Riding a train in Japan is the best way to hop from place to place. However, if you’re not familiar with their railway system, you might end up in a different destination than you expected. So here, we prepared a train guide for you.
Train types
Trains can be classified into these categories:
Local trains - These trains stops at every station.
Rapid trains - These trains skip some stations. Rates are the same for local and rapid trains.
Commuter Express - It stops at fewer stations compared to the first two. Japan Railways (JR) may add an express fee to the base fare when boarding a commuter express
Limited Express - The trains stop at major stations only. JR also charges limited express fee on top of its base fare.
Super Express (Shinkansen) - These are only operated by JR and runs on different tracks and platforms. You can immediately arrive to your destination.
Buying a ticket
Tickets for long distance travels can be bought at a ticket counter and may be reserved or bought a day before your departure. Short distance trips tickets may be bought at a vending machine.
Buying at a ticket counter
It is recommended to write down the following details for ease of transaction:
Number of travelers
Date of travel
Departure Station
Destination Station
Ordinary or green car (reserved car)
Preference of reserved or non-reserved seat
Buying at a vending machine
1. Find your destination on the map above the vending machine. The map shows the train lines and stations of the region. Ticket prices are shown beside each station.
2. Insert the money into the vending machine. Most machines accept coins of 10, 50, 100 and 500 yen and bills of 1000 yen. Many machines also accept larger bills.
3. Select the number of tickets that you wish to buy.
4. Press the button that shows the amount for your ticket.
5. Collect the ticket(s) and change.
Entering the Ticket Gate
After buying the ticket, you can now proceed to the ticket gate. Insert the ticket into the slot and the door gate will automatically open. Pick up the ticket on the other side of the gate when you walk through.
Station Platforms
Find the correct platform by reading the signs and following the directions. There will be marks on the platform where the train will be arriving.
Riding the Train
Wait for passengers to alight the train first before entering. Be mindful of your actions as there are a lot of prohibited things to do on the train. The upcoming stations and connecting lines will be announced a few minutes before the arrival so better listen as they are also announced in Japanese.
At Your Destination
When you arrive, alight the train as properly as possible and exit through the gates by inserting the ticket into the slot. Don’t wait for it to come out, exiting tickets will be retained. Make sure you go to the correct exit because you might end up in the wrong place.
Have fun riding trains!
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