

Prices

Local, Rapid, and Express Trains all cost the same. Limited Express trains are a bit more expensive. And you have to pay an extra fee for the Shinkansen.

Route	Train	Price
Tokyo-Osaka	Shinkansen	approx. 14500 Yen/120 Euro
Tokyo-Osaka	Express train & Regional train	approx. 8955 Yen/75 Euro
Short distance (under 20 km)	Regional train	approx. 237 Yen/ 2 Euro

Tickets

You can buy train tickets at various points of sale: at self-service machines directly at the station or from sales staff - these only have offices at larger stations. A good tip: if you buy your tickets from sales staff, write down all the details (destination, departure time, passengers) on a piece of paper beforehand and give it to the sales staff so that there are no misunderstandings.

You can also buy train tickets at travel agencies, which are located all over the country. If you want to reserve a seat, however, you can only do so a maximum of one month in advance. Seat reservations are particularly useful at weekends and public holidays, when many people are traveling by train. For Japan Rail tickets, you can change your journey once, and you will get your money back for unused tickets (minus a processing fee).

You have to scan your train ticket when entering the station and hand it in when leaving. So make sure you don't lose it during the journey! Sometimes you get two tickets: one normal (for the route) and one extra ticket (e.g. for express trains). In this case, you must hand in both tickets when leaving the station.

IC-Card

This is a very practical, rechargeable transport ticket that you can use to not only travel by train, but also to pay in many convenience stores and at vending machines. The IC-Card is valid throughout the country, including trains within cities - no matter where it was originally issued. You can use it on Local, Rapid and Express trains, but not on Limited Express trains and Shinkansen.

You don't necessarily have to have an IC-Card, but it's very handy - especially for shorter distances within cities. The fare is calculated based on the starting and ending point, not the duration of the journey. So if you take the wrong train, you can go back to the correct station without having to buy a separate ticket - provided you don't leave the station in between. You will always see how much money you have left on your card when you leave the station.

Rail Passes

Rail Passes are extremely useful if you plan to travel a lot by train over a limited period of time. Train and ferry tickets are often included in the price. There are tickets that are valid for all of Japan, but also those that are only valid for a certain region. Some of the most popular passes include:

• JR-Pass
• Hokuriku Arch Pass 
• Kansai Thru Pass
• Shikoku Rail Pass
• JR East/Central/West/Hokkaido/ Kyūshū Rail Passes
• JR Central Rail Passes
• JR West Rail Passes

Rail Passes can only be used as a tourist. Be careful: If your Rail Pass was issued by Japan Rail, it is only valid for Japan Rail transport. We have put together a detailed article here where you can find all the information.

City Pass

These tickets are only valid for a single city and cover subway, train, bus and tram.

Cheapest option for train travel: Seishun 18

Here you can't take express trains/Shinkansen, but you can travel through Japan very cheaply for five days. Recommended for those who want to travel through the country at a relaxed pace.

Train Etiquette

There are many rules of etiquette in Japan. Train rides are no exception - you should definitely follow various rules of courtesy. These include:

• Let passengers disembark first, then board yourself
• Take off your backpack, don't put it on the seat next to you
• Talking on the phone is prohibited
• Do not speak loudly/listen to loud music
• Do not eat or drink (except on Shinkansen)
• Do not leave any trash behind
• No smoking
• Make seats available for pensioners/pregnant women/disabled people

Eating on the Train

You are not allowed to eat or drink on regular trains. However, Shikansen trains are an exception. These even have their own tables and drink holders by the seats. You can buy various small snacks at the stations, but also directly on the train, such as Ongiris and Bentos . They are cold, but they taste delicious and are not particularly expensive.

Planning Your Route

Because there are so many different providers in Japan, all with their own websites, it can be quite cumbersome to plan train journeys. However, the websites Hyperdia and Jorudan are very practical, as they draw information from all providers.