Traveling by train is one of the best ways to get around Japan. With an extensive and efficient network, trains connect almost every part of the country, from bustling cities to tranquil countryside. Whether you’re a tourist or planning to live in Japan, knowing how to buy train tickets is essential. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the different types of trains you might encounter and the key kanji you’ll need to understand when purchasing your tickets, so you can travel like a local.
Types of Trains in Japan
Before diving into how to buy tickets, it’s helpful to understand the different types of trains you’ll encounter in Japan. The Japanese rail system is known for its efficiency, and there are several kinds of trains designed to suit different travel needs. Here’s a breakdown of the most common ones:
Local Trains (普通電車)
Local trains are the most common and stop at every station along their route. These are ideal for short distances within cities or towns, or for travel between nearby cities. They’re relatively inexpensive and offer a comfortable ride for casual travelers.
Rapid Trains (快速電車)
Rapid trains are faster than local trains (shock, I know), as they skip some of the smaller stations. These trains are commonly used for medium-distance travel and are perfect for getting around urban areas like Tokyo and Osaka. They usually cost a little more than local trains, but they’re still affordable.
Express Trains (急行電車)
Express trains are designed for longer distances and make fewer stops compared to rapid trains.
Shinkansen (新幹線)
The Shinkansen, or bullet train, is Japan’s high-speed train that can travel at speeds of up to 320 km/h (200 mph). It’s the fastest way to travel between major cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima. The Shinkansen is a bit more expensive than the other trains, but it offers unparalleled speed and comfort. You can choose from different types of Shinkansen, such as the Nozomi, Hikari, and Kodama, each offering different routes and speeds. Despite popular perception, Japanese people don’t tend to use Bullet Trains very often due to their high price.
Private Railways (私鉄)
In addition to the Japan Railways (JR) network, there are also private railway companies. These lines tend to operate in specific regions and offer local and express services. Some examples include the Keio Line in Tokyo or the Hankyu Line in Osaka. The tickets for private railways can often be bought at their own machines or ticket counters.
Living in Japan: Tips for Navigating the Train System in Japan
How to Buy Train Tickets
Now that you know the types of trains you might encounter, let’s go over the steps involved in purchasing a train ticket in Japan. While the process might seem intimidating at first, it’s actually pretty straightforward once you get the hang of it.
Step 1: Find the Ticket Vending Machine
The easiest way to buy a train ticket in Japan is from the automated ticket vending machines, which are usually located in train stations. Most of these machines have an English-language option, so you can navigate the menus with ease. However, if you’re buying a ticket for a private railway, be aware that some machines may not offer English, so knowing a few key kanji can be very helpful.
Step 2: Choose Your Destination and Train Type
Once you approach the ticket machine, select your destination station. Depending on the train line and the area you are traveling in, you might be presented with options for different types of trains (local, rapid, express, etc.). The price will vary depending on your choice, with local trains being the least expensive and Shinkansen tickets costing the most.
If you’re unsure which train type to choose, look for the most convenient or fastest option for your journey. In most cases, local and rapid trains will be sufficient for shorter trips.
Step 3: Pay for Your Ticket
After selecting your destination, the machine will show you the fare, which you can usually pay for with cash or a credit card. Some machines still only take cash, so like everything in Japan, it’s still worth having some on you. The ticket will print out immediately after payment, and you’ll receive a small card that you’ll need to use to enter and exit the train gates.
Step 4: Using IC Cards (Suica, Pasmo, etc.)
In addition to buying tickets, you can use prepaid IC cards like Suica or Pasmo for even more convenience. These cards can be used not only for train travel but also for buses, vending machines, and stores. Simply touch your IC card on the reader when entering and exiting the station, and the fare will be automatically deducted. These cards are available for purchase at most train stations and are incredibly easy to use.
Of course, you can also buy tickets from an attendant, but be prepared for some intense Japanese conversation, often lined with tremendous amounts of polite language (kaigo). I recommend a machine for beginners of Japanese, so that you have time to search for terms you don’t know and work it all out slowly.
Some services are cheaper if you buy online in advance. In particular, if you’re taking a Shinkansen journey at any point, it’s worth doing this a few weeks before your journey. Every region has a different website, but here are some of the common ones:
- For Eastern Japan, including Tokyo and Aomori: jreast.co.jp/multi/en/
- For Kyūshū: train.yoyaku.jrkyushu.co.jp/inbound
- For Western Japan including Kansai/Hiroshima: westjr.co.jp/global/en/
Key Kanji You’ll Need to Know
When buying a train ticket in Japan, knowing some basic kanji will help you navigate the process much more smoothly. Here are some of the most common kanji you’ll encounter when purchasing tickets:
1. Station – 駅
The kanji 駅 represents a station, and you’ll see it on all train station signs. Look for this when selecting your destination on the ticket machine.
2. Going/Direction – 行き
This kanji is used to indicate the direction of the train. If you see 行き on a sign, it will often be followed by the name of the station or destination, such as 東京行き, meaning “bound for Tokyo.”
3. Train Ticket – 乗車券
The kanji 乗車券 represents the general term for a train ticket. You’ll often see it in places where tickets are being sold or in automated vending machines.
4. Bullet Train – 新幹線
If you’re buying a ticket for the Shinkansen, look for the kanji 新幹線 to indicate this high-speed service. It’s often displayed on dedicated ticket machines for the Shinkansen.
5. Fare – 運賃
The kanji 運賃 refers to the fare you need to pay for your ticket. This is displayed on the ticket vending machines and at ticket counters.
6. Rapid Train – 快速
If you’re looking for a rapid train, you might see 快速 on ticket signs or displayed at train stations. It indicates a faster train that skips some stops.
7. Express Train – 特急
Express trains are labeled with 特急, so keep an eye out for this kanji when searching for a faster, more expensive option.
Things to Keep in Mind
- Rush Hour: Trains in Japan can get extremely crowded during rush hours, typically from 7:30am to 9:00am and 5:00pm to 7:00pm. If you’re traveling during these times, be prepared for a packed ride. See our article on sumimasen [link to my other article] for how to deal with some awkward situations.
- Ticket Validation: For regular trains, you’ll need to validate your ticket at the gates before entering and after exiting. With IC cards, just tap in and out at the designated sensors.
- Seat Reservations: For Shinkansen or long-distance express trains, you can often reserve a seat. If you want a reserved seat, look for the 指定席 option, which means reserved seat.
Conclusion
Buying train tickets in Japan doesn’t have to be a complicated process. By understanding the different types of trains, familiarizing yourself with key kanji, and using ticket vending machines or IC cards, you’ll be able to navigate Japan’s impressive rail network with ease. Whether you’re heading to the next station in your city or traveling across the country on a Shinkansen, you’ll soon feel like a pro at buying train tickets and enjoying Japan’s world-class public transportation system.
