Train Tickets in Japan

Select your itinerary

From *

Departure date *

Time *

4 reasons to take the train in Japan

Travel comfortably

Build your own itinerary and enjoy a one-of-a-kind train experience

Accessibility

By train, you can easily explore all the must-visit cities in Japan

Reliability

Get to your destination fast while enjoying unparalleled convenience

Eco-friendly

Travel sustainably by reducing your carbon footprint

Book your train tickets now!

Purchase your train tickets in Japan in 3 easy steps

Plan your route

Reserve your train tickets online, to and from major cities in Japan, to fit your itinerary!

Get your QR code

Receive your QR code by e-mail, which you will use to exchange your train tickets.

shinkansen 700s nozomi eco friendly green

Explore Japan

Ride the Shinkansen to experience the iconic bullet train as well as Japan's express trains, and more!

Explore our different available train routes in Japan

Buying individual train tickets in Japan gives you access to a wide range of interesting routes and itineraries that guarantee life-changing experiences throughout the country. A world of exploration and discovery awaits you, ranging from the busy streets of Tokyo to the tranquil shrines of Kyoto. Select from adventures at top speed aboard the Shinkansen, trips through breathtaking countryside landscapes on picturesque trains, or cultural immersion in historic sites. Japan's rail network provides a wide range of train routes that suit your interests and needs, whether you're a history buff, a nature lover or a urban traveler.

Set out on an adventure across Japan, and let your train tickets serve as your pass to a variety of unforgettable encounters and experiences!

Train Tickets from Tokyo to Kyoto Train Tickets in Japan

Tokyo › Kyoto

2h20
06:00 / 21:24

Train Tickets from Tokyo to Osaka Train Tickets in Japan

Tokyo › Osaka

2h30
06:00 / 21:24

Train Tickets from Tokyo to Kanazawa Train Tickets in Japan

Tokyo › Kanazawa

2h30
06:16 / 21:04

hiroshima castle park sakura cherry trees flowers spring

Train Tickets from Osaka to Hiroshima Train Tickets in Japan

Osaka › Hiroshima

2h00
06:16 / 21:04

hakone lake ashi tori shrine mount fuji view

Train Tickets from Tokyo to Hakone (Odawara) Train Tickets in Japan

Tokyo › Hakone

0h35
06:21 / 22:48

Train Tickets from Osaka to Fukuoka (Hakata) Train Tickets in Japan

Osaka ›

2h30
06:00 / 21:23

Train Tickets from Tokyo to Takayama Train Tickets in Japan

Tokyo › Takayama

4h30
06:00 / 18:30

Train Tickets from Tokyo to Nagoya Train Tickets in Japan

Tokyo › Nagoya

1h35
06:16 / 21:04

Search train availability

Why book your train tickets in advance online instead of onsite in Japan?

You might wonder if you should book your train tickets online ahead of time, or buy them directly at booking machines in train stations when arriving in Japan. Here are a few reasons why we recommend you buy your train tickets online before departing.

Booking online is much easier than buying onsite

Guaranteed to have a seat during peak travel times

It's better to plan your itinerary and budget

More about the reasons why you should book your train tickets in advance

By booking online, you avoid the hassle of figuring out how machines in stations work, and you avoid any lines you may face in busy stations in Japan. You're also sure to escape the language barrier at ticket counters with agents.

During busy touristic seasons and Japanese holidays when locals travel, you may very well have a limited selection of available trains if you wait until you're in Japan to buy your tickets. This is true for spring, with the sakura blooming season in full swing, for fall, during the momiji season, and around New Year's.

By booking your train tickets in advance, you have time to research and optimize your itinerary, rather than compose with the options available at the time when you're already in Japan. This also means your transportation budget will be set before departing. Should you change your plans, our tickets include one free modification, so you can book ahead of time and leave stress-free!

Why book your train tickets with Japan Experience?

Official seller

Our train tickets are issued through an official partnership with the National Japan Railways Group (JR)

Secure payment

You're in control! We offer different payment options.

Quality at our core

Our team of passionate individuals based in Japan works with you directly, no intermediary needed.

Customer support

We're here to help, 7/7. And available through all channels.

Purchase your train tickets!

How to book your train tickets online and use them in Japan

Here's how you can book your train tickets online with Japan Experience:

1. Simply choose your desired date of departure, look up the available trains that day, select the one you wish to board and add on any options you need, such as seat selection or an upgrade to a more premium travel class, and make your purchase!

2. After with your order confirmation, a month before your departure, you will receive a QR code, that will be your key to exchanging your train tickets upon arriving in Japan. You will also receive a detailed user guide, that will accompany you through the steps of this easy and fully digital process of picking up your physical train tickets!

You can also read our dedicated article about exchanging train tickets at machines in train stations in Japan, right here.

3. Whether you're arriving in Tokyo, Osaka, or anywhere else in Japan, you will always find a conveniently accessible place to exchange your train tickets. Just follow the steps detailed in the above article or in your user guide in your inbox, and get your physical train tickets from machines in stations! Japan didn't take the leap with digital train tickets yet, so paper tickets are still necessary to board trains in the country.

What types of Shinkansen trains are available with train tickets?

To get around Japan by train, if your journey involves long distance, the better (and most available) option is the Shinkansen bullet train. These high-speed and futuristic trains are the pride and joy of Japan's transportation system, being able to carry hundreds of passengers at speeds upward of 200 miles per hour (320km/h). Shinkansen trains being solely the name of high-speed Japanese trains, different variations of these trains exists within the different lines. For example, on the Tokaido Line, connecting Tokyo and Osaka, one of the most popular lines in the country, three train types coexist.

More information about the different trains on the Tokaido Shinkansen Line

Keeping the example of the Tokyo to Osaka journey, you can choose between three types of Shinkansen high-speed bullet trains: Hikari, Kodama and Nozomi. Hikari trains make fewer stops, and take around 2 hours and 40 minutes to complete the trip. Kodama trains stop at all stations on the way, and thus the Tokyo to Osaka trip takes a little over 3 hours and 40 minutes. The Nozomi is the fastest of the options at 2 hours and 20 minutes, being an express and almost direct service, but it'll cost you more. This Shinkansen also operates only with reserved seats.

You can be sure that no matter the type of train, reclinable seats, overhead storage, power outlets, and more are available on board! Traveling by Shinkansen from Tokyo to Osaka will be both efficient and comfortable. Be sure to research all seat and car options to book the train ticket adapted to your travel needs.

Read more about the Shinkansen network in Japan.

Traveling by train in Japan

Japan's rail system is largely developed and is a very practical means of transportation both locally and cross-country, so both residents and tourists alike find themselves riding trains almost on a daily basis, be it their local train lines or the world-famous Shinkansen bullet trains. For those taking their first trip out to Japan, the role that train travel will play during their journey undoubtedly crosses their minds.

While the prominence of train travel in Japan makes its usage very commonplace, there are a few things that may require some prior knowledge or preparation before first-time visitors climb aboard. This applies even if they are coming from a country that already has a prevalent train travel culture.

Why are trains so popular in Japan?

Japan's rail transportation system is one of the best in the world. Taking the train in Japan can be summed up in three words: efficient, fast, and clean. Until you have experienced it, it's hard to believe how easy, and impressively convenient it is, to take the train in Japan. Despite the fact that Japan's rail system is ridden by millions of passengers per day, trains are always spotless, on time, and functioning. For many readers, this may sound like a utopia compared to their country's train network.

There are many reasons for this incredible railway system, but it can be trimmed down to Japan's reliance on imports in terms of fossil fuels, which prompted the country to heavily invest in its transportation network through trains. Since the late 19th century, train companies in Japan have been building lines to get people and goods from point A to point B efficiently, and thanks to this historic network, cities began to build themselves around trains. Where most of Western urbanism focused on car-centric infrastructure, Japan mostly developed its urban sprawl around train stations. You will see that in most Japanese cities, train stations are the economic and demographic center of the city.

With the right investment into its train system, Japan effectively created one of the most reliable, fast and safe rail networks in the world!

Basic train etiquette in Japan

Like a good number of aspects of Japanese society, taking the train is very codified, and some rules dictate how to properly use trains in Japan.

Trains in Japan have different types of cars, as well as seating arrangements. Pay attention to your surroundings in trains, as they indicate rules to follow. For example, priority seating will be clearly marked, and it is widely encouraged to give up your seat for those in need. Some trains also have women-only cars, usually signaled with pink markings in stations and on trains. On the Shinkansen trains specifically, pay attention to the seat reservation status of the train cars, as explained earlier in this guide.
Whether it is on local trains or high-speed Shinkansen trains, talking, listening to music and any loud activity is generally a no-go. Japanese train cars are very quiet, and electronic devices should be put on silence mode. If you need to make a call, wait until you disembark on local trains, and use your phone only between cars on the Shinkansen.
Similarly, be mindful of other travelers when you are carrying luggage or a bag. Take off your backpack during peak hours, and do not put your belongings on an empty seat next to you. On the Shinkansen, only put your luggage in the designated areas.
To get on and get off the train, line up in a queue, as the rest of the population is doing. Never try to cut in line, and don’t shove or push anyone. When you get in, please advance as far as you can and don’t block the exits.
While eating, snacking and drinking is frowned upon on local trains, it is allowed, and even seen as a true travel experience when taking bullet trains in Japan, to eat on the Shinkansen (but nothing too smelly, still be mindful of other passengers). Before boarding your train, grab a delicious ekiben in your departing station, hop on, and feast as the Japanese countryside zooms by your window.

Purchase your train tickets!

Frequently Asked Questions about Train Tickets in Japan

Reserving seats on the Shinkansen bullet train isn’t a necessity; however, we do suggest making a reservation during peak travel times, specifically during Spring (sakura season) and during New Year's, for example. Trains may also be crowded during major holidays and events, such as large festivals. You’ll also need to make a reservation for oversized luggage on the Shinkansen.

With over 40 years of dedicated experience dealing specifically with Japan travel and tourism, you can rest assured that we will have the best knowledge and familiarity with getting around the country. Our train tickets are acquired through an official partnership with JR West. We also offer reliable and expert assistance thanks to our onsite team in Japan, flexible modification options, and a fully digital booking experience with no hidden fees.

Modification and Cancellation

Order cancellation

Customers have up to 3 working days prior to their departure date to cancel their train ticket orders as long as they have not scanned the corresponding QR code and exchanged for their physical train tickets. A 15% cancellation fee will be charged, and the QR code will be instantly deactivated upon order cancellation. Cancellation of only a portion of the booking is not possible.

For train ticket orders that have already had the corresponding QR code scanned and where the tickets have been received, or orders in less than 3 working days before departure, orders may be canceled at JR Station offices in the departure city up to 10 minutes before your train departure, where a refund will be issued with a 5%-10% cancellation fee, depending on the station and office. This refund will be made in cash in Japanese yen.

Cancellation cannot be done at ticket machines. Please note JR Central offices can only cancel routes running through JR Central lines.

Past the day and time of departure, refunds cannot be issued, regardless if the corresponding QR code has been used or not, and regardless if customers have received their physical tickets or not. Note that however, if you missed the departure train of the time, you can still board the next trains within 1 hour, in non-reserved seats.

These cancellation conditions still apply after one modification, according to the modification conditions below.

Order modification

If you want to modify:

Departure time on the same day OR seat for another seat except luggage seat:

Japan Experience can modify one time, free of charge, your booking if the corresponding QR code has not been used AND if it is NOT within 3 working days of the departure date.

You will then be sent a new QR code to use at JR stations to exchange for your new tickets.

Otherwise, you will need to go to JR station machines to exchange your QR code to receive your tickets and then change the departure time at the same machine up to 10 minutes prior to your train departure.

You cannot modify the same ticket twice. For the second modification, the order will need to be canceled (check cancellation conditions) and then re-ordered with the new travel information.

Departure date, route, seat for luggage seat, number of seats in the booking:

Japan Experience cannot modify your booking. You will need to go to JR station machines to exchange QR code to receive your tickets and change time at the same machine up to 10 minutes prior to departure. There may be a difference in fare to be paid on the spot.

You cannot modify the same ticket twice. For the second modification, the order will need to be canceled (check cancellation conditions) and then re-ordered with the new travel information.

If you have made a mistake in your departure date or number of seats, you have to make a new booking online. Japan Experience will allow you to cancel your previous order free of charge. Kindly note that modifications for the new issued tickets won't be possible.

There are different types of carriages on the Shinkansen, with different levels of accommodation. The Ordinary Car is the most general seating option, but Shinkansen bullet trains are, by default, more luxurious than other types of trains due to them being built for long-distance travel. These accommodations include reclinable chairs, overhead storage, hooks for outerwear, deployable trays, and electrical outlets.
The Green Car is the next step up in luxury from the ordinary car, featuring even deeper reclining chairs and more legroom. All seats in these cars need a reservation. The oversized luggage area is also included with a seat on the Green Car.
The Gran Class Car is much like the Green Car but with even more elevated accommodations. Seats are formatted 2x1, optimizing room, and often, snacks and refreshments are included. Gran Class cars exist only on JR East lines, such as Tokyo <-> Nagano and Tokyo <-> Kanazawa.

If you are traveling with luggage measuring less than 160cm (length + width + height), you do not need to make an extra reservation, and you can store your luggage in the overhead compartment above your seat.

For luggage measuring over 160cm and up to 250cm (length + width + height), you need to have made a prior reservation to be able to bring your luggage on the Shinkansen. Onboard, you will have to store your luggage in the designated oversize luggage areas, usually behind the last seats of the car, and in special compartments in the area between cars. This includes luggage such as sport equipment, musical instruments, and baby strollers.

As we do not offer seat reservation bookings yet, you will need to reserve your extra luggage space in the Shinkansen in stations at JR seat reservation ticket machines before your train's departure. To do so, you will need to make a modification on your ticket at said ticket machines. This modification is included in your booking, as you have one free modification possible.

Luggage measuring over 250cm (length + width + height) are not allowed onboard the Shinkansen. Each passenger can bring up to two pieces of luggage onboard the Shinkansen.

You can find more details about luggage rules aboard the Shinkansen here.