Trains in Japan: Shinkansen, subways and IC cards
Trains in Japan are fast, frequent and remarkably punctual. They range from the Shinkansen bullet trains, running at up to 320 km/h, to tiny rural lines and the dense subway networks of Tokyo and Osaka. A few rules and an IC card make them easy to use, even without speaking Japanese.
Types of trains
| Type | Use | Seats |
|---|---|---|
| Shinkansen | Long distances between major cities | Reserved, non-reserved and Green Car |
| Limited express | Regional routes and airports | Mostly reserved |
| Rapid and local | Short distances and commuting | Non-reserved |
| Subway | City travel | Non-reserved |
Tickets and reservations
For the Shinkansen and limited express trains, buy a ticket and a seat reservation at a ticket machine, a JR ticket office or online. Reserved seats are recommended during holidays. For local trains and subways, an IC card is simplest. Signs and announcements are in English on major lines.
The Suica card and other IC cards
A Suica card is a rechargeable IC card issued by JR East. It pays fares on trains, subways and buses in most large cities, including areas where PASMO, ICOCA or other cards are issued, because the cards are interoperable. It also works in convenience stores, vending machines and lockers.
- Welcome Suica: a version for visitors, valid for 28 days, with no deposit, sold at major airports and stations.
- Mobile Suica: added to an iPhone through Apple Wallet or to compatible Android phones, and topped up with a card.
- Recharge: at ticket machines and convenience stores, in cash.
Tap the Suica card on the reader when entering and leaving the station: the fare is deducted automatically.
Luggage on bullet trains
On the Tokaido, Sanyo and Kyushu Shinkansen, bags with total dimensions of 161 to 250 cm require a reserved seat with an oversized luggage area, booked in advance. Smaller suitcases go on overhead racks or behind the last row.
Etiquette
- Queue at the marked lines on the platform.
- Set phones to silent and avoid calls.
- Give priority seats to elderly, pregnant or disabled passengers.
- Eating is fine on the Shinkansen and limited expresses, but avoid it on commuter trains.
- Women-only cars operate on some lines at rush hour.
Rush hours and last trains
Tokyo trains are extremely crowded between 7:30 and 9:30 and from 17:30 to 19:30 on weekdays. Last trains leave around midnight; after that, taxis are the only option. Plan accordingly when exploring trains in Japan late at night.
Useful apps and signs
Route planning apps show connections, platforms and fares in English. Station signs use colour codes and numbers for lines and stations, such as G09 for a Ginza Line station, which makes navigation easy even without reading Japanese.
Station services
Large stations offer coin lockers, luggage storage, shops, restaurants and tourist information centres. Platforms show the position of each car, so passengers queue exactly where their door will stop.
Overnight and scenic trains
The Sunrise Izumo and Sunrise Seto sleeper trains link Tokyo with Shimane and Shikoku overnight. Scenic sightseeing trains run in Kyushu, Hokkaido and along coastal lines, and are often worth a detour for the views and the onboard experience.
Official source: Japan National Tourism Organization
Frequently asked questions
Can a Suica card be used outside Tokyo?
Yes. A Suica card works on most train, subway and bus networks in major regions, including Osaka, Kyoto, Nagoya, Fukuoka and Sapporo.
Are trains in Japan easy for foreign visitors?
Yes. Major stations have English signs, apps show platforms and connections, and staff are helpful.
Do trains in Japan run on time?
Almost always. Average delays on the Shinkansen are counted in seconds, except during typhoons, heavy snow or earthquakes.