Selasa, 12 Maret 2013

Trains


Japan's four major islands, Honshu, HokkaidoKyushu and Shikoku are covered by an extensive and reliable network of railways. Trains are a very convenient way for visitors to travel around Japan, especially in conjunction with the Japan Rail Pass.
About 70 percent of Japan's railway network is owned and operated by the Japan Railways (JR), while the remaining 30 percent belongs to dozens of other private railway companies, especially in and around metropolitan areas.
Elsewhere on the site are guides on shinkansennight trainsticketstimetables and how to ride the trains.
Japan Railways (JR)
Japan Railways (JR Group) is the successor of the national Japanese National Railways (JNR), which was privatized in 1987 due to huge debts and mismanagement.
The JR Group is made up of six regional passenger railway companies, which are JR Hokkaido, JR East, JR Central, JR West, JR Shikoku, and JR Kyushu, and one nationwide freight railway company, JR Freight. Together they operate a nationwide network of urban, regional and interregional train lines, night trains andshinkansen (bullet trains).
The operation areas of the regional JR companies and shinkansen lines
Private Railway Companies
Dozens of private railway companies exist in Japan. The smaller ones consist of just one line, while others operate quite extensive railway networks. Some of the major private railway companies are listed below:
Kanto:
Tobu (approx. 460 km)
http://www.tobu.co.jp/
Tobu operates an extensive network of railway lines into the suburbs and prefectures north ofTokyo. Interest for Tourists: Access to Nikko.Odakyu (approx. 120 km)
http://www.odakyu.jp/
Odakyu operates three lines from central Tokyo to western Tokyo and Kanagawa Prefecture. Interest for tourists: Access to Hakone.
Tokyu (approx. 100 km)
http://www.tokyu.co.jp/
Tokyu operates a network of two main lines and several shorter lines in the south of Tokyo. Interest for tourists: Access to Yokohama.
Keisei (approx. 100 km)
http://www.keisei.co.jp/
Keisei operates a main line and several branch lines from Tokyo to Chiba Prefecture. Interest for tourists: Access to Narita Airport.
Seibu (approx. 180 km)
http://www.seibu-group.co.jp/railways/tourist/english/index.html
Seibu operates a network of suburban railway lines west of central Tokyo.

Keikyu (approx. 90 km)
http://www.keikyu.co.jp/
Keikyu connects Tokyo with Yokohama and southern Kanagawa Prefecture. Interest for tourists: Access to Haneda Airport.

Keio (approx. 80 km)
http://www.keio.co.jp/
Keio operates a network of railway lines west of central Tokyo. Interest for tourists: Access toTakaosan.
Chubu:
Meitetsu (approx. 500 km)
http://www.meitetsu.co.jp/
Meitetsu operates an extensive railway network around Nagoya. Interest for tourists: Access toInuyama and Central Japan Airport.
Kinki:
Kintetsu (approx. 570 km)
http://www.kintetsu.co.jp/
The largest private railway company. Kintetsu operates an extensive railway network in the southern Kinki region, serving OsakaKyotoNaraIse and Nagoya.Nankai (approx. 170 km)
http://www.nankai.co.jp/
Nankai operates a network of railway lines in southern Osaka and Wakayama Prefecture. Interest for tourists: Access to Kansai Airport and Koyasan.
Hankyu (approx. 150 km)
http://rail.hankyu.co.jp/
Hankyu operates several lines in northern Osaka and connects Osaka with Kobe and Kyoto.
Keihan (approx. 90 km)
http://www.keihan.co.jp/
Keihan operates one main line, connecting Osaka with Kyoto and several shorter lines.
Hanshin (approx. 50 km)
http://rail.hanshin.co.jp/
Hanshin operates one main line between Osaka and Kobe, and a few short branch lines.
Kyushu:
Nishitetsu (approx. 120 km)
http://www.nishitetsu.co.jp/
Nishitetsu operates a network of railway lines in Fukuoka Prefecture around the city ofFukuoka. Interest for tourists: Access to Dazaifu.

Shinkansen


Japan's main islands of Honshu and Kyushu are served by a network of high speed train lines that connectTokyo with most of the country's major cities. Japan's high speed trains (bullet trains) are called shinkansen (新幹線) and are operated by Japan Railways (JR).
Running at speeds of up to 300 km/h, the shinkansen is known for punctuality (most trains depart on time to the second), comfort (relatively silent cars with spacious, always forward facing seats), safety (no fatal accidents in its history) and efficiency. Thanks to the Japan Rail Pass, the shinkansen can also be a very cost effectivemeans of travel.
Shinkansen Network
The shinkansen network consists of multiple lines, among which the Tokaido Shinkansen (Tokyo - Nagoya -Kyoto - Osaka) is the oldest and most popular. All shinkansen lines (except the Akita and Yamagata Shinkansen) run on tracks that are exclusively built for and used by shinkansen trains. Most lines are served by multiple train categories, ranging from the fastest category that stops only at major stations to the slowest category that stops at every station along the way.
Shinkansen Tickets
Seat Classes
Most shinkansen trains in Japan offer seats in two classes, which are typically found it separate cars:
Ordinary
Like the name suggests, ordinary seats are the regular seats found on all shinkansen trains. Although the size and foot space of ordinary seats varies between train sets, ordinary seats on shinkansen are generally comfortable and offer a generous amount of foot space. They usually come in rows of 3x2 seats.
Green Car
Comparable to business class on airplanes, green cars offer seats that are larger and more comfortable than ordinary seats and offer more foot space. The seats are arranged in rows of 2x2 seats. Green Cars tend to be less crowded than ordinary cars.
In 2011, JR East introduced Gran Class on its newest train sets on the Tohoku Shinkansen. Comparable to first class on airplanes, Gran Class offers seats that are even more spacious and comfortable than Green Car seats (in rows of 2x1 seats) and additional amenities and services.
Reserved vs. non-reserved cars
Most shinkansen trains offer both non-reserved seats (自由席, jiyūseki) and reserved seats (指定席, shiteiseki) in separate cars. Only the Hayabusa, Hayate and Komachi trains along the Tohoku Shinkansen are fully reserved and carry no non-reserved seating. All seats in Green Cars are reserved. Bilingual signs indicate whether a shinkansen car carries reserved or non-reserved seats.
Advance seat reservations are required to use a seat in a reserved car (see below on how to make seat reservations). A fee of a few hundred yen applies for making seat reservations. Japan Rail Pass holders can make seat reservations for free.
Signs on cars indicating whether the car is reserved or non-reserved
Signs on a platform (left) and inside a train (right)
Display in a station indicating the non-reserved car numbers of upcoming departures
Regular Tickets
A shinkansen ticket is made up of several fees:
  • Base fare
    The fare to be paid to get from A to B. Increases step wise according to the distance traveled. Issued as base fare ticket (乗車券, jōshaken).
  • Shinkansen supplement (limited express fee)
    The supplement fee to be paid for using a shinkansen train (as opposed to a local train). The fee increases step wise according to the distance traveled. The express supplement is issued as limited express fee ticket (特急券, tokkyūken).
  • Seat reservation fee
    310, 510 or 710 yen depending on whether it is low season, regular season or high season respectively. An additional supplement (200-600 yen depending on distance traveled) applies for using reserved seats on NozomiMizuho and Hayabusa trains. The seat reservation fee is usually combined with the express supplement into a single ticket.
  • Green car fee
    The supplement fee for riding the green car. Increases step wise according to the distance traveled. It is usually combined with the express supplement into a single ticket.
A passenger typically receives two pieces of tickets (a base fare ticket and a supplement ticket), although in some situations the two tickets are combined into a single ticket. If multiple trains are involved, there can be more than two tickets (one supplement ticket for each train).
Base fare ticket
Shinkansen supplement ticket
Rail Passes
The Japan Rail Pass can be used on all shinkansen trains except Nozomi and Mizuho trains and covers all the fees involved. Seat reservations can be made for free at ticket counters. Pass holders will receive a seat reservation ticket that indicates the reserved seat. They need no tickets besides their rail pass when using non-reserved seats.
Similar to the nationwide Japan Rail Pass, there are a few regional passes that also cover the shinkansen trains and allow for free seat reservations:
Other discount tickets
Small discounts are available for set ticket (回数券, kaisūken) and round trip tickets (往復割引, ōfukuwaribiki) that are available for selected sections. Other tickets provide a discount when purchased in advance (早得, hayatoku). Discount ticket shops around major stations also sell shinkansen tickets at small discounts.
Travel packages such as the various shinkansen tour packages by Japanican or the Puratto Kodama Economy Plan (for travel along the Tokaido Shinkansen by Kodama) can provide more substantial savings, but have to be purchased in advance.
Seat Reservations
When and where can I make seat reservations?
Seat reservations can be made from one month before travel date (from 10:00am) until shortly before departure time. They can be made in various ways:
At a ticket counter
Seat reservations can be made in person at ticket offices of all major JR stations across Japan. Any shinkansen can be reserved from any JR ticket office in Japan.
At a vending machine
A few types of vending machines with bilingual menus (Japanese and English) allow travelers to make seat reservations on shinkansen trains. Japan Rail Pass holders cannot use vending machines to make seat reservations.
Online
JR East operates an English website that allows regular travelers andJapan Rail Pass and JR East Pass holders to make seat reservations for the Tohoku, Yamagata, AkitaJoetsu and Nagano Shinkansen, but not for the other shinkansen lines. Each JR company also operates Japanese websites for online reservations, however, they requireJapanese language skills and residency.
What information is needed to make a seat reservation?
In order to purchase a shinkansen ticket, the following information is needed:
  • Number of travelers
  • Date of travel
  • Departure Station
  • Destination Station
  • Ordinary or green car
  • Reserved or non-reserved seat
For a seat reservation, the following additional information is required:
  • Train name (e.g. Hikari) and train number or departure time
  • Preference of smoking or non-smoking seat, if available
If you do not speak Japanese, it is recommended that you write the data on a piece of paper and present it to the salesperson in order to make the purchasing process smoother. Salespersons are generally familiar with the English vocabulary needed for the purchase of train tickets and seat reservations, but many have limited English conversation skills.
How can I pay?
Cash and credit cards can be used at ticket counters and vending machines that sell shinkansen tickets. At some ticket counters, you should indicate at the beginning of your order that you will be paying by credit card.Japan Rail Pass holders can make seat reservations for free.
Are seat reservations recommended?
On many trains reserved seats do not get booked out, but on some they do. On particularly busy travel days (e.g. peak travel days during Golden WeekObon and the New Year holidays), trains can get booked out several days in advance, but on most other days trains rarely get booked out more than a few hours in advance, if at all.
For peace of mind seat reservations are always recommended, especially when traveling in groups and preferring to sit together. On a few shinkansen trains along the Tohoku Shinkansen (Hayabusa, Hayate and Komachi) seat reservations are mandatory.
The green symbol with the seat indicates a ticket counter ("midori no madoguchi")
How to use the shinkansen?
After purchasing your ticket (see above), proceed as follows:
1) Pass through the regular ticket gate
At many stations, shinkansen passengers have to pass through two sets of automatic ticket gates: regular ticket gates and shinkansen ticket gates. At the regular ticket gates, insert only your base fare ticket into the ticket slot, pass the gate and retrieve your ticket at the other end. Japan Rail Pass holders cannot use the automatic gates, but have to show their pass to the staff at the manned gate.
2) Make your way to the shinkansen platforms
Follow the bilingual signs to the shinkansen platforms. Depending on the station, the shinkansen platforms are sometimes placed parallel to and close to the regular train platforms, but often they are located in a separate part or on a different level of the station complex.
3) Pass the shinkansen ticket gates
A second set of gates divides shinkansen platforms from the regular train platforms, although at some stations there are also direct gates to the shinkansen platforms that allow passengers to skip the regular gates. This time, insert not only your base fare ticket but also your supplement ticket together into the ticket slot at the same time and retrieve them on the other side of the gate. Japan Rail Pass holders again use the manned gate, instead.
4) Access your platform
Displays of upcoming departures will indicate from which platform your train will depart, while signs clearly indicate the way to each platform. Virtually all shinkansen platforms are equipped with escalators and elevators.
5) Find your car
Displays on the platform indicate upcoming departures. Other displays and/or signs mark the location of doors, indicating car numbers and whether the car is reserved, non-reserved or green. Some busy stations have two lanes painted on the platform in front of each door location: one for the upcoming departure and one for the departure afterwards. Passengers line up accordingly, especially in case of non-reserved cars to secure seats.
6) Find your seat
Seats are numbered and lettered in the same style as on airplanes. Try not to block the aisle when storing your luggage and taking your seat to allow for quick boarding.
Your seat
Ordinary seats typically come in rows of 3x2 seats, although on some trains they are arranged in rows of 2x2 seats (and in rare cases in rows of 3x3 seats). Seats can be reclined and have tables, pockets for magazines and open overhead shelves. They provide considerably more foot space than economy seats on airplanes. Some newer train sets have electrical outlets installed along the walls.
Green cars always come with rows of 2x2 seats and have seats that are more spacious than ordinary seats. The seats are often equipped with a foot rest, reading light, electrical outlets (for aisle and window seats) and a seat warmer, although the exact facilities depend on the train set.
All seats on shinkansen trains can be turned by 180 degrees, allowing travelers to always face forward. The seats are turned by the staff at the terminal stations, but can also be turned by passengers, for example, to create a group of four or six seats facing each other.
Amenities & Services
Signs and announcements inside the trains are multilingual (Japanese and English on all shinkansen lines; plus Korean and Chinese on selected lines) and inform about upcoming stations.
Most shinkansen trains are served by small food carts with a selection of snacks, drinks and boxed meals (bento) which periodically pass along the aisle. Some trains also have vending machines with drinks and pay phones. Wireless internet is available on the newest train sets between Tokyo and Shin-Osaka, however, a subscription or 1-day pass has to be purchased before boarding the train.
All shinkansen are equipped with multiple toilets, which are sometimes separated by gender. The toilets are Western style except on some older train sets. Newer train sets are also equipped with spacious toilets for wheel chair users. Outside the toilets are wash corners with sinks and large mirrors.
Accessible toilet and wash corner on a modern train set
Smoking
Smoking is not allowed on most shinkansen trains. Prominent exception is the Tokaido/Sanyo Shinkansen on which some last smoking cars survive on older train sets. On newer train sets along the Tokaido/Sanyo Shinkansen, smoking is allowed only in small cabins with good ventilation that keep the trains free of smoke. On all other shinkansen lines, smoking is not possible.
Luggage
Shinkansen trains are equipped with relatively spacious overhead shelves (smaller on certain train sets) which can store small and medium sized bags and suitcases. Additionally, there is usually space for two or three large suitcases behind the last row of seats in each car. On many shinkansen trains the leg room is large enough to place a suitcase in front of you, although this may not be the most comfortable solution.
According to the rules book, each traveler is allowed to bring up to two pieces of luggage onto a train (not including small bags), with each piece not weighting more than 30 kilograms and not measuring more than 250 centimeters when adding up width, height and depth. However, even when brining less than this upper limit, we recommend travelers with a lot of luggage to consider using a delivery service to make the trip more comfortable for themselves and the passengers around them.
Space for luggage behind the last row of seats
Shinkansen Manners
Don't block the aisle with luggage.
When having a conversation, keep your voice down.
Recline your seat with consideration for the person behind you. Return the seat to its original position before exiting the train.
Set your mobile phone to silent mode. Don't talk on your phone except in the deck areas between cars.
Line up on the platform before boarding.
Future of the Shinkansen
Several new shinkansen routes are currently being built, while others are in the planning phase:Hokuriku Shinkansen: extension from Nagano via Toyama to Kanazawa by spring 2015 and to Tsuruga in 2025.
Hokkaido Shinkansen: extension from Aomori through the Seikan Tunnel to Hakodate by spring 2016 and via Niseko and Otaru to Sapporo in 2035.
Kyushu Shinkansen (Nagasaki Route): a branch line to Nagasaki which partially uses existing regular tracks, possibly with a gauge change train. Scheduled for completion by 2023.
Chuo Shinkansen: Using maglev technology, this new line is planned to connect Sagamihara with Kofu in 2020, Tokyo and Nagoya in 2027 and finally Osaka by 2040.

Night Trains

Below is a network map of Japan's night trains, i.e. trains that run through the night. All night trains are operated by Japan Railways (JR). Due to competition by cheaper overnight buses and low domestic airfares, the number of night trains in Japan has decreased dramatically in recent years.
Berth Types and Fees
Most Japanese night trains are equipped with berths in shared and private compartments. Some trains also carry a few seats. Berths come in two classes, A and B, with B being the more basic and less costly. In addition, some trains offer a "Special A Class" with rather luxurious suites.
All night trains are equipped with toilets and sinks, and the better ones have also public phones, showers, a restaurant and a lounge or lobby car.
  • Shared Compartments
    Like "couchettes" on European night trains, shared compartments on Japanese night trains come with 2-3 story tall bunk beds that can accommodate 4-6 people. "B class" berths cost around 6,000 yen per person, while "A class" berths cost around 10,000 yen per person. Most night trains carry some shared compartments of either or both classes.

  • Private Compartments
    Private compartments come in single and twin. "B class" rooms cost around 6,000 to 9,000 yen per person and "A class" rooms around 14,000 yen per person. More luxurious suites cost up to 25,000 yen per person. A single person using a twin compartment will have to pay for two persons. Most night trains have some private compartments, but only a few carry luxury suites.

  • Seats
    A few night trains carry cars with seats. Depending on the train, the seats may be non reserved, partially reserved or all reserved. No berth surcharge has to be paid for seats on night trains.

  • Carpet Seats
    A small number of night trains carry one or more cars of carpeted compartments, where passengers can lie down onto the carpeted floor. Advance reservations are mandatory. No berth surcharge has to be paid for using carpeted compartments on night trains.
In addition to the above mentioned berth surcharges, night train passengers will also have to pay the base fareand (limited) express fee for the distance traveled. Unlike the base fare and limited express fee, berth surcharges are fixed and do not vary based on the distance traveled.
Advance reservations are required to ride most night trains. Note, however, that it is not easily possible to make these reservations from outside of Japan, which can make it difficult for foreign tourists to ride the more popular night trains, especially during travel peak seasons.
 
Japan Rail Pass and night trains
The Japan Rail Pass does not cover the cost for shared or private compartments! Pass holders will have to pay for them separately. When using shared or private compartments on a night train, pass holders additionally have to pay the (limited) express fee, which is typically around 3,000 yen.
The Japan Rail Pass does, however, fully cover the cost for seats and carpet seats on night trains. Note, however, that quite a few night trains do not carry seats.
 
List of trains
Below is a list of Japan's few surviving night trains. The following information is given for each train (note that the ticket costs refer to a trip along the complete route):
Train Category   Train Name: Route
More detailed route, showing other major stations
Approx. duration of the tripFrequency of departures
Comments
Seat
Shared Compartment
Private Compartment
Approx. ticket cost without Japan Rail PassApprox. ticket cost with Japan Rail PassApprox. ticket cost without Japan Rail PassApprox. ticket cost with Japan Rail PassApprox. ticket cost without Japan Rail PassApprox. ticket cost with Japan Rail Pass
From Tokyo:
Limited Express   Cassiopeia: Ueno (Tokyo) - Sapporo
Ueno - Omiya - Utsunomiya - Fukushima - Sendai - Hakodate - Sapporo
Approx. 17 hours3-4 trains per week
The Cassiopeia is Japan's most luxurious night train. It is equipped with a lounge and restaurant car and private "A class" twin rooms exclusively. It also carries some luxury suites. Japan Rail Pass users will have to pay an additional supplement for the non-JR section used between Morioka and Aomori.
Seat
Shared Compartment
Private Compartment
w/o JR Pass
with JR Pass
w/o JR Pass
with JR Pass
w/o JR Pass
with JR Pass
-
-
-
-
34,000 yen
21,500 yen

Limited Express   Hokutosei: Ueno (Tokyo) - Sapporo
Ueno - Omiya - Utsunomiya - Fukushima - Sendai - Hakodate - Sapporo
Approx. 17 hours1 train per day
Equipped with shared compartments, private compartments, luxury suites and a restaurant car. Japan Rail Pass users will have to pay an additional supplement for the non-JR section used between Morioka and Aomori.
Seat
Shared Compartment
Private Compartment
w/o JR Pass
with JR Pass
w/o JR Pass
with JR Pass
w/o JR Pass
with JR Pass
-
-
27,000 yen
14,500 yen
27,000 yen
14,500 yen

Limited Express   Akebono: Ueno (Tokyo) - Aomori
Ueno - Omiya - Takasaki - Sakata - Akita - Aomori
Approx. 13 hours1 train per day
Equipped with shared compartments, private compartments and so called "Goron to Shito" seats, which are basically shared compartments without blankets, but are categorized as seats and can be used for free with the Japan Rail Pass. There is one "Goron to Shito" car for exclusive use by women.
Goron to Shito
Shared Compartment
Private Compartment
w/o JR Pass
with JR Pass
w/o JR Pass
with JR Pass
w/o JR Pass
with JR Pass
14,000 yen
free
20,000 yen
9,500 yen
20,000 yen
9,500 yen

Limited Express   Sunrise Seto: Tokyo - Takamatsu
Tokyo - Osaka (only served in direction of Takamatsu) - Himeji - Okayama - Takamatsu
Approx. 10 hours1 train per day
Equipped with private compartments and so called "Nobinobi" seats, which are carpeted compartments to lie down, but are categorized as seats and can be used for free with the Japan Rail Pass. Note, however, that the carpeted compartments are popular and are frequently booked out. The Sunrise Seto is coupled to the Sunrise Izumo between Tokyo and Okayama.
Nobinobi Seat
Shared Compartment
Private Compartment
w/o JR Pass
with JR Pass
w/o JR Pass
with JR Pass
w/o JR Pass
with JR Pass
14,500 yen
free
-
-
20,500 yen
9,500 yen

Limited Express   Sunrise Izumo: Tokyo - Izumo
Tokyo - Osaka (only served in direction of Izumoshi) - Himeji - Okayama - Matsue - Izumoshi
Approx. 12 hours1 train per day
Equipped with private compartments and so called "Nobinobi" seats, which are carpeted compartments to lie down, but are categorized as seats and can be used for free with the Japan Rail Pass. Note, however, that the carpeted compartments are popular and are frequently booked out. The Sunrise Izumo is coupled to the Sunrise Seto between Tokyo and Okayama.
Nobinobi Seat
Shared Compartment
Private Compartment
w/o JR Pass
with JR Pass
w/o JR Pass
with JR Pass
w/o JR Pass
with JR Pass
15,500 yen
free
-
-
21,000 yen
9,500 yen
Limited Express   Twilight Express: Osaka - Sapporo
Osaka - Kyoto - Kanazawa - Nagaoka - Sapporo
Approx. 21 hours4-7 trains per week
Equipped with shared compartments, private compartments, luxury suites, a restaurant and a salon car. The Twilight Express travels the longest distance of any current train service in Japan.
Seat
Shared Compartment
Private Compartment
w/o JR Pass
with JR Pass
w/o JR Pass
with JR Pass
w/o JR Pass
with JR Pass
-
-
26,000 yen
11,000 yen
29,000 yen
13,000 yen
Express   Hamanasu: Sapporo - Aomori
Sapporo - Hakodate - Aomori
Approx. 8 hours1 train per day
Equipped with shared compartments, reserved seats (reclining "dreamcar" seats), non-reserved seats and a so called "nobinobi carpet car", which features carpeted compartments to lie down. Seats and the nobinobi carpet compartments can be used for free with the Japan Rail Pass. Some shared compartments, nobinobi carpet compartments and reserved seats are for exclusive use by women. Note that on some days, the Hamanasu may not feature all of the above mentioned car types.
Seats, nobinobi carpet car
Shared Compartment
Private Compartment
w/o JR Pass
with JR Pass
w/o JR Pass
with JR Pass
w/o JR Pass
with JR Pass
9,000 yen
free
15,500 yen
7,500 yen
-
-
In addition to the above listed trains, there are a few night trains, which run only during certain seasons or selected days of the year, such as the Limited Express Nihonkai between Osaka and Aomori and a few so called "Moonlight" trains, e.g. the Moonlight Nagara and Moonlight Echigo, which are classified as rapid trains(kaisoku) and can be used with the Seishun 18 Kippu.

Taking The Train

The following is a guide on how to use trains and subways in Japan. Elsewhere on the site are more specific pages on train ticketsnight trainsshinkansen (bullet trains) and train timetables.
1) Train categories
All types of Japanese trains, from local to shinkansen, are typically classified into the following categories:
Local (kakueki-teisha or futsu-densha)
Local trains stop at every station.
Rapid (kaisoku)
Rapid trains skip some stations. There is no difference in the ticket price between local and rapid trains.
Express (kyuko)
Express trains stop at even fewer stations than rapid trains. Japan Railways (JR) charges an express fee in addition to the base fare.
Limited Express (tokkyu)
Limited express trains stop only at major stations. A limited express fee usually has to be paid in addition to the base fare. It is typically between 500 and 4000 yen. JR railway companies always charge this fee, but some other private railway companies do not.
Super Express (shinkansen)
Shinkansen are only operated by JR. Shinkansen run along separate tracks and platforms. A limited express fee has to be paid in addition to the base fare. It is typically between 800 and 8000 yen.

  
2) Seat categories
JR offers the choice between two classes, ordinary and green (first class), on shinkansen, limited express trains and a small number of slower trains. Most local trains carry only ordinary cars. Green cars are less crowded and offer more spacious seats, but are typically 30% to 50% more expensive than ordinary cars.
Most shinkansen and limited express trains carry non-reserved (jiyu-seki) and reserved (shitei-seki) seats, while a few carry reserved seats only. Seats in green cars are often all reserved. On most local, rapid and express trains all seats are non-reserved. Seat reservations cost roughly 300 to 700 yen, but are free with theJapan Rail Pass.
Smoking cars or smoking rooms are provided on only a small number of long distance trains. On all other trains, smoking is not permitted.
 
3) Buying a ticket
Tickets for short distance trips are best purchased at vending machines, while tickets and seat reservations for long distance trips can be purchased at ticket counters in train stations.
a) Purchase a ticket at a vending machine
1.Find your destination and the corresponding fare on the map above the vending machine. The map shows the train lines and stations of the region. Ticket prices are shown beside each station.
2.Insert the money into the vending machine. Most machines accept coins of 10, 50, 100 and 500 yen and bills of 1000 yen. Many machines also accept larger bills.
3.Select the number of tickets that you wish to buy. The default is one, so if you are traveling alone, you can skip this step.
4.Press the button that shows the amount for your ticket.
5.Collect the ticket(s) and change.
Ticket vending machines with map of lines and stations
Sometimes the station names on the maps are written only in Japanese. If you are unable to find your destination and the corresponding fare, you can purchase a ticket for the lowest possible price, and pay the difference at a fare adjustment machine at the destination station.
b) Purchase a ticket at a ticket counter
In order to purchase a ticket, you need to provide the following information:
  • Number of travelers
  • Date of travel
  • Departure Station
  • Destination Station
  • Ordinary or green car
  • Preference of reserved or non-reserved seat
If you wish to reserve a seat, you need to provide the following additional information:
  • Train name and number OR departure time
  • Preference of smoking or non-smoking seat
If you do not speak Japanese and there is a lineup, it is recommended that you write the data on a piece of paper and present it to the salesperson in order to make the purchasing process smoother. Special forms for that purpose (some in English) are actually provided at some stations, but are rarely used by customers.
 
4) Entering the paid fare zone
After buying the ticket, you can proceed through the ticket gate. At automatic ticket gates, which are found at busy stations, insert the ticket into the slot, walk through the gate and pick up the ticket on the other side. If you insert an invalid ticket, the gate will close and an alarm will sound.
If you have a Japan Rail Pass, you cannot use automatic gates, but must pass through a manned gate, showing your pass to the station staff.
In order to access shinkansen platforms, you need to pass through a second or separate set of ticket gates. They are usually well marked.
 
5) Station platforms
Find your platform by looking for your train line and direction. Most important signs are written in Japanese and English, and increasingly also in Chinese and Korean.
On many platforms, marks on the floor indicate where the doors of the arriving train will be located. Waiting passengers will line up behind those marks. Train drivers are trained to stop within centimeters.
Passengers waiting in lines on the platform
In case of long distance trains, additional marks will indicate car numbers and whether the car is an ordinary or green car, and whether it carries reserved or non-reserved, and smoking or non-smoking seats.
Note that some platforms are served by trains of different train categories (e.g. local and rapid trains). Displays indicate the next arriving train's category and, at some stations, the set of upcoming stations served by it.
 
6) Riding the train
Wait for passengers to exit before entering the train. Be careful not to block the door at stations, especially if the train is crowded. Put backpacks on the floor or onto the baggage shelves.
Most passengers on Japanese trains are either reading, sleeping or using their mobile phones for sending messages, browsing the web or playing games. Talking on mobile phones inside trains, however, is forbidden, except in the entrance sections of shinkansen and limited express trains.
Upcoming stations and connecting lines are announced in Japanese. On shinkansen and some other lines frequently used by foreign visitors, the announcements are also made in English. Shinkansen and other newer trains have electronic signs in each car that display the upcoming station.
 
7) At the destination station