Practical tips on JR PASS
Japan is the land trains, with undoubtedly the densest and most heavily used network in the world...
Therefore a train-travelling culture has developed which is quite different from the one we know in Europe or the United States. To make the most of this unique experience, discover all the practical advice gathered by our team, in words and pictures...
All the information you need![]() |
At the stations![]() |
On the trains![]() |
All the information you need
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Hyperdia, the best information siteThis site in English has information on train and plane times in Japan. If you have internet access in Japan, this is a powerful tool to help you plan all your journeys while in the country. Go to the site: www.hyperdia.com
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Google in Japanese
This site is very effective although it is in Japanese. Calculate your journey time and train connections. |
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Maps for you to download |
At the stations
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Exchange your voucher for a JRP
To use the trains on the Japan Railways (JR) network, the voucher given to you at the time of purchase must be exchanged at a JR ticket office. The list of stations where you can exchange it is shown on your voucher. All the major stations in Japan and Tokyo in particular have a dedicated ticket office. |
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Using your Japan Rail Pass
The Japan Rail Pass means you don't need to buy tickets for every journey (except if you want to book a seat on a Shinkansen). |
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Use the automatic ticket machines
For the metro (in Tokyo in particular) or on certain private train lines, you must buy your ticket from the automatic machines. The idea is to locate the amount necessary to go to the station that you are interested in, by looking at the large panels generally located to the top of the ticket machines. Then insert this amount in the ticket machine which will print your ticket. Each of these distributors is available in English. |
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Book your Shinkansen seat at a ticket counter
To book a seat on board a mainline train (Shinkansen), you need to ask for your ticket numbered in a 'JR Ticket Office' identifiable by the green signs. This booked seat is called 'Shiteiseki'. Of course, you can also take sit where you want: this is the "jiyuseki" system. Finally, since 2007 Japanese trains are all non-smoking, with the exception of some of the mainline trains which are equipped with smoking cars. The same rule applies in the station platforms. |
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Finding your train
The train number and destination are always shown in Japanese and Latin characters. On many platforms, floor markings show where the train doors are located. The trains stop exactly at the door marking location. |
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Waiting for your train
There is a certain discipline involved in waiting for your train on a station platform in Japan: choose a queue (generally indicated by floor markings), and patiently wait behind the other passengers until you can board the car, quietly of course (we are in Japan after all). |
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Carrying your luggage
There is no porter service at Japanese stations. The major stations have escalators and lifts but the small stations only have steps. If you are going on a trip lasting one or two days, you can use the Takkyu-bin luggage-sending service for a modest fee to have your luggage delivered to your destination. |
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Using the automatic luggage locker
With the lockers you can stop for 2 or 3 hours in a town, take a tour and then continue your journey on the next train. |
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The station as an information centre
Nearly all stations have a tourist office. There is plenty of literature (unfortunately this is often only available in Japanese) to help you discover places of interest in the town or the region. Employees often speak English and can help you make hotel bookings. |
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The station as a shopping centreHistorically the train companies were big trading companies that built very large shopping centres at the same time as the train lines. Therefore the stations are often in large shopping centres. |
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Places to eat at the station
The stations contain specialist stalls selling Ekiben or station bentos, the contents of which are often influenced by the local specialities. There are also many restaurants which are open non-stop and serve many types of food, with something to suit all tastes. |
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On the trains
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Storing your luggage on the trainUnlike European trains, Japanese trains do not provide much space for large suitcases. Large cases can generally be stored behind the last seats at the start or end of the car. And your smaller items of luggage can of course be stored above your seat.
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Finding the right spot on the trainWhen you are travelling in the daytime, consider using the train to take a tour.
This will give you untrammelled views of Mount Fuji when travelling to Tokyo from Kyoto, in particular if you are sitting on the left (which corresponds to seats in row E). |
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Enjoying all the comforts of Japanese trains
All long-distance trains have comfortable reclining seats.
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Avoiding peak times
Peak times in Japan are between 7 am and 9 am and 5 pm and 7 pm. Most trains are generally overcrowded at those times and make it very difficult to move around with large items of luggage. |
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Eating on board
You will never go hungry on a Japanese train. Major stations offer a wide range of bentos which often contain a local speciality.
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News
Tohoku Shinkansen extension
Ten return services are scheduled daily. Once in Shin Hakodate you can reach Hakodate with the Hakodate Liner (around 20 minutes) or reach Sapooro with the Limited espress Hokuto or the Limited Express Super Hokuto (aound 3h30).
Rent a house in Japan
Rent a house in Kyoto, and make it your base to visit Japan.
Thanks to your Japan Rail Pass, visit the Kyoto area by train and reach Koya, Nara, Kanazawa, Okayama, etc. in less than 2 hours.
For more information, visit our Home Rentals pages.