2021年11月22日 · Japan has above ground commuter trains that turn into subway trains, subway trains that become commuter trains, monorails, trackless trains, light rail, and high speed rail—operated by more than 50 different companies.

2025年2月7日 · A complete guide to Japanese train travel: how the Japanese train system works, different types of trains, and how to use a Japan Rail Pass!

Trains are a very convenient way for visitors to travel around Japan, especially in conjunction with the Japan Rail Pass. About 70 percent of Japan's railway network is operated by the Japan Railways (JR), while the rest is served by dozens of other private railway companies, especially in and around metropolitan areas.

In the legal sense, there are two types (with several subcategories) of rail transportation systems in Japan: railway (鉄道, tetsudō) and tramway (軌道, kidō). Every public rail transportation system under government regulation in Japan is classified either as railway or tramway.

The following is a guide on how to use trains in Japan. We also have more specific pages on shinkansen (bullet trains), train tickets, timetables, luggage, night trains and train manners. Trains in Japan, from local to shinkansen, are classified typically into the following categories: Local trains stop at every station.

Planning to explore Japan? Learn about the country's railway system, read about train travel in Japan, and book your Shinkansen tickets online!

2024年7月26日 · Japan's train system is renowned for its efficiency and punctuality, making it a preferred mode of transportation for both locals and tourists. If you're planning a trip to Japan, mastering the train system is crucial for a hassle-free travel experience.

2024年10月27日 · Japan’s train system is a comprehensive network of rail services that provide efficient transport across the country. This system includes the Shinkansen (bullet trains), local trains, and subways, which connect major cities and rural areas seamlessly.

You don’t have to be a train nerd to appreciate how amazing Japan’s railway system is. From local trains that seemingly float above the futuristic Tokyo cityscape, to Shinkansen bullet trains that fly through the countryside, Japan has the most impressive rail network in the world.

Japan’s railway system, including its world-renowned shinkansen (bullet train), is famously clean, safe, modern, and efficient. But to a first-time visitor, getting around Japan can also seem a bit confusing — especially at first.