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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.
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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 53,000 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.
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