01
Seven JR companies
- JR Hokkaido, JR East, JR Central, JR West, JR Shikoku, JR Kyushu and JR Freight.
- Each runs its own region but the JR Pass works across all of them.
- Boundaries usually appear at major junction stations.
Map guide
JR Pass rail map explained: lines, colors and connections
Japan's JR map looks overwhelming at first. Once you learn the colors and the seven JR companies, planning a JR Pass trip becomes straightforward.
02
Shinkansen lines at a glance
- Tokaido and Sanyo: Tokyo to Hakata via Kyoto and Osaka.
- Kyushu: Hakata to Kagoshima Chuo.
- Tohoku, Hokkaido: Tokyo to Sapporo via Sendai and Aomori.
- Joetsu: Tokyo to Niigata.
- Hokuriku: Tokyo to Tsuruga via Nagano and Kanazawa.
- Yamagata and Akita: branch lines north from Tohoku.
03
Reading the map
- Thick lines are shinkansen.
- Thin colored lines are limited express and local JR services.
- Dashed or grey lines are usually private railways and not included.
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers to common questions.
Are private railways on the JR map?
Sometimes shown for reference but they are not included in the JR Pass.
Where do I find an official JR map?
On the JR Pass site and at every staffed JR station ticket office.
Can I cross between JR companies on one pass?
Yes, the nationwide JR Pass works across all seven.
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