<\/p>\n
There is 30,625 km of rail lines all over Japan and they carry more than 9 billion passengers per year. Due to the country’s extensive use of its rail system, 46 of the top 50 busiest stations in the world are located in Japan.<\/strong><\/p>\n Most Japanese rail lines have a unique name, normally taken from one of the cities or regions along the route, which means that the system is incredibly easy to navigate<\/strong> (the line names are even indicated on the tickets!).<\/p>\n Even so, figuring out how to manage the Japanese transportation system might be somewhat of a challenge for some. With that in mind, we\u2019ve created this complete guide to the train system in Japan<\/strong> to help solve any doubts regarding riding the densha<\/em> (how you say train in Japanese!).<\/p>\n Table of Contents<\/p> The railway system in Japan<\/strong> is so well developed, punctual, extensive and diverse that you can simply assume that wherever you plan to go – there is a train that will take you there.<\/p>\n The very first thing to know is that railway lines in Japan are not operated by a single company. Japanese National Railways<\/strong>, a government-owned company, used to be in charge of the entire rail network in Japan as well as everything associated with it.<\/p>\n However, In 1987, the JNR underwent privatization and was split into six independent rail companies:<\/p>\n Together, they make up the Japan Railways Group, or JR Group. JR Group owns roughly 80% of the railroads<\/strong>, but the rest are privately owned companies.<\/p>\n Due to this, when reading the visual maps above any ticket-vending machine around Japan you will notice that some lines headed in the same direction have different prices. This is so because each company has its own price list.<\/p>\n You are free to select the company you wish. The Japan Rail Pass<\/a> multi-use ticket is part of the National JR Group and the JR Pass can be used on the vast majority of main services!<\/strong><\/p>\n For more information about the national, regional and local lines, please check our maps<\/a> page.<\/p>\n There are dozens of private railway companies in Japan<\/strong>. Some operate just a single line, while others manage larger networks.<\/p>\n According to the Japan Private Railway Association, these are the major private railway companies currently operating in the country:<\/p>\n Greater Tokyo<\/strong><\/p>\n Greater Nagoya<\/strong><\/p>\n Greater Osaka<\/strong><\/p>\n Greater Fukuoka<\/strong><\/p>\n Combined, these companies operate over 2,870.1 kilometers of railways across Japan. However, remember that the JR Group controls over 20,135 km of lines in Japan<\/strong>, a far greater number, and that you can use the JR Pass on the majority of these services.<\/p>\n Following are the intercity and suburban Japanese train categories explained:<\/p>\n Also known as bullet trains<\/strong>, these are the fastest transportation modes in Japan with very few stops (if any) in comparison to the rapid or local ones.<\/p>\n The Shinkansen<\/a> run on separate tracks and platforms since their track gauge is completely different from the others. This is due to the line’s high-speed capabilities and overall construction.<\/p>\n A Super Express fee is required when boarding any of the bullet trains, in addition to the regular base fee. The price is usually between 800 and 8,000 yen, depending on your final destination.<\/p>\n Note<\/strong>:\u00a0Shinkansen bullet trains are included in the Japan Rail Pass<\/strong>, which means that JR holders will not have to make any extra payments* when boarding this train during the validity of their pass.<\/p>\n *A surcharge and a special complementary ticket to the JR Pass are required to use the “Nozomi” and “Mizuho” train services<\/a>.<\/p>\n There are over a 100 different types of Limited Express trains, with a limited number of stops, so they only go to major Japanese stations. Similar to the Shinkansen, the Limited Express also requires an additional fee to be paid. The Japan Rail Pass does cover some of those trains, however not all of them. The extra cost can vary between 400 and 4,000 yens.<\/p>\n Many of the Japanese Express trains have been stopped and upgraded to Limited Express or downgraded to Rapid. The JR Group operates the current Express trains, which means Japan Rail Pass holders can use them free of charge. All other passengers will be charged an additional fee.<\/p>\n The JR Pass also covers the main airport<\/strong> transfers<\/strong>, which are usually operated by express or limited express trains:<\/strong> Haneda International Airport (Tokyo Monorail<\/strong>), Narita International Airport (Narita Express<\/strong><\/a>), and Kansai International Airport (Haruka Express<\/strong><\/a>).<\/p>\n Passengers will not be charged any extra fees when boarding a rapid train. A single train ride costs equally to one local train ride. The only difference is that rapid trains skip a few stops in comparison to the local one, which makes their time of arrival notably shorter.<\/p>\n To ride a local train you will need to buy a regular ticket. No extra fee will be required. Local trains can either go from point A to point B or run at loop lines in both directions (like the Yamanote line<\/a> in Tokyo or the Osaka loop line<\/a>), stopping at all stations. It is recommended not to take these trains for long distances as they are some of the slowest and least spacious in Japan.<\/p>\n While most trains are geared toward commuting or business travel, there are many trains that are designed for tourists. In Japan, this type of train is broadly referred to as joyful trains<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n The most popular trains are the various steam trains that run on more scenic lines. These mostly run on weekends and holidays and many operate only in the summer months.\u00a0Many of them called character trains<\/strong> have been given unique designs to attract visitors to scenic locations.<\/p>\n This started with trains featuring characters popular with children<\/a>, but more recently, prominent industrial designers have been recruited to design unique trains more appealing to adults.<\/p>\n Before explaining the ticket-buying process, let us focus on the train ticket options you will have with the different companies and services (you can also read our article about Train tickets in Japan<\/a> for more detailed information):<\/p>\n With the JR Pass<\/a>, you can choose between a 7, 14 and 21-day pass, giving you access to all Japan Railways Group (JR) trains, buses, and ferry services available throughout Japan.<\/p>\n The JR Pass gives you unlimited access to transportation all around Japan for 7, 14, or 21 days, including Shinkansen.<\/p>\n A single ticket, huge savings.<\/p>\n <\/div>Buy your JR Pass<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n These are the regular tickets that will take you from point A to point B. For short distances, it is easier to purchase them from the ticket machines, which you can find easily on any platform.<\/p>\nThe Japanese train system<\/span><\/h2>\n
\n
Privately owned rail companies<\/span><\/h3>\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
Types of trains in Japan<\/span><\/h2>\n
Shinkansen (Super Express)<\/span><\/h3>\n
![\"Japanese](\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/shinkansen-bullet-train-1024x683.jpg\")
Limited Express trains<\/span><\/h3>\n
Express trains<\/span><\/h3>\n
Rapid trains<\/span><\/h3>\n
Local trains<\/span><\/h3>\n
Special trains<\/span><\/h3>\n
Train tickets in Japan<\/span><\/h2>\n
The Japan Rail Pass<\/span><\/h3>\n
![\"Japan](\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/japan-rail-passes-e1502978000745.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"Buy](\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/jr-pass-cta-1.png\")
<\/div><\/div>Standard train tickets<\/span><\/h3>\n
IC cards<\/span><\/h3>\n