How to Use Trains in Japan | japan-guide.com

Summary

This video provides a comprehensive guide to using Japan's extensive and efficient railway network. It covers various ticketing options, including prepaid IC cards, rail passes, and paper tickets, as well as the different train categories such as local, express, and the famous Shinkansen. Viewers will learn about additional costs, seat reservations, and practical tips for navigating stations and boarding trains. The video also includes essential etiquette, such as being considerate of other passengers, managing luggage, and maintaining a quiet, respectful atmosphere, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable travel experience in Japan.

Takeaways

• 😀 Japan's railway network is one of the most extensive and reliable in the world, covering all four main islands.
• 😀 Despite Japan's smaller landmass and population, it ranks #1 globally in rail passengers carried each year.
• 😀 The railway system includes a variety of trains, from local to high-speed Shinkansen, with different fare structures.
• 😀 IC cards are the most convenient way to pay for train travel, allowing for seamless entry and exit at ticket gates.
• 😀 Japan Rail Pass is a popular option for visitors traveling long distances on JR trains, especially for Shinkansen rides.
• 😀 Paper tickets are available at ticket machines, where the fare is calculated based on distance, and passengers must keep the ticket until their destination.
• 😀 Faster trains like the Shinkansen or limited express trains have additional fares, which may be covered by certain rail passes.
• 😀 Seat reservations are often available for long-distance trains and may incur an additional fee, especially for 'green car' (business class) seats.
• 😀 When navigating train stations, be mindful of platform signs that indicate the direction and type of train, ensuring you board the correct one.
• 😀 Train etiquette is important: be considerate of fellow passengers by managing your luggage, speaking quietly, and respecting priority seats.
• 😀 In urban areas, eating and drinking are generally inappropriate on local trains, while it's more common on long-distance journeys.

Q & A

What are the main ways to pay for train travel in Japan?

The main ways to pay for train travel in Japan are prepaid IC cards, rail passes, and paper tickets.

What is the most convenient method for paying train fares in Japan?

The most convenient method is using a prepaid IC card, which allows travelers to simply touch it to the sensors at the ticket gates without needing to buy a paper ticket.

Can IC cards be used nationwide in Japan?

No, while IC cards are accepted at most major stations in cities, their coverage is not yet nationwide, so travelers need to ensure the card is accepted at both the start and end stations.

What is the Japan Rail Pass, and who is eligible to use it?

The Japan Rail Pass is a special pass for temporary visitors, allowing them to travel on JR-operated trains, including Shinkansen. It is available for non-residents of Japan only.

What is the difference between reserved and unreserved seating on trains in Japan?

Reserved seating costs slightly more than unreserved seating. Reservations for seats can be made at the same time as purchasing tickets.

What is a Green Car on a train in Japan?

A Green Car is like the business class of train travel in Japan. It offers more spacious seating and other amenities, but it requires an additional fee.

What factors influence the cost of riding a train in Japan?

The cost is influenced by the distance traveled, the type of train (e.g., local, express, or Shinkansen), whether seating is reserved or unreserved, and if a Green Car seat is selected.

What are the different types of trains in Japan, and how do they differ?

Trains in Japan vary from local trains, which stop at all stations, to rapid, express, and limited express trains, which skip some stations. The Shinkansen is the fastest train, traveling longer distances with fewer stops.

What should you do if you make a mistake with your paper ticket during travel?

If you purchase the wrong ticket or get off at the wrong stop, you can use the fare adjustment machine to correct the mistake.

What are some important etiquette rules when riding trains in Japan?

Some key etiquette rules include being considerate of others, keeping your luggage out of the way, avoiding talking on the phone, speaking quietly, and respecting priority seats.