01
Why travel Japan by train
- Punctual to the minute and very safe.
- Stations sit in the city centre, no airport transfers.
- Free Wi-Fi and clean restrooms on every shinkansen.
- One pass can cover the whole country.
Japan by train: how to plan a trip on rails
Trains are the easiest, fastest and most enjoyable way to see Japan. This guide walks through planning a rail trip, picking routes and choosing the right pass for your style of travel.
02
Classic rail routes
- Golden Route: Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Nara and Osaka in 7 days.
- Tokyo to Hiroshima: add Himeji Castle and Miyajima.
- Northern loop: Tokyo, Sendai, Aomori and Hakodate.
- Kyushu: Hakata, Nagasaki, Kumamoto and Kagoshima.
03
Which pass do you need
For multi region trips the nationwide Japan Rail Pass is the best value. For a single region a Kansai Area Pass, JR East Pass or Hokkaido Rail Pass is cheaper.
Order any of them from GetJRPass with worldwide shipping and clear activation instructions.
04
Tips for first time train travellers
- Reserve seats in advance during sakura and autumn leaves season.
- Travel light, suitcases over 160 cm need a reserved space.
- Use the JR Pass for unlimited rides on JR local trains in big cities too.
- Download Google Maps and Navitime for live train schedules.
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers to common questions.
How much does a rail trip in Japan cost?
A 7 day Japan Rail Pass at 50,000 yen plus around 5,000 yen for local subways covers transport for most itineraries.
Can I see Japan in 7 days by train?
Yes. Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto and Osaka is easily doable in 7 days with a JR Pass.
Is train travel better than renting a car?
For city to city travel, yes. Rentals only make sense in rural areas like Hokkaido or Shikoku.
Related articles
Keep exploring Japan Rail Pass topics relevant to your trip.