Japan

Think trains in Japan are all about speed? Well, yes, Japan’s Shinkansen or ‘Bullet Trains’ certainly offer that. They’re also the most efficient and popular way to explore the Land of the Rising sun, and not just for tourists. More than 7 billion train trips are taken in Japan each year, travelling over 260 billion kilometres (162 billion miles) across the country.

More than a handy mode of transport, trains are a vital part of Japanese culture. These Japan rail vacations make the most of the extensive network, connecting you along the Golden Route from Tokyo to Hiroshima. But you can go even further, to the islands of Hokkaido in the north and Kyushu in the south. Pick up a bento box lunch, settle in, and prepare to admire Japan from the comfort of your seat.

Reasons to take the train in Japan

Simply put, the train is Japan’s most practical way to travel. Even if you aren’t taking the Shinkansen, the train is often faster than a domestic flight, eliminating the hassles of airport navigation. Japanese train stations are usually handy to downtown areas or efficient public transit. You might want to spend an extra hour or two simply exploring historic Tokyo station, built in 1914, and Kyoto Station, whose hyper-modern look and facilities bely the city’s traditional charms.

Trains in Japan also run on time. This is consistent with Japan’s perfectionist culture, but it’s also critical for moving an astonishing amount of people each day through and between Japan’s cities, including the world’s largest urban centre, Tokyo. A five minute delay on such a busy network is rare, and can cause havoc for locals. While we recommend avoiding peak-hour services as a visitor, that efficiency is sure to make your Japan vacation run that much smoother. 

Rail travel is also very affordable in Japan, even without the foreigner-friendly JR Pass, which is really only necessary if you plan to go beyond the Golden Route of Tokyo, Kyoto and Hiroshima. Handy luggage transfer services take the stress out of hauling heavy luggage around. In fact, many Japanese trains ban large suitcases, so these services, easily booked at your hotel or by your Destination Specialist, leave you free to relax and enjoy the scenery.

Stop to enjoy Japan’s scenic landscapes

Japan’s love of nature can be seen throughout the countryside, and the stunning vistas you can catch from your seat are a highlight of Japanese train travel. You can even catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji as the Shinkansen glides past. Getting up close however is easy. For example, send your luggage on to your next major hotel stay, and pack a day or overnight bag for a stop in Hakone, a hot spring resort town with spectacular Mount Fuji views and a wide range of nature-based activities. This trick is also ideal if you plan to visit smaller centres like Himeji, Takayama, or Naoshima and only plan to stop for a few hours or overnight. This requires some planning, but is much easier if you have a JR Pass that allows unlimited travel on JR networks within its designated time period.

Culinary Delights on the Move

Ekiben, exquisitely crafted bento meals designed to be enjoyed on the go, are a vital part of Japanese culture, at least on its trains. Pick one up from the station before you board, and enjoy a balanced combination of regional ingredients. It’s a perfect–and perfectly priced–culinary farewell as you speed to your next destination.

Etiquette and Luggage on Japanese Trains

Many of the unspoken rules of Japanese transit apply on its inter-city trains as well. Quiet conversation is okay, but be considerate of your neighbours onboard. Use earphones for any music or video you’re watching. Japanese trains also have limited luggage space. Add the height, depth, and width of your luggage before you leave for Japan. Any suitcase under 160 cm/63 inches in total is good to go. Suitcases up to 250 cm/98 inches in total can be accommodated when you book a seat with extra luggage storage. Suitcases over 250 cm/98 inches will not be allowed on the train. If you’re planning to hop off the train for some enroute sightseeing, you might be better off sending your luggage ahead or using storage services at your planned stops.