Japan hasthe best transport system in the world: 27,000 km of tracks, punctuality99.7%, mean shinkansen delay18 seconds. There are 30 billion passengers each year. Practical information below.
Shinkansen — Train-Button
Shinkansen(新幹線, ‘new main line’) — network since 1964 (first Tokyo-Osaka line for the Olympics). Currently:3000 km, 300+ km/h, but no fatalities from accidents for 60 years.
Train classes
- Nozomi: super-express, only the most important stations, 320 km/h, Tokyo-Osaka 2h 22min. NOTE: JR Pass does NOT include Nozomi (since 2023 with surcharge)
- Hikari: mid-express, more stations, Tokyo-Osaka 2h 55min. JR Pass OK
- KodamaAll stations, slower. JR Pass OK
Main lines
- Tōkaidō Shinkansen: Tokyo → Nagoya → Kyoto → Osaka. Najbusier
- Sanyō Shinkansen: Osaka → Hiroshima → Fukuoka
- Tōhoku Shinkansen: Tokyo → Sendai → Aomori
- Hokuriku Shinkansen: Tokyo → Kanazawa (since 2015)
- Kiusiu Shinkansen: Fukuoka → Kagoshima
Tickets — How to Buy
Automat on station(are in English): select "Reserved Seat" (place + 500-800 JPY vs Non-reserved).Online:smart-ex.jp(Tōkaidō),eki-net.com(JR East).
Prices (example)
- Tokyo → Kyoto (Nozomi, 2h 15min): 13 320 JPY
- Tokyo → Osaka (Nozomi): 14 720 JPY
- Tokyo → Hiroshima: 19 440 JPY
- Tokyo → Sapporo (via plane or Shinkansen + ferry): 4h + 4h, approx. 27 000 JPY
JR Pass — Is It Worth It?
Japan Rail Pass— a flat-rate ticket for foreign tourists only. Does not include Nozomi/Mizuho (extra charge).
Prices (2026, after an increase from 2023)
- 7 days: 50 000 JPY (135 EUR)
- 14 days: 80 000 JPY
- 21 days: 100 000 JPY
- Green (First class): +30-40% price
When does it pay off?
Rule: JR Pass 7-day pays off if you doTokyo-Kioto ↔ there and back + trip to Hiroshima(pass-free cost: 46 400 JPY = almost pass price). For Tokyo-Kyoto itself — NOT PAYING (buy single tickets).
Alternatives JR Pass
- Regional streaks: JR East Pass, JR West Pass, JR Kyushu Pass — cheap (10-20 thousand JPY), cover a specific region
- Highway Bus: Willer Express, JR Bus — Tokyo-Osaka from 4000 JPY (8 hours at night)
- Domestic flight: JAL, ANA, Peach — Tokyo-Fukuoka 2 hours from 8000 JPY with luggage 20 kg
Urban transport — Tokyo
Tokyo Metro
Two independent systems:Tokyo Metro(9 lines) +Toei Subway(4 lines) — Different tickets! PlusJR Yamanote Line(loops around the city).
Suica / Band — IC cards
The most reliable solution. Prepaid card + deposit of 500 JPY, load in the machine. You pay everyone: subway, bus, tram, 7-Eleven, McDonald's, vending machine, taxi.NOTE2024: physical Suica limited to tourists — useWelcome Suica(28 days of validity, for tourists) orMobile Suica at Apple Wallet/Google Pay.
Tourist tickets
- Tokyo Metro 24h Ticket: 800 JPY (Tokyo Metro only)
- Common One-Day Ticket: 900 JPY (Tokyo Metro + Toei)
- Tokyo Subway 72h: 1500 JPY (for tourists, you buy in Ginza/Shinjuku)
Urban transport — Kyoto
Kyoto has only 2 metro lines (Karasuma and Tozai), dominated by AUTOBUS.Kyoto Bus 1-Day Pass: 700 JPY, all city buses.
Osaka
Osaka Metro: 9 lines.Osaka Amazing Pass: 3300 JPY/1 day, includes transport + entry to 40 attractions. Perfect option for tourists.
Practical Tips
- Silence on the train: telephone language prohibited. SMS OK
- Oversized luggage: since 2020 you need to book a place for suitcases > 160 cm (circular). No booking: ticket 1000 JPY
- Peak hours: 8-9 morning, 18-19 evening —oshiya(pushers) push passengers
- Application:Google Maps(excellently works in JP),Navitime(English),Hyperdia(best schedules)
- Loss: Things left on the train almost always return. Go to Lost & Found at the final station