Train tickets in Japan

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

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You can indicate your class, your seat preferences and for some itineraries admire the Mount Fuji.

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Our team of enthusiasts is available in the UK and Japan directly on all channels to help you without intermediaries.

Discover our most popular train routes in Japan

Buying bullet train tickets in Japan gives you access to a wide range of routes to explore the entirety of the country. Thanks to the fast and efficient Japanese Shinkansen bullet trains, experience unforgettable moments on your holidays: from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo to the charm of Fukuoka in the South, and everything in between! Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, Nagoya… All these exceptional destinations are just a train ride away.

Journey through breathtaking countryside landscapes aboard the Shinkansen, by picking any of the following routes to travel across Japan by train!

"9" results

Train Tickets from Tokyo to Kyoto Train Tickets in Japan

Tokyo › Kyoto

2h20
06:00 / 21:24

Train Tickets from Tokyo to Kanazawa Train Tickets in Japan

Tokyo › Kanazawa

2h30
06:16 / 21:04

Train Tickets from Tokyo to Nagoya Train Tickets in Japan

Tokyo › Nagoya

1h35
06:16 / 21:04

Train Tickets from Tokyo to Nagano Train Tickets in Japan

Tokyo › Nagano

1h24
06:16 / 22:08

Train Tickets from Tokyo to Osaka Train Tickets in Japan

Tokyo › Osaka

2h30
06:00 / 21:24

hiroshima castle park sakura cherry trees flowers spring

Train Tickets from Tokyo to Hiroshima Train Tickets in Japan

Tokyo › Hiroshima

3h50
06:00 / 20:07

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What our customers say about our train tickets in Japan

Hear from the travelers who explored Japan by train with us!

Buy your train tickets in Japan in three easy steps

Choose and buy your train tickets for your preferred travel date

Buy online directly from our website in minutes.

Receive your voucher by QR code one month before departure

You will receive an email with detailed instructions.

Exchange your QR code for your train tickets in Japan

Easy and fast process, available at JR train stations.

Choose and buy your train tickets for your preferred travel date

Buy online directly from our website in minutes.

Receive your e-ticket one month before departure

Each passenger receives their own e-ticket.

Scan your e-ticket in train stations in Japan

Enjoy your rail travel adventure!

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Travel advice from our Japan train expert

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 I recommend you buy your train tickets online before departing:

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. Some train stations like Tokyo Station or Shinjuku Station are still a maze, even for locals such as myself!
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. Tickets sell out as quickly as the speed of the bullet train.
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!

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, there are reserved and non-reserved cars. In case you made a mistake, do not hesitate to say "Gomennasai" (sorry) to station staff, they will help you find your right place!
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. Don't worry, even when respecting their impeccable timing, Shinkansen trains will wait for you. When you get in, please advance as far as you can and don’t block the exits.

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.

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, I highly recommend grabbing a delicious ekiben in your departing station, hop on, and feast as the Japanese countryside zooms by your window. There is no experience more Japanese than buying food in station kiosks and eating it on the Shinkansen!

Yuichiro Yokono

Train travel expert

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!

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.

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.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Train Tickets in Japan

If you're traveling with baggage measuring less than 160 cm (length + width + height), you don't need to make an additional reservation, and you can store your baggage in the overhead compartment above your seat.

For baggage measuring more than 160 cm and up to 250 cm (length + width + height), you need to make an advance reservation before you can take your baggage on board the Shinkansen. On board, you'll need to stow your baggage in the areas reserved for bulky luggage, generally located behind the last seats in the car, and in special compartments located between the cars. This includes luggage such as sports equipment, musical instruments and strollers.

Luggage measuring more than 250 cm (length + width + height) is not permitted on board the Shinkansen. Each passenger can take up to two pieces of luggage on board the Shinkansen.

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

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.

Up to 72 hours before departure, you can modify your booking one time free of charge or cancel your booking (with a 15% cancellation fee). Please find more details below.

How can I cancel or modify my booking?

You can cancel or modify your tickets by contacting Japan Experience by phone or email.

Modifications and cancellation are not possible in stations, neither at ticket machines (even those with a QR code reader) nor at JR counters (except when mentioned by our assistance*).

What are the cancellation conditions?

You can cancel your train tickets up to 72 hours before departure, with a 15% cancellation fee applied. Past 72 hours before departure, no cancellation can be done.

What if I miss my train?

If you have missed your train, your tickets allow you to board any train on the same route in the same day – in non-reserved seat cars only.

What are the modification conditions?

You can modify your booking for free one time up to 72 hours before departure. Any extra modification will result in booking cancellation to make a new order, with a 15% cancellation fee applied.

Past 72 hours before departure, no modifications can be done.

If you want to modify:

Seat and/or departure time (for e-tickets or e-voucher before paper tickets issued): Japan Experience can modify your booking for free, one time per booking.
Departure date and/or ticket class: Japan Experience allows you to change your departure date/ticket class free of charge by canceling your order without fees in order to make a new booking. Please note that a new date in a higher travel season or an upper class will result in a price difference.
Adding or removing passengers from the booking: Adding a passenger is free of charge, you only need to pay the extra ticket price. Removing a passenger equals to canceling the booking for that passenger only, cancellation conditions apply for the removed passenger ticket (15% fee).
Departure station/arrival station: This change equals a cancellation, with a 15% cancellation fee applied.

*For the rare and only case of cancellation for e-voucher after paper tickets have been issued, you need to request a cancellation at Japan Railways counters (not machines) in stations, up to 10 minutes before departure. JR will refund you around 70% of your order, in cash (JPY ¥). Modifications at JR machines or counters in stations are also possible up to 10 minutes before departure (some fees may apply).

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