The train system in Japan is generally excellent. Trains are punctual, efficient and clean.
For those wanting to head out to the mountainous regions, services can sometimes be limited or less frequent. However, many ski areas within reach of a train station offer shuttle bus services from stations to their bases.
The train experience
Whichever train you find yourself using, you can generally expect it to be reliable, clean, and offer a high-quality service. Japanese trains are well known for their punctuality. Delays and problems are rare. In the unlikely event of a delay, even of a minute or two, it will be announced, often with an apology.
Even in smaller stations outside the main cities, there are English signposts within stations. It is generally relatively easy to navigate them even if you cannot read Japanese.
Most stations have automated ticket gates, but you may also come across small mujin (unmanned) stations in rural areas.
With automated ticket gates for paper ticket holders, tickets are inserted on entry and retrieved on exit. Remember to take your ticket with you and do not lose it.
Crowding can occur on commuter lines during rush hour or on late-night services, but trains are not always crowded. In rural areas, you may find yourself with a carriage to yourself.
Ekiben are a type of bento boxed meal sold at train stations, on platforms, and sometimes on trains. Some locals would not travel by train without an ekiben. The selection varies significantly by region, and many stations are known for their regional varieties. Ask for a recommendation (osusume) if available. Photographs are usually provided on packaging.
The train network
The majority of the rail network in Japan is owned and operated by Japan Railways (JR), most commonly known as JR. There are six regional JR passenger companies:
JR Hokkaido operates in Hokkaido
JR East operates in the Tohoku, Kanto, Hokuriku and Koshinetsu regions
JR Central operates in the Chubu region
JR West operates in the Hokuriku, Kansai and Chugoku regions
JR Shikoku operates in Shikoku
JR Kyushu operates in Kyushu
JR East is the largest passenger railway company globally, operating throughout the Greater Tokyo area and the north-eastern region of Honshu.
In mountainous regions, coverage and service frequency are more limited. If a train service is available, it is generally comfortable and offers scenic views.
As you are reading SnowJapan, access to snowy mountain regions is likely of interest.
Some ski resort areas are well connected by train. A good example is the Yuzawa region in Niigata Prefecture. Yuzawa Town has two Shinkansen (bullet train) stations in the centre of town: Echigo Yuzawa Station and the winter-only GALA Yuzawa Station, which is connected directly to the ski gondola at GALA Yuzawa Snow Resort. It is possible to reach the slopes within 90 minutes of leaving Tokyo Station.
Other regions are less convenient, but shuttle buses often run from train stations to ski areas. Some resorts also operate direct buses from Tokyo.
In areas without nearby rail access, travel is generally by bus, private car or rental vehicle.
Types of train service
Local (futsū)
Local trains stop at every station on the line
Rapid (kaisoku)
Rapid trains skip some stations but cost the same as local trains
Express (kyūkō)
Express trains stop at fewer stations than rapid trains and may require an additional express fee.
Limited Express (tokkyū)
Limited express trains stop only at major stations and require an additional limited express fee.
Shinkansen
The Shinkansen is known in English as the “bullet train”, though this term is not commonly used in Japan. Shinkansen trains run on dedicated tracks and platforms, with the exception of the Yamagata and Akita lines. A limited express fee applies, making them the most expensive regular train services in Japan.
Buying train tickets
Train tickets are usually purchased using cash from vending machines at most stations. Many machines now also accept credit cards and other electronic payment methods. Vending machines are generally reliable in Japan, and “out of order” signs are uncommon.
If you have difficulty using a machine, go to a ticket office window and request assistance (though, unfortunately, they are becoming increasingly rare). If you do not speak Japanese, pointing or showing written information is usually sufficient.
IC rechargeable cards are widely used in cities, such as Suica (JR East), Pasmo (private railways in Tokyo), and Icoca (western Japan). These cards can be used on trains, buses, and in some shops, restaurants, and vending machines.
City passes offering unlimited travel on local transport are available in some cities.
Japan Rail Pass
If you are travelling in Japan and planning to use trains extensively, it may be worth considering a Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass). Following a substantial price increase in 2023, it is not necessarily the best-value option for every visitor, and whether it offers good value depends largely on the number and type of journeys being made. The pass is available only to overseas visitors and covers most JR transport services, with some exceptions.
There are two types: Ordinary Car and Green Car (first class). Passes are available for 7, 14, or 21 days.
Prices (as of summer 2026)
Ordinary Adult
7 days: 50,000 yen
14 days: 80,000 yen
21 days: 100,000 yen
Ordinary Child
7 days: 25,000 yen
14 days: 40,000 yen
21 days: 50,000 yen
Green Adult
7 days: 70,000 yen
14 days: 110,000 yen
21 days: 140,000 yen
Green Child
7 days: 35,000 yen
14 days: 55,000 yen
21 days: 70,000 yen
The Japan Rail Pass can be purchased online before arrival or through selected sales channels within Japan. It is valid on most JR trains, including most Shinkansen services. Nozomi and Mizuho services can also be used with the purchase of an additional supplement ticket. It also covers selected non-JR transport, including the Tokyo Monorail, certain regional railways, limited bus services, and the JR Miyajima Ferry.
Tokyo
The Yamanote Line (Yamanote-sen) is one of the busiest railway lines in the Tokyo area and is operated by JR East. It is a loop line that runs in both directions, connecting most major Tokyo stations. Trains run frequently, with services every few minutes. All but two of the 30 stations on the Yamanote Line connect to other railway or subway lines.
Millions of passengers use the Yamanote Line each day. The line is 34.5 km in length, and a full loop takes around one hour. Trains running clockwise are known as soto-mawari (outer loop), while trains running counter-clockwise are known as uchi-mawari (inner loop).
Tokyo subway
There are two main subway operators in Tokyo: Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway. Together they operate 13 lines and 286 stations, carrying over 8 million passengers daily.
Tokyo Metro lines
Chiyoda Line
Fukutoshin Line
Ginza Line
Hanzomon Line
Hibiya Line
Marunouchi Line
Namboku Line
Tozai Line
Yurakucho Line
Toei Subway lines
Asakusa Line
Mita Line
Oedo Line
Shinjuku Line
Fares (as of 2026) range from 180 yen to 330 yen depending on distance travelled.
1–6 km: 180 yen adult / 90 yen child
7–11 km: 210 yen adult / 110 yen child
12–19 km: 260 yen adult / 130 yen child
20–27 km: 300 yen adult / 150 yen child
28–40 km: 330 yen adult / 170 yen child
Reduced fares are available when using IC cards. Tickets are valid on the day of purchase.
The system is highly efficient, and the two operators are closely integrated. Transfers between Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway lines are generally straightforward, though separate fares may apply depending on the journey being made.
Osaka
The Osaka Metro (formerly Osaka Municipal Subway) forms a major part of the public transport system in the Osaka metropolitan area and is operated by Osaka Metro Co., Ltd.
The Midosuji Line is the busiest line in the network. Osaka Metro operates nine lines serving more than 130 stations across the city. Fares are distance-based and one-day and discounted passes are available.
Osaka Metro lines
Midosuji Line
Tanimachi Line
Yotsubashi Line
Chuo Line
Sennichimae Line
Sakaisuji Line
Nagahori Tsurumi-ryokuchi Line
Imazatosuji Line
Nanko Port Town Line / New Tram
Fares
Up to 3 km: 190 yen adult / 100 yen child
3–7 km: 240 yen adult / 120 yen child
7–13 km: 290 yen adult / 150 yen child
13–19 km: 340 yen adult / 170 yen child
19–25 km: 390 yen adult / 200 yen child
Sapporo
The Sapporo Municipal Subway is a mostly underground metro system in Sapporo, Hokkaido, operated by the Sapporo City Transportation Bureau. It is the only subway system in Hokkaido.
The system has three lines covering 48 km and 49 stations. Most city areas are within walking distance or a short bus or taxi ride from a station.
Namboku Line opened in 1971 ahead of the 1972 Winter Olympics
Tozai Line opened in 1976
Toho Line opened in 1988
All three lines connect at Odori Station, with JR connections available at Sapporo Station (Hakodate Main Line, Chitose Line, and Sassho Line). There are also tram connections at Odori and Susukino stations.
Fares depend on distance travelled. Day passes and discount tickets are available.
Up to 3 km: 210 yen adult / 110 yen child
3–7 km: 250 yen adult / 130 yen child
7–11 km: 290 yen adult / 150 yen child
11–15 km: 330 yen adult / 170 yen child
15–19 km: 360 yen adult / 180 yen child
19-21km: 380 yen adult / 190 yen child