Japanese railroads stretch for over 27K km. The Japan Railways group controls about 75% of this network, with the rest belonging to private local companies. The railroads carry about 22 billion passengers per year, 60% of which are served by local companies connecting downtowns with suburbs.
Express trains (Shinkansen) carry about 300M passengers each year. Their lines are over 2K km long and 200-300 km/h fast. Shinkansen connects Tokyo and Osaka (553 km) for 2.25 hours and about $230 in the economy class or $300 in the 1st class, which is 30% cheaper than by air (a 1-hour flight).
Whatever the distance, all Japanese trains are equipped with soft armchairs, coffee and soft drink machines, toilets, city phones and a Japanese/English board. Stops are announced in both languages.
Each city line has its color, but the trains often go from the same platforms. So read info boards thoroughly. Tickets are available at station ticket machines for $1-3. An extra ticket is required to transfer from one company line to another.
Japan Railways (JR) is a group of 6 big companies providing intercity railroad connection. Founded in 1987 after the Japanese National Railroads privatization, it possesses railroad, bus, ferry transport and a hotel chain.
For intercity travel, you'd better use JR trains. 3 passes let you save:
Student Pass
Japan Rail Pass
Regional Passes
Student Pass
JR Seishun 18 (Juhachi) Kippu Ticket
Valid only during student vacations (March 1 - April 10, July 20 - September 10, December 10 - January 20), it's purchasable by anyone at major JR stations or foreign offices for $150.
The pass is valid for any 5 days or for 5 people during a day. It also offers a discount at JR hotels normally situated near stations.
Japan Rail Pass
Available only outside Japan, it's valid at all JR trains, including Shinkansen (except Nozomi), busses, ferries and some private company trains. It's for 1 person during 7, 14 or 23 days. The pass costs $350-700 for the economy class, $450-900 for the 1st class and twice cheaper for kids.
Regional Passes
For 1-region travel, use the JR East Pass, JR West Pass or the like. Like the Japan Rail Pass, they give access to railroad, bus or ferry transport in a certain region and on most local trains. It's valid for 1 person during 3, 4, 5, 8 or 10 days.
Kid Discounts
Kids under 6 can travel free, from 6 to 11 - half-priced. This discount system covers virtually all Japan's transport companies.
Lockers at Japan Rail Stations
Available at most stations, they require coins. Depending on the size, a cell costs $3-6 per day.
Box Lunches
All distant train stations have box lunch (eki ben) outlets for the hungry. The standard is white rice with salmon, beef, veggie and pickle pieces or sushi. Hearing Bento! cries at a station, don't miss to taste a box lunch traditional for this area.
Subway
In different cities it belongs to different companies, so the JR Pass and the other above mentioned passes aren't valid there. Instead, buy pre-paid cards for the Kanto or Kansai regions - Suica Card, Pasmo Card, Icoca Card and Kaisu Card - also valid for bus and suburban trains.
Japanese railroads are world recognized for their hi-tech, safety, comfort and accuracy. On a train, you can enjoy lovely landscapes outside the window, unlike when by plane.
For a detailed
Japan travel plan, Maison suggests visiting the website JapanTravelLight.com to learn about the Japan railroads and
Japan rail pass.
