Japan Rail Pass Now - Japan Travel Guide

How to Travel by Train
Japan is world renowned for its highly efficient railway system. Most of the country is covered by extensive rail networks, with train lines
operated by various companies that enable fast and convenient intracity and intercity travels.
Japan Railways
Japan Railways (JR) runs a significant percentage of Japan’s commuter rail networks and almost all the intercity train services. It comprises
six companies that operate in different regions across the country, Hokkaido Railway Company, East Japan Railway Company, Central Japan
Railway Company, West Japan Railway Company, Shikoku Railway Company and Kyushu Railway Company.
There is at least one JR Station in most Japanese cities and in large urban and touristy areas, such as Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and Nagoya, these
train stations have more to offer. For instance, Shinjuku Station, Kyoto Station and Nagoya Station are all mall-like complexes with luxury
hotels, shopping malls, cinemas, restaurants, bars, cafes etc. within their multi-storey buildings.
Metro and subway stations
Many Japanese cities have rail systems that are operated by privately-owned companies, in addition to JR. As an example, in Tokyo there are
two subway systems running: The Toei Subway and the Tokyo Metro.
Bear in mind that not every train station serves all railway lines in a city. At Shinjuku Station there are several JR lines, two Toei Subway lines
and a Tokyo Metro line, but at Asakusa Station, only the Tobu, Toei Subway and Tokyo Metro networks operate.
How to buy a JR ticket
There are ticket vending machines (with an English language option) close to the JR ticket gates. To verify the fare to your destination, examine
the map above the machines. Once you have determined how much to pay, select the correct amount on the screen, insert bills or coins into
the slot, and wait for your ticket and/or change.
If you made a mistake and bought the wrong ticket, you can settle the difference once you get to your destination through the fare adjustment
machines found near the ticket gates.
If you plan on doing extensive travel around the country, it is recommended to buy a Japan Rail Pass.
41 - Japan Travel Guide