HT Travel Blog

Japan’s rail network is one of the most efficient, clean, and convenient in the world — and for travelers, it’s often the best way to explore the country. From the lightning-fast shinkansen (bullet trains) to charming local lines that weave through countryside villages, getting around by train in Japan is an experience in itself.

For visitors, the Japan Rail Pass is a popular and cost-effective option, offering unlimited travel on JR-operated lines for a set number of days. Passes need to be purchased before arriving in Japan and activated upon arrival. Advanced order for the Japan Rail Pass can be placed starting 6 months before your planned travel date on JRPass.com. Orders with a lead time longer than 3 months, will be dispatched about 60 days before your selected day of travel. This is because the Exchange Order has to be activated within 90 days after issue. Orders can be placed at https://www.jrpass.com/ or simply ask your Travel Advisor for assistance!

An interesting fact is that talking is very frowned upon in trains. Train etiquette in Japan is taken seriously. Keep phone calls to a minimum, speak quietly, and be mindful of priority seating. In rush hours, be prepared for crowded trains, especially in major cities like Tokyo and Osaka. Another interesting fact is that in Tokyo, and much of Japan, you typically walk on the left side of the sidewalk and ride the escalators or walk on the stairs in the train stations in the same side. A quirky little difference, however, is when you are in Kyoto or Osaka, you switch to the right side! If you’re not sure, just glance at the people ahead of you and match their side. Japanese pedestrians are impressively orderly about this stuff!

Japanese train stations are big, busy, and very organized. Many signs are in English, and ticket machines usually have English options too. To make travel even easier, get an IC card like Suica or Pasmo — prepaid cards you can tap to ride most trains, subways, and buses without buying individual tickets. Believe it or not, Google Maps works really well in Japan for public transport. It accurately shows train times, platform numbers, transfer stations, and train line colors — all in English. Plus, it covers buses and walking directions too. For a first-time visitor: Download Navitime Japan Travel for your main navigation and keep Google Maps as a backup — between those two, you’ll be covered for everything from bullet trains to subways.