Japan by Rail

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Japan’s railways are amongst the best in the world with cutting-edge technology, incredible punctuality and an excellent safety record. Providing access to all major tourist destinations, train travel is the ideal way to explore this fascinating country.

Ranging from leisurely futsu local stopping services to world-renowned speedy shinkansen bullet trains, all are immaculate, comfortable and modern.

Stations in Japan are no different. With signs and announcements in English as well as Japanese, most visitors find even the busiest stations surprisingly easy to navigate.
Many routes within Japan take you through spectacular scenery. Here’s a few of our favourites:

Tokyo to Kyoto - look to the right as you approach Mishima Station – if you are lucky, Mount Fuji will appear in all its majestic beauty!
Takayama and Nagoya - breathtaking glimpses of the alpine heartland of Japan are provided in abundance on this rail journey.
Tokyo to Hakone - upgrade to the 'Romancecar' for wonderful views of Hakone National Park through the large picture windows.

Japan Rail Pass

The economical Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) allows unlimited travel on virtually the entire network of trains (including bullet trains) throughout Japan and is included on many of our self guided tours. Passes are valid for 7, 14 or 21 day durations and can only be collected in Japan upon presentation of a non-Japanese passport. Our airport representative will assist you with this on arrival. The JR Pass can be activated on the date of your choosing and you are then free to make seat reservations on your preferred trains.

Point to Point Trains - On selected tours and dates, we may recommend point to point trains (with pre-booked seat reservations) rather than a JR Pass. This will be when booking point to point trains represents a more cost effective option on your chosen route. Alternatively it may be because you are travelling during peak seasons when seat availability is likely to be extremely limited and seat reservations may no longer be possible upon activation of your pass. Whilst this does mean a loss of flexibility in your plans, we find most of our clients prefer the reassurance of having a guaranteed reservation on the train services they require.

Green Car - Green Car is the equivalent of travelling First Class on the UK's train network. Green Car carriages are available on most long distance trains and seats are configured in a 2x2 formation (compared to 3x2 in Ordinary Class). The seats recline, are larger and offer plenty of leg room. The uncrowded carriages are usually more peaceful and snacks are provided by the dedicated crew. Green Car JR passes are also available and these are a good option if you are travelling during peak seasons as seat availability in these carriages is rarely an issue.

Bullet Trains

An iconic emblem of modern Japan, a ride on a bullet train is high on most travellers ‘must do’ lists. Reaching speeds of up to 200 miles per hour and linking most of the major hubs across the main island of Honshu, as well as across to Hokkaido and Kyushu, these services dramatically cut travel time compared to slower trains or road transport.
On board, the seats are comfortable and signs and announcements about upcoming stations are in English as well as Japanese. Food carts typically pass along the aisle, providing a selection of snacks, drinks and boxed meals.

Luggage Forwarding

Japan has a highly efficient and reasonably priced luggage forwarding service (takuhaibin). Whilst luggage racks are available on trains, this convenient service means you can easily send your bags from one hotel to another, enabling you to travel with just a small overnight bag. Usually luggage is delivered within 24 hours, though in some more remote destinations it may take up 72 hours to arrive. The concierge or bell desk at most hotels will be happy to arrange this for you.