When you think of a trip to Japan, surely the first thing that comes to mind is a high-speed train. Japan’s Bullet Train is world-famous for its speed and advanced engineering, so much so that other countries base their high-speed rail networks on Japan’s. But while some countries have managed to develop great rail networks, none compare to Japan. Therefore, when visiting this Asian country, you should not miss the impression of traveling, at least once, on a bullet train. Traveling by train in Japan is the best way to get around the country.
Is it safe to travel by train in Japan?
Shinkansen train between Nagoya and Tokyo with Mount Fuji in the background © Blanscape / Shutterstock.com
Some countries in this part of the world have a bad reputation for rail travel, partly because of the high number of derailments and collisions. However, in Japan, this is not something you should worry about. For example, the bullet train, officially called the Shinkansen, has been in operation for over 50 years and has an amazing safety record. In all that time, these trains have carried more than ten billion passengers and there have never been any fatal accidents caused by train failures, which is quite amazing considering Japan is in an area prone to natural disasters such as earthquakes and typhoons. Bullet trains have an earthquake detection system that is able to stop the train in a very short time to limit possible problems caused by shaking.
In addition to the safety of these trains, train travel in Japan is considered very safe as crime rates on the railroad are minimal. It goes without saying that in any country you always have to be careful because there may be pickpockets who try to take advantage of tourists. But if you control your stuff and keep it in your sight, you shouldn’t have any problems.
If you are a woman and feel a little insecure traveling alone, you can choose a female-only carriage ticket. They are becoming more popular, but not available on all trains. Whichever option you choose, you can be sure that all trains in Japan will be clean, modern, comfortable, reliable and on time.
Types of trains in Japan
While the bullet train is the first one we usually think of, it’s not the only type of train that operates in Japan. We give you more information about the different types of trains you can find if you choose to travel by train in Japan.
Japanese bullet train
Shinkansen Bullet interior © Giovanni G / Shutterstock.com
The Shinkansen is a special express train that has its own rules and pricing structures. It’s more expensive than other trains, but that’s something we can understand with a transport service that reaches speeds of up to 320 kilometers per hour (200 miles per hour).
The Shinkansen was designed to quickly transport passengers from one major city to another. The network is divided into five different sections (operated by five different JR or Japan Railway companies) and they cover most of the country. In addition, new sections are always created. There are several different types of Shinkansen in operation as new models have been introduced to replace the old ones. In general, the newer the trains, the faster they go. But the speed depends on the lines and routes that operate, in addition to the number of scheduled stops.
Please note that Shinkansen trains do not run at night as the system is shut down between midnight and 6am in order to keep the lines and trains in top condition. If you want to book an overnight train, you’ll be traveling on narrower tracks than the Shinkansen, so you won’t be using the express service.
Other types of trains in Japan
Japan Railways is the main railway operator and has several interconnected lines that form a large network across the country. The good thing about traveling on JR trains is that there are several passes on sale to make train travel in Japan cheaper.
In addition to JR services, there are also private operators. You’ll find them in almost every major city, and to compete with JR, these services tend to be a bit cheaper to make it more appealing. Still, considering the number of passes available, the difference in price is not very noticeable.
If you’re traveling a short distance, you’ll most likely catch a local train. These trains usually stop at all stations, so they are slow if you go far, but are very useful for short journeys and for getting around cities.
Above the local trains are several different types of trains which are faster because they don’t stop at as many stations. There are several different names for these services depending on the train company, but they are usually known as Rapid, Express, Limited Express, Commuter, etc.
In some cities you can also travel by metro and light rail. They are a fantastic option to get around the city quickly and are usually connected to commuter rail lines which allow you to get away from the city for a bit. Tokyo has the best subway system: it is the largest in the country with 205 stations, but there are also subways in cities like Osaka, Sapporo, Nagoya and Kyoto.
Where to buy train tickets in Japan
Passengers buying Shinkansen tickets at ticket machines in Shin-Osaka, Japan © AHMAD FAIZAL YAHYA / Shutterstock.com
As you can imagine, train tickets can be bought at the same stations. There is usually a touchscreen vending machine available at major stations, and almost all have English-language shopping facilities to ease the process for non-Japanese-speaking tourists. There are also staff counters at major JR stations where you can talk to staff and ask about your options. Normally, station attendants speak English to be able to communicate with travelers. In JR services, these customer service windows are known as midori-no-madoguchi, but if you are traveling with private operators, they will have different service areas.
Tickets can be purchased on the same day as the tour, although advance booking is recommended where possible. It’s especially important to shop early if you’re planning a weekend or holiday trip as trains can fill up quickly and if you don’t have a ticket you may have to wait to find another available train at a different time.
If you’re only traveling on one train in Japan, for example from Tokyo to Nagoya, it’s probably worth buying a single ticket for that trip. You can buy these tickets online through the website 12Go.asiawhere you will see all available types of Shinkansen when searching for a route. This way you can easily choose the train you want to travel on and the departure time. It is very practical to get your train ticket in advance, although you will still need to pick up your ticket in Tokyo or send it to you by EMS.
Japanese railway pass
People waiting to board the Shinkansen in Tokyo © PassionPhotography / Shutterstock.com
We need to post the Japan Rail Pass because it’s a great way to save money and make traveling in Japan easier by train. Train passes are available for periods of 7, 14 and 21 days, and there are several different passes available depending on where you are traveling. Interestingly, the Japan Rail Pass is only available to people with a foreign passport, so it’s a way to encourage tourists to travel by train. But these passes are only valid for JP trains as private companies have their own tickets and passes. Still, Japan Rail has a wide network that should allow you to travel anywhere in the country you wish to visit.
It’s worth buying passes if you’re using them to travel on Shinkansen trains, but keep in mind that these passes don’t give you access to the faster bullet trains. JR Passes can also be purchased from the 12Go website. Of course, as with individual tickets, you must pick it up in person or ask for it to be sent by post.
The excellent service, comfort, speed and breadth of the rail network make traveling by train in Japan a highly recommended way to get around. Plus, with the option to search for ticket types and trains via 12Go, booking tickets or passes in advance is quick and easy.