Getting There By Rail
Japan’s extensive Japan Railways (JR) rail network provides outstandingly efficient and punctual services and (other than at rush hour and on public holidays) is a pleasure to use. Trains in the Tokyo area and northern Japan are operated by JR East (tel: (03) 3423 0111; website: www.jreast.co.jp/e/index.html), while the Shinkansen bullet trains on the Tokaido line between Tokyo and Nagoya, Kyoto, Osaka and Fukuoka are operated by JR Central (tel: (03) 5818 3510).
Tokyo has several major train stations, with Tokyo Station, Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, being the city’s central hub, while Ikebukuro Station, Shibuya Station, Shinjuku Station and Ueno Station serve the suburbs. In addition to the JR network, there are a number of private rail companies operating commuter trains to Tokyo’s suburbs and an extensive and convenient network of underground lines (website: www.tokyometro.go.jp/e/index.html). All but the smallest stations have coin lockers and newspaper/snack kiosks.
Shinkansen bullet trains and selected express services offer both reserved and non-reserved seats. Some trains also offer first-class ‘green car’ seats. Reservations for Shinkansen bullet trains and long-distance express services on and around national holidays should be made well in advance – from a major station. Long-distance rail travel is expensive, however, the Japan Railways Rail Pass (website: www.japantravel.co.uk/jrp.htm) offers outstanding value for money for those planning to make extensive use of the rail network. It is important to note that the pass must be purchased in advance before entering Japan and is available only to non-resident tourists.
There is no national railways enquiries service and information on rail travel in Japan is provided by the individual stations and travel agents, which are equipped with the latest timetables.
Rail services: All Shinkansen bullet trains depart from and terminate at Tokyo Station, from where commuter and underground trains run to all areas of the city. Shinkansen bullet trains run to northern Japan, Niigata on the Japan Sea, Nagano in the central Alps, Nagoya, Kyoto, Osaka and Hiroshima, and Fukuoka on the southern island of Kyushu. Services run several times an hour. The journey time to Kyoto and Osaka is approximately three hours and to Fukuoka six hours.
Transport to the city: Tokyo Station is very centrally located in the Marunouchi/Ginza area, accessible by numerous train and underground lines including the JR Yamanote loop line. Ikebukuro Station, Shibuya Station, Shinjuku Station and Ueno Station are also all on the JR Yamanote loop line.
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Getting There By Rail