One of the first things I noticed about Japan was the amazing train infrastructure. And this isn’t just some subjective experience either. According to Statista, it ranks as having the most efficient railway systems in the world!
So yea, I definitely got spoiled.
That’s why I put together this helpful user guide on how to get around Japan by train. Because while it is very convenient, it can also be daunting if you’re new. This guide is here to make sure you show up to Japan and hop on its trains with full confidence.
Now let’s get to it!
Japanese Trains 101
To fully understand how to use trains in Japan, it helps to first get familiar with the main companies and train names.
Luckily, there are only three main “categories” you need to worry about:
- JR lines (Japan Railways)
- The Shinkansen (high speed bullet trains, also operated by JR)
- Private train lines
JR Lines
Japan Railways operates in every part of Japan, from Tokyo to Osaka and from Hokkaido to Kyushu. Many of the most common and busiest trains are JR lines, which has an iconic green logo with italic writing.
Inside the JR gates, you’ll find many of the major lines throughout the city (such as Yamanote Line or Keihin Tohoku Line in Tokyo).
Shinkansen
When I was ready to explore a different part of Japan, I hopped on the bullet train.
The Shinkansen is an efficient network of high-speed trains, also operated by Japan Railways. They’re incredibly efficient, clean and smooth. While buses or driving (if you have an international licence) can be cheaper, nothing beats the convenience of taking the Shinkansen across Japan.
Private Train Lines
While spending time in Tokyo and Japan, I didn’t always take JR lines. There are many private railway companies in Japan as well. And you’ll likely take them from time to time.
For example, in Tokyo, Odakyu, Keio and Keikyu are all private train lines not part of JR. But if you purchased a train card like the Welcome Suica (more on this below), you don’t need to worry at all. All gate transfers and scanners will work smoothly.
How to Get Around Japan By Train
Purchase A Japan Rail Pass or IC Card
The most common way to take trains in Japan is with an IC card, which is just a rechargeable train pass.
So rather than buying tickets at the machine for every trip you take, you can just charge a card and scan it at the ticket gate. You can also use these cards at local shops and restaurants, since they act as a sort of local debit card. They’re super convenient.
The main IC cards and rail passes in Japan are:
- Suica
- Pasmo
- Icoca (used in Kansai area)
- Welcome Suica
- JR Pass
If you’re coming to Japan for less than a month, you can grab a Welcome Suica at the airport. But if you plan on exploring other cities, I’d recommend buying a JR Pass so you can use the Shinkansen without having to pay extra. You can learn more about IC cards in this post.
Use Local Trains In the City
Obviously, you won’t be taking a bullet train to hop around the city. But you will be taking the local trains – a lot.
Luckily, they’re simple and ubiquitous throughout major cities. But to avoid some common mistakes, I recommend paying attention to just a few key things:
- Check if your train is a local line or an express one (they have different stops)
- Look for the platform number in Google as a guide
- Double check that the departure time on the overhead sign matches your phone
Checking these details will ensure you don’t hop on the wrong train line and waste time getting lost (even though getting lost is sometimes kind of fun).
But if you ever do make a mistake, don’t worry, it happens to us all. Just hop off at a main station and get new directions from Google.
Hot Tip: If you’re just moving one station over, you may consider walking. Short train trips (although cheap) can really start to add up. Besides, this is also a great way to see the city.
Use the Shinkansen for Long-Distance Trips
The Shinkansen is Japan’s high-speed bullet train (yep, like the Brad Pitt movie – just without all the action). It’s fast, efficient and connects Japan.
Plus, it doesn’t get more aesthetic than peering out of a train window as you whoosh by the Japanese countryside with some fresh snacks and drinks in hand.
These are some of my favourite memories.
The Shinkansen departs from major hubs (like Tokyo Station) multiple times per hour. And unless you’re travelling during a busier holiday season, you really don’t need to worry about reserving a seat beforehand.
You can buy your tickets inside the JR ticket gates or directly on the platform of the Shinkansen train. You should see signs directing you. But sometimes, I would ask the staff for help too (especially in Shinjuku Station, which is a bit confusing in my opinion).
How to Use Trains In Japan
Now that you know the ins and outs of trains in Japan, it’s time to learn how to use them like a local pro.
Buying Tickets & Charging Your IC Card
Buying tickets and charging your IC card in Japan is a breeze. Ticket machines are always close to the ticket gates and usually have an English menu option too. I never had to decipher any Kanji or Hiragana characters.
Although, be prepared to pay by cash. These charging machines often don’t take credit cards and only accept bills of 1,000 yen or larger (i.e., no coins).
To buy a single ticket, you first need to know how much your train trip will cost. But don’t worry, finding this number is simple. There will be a train map above the ticket machines showing you the train stations that particular train line connects to and their respective prices.
Simply find the station you’re trying to get to and the price will be there. Then, on the ticket machine, simply select that price option and pay for your ticket.
If you’re charging your IC card, you just need to push the “Charge” option on the screen and follow the instructions.
Follow Japanese Train Etiquette
Following etiquette in Japan is one of the best ways to show your respect. Luckily, many of the rules are pretty simple and common sense stuff.
Besides efficiency and reliability, the other first thing I noticed about Japan was how quiet, clean and polite people were on trains. Besides the occasional drunk person, things are always calm and peaceful – even during rush hour!
So follow these simple train etiquette rules to help keep things this way and to show Japan you know exactly what you’re doing:
- Avoid talking on the phone or being overly loud
- Don’t eat food
- Give up your seat for elderly, pregnant or injured passengers
- Line up to the left and right on the platform to allow passengers to exit before boarding
If you do forget any of these specific things, just try to follow what everyone else is doing. Again, a lot of this is common sense politeness.
Use Google
Google was my travel partner, mentor and best friend in Japan, especially when it came to using the trains to get around.
You can either use your browser or the Google Maps app. Both worked fine for me. But when you’re in the app, you can also see the upcoming departure schedule for train lines.
This is super convenient.
Knowing your train’s departure times is helpful for planning, especially towards the end of the night when you need to check what time the last train is.
Don’t Miss the Last Train
Trains don’t run all night in Japan. And you don’t want to miss your last ride home for the evening since taxis or ubers are quite expensive.
So here’s my advice. If you’re having a night on the town, start checking your train line times around 11-11:30 PM. This should give you enough time to pay for food or drinks, say your goodbyes and get to the station.
Most trains stop around midnight, so as long as you get behind the ticket gate before they close, you’ll be good to go.
Wrapping Up
Getting around Japan by train is one of the best ways to explore cities and the country as a whole. Luckily, Japan makes it simple.
Major train lines like JR and its Shinkansen bullet train connect you to nearly every corner of Japan you’d like to visit. You just need to purchase a ticket, JR pass or an IC card and make sure you hop on the right line.
I always use Google Maps whenever I visit and I’ve never had any serious problems with getting lost.
Train travel is a key part of the Japanese experience. So as long as you follow some simple etiquette rules and don’t miss your last train home at night, your trip will be a fun and convenient one.
This post may contain affiliate links. This means if you click through and make a purchase I may receive a small payment at no extra cost to the reader.
