Japan’s Train network is legendary, and with good reason. It’s no surprise that Japan’s rail network carries over 20 billion passengers per year. With such an extensive and popular network, rail is the proven way to get around Japan. In this article, we’ll go over some interesting facts about trains in Japan to uncover why rail is Japan’s preferred way to get around.

🚅Trains are incredibly punctual.

Japanese trains have a well-earned reputation for being on time. Unless there is a factor outside of their control (such as natural disasters or track obstructions), trains in Japan will arrive at the scheduled time. With so many people relying on trains for their transportation, punctuality is essential. Even minute delays can be frustrating for locals.

🗾There's a massive amount of rail

Japan has over 27,000km of rail track laid, and is constantly looking to expand its network. This extensive rail network connects as far north as the rural community of Wakkanai,Hokkaido’s northernmost town, through the metropolises of Tokyo and Osaka, and all the way south to Kagoshima Prefecture

🎟️Save BIG with the JR Pass

The Japan Rail Pass (or JR Pass) is a tourist-only train pass that enables you to access most JR-operated trains and Shinkansen lines for a 7, 14, or 21-day period. While the pass does have a high upfront cost, you can certainly get your money’s worth depending on your itinerary. The passes also make it easier to catch the train – not more trying to calcuate fares based on distance travelled, simply insert your JR Pass into the ticket get, and board your train.

The JR Pass is your ticket to simplifying your trip and enabling you to see more of the country without worrying about cost.

💨High Speed Connections

As rail is one of the main ways to get around Japan, it’s no surprise that they have high-speed rail capabilities. With the Shinkansen reaching speeds of 320km/h (200mph), getting between most major cities is a breeze. A Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto, a distance spanning about 475km, can be completed in just over 2 hours by train. Driving, this same journey would take close to 5 hours. This enables locals and travellers alike to see the country with ease, making day trips between key destinations a realistic possibility.

👮Polite Precision

It’s no secret that Japan is a courtesy and polite society. It’s no surprise that the trains operate under the same courteous manner. Station staff can often be seeing bowing as trains arrive and depart, while train drivers and conductors alike can be seen pointing at various objects, hazards and information as they travel. This part of the safety checking process, and ensures that key information is seen by the driver, enhancing safety and comfort for their passengers.