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Japan by train
Your guide to train travel in Japan
Travelling around Japan by train is a fascinating way to discover the country's variety and beauty. From the buzzing cities of Tokyo and Osaka to quiet rural areas, Japan offers an impressive mix of the modern and the traditional. Thanks to the dense rail network and the punctuality of its trains, travelling is convenient and efficient. The famous Shinkansen high-speed trains get you to your destination quickly. Train travel is eco-friendly and a stress-free alternative to flying or driving. Whether you're after culture, nature or food – Japan has something for every traveller. Let the precision and comfort of the Japanese rail network win you over and discover the Land of the Rising Sun by rail.
Japan train tickets
Buy train tickets for Japan the easy way
In Japan you can buy train tickets conveniently online, from ticket machines or at the counters in the stations. We recommend buying your tickets online in advance, but spontaneous trips are possible too, as many tickets are also available at short notice. The punctuality and comfort of the trains make travelling particularly pleasant. Whether you're planning a short hop within a city or a longer journey across the country – with the right train tickets, your trip through Japan will be a pleasure.
Japan rail passes
Explore Japan with a rail pass
A rail pass is a great way to travel around Japan flexibly and affordably. The Japan Rail Pass gives you unlimited journeys on JR trains within a set period and is an excellent way to explore the country thoroughly. With options for 7, 14 or 21 days, you can keep your travel plans flexible. The pass covers a wide range of train types, including the Shinkansen high-speed trains. That's ideal if you want to visit lots of places and save money along the way. You can discover Japan's buzzing cities, historic sites and breathtaking nature. The
Popular train routes in Japan
“Explore Japan's hotspots by train”
Japan's rail network is one of the most efficient and reliable in the world. It lets you reach almost every corner of the country quickly and comfortably. From busy cities such as Tokyo and Kyoto to remote rural areas, the network offers a huge number of connections. Services run at frequent intervals, so even if you change trains often, you'll hardly have to wait. Thanks to clear timetables and information systems, travelling is easy and stress-free. Whether you're on business or exploring the country as a tourist – Japan's rail connections give you a reliable and comfortable way to reach your destination.
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Japan itineraries
The most beautiful itineraries through Japan
Japan offers a wealth of impressive itineraries that take you to the most fascinating places in the country. Popular routes such as Tokyo to Kyoto or Osaka to Hiroshima show off Japan's cultural and scenic variety. Explore breathtaking temples and shrines, bustling markets and tranquil gardens. Every route has its own appeal and offers unique experiences, from the snow-capped mountains of Hokkaido to the tropical beaches of Okinawa. You can visit historic cities, travel through picturesque villages and enjoy the impressive scenery. Plan your trip so that you can discover both the well-known sights and the hidden gems. With well-thought-out itineraries you'll make the most of your time in Japan.
Japan train stations
Tokyo Station
Kyoto Station
Osaka Station
Nagoya Station
Hiroshima Station
Sapporo Station
Fukuoka Hakata Station
Yokohama Station
Shin-Kobe Station
Sendai Station
Kanazawa Station
Nara Station
Takamatsu Station
Kagoshima Station
Niigata-Daigaku-mae
Hakone-Yumoto
Fukushima Station
Shizuoka Station
Hamamatsu Station
Okayama Station
Akita Station
Tokyo Station, 1 Chome-9 Marunouchi, Chiyoda, Tokyo Prefecture, Japan
Kyōto Station, Higashishiokōji Kamadonochō, Shimogyō-ku, Kyōto, Kyōto Prefecture, Japan
Osaka Station, 3 Chome-1 Umeda, Kita-ku, Ōsaka, Ōsaka Prefecture, Japan
Nagoya Station, 1 Chome-1 Meieki, Nakamura-ku, Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, Japan
HIROSHIMA STATION, 1 Matsubarachō, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, Japan
Sapporo Station, 3 Chome-4 Chome Kita 6 Jōnishi, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaidō, Japan
Hakata Station, 中央街-1 博多駅 Hakata-ku, Fukuoka, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan
Yokohama Station, 2 Chome-16 Takashima, Nishi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan
Shin-Kobe Station, 1 Chome-3 Kanōchō, Chūō-ku, Kōbe, Hyōgo Prefecture, Japan
Sendai Station, 1 Chome-1 Central, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, Japan
Kanazawa Station, 1番-1号 Kinoshinbomachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan
Nara Station, 1 Sanjōhonmachi, Nara, Nara Prefecture, Japan
Takamatsu Station, 1 Hamanochō, Takamatsu, Kagawa Prefecture, Japan
Kagoshimachuo Station, 1 Chuocho, Kagoshima, Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan
Niigata-Daigaku-mae Station, 4 Chome-15 坂井砂山 Nishi-ku, Niigata, Niigata Prefecture, Japan
Hakone-Yumoto Station, Yumoto, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0311, Japan
Fukushima Station, 1-1 Sakaemachi, Fukushima, 960-8031, Japan
50 Kuroganechō, Aoi Ward, Shizuoka, 420-0851, Japan
Hamamatsu Station
1-1 Ekimotomachi, Kita Ward, Okayama, 700-0024, Japan
7-chōme-1-2 Nakadōri, Akita, 010-0001, Japan
Good to know
The best time to travel to Japan
It's hard to say when the best time to visit Japan is, because every season has its advantages. In winter you have the best chance of seeing Mount Fuji without cloud cover, New Year celebrations are in full swing, there's perfect powder snow for winter activities and the Sapporo Snow Festival is well worth a visit.
In spring you have the chance to see the cherry blossoms in full bloom. Early summer is the rainy season and late summer is typhoon season; summer, however, brings the best festivals, great hiking in the Japanese Alps and plenty of opportunities for diving.
In autumn the leaves turn fiery colours all over the countryside. Depending on your interests, Japan has something to offer you all year round.
- High season: late March – early April (cherry blossom season), late April – early May (Golden Week), August (summer school holidays), late December – early January (New Year)
- Low season: November – March
- Rainy season: May – July (depending on the region)
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Travel flexibly with the Japan Rail Pass
Discover Japan with the Japan Rail Pass – a flexible train ticket that makes travelling by train easy. Travel to Japan’s huge cities, climb Mount Fuji or enjoy Japan’s varied nature.
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Compare trains, buses and flights
12GO is your partner for travel planning. There you can compare and book train tickets, buses and flights.
Find train ticketsYour compass for Japan: discover, stay, experience
From traditional ryokans to buzzing cities – find everything you need for an unforgettable trip to Japan right here.
Destination
Japan, Asia
Population: 126.8 million
Currency: Yen
Language: Japanese
Capital: Tokyo
Dialling code: +81
Time zone: JST (GMT+9)
Accommodation
Transport
Japan Railways (JR Group)
Experiences
Local information
