Comprehensive Guide to
Japan Train Travel
Hacks from Start to Finish. Navigate Japan's railways like a pro with our complete handbook on planning, tickets, and etiquette.
Quick Navigation
Airport → City Hacks
Your first train ride in Japan often starts at the airport. Here's how to navigate Narita and Haneda like a pro.
From Narita Airport
- •N'EX (Narita Express): Direct to Tokyo, Shibuya, Shinjuku. ¥3,250+
- •Skyliner: Fastest to Ueno/Nippori. ¥2,520. Great for central Tokyo.
- •Access Express: Budget option. ¥1,270 to Asakusa. Slower but scenic.
From Haneda Airport
- •Keikyu Line: Direct to Shinagawa/Yokohama. Fast and frequent.
- •Tokyo Monorail: To Hamamatsucho (JR Yamanote). Scenic views.
- •Pro Tip: Haneda is closer to central Tokyo. Prefer it when possible.
First Day Tip: Buy a physical Suica/Pasmo at the airport. Mobile Suica can be tricky to set up with international cards.
Plan Your Journey
Japanese route planning apps are incredible. They account for train delays, platform numbers, and even which car to board for easy transfers.
Jorudan
- •Multi-language route planning
- •Real-time delay info
- •Shows walking time between platforms
NAVITIME
- •Detailed station maps
- •Car number recommendations
- •Fare breakdowns by IC card
Google Maps
- •Familiar interface
- •Works offline in Japan
- •May miss some private lines
Pro Tip: Enter your destination in Japanese (copy from Google Maps) for more accurate results. Station names can have multiple romanizations.
Smart-EX & Online Booking
Smart-EX is the official JR app for booking Shinkansen tickets. It's a game-changer for foreign travelers.
Why Use Smart-EX?
- Book tickets before arriving in Japan
- Pay with international credit cards
- Choose exact seat location (window/aisle)
- Change bookings up to 4 minutes before departure
- No pickup required—use QR code at gate
- Discounts on some routes (EX Early)
Registration Tip: Sign up on the website first, then download the app. The app alone can be confusing for initial setup.
Tickets: Reserved vs Non-Reserved
Shinkansen trains have two seating types: Reserved (指定席) and Non-Reserved (自由席).
Reserved (指定席)
- ✓ Guaranteed seat on specific train
- ✓ Choose window/aisle/car
- ✓ Required for Green Car (First Class)
- ✓ Must use that exact train
Non-Reserved (自由席)
- ✓ Hop on any train that day
- ✓ Slightly cheaper
- ✗ May need to stand if full
- ✗ Cars 1-3 only (usually)
Peak Season Warning: Golden Week, Obon, and New Year see 100%+ capacity. Book reserved seats weeks in advance or risk standing for hours.
IC Cards & Digital
IC cards like Suica and PASMO are rechargeable smart cards that work on almost all trains, buses, and many shops.
Physical Cards
- •Buy at airport or major stations
- •¥500 deposit (refundable)
- •Top up at machines or convenience stores
- •Currently limited availability (chip shortage)
Mobile Suica
- •Add to Apple Wallet or Google Pay
- •Top up with credit card in-app
- •Works with iPhone locked (Express mode)
- •May require Japanese Apple ID for some features
Welcome Suica: A tourist-friendly version without the ¥500 deposit. Valid for 28 days. Available at Narita/Haneda and some JR stations.
Navigating Stations
Japanese train stations can be overwhelming, but they're incredibly well-organized. Follow these strategies.
Color Coding
Each line has a distinct color. Follow the colored signs. JR lines are often green, Tokyo Metro is various colors, and private lines have their own schemes.
Platform Numbers
Platforms are numbered. The display shows destination, time, and train type. Express trains skip stations—check before boarding!
Car Numbers
Platform floors show car numbers. Line up at your car number for guaranteed spot near the door. This matters for quick transfers.
Regional Private Lines
Japan has many private railway companies. They're not JR, so your JR Pass won't work on them. Know the difference!
| Region | Major Private Lines | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tokyo | Tokyu, Keio, Odakyu, Seibu | Connect to suburbs. Use IC cards. |
| Osaka | Hankyu, Hanshin, Kintetsu, Nankai | Major networks to Kyoto, Nara, Koyasan. |
| Nagoya | Meitetsu | Airport access and regional travel. |
| Hokkaido | Limited private lines | JR Hokkaido covers most routes. |
Winning Seat Hacks
Strategic seat selection can make your journey more comfortable and scenic.
🗻 For Mt. Fuji Views
On Tokyo → Kyoto/Osaka Shinkansen:
- Right side (D/E seats) = Mt. Fuji views
- Best viewing: Around Shin-Fuji station
- Morning trains have clearer skies
🧳 For Luggage Space
On newer Shinkansen:
- Last row of each car = Extra space behind seats
- Book "Oversized Baggage" seats for large luggage
- Required for bags over 160cm total dimensions
Comfort Tip: Aisle seats (C/D in 2x2 cars, C in 2x3) are easier for bathroom runs. Window seats (A/E) are better for sleeping.
Etiquette & Children
Japanese trains are remarkably quiet. Following local customs shows respect and makes everyone's journey smoother.
Basic Rules
- •No phone calls (text is fine)
- •Keep voices low
- •Backpacks to front or overhead
- •Priority seats for elderly/pregnant/disabled
- •Let people off before boarding
Traveling with Kids
- •Children under 6 ride free
- •6-11 half price on most trains
- •Strollers OK but fold in crowded cars
- •Family cars exist on some Shinkansen
- •Diaper changing rooms on most Shinkansen
Good News: Japanese passengers are generally patient with foreign travelers. A polite bow and "sumimasen" (excuse me) goes a long way.
Luggage Rules
Since 2020, Shinkansen requires reservations for oversized baggage. Know the rules before you travel.
Size Limits
Pro Tip: Use Yamato Transport (Kuroneko) to ship luggage hotel-to-hotel. ¥2,000-3,000 per bag, arrives next day. Travel light on the train!
Last Train & Disasters
Japanese trains are punctual, but they do stop running at night and can be affected by weather or earthquakes.
Last Trains
- Most lines stop around midnight
- Check last train time for YOUR station, not terminus
- Friday/Saturday nights are busiest
- Miss it? Karaoke, manga cafes, or capsule hotels until 5 AM
Disruptions
- Typhoons: Trains stop well before landfall
- Earthquakes: Service pauses, then safety checks
- Person on tracks: Delays of 30+ minutes
- Check Twitter/X for real-time updates
Delay Certificates: If your train is late, get a "delay certificate" (遅延証明書) from the station. Many employers/schools accept these as valid excuses.
Official Sources & Tools
Safe travels and enjoy the ride.