Some common queries regarding train travel in Japan have come up in this sub thread so I thought I would try to bring together some useful info on the subject.
It's not meant to be the definitive guide and I don't profess to be an expert. But I've had two very excellent holidays in Japan and used the system quite extensively so have some experience.
I intended for this to be an open thread, but suggest that replies are limited to those that add information (or correct posted stuff) to keep it a concise guide.
Which Japan Rail Pass should I get?
Note that you MUST buy the pass before you arrive in Japan.
First decision is whether to get a one, two, or three week pass. The time period is in consecutive days starting from the time you hand over your exchange voucher once in Japan.
There are various types of pass, but your choice is basically between the main JR pass (covers you for JR services throughout the country) or one of the passes offered by the regional JR branches (eg JR East)
Unfortunately, to travel the most common route for tourists (Tokyo to Kyoto) you will need the full JR pass as you'll travel through both JR East and JR West areas. Also note that you can't use the Nozomi class trains.
More information on the types of pass and their cost is available here http://www.japanrail.com/
I only want to see one or two cities, is it worth getting a rail pass?
The rail passes are not cheap and for some people, buying individual tickets may work out cheaper.
My best advice is to go to JR's website http://www.japanrail.com/ where you can download Shinkansen timetables and ticket prices. Use these to see how much you'll pay for your planned train journeys if you bought individual tickets. Then compare this to the price of a rail pass.
For example, Tokyo to Hiroshima one way is approx 11,000Y for an unreserved seat (add another 6,700Y for a reserved seat). So let's say around 36,000Y for a round trip. A 7 day pass is currently Y28,300 and a 14 day pass Y45,100. So you can see that it's more than worth it if you are planning to travel around.
Other things to factor in:
How much is a ticket from X to Y?
See previous answer
How long does it take to get to.....?
Timetables can be downloaded from JR's website http://www.japanrail.com/JR_timetableandfare.html I suggest taking a copy with you when you go as well.
I can't speak/read Japanese, how easy will it be to navigate the rail system?
While I would always advise learning as much of the local language before visiting a country, it is possible to use the main lines without knowing any Japanese. The Shinkansen have signs and announcements in Japanese and English. I always say to people that it is easier to use the trains in Japan than it is in England.
To give you some idea of how easy it is to use the trains I've attached a picture of the platform for the Hikari Railstar, going south from Tokyo.
Queue in the painted lines
It's useful if you learn the Kanji for 'unreserved', 'reserved' and also 'smoking', 'non-smoking'. Whole cars will either be reserved or unreserved, smoking, non-smoking etc. You find the one that is for you and then queue in the painted lines on the platform.
Where can I get more information?
Read through the Travelling in Japan posts on this forum
Japan Rail's website - http://www.japanrail.com/
Japan Rail Pass website - http://www.japanrail.com/JR_japanrailpass.html#a5
A good site covering a guide book specifically written for someone with a rail pass - http://www.japanbyrail.co.uk/Intro.html
It's not meant to be the definitive guide and I don't profess to be an expert. But I've had two very excellent holidays in Japan and used the system quite extensively so have some experience.
I intended for this to be an open thread, but suggest that replies are limited to those that add information (or correct posted stuff) to keep it a concise guide.
Which Japan Rail Pass should I get?
Note that you MUST buy the pass before you arrive in Japan.
First decision is whether to get a one, two, or three week pass. The time period is in consecutive days starting from the time you hand over your exchange voucher once in Japan.
There are various types of pass, but your choice is basically between the main JR pass (covers you for JR services throughout the country) or one of the passes offered by the regional JR branches (eg JR East)
Unfortunately, to travel the most common route for tourists (Tokyo to Kyoto) you will need the full JR pass as you'll travel through both JR East and JR West areas. Also note that you can't use the Nozomi class trains.
More information on the types of pass and their cost is available here http://www.japanrail.com/
I only want to see one or two cities, is it worth getting a rail pass?
The rail passes are not cheap and for some people, buying individual tickets may work out cheaper.
My best advice is to go to JR's website http://www.japanrail.com/ where you can download Shinkansen timetables and ticket prices. Use these to see how much you'll pay for your planned train journeys if you bought individual tickets. Then compare this to the price of a rail pass.
For example, Tokyo to Hiroshima one way is approx 11,000Y for an unreserved seat (add another 6,700Y for a reserved seat). So let's say around 36,000Y for a round trip. A 7 day pass is currently Y28,300 and a 14 day pass Y45,100. So you can see that it's more than worth it if you are planning to travel around.
Other things to factor in:
- the rail pass covers the Narita Express train from Narita Airport to Tokyo;
- you can use the rail pass for overland trains in Tokyo (e.g. the Yamanote, Chuo and Sebu lines. With this it is possible to get around with minimal use of the subway (the subway is not covered by rail pass);
- you get free reservations on Shinkansen tickets;
- it's a hassle free and flexible way to travel - just wave the pass at the barrier and wander through;
- Many other non-train JR services are covered ・eg buses in Kyoto and the hydrofoil to Miyajima Island.
How much is a ticket from X to Y?
See previous answer
How long does it take to get to.....?
Timetables can be downloaded from JR's website http://www.japanrail.com/JR_timetableandfare.html I suggest taking a copy with you when you go as well.
I can't speak/read Japanese, how easy will it be to navigate the rail system?
While I would always advise learning as much of the local language before visiting a country, it is possible to use the main lines without knowing any Japanese. The Shinkansen have signs and announcements in Japanese and English. I always say to people that it is easier to use the trains in Japan than it is in England.
To give you some idea of how easy it is to use the trains I've attached a picture of the platform for the Hikari Railstar, going south from Tokyo.
Queue in the painted lines
It's useful if you learn the Kanji for 'unreserved', 'reserved' and also 'smoking', 'non-smoking'. Whole cars will either be reserved or unreserved, smoking, non-smoking etc. You find the one that is for you and then queue in the painted lines on the platform.
Where can I get more information?
Read through the Travelling in Japan posts on this forum
Japan Rail's website - http://www.japanrail.com/
Japan Rail Pass website - http://www.japanrail.com/JR_japanrailpass.html#a5
A good site covering a guide book specifically written for someone with a rail pass - http://www.japanbyrail.co.uk/Intro.html
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