Trains in Japan and How to Travel Japan’s Rail Network
Brimming with amazing eats, iconic landmarks, sensational views, and (so much) more, a trip to
Japan promises a life-changing experience and an abundance of adventures. ⛩️ If it’s your first time in Japan, you might be a little worried about how to navigate the transportation system in Japan (especially if you don’t speak Japanese). Fret not, we are here with a first-timer’s guide on how to get around Japan by train! 🚉
Before we begin, here’s a quick
#KlookTip - Download the app
Japan Travel by Navitime! If you plan to travel a lot via trains and buses, this app will give you the best route recommendations. You can also select which JR Pass you have for it to show you options that are covered by your pass. 📱 [
Apple Store |
Google Play]
More Japan Travel Tips
More to love in Japan
Get your Japan rail passes from Klook:
Stay connected while in Japan:
Access multiple Japan attractions with one pass:
How to Use Trains in Japan
Japan is renowned for its extremely efficient transportation system, particularly its extensive rail network. 🚂With multiple lines connecting various cities and neighborhoods, navigating the trains in Japan can understandably get quite confusing. Let us untangle that a bit for you!
Firstly, it’s important to note that the railway lines in Japan are not operated by a single company. Simply put, JR aka Japan Railways Group is the main railway network in Japan, owning about 80% of the country’s railroads (where your JR Pass comes into play). The remaining 20% is served by dozens of other private railway companies, especially in and around metropolitan areas.🏙️
Types of Trains in Japan
Next, there are different types of trains in Japan. Different trains suit different needs - for example, the bullet train is the fastest transportation between cities and stops at major city stations (eg. Tokyo Station to Shin Osaka Station).🚅 If you plan to explore a certain area in a particular city instead, you can hop onboard a local train that stops at every station.
Here’s a quick summary of the various types of trains in Japan:
Type of train: | What is it? |
|---|
Shinkansen (新幹線) | - Also known as bullet trains, these are the fastest transportation modes in Japan with very few stops (if any) in comparison to the rapid or local trains - Included in Whole Japan JR Pass, except Nozomi and Mizuho lines |
Limited Express (特急) | - There are over 100 different types of Limited Express trains, with a limited number of stops, so they only go to major Japanese stations - Included in JR Pass |
Express (急行) | - Also stops at limited stations - Covers main airport transfers like Haneda International Airport (Tokyo Monorail), Narita International Airport (Narita Express), and Kansai International Airport (Haruka Express) - Included in JR Pass |
Rapid (快速) | - Also stops at limited stations - Covers main airport transfers like Haneda International Airport (Tokyo Monorail), Narita International Airport (Narita Express), and Kansai International Airport (Haruka Express) - Included in JR Pass |
Local (普通列車) | - Local trains can either go from point A to point B or run at loop lines in both directions (like the Yamanote line in Tokyo or the Osaka loop line) - Stops at all stations hence not recommended for long-distance traveling as it can be very slow - Included in JR Pass |
Special | - Also known as joyful trains, these special-themed trains are usually character trains or trains that have unique features or designs - Eg. Pikachu Train (POKÉMON with YOU Train), FruiTea Fukushima (café train with desserts and beverages made from seasonal fruits from Fukushima). More info here. |
Find out more details here:
Japan Train Ticket Types
Since there are various trains in Japan, you would need to buy different train tickets depending on what kind of train you are looking to take.🎫
Here’s a quick overview of what’s available:
Train Ticket Type | Description |
JR Pass | - Allows unlimited travel on all Japan Railways Group (JR) trains, buses, and ferry services - Choose from Whole Japan Pass or other Regional Passes - Duration varies depending on what pass you get |
Standard Train Ticket | - Normal train ticket that will take you from Point A to Point B - Buy from the vending machine at the train station |
IC Card | - Prepaid rechargeable transportation cards (think EZ-Link), which can be used to pay your train or bus fare - Pasmo and Suica are the most popular transportation cards in Tokyo, while the ICOCA is more commonly used in Osaka. - Can also be used as contactless payment at some shops and restaurants in Japan |
City Pass | - Also known as Day Pass - Offers one or multiple day-access to unlimited use of any of the city transportation means such as trains, trams, buses, and metro - Buy at ticket counters or vending machines in any of Japan’s big cities: Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Sapporo, Nagoya, Hiroshima and more |
Introduction to Travelling on Japan Railways (JR)
Firstly, you would’ve probably heard the benefits of getting a
JR Pass for your Japan travels - but what is a JR pass and how does it help exactly? 🤔
✔️ Allows tourists unlimited travel on all Japan Railways Group (JR) Shinkansen, trains, buses, and ferry services across the country
✔️ Is available in 7, 14, or 21-day validity depending on the duration of your trip
✔️ Price starts from PHP11,505 for 7-day pass
✔️ Is best if you plan to explore many different cities in Japan
✔️ Unlimited travel on all Japan Railways Group (JR) transportation - different passes cover different types of transport (trains, buses, ferry, etc) in a specific area or region; Check what’s included in your pass before you purchase!
✔️ Depending on the pass, different durations and flexible days are available
✔️ Price depends on the location selected
✔️ Is best if you only have plans to explore a specific area or specific cities as you can save more money on a regional pass rather than a Whole Japan pass
For more details on what a JR Pass covers, how much, and which pass you should get, check out this guide:
Beyond JR: Privately Owned Rail Companies
As mentioned earlier, other privately-owned rail companies play a significant role in transportation in Japan. Private railways often handle intercity travel, airport connections, and particular regional destinations not covered by the Japan Rail Pass. These companies often also operate local bus networks, hotels, and attractions.
If you intend to explore a certain area in Japan instead of traveling from city to city, you’ll be pleased to know that most transportation companies also offer special city passes that are great for your adventures! 😁 We’ll share more about the popular ones for tourists (according to city) in greater detail below!
Getting Around Tokyo
Home to big city skylines, mammoth shopping streets, tasty eats and iconic attractions like
Tokyo Disneyland,
SHIBUYA SKY, and more,
Tokyo is a must-visit destination for every first-timer to Japan. 🌟
Covering the whole city with almost 300 stations, Tokyo subway lines will help you get to almost any destination quickly and easily. For Tokyo, the major lines here are:
From the Airport
Narita Airport
🚝
Keisei Main Line or JR Narita Express
Keisei Main Line
Narita International Airport is the main airport for Tokyo. Here you can take the Keisei Skyliner on the Keisei Main Line to get you to Tokyo’s Keisei-Ueno station. Take a short 3-min walk and you will get to Ueno Station where you can start using your JR Pass.
JR Narita Express
The Narita Express "N'EX" is a limited express train that directly connects Narita International Airport with major cities and districts including Tokyo, Shinagawa, Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Yokohama. This option is covered by JR Pass.
Haneda Airport
🚝 Keikyu Kuko Line (Keikyu Airport Line) or Tokyo Monorail
Keikyu Airport Line
Keikyu Airport Line is a private railway line that connects Haneda Airport to Keikyu Main Line, so you can get to Tokyo, Kawasaki, and Yokohama.
Tokyo Monorail
The other rail option from Haneda Airport to Tokyo International Airport is the Tokyo Monorail which is included in the JR Pass. You can take the monorail to Hamamatsucho Station in downtown Tokyo.
Central Tokyo
🚝 JR, Tokyo Metro, Toei & Others
Taking JR in Tokyo
Tokyo's most prominent train line is the JR Yamanote Line. The major stations are Tokyo, Ueno, Ikebukuro, Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Shinagawa
The Tokaido Shinkansen (bullet train) stops at Tokyo and Shinagawa.
JR Regional Passes that Include Tokyo
R Regional Pass | Description | Validity / Redemption | Price (PHP) |
|---|
Tokyo Wide Pass | - Unlimited travel on Shinkansen and limited express trains within the valid area - Covers both Narita and Haneda Airports, Tokyo and the surrounding Kanto area - Easy to visit popular tourist locations such as Mt. Fuji, Izu, Nikko, Karuizawa, or GALA Yuzawa ski resort - Not inclusive of Tokaido Shinkansen and subway travel in Tokyo or Yokohama or any buses or ferries | - 3 days - Redeem by scanning the QR and your passport at JR Ueno station (WAmazing vending machine inside JR EAST Travel Service Center) | 3,950 |
Tohoku Area Pass | - Unlimited travel on JR East lines, including local, limited express, and express trains, Shinkansen, Tokyo Monorail, etc - Covers the region of Tohoku, northern Honshu, and Tokyo - Good to explore areas such as Nikko, Izu, Fukushima, Aomori, and Sendai - Not inclusive of Tokaido Shinkansen and some highway and route buses | - 5 days - Redeem with the electronic exchange voucher at the JR East major stations | 7,761 |
Nagano/Niigata Area Pass | - Unlimited travel on selected Shinkansen, Narita Express, and Tokyo Monorail trains, and more - Covers both Narita and Haneda Airports, scenic countryside of Nagano and Niigata - Good to explore areas such as Nikko, Izu, Nagano, and Niigata - Not inclusive of Tokaido Shinkansen and some highway and route buses | - 5 days - Redeem with the electronic exchange voucher at the JR East major stations | 6,985 |
Hokuriku Arch Pass | - Unlimited rides on Hokuriku Shinkansen, Express Trains, Rapid Services, and local trains - Covers JR trains to Tokyo's Narita and Haneda Airport and Osaka's Kansai Airport - Covers major cities like Tokyo, Hokuriku, and Osaka - Not inclusive of Tokaido Shinkansen, does not cover buses (even if they are JR buses), Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route | - 7 days - Receive your Exchange Order voucher and simply exchange it for your Rail Pass in Japan | 3,950 |
Tokyo's subway network is an essential part of transportation in Japan and is operated by two entities: Toei with four lines, and Tokyo Metro with nine lines. Together, they densely cover central Tokyo and provide more flexibility to explore Tokyo than the JR line. 🗼
If you are spending the day exploring Tokyo, we recommend getting a
Tokyo Subway Pass. With options for 24, 48, and 72-hour validity, this pass provides unlimited access to all the subway lines mentioned above, as they are covered by Tokyo Metro and Toei.
Exploring Greater Tokyo
The Keio Line is a private railway line in Tokyo connecting Shinjuku Station in Shinjuku with the western suburbs of Chofu, Fuchu, and Keio-Hachioji
Intersects with other Keio Corporation-owned lines in western Tokyo and Kanagawa Prefecture - eg. Keio Takao Line (Kitano Station to Takaosanguchi Station with access to Mt. Takao (Takaosan)
Runs 3 three lines from central Tokyo to the west and Kanagawa Prefecture
Offers the Odakyu Limited Express Romancecar which only has reserved seats
Use to travel to Hakone Area, Mount Fuji, and Lake Kawaguchi Area and more!
Originates at Ikebukuro Station, and extends to northwest suburbs as far as Tokorozawa, Saitama
The Seibu Lines connect directly to the sacred and traditional places of Kawagoe and Chichibu, where you can enjoy the charm of the Edo period to the fullest
Check out more about the Nikko Pass here:
More information on exploring Tokyo:
Some Tokyo inspiration if you are looking for more cool things to put into your itinerary:
Getting Around Osaka
For those looking for some of the best food and fun in Japan,
Osaka definitely has it all. 🧙🏽♂️Spend your days screaming your lungs out at
Universal Studios Japan (the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and the newest Super Nintendo World are a must-visit!), eating your way through Dotonbori and marveling at wonders like the
Osaka Castle and more!
When it comes to transportation in Japan, Osaka has two major city centers and four major train stations. The two city centers are nicknamed Kita ("North") around Osaka/Umeda Station and Minami ("South") around Namba Station. For Osaka, the major lines are:
JR
Osaka Metro
Other lines serving Greater Osaka (Nankai Railway, Hankyu Railway, Kintetsu Railway, Hanshin Railway, Keihan Railway)
From Kansai International Airport
🚝 JR Haruka Express, Nankai Line Airport Express
JR Haruka Express
For transportation around Japan, the
Haruka Express is a convenient option that connects Kansai Airport to major cities in the Kansai region, including Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, and Kobe. The best part is, this express train is covered by your JR Pass, making it a cost-effective choice for travelers. 💸
From Kansai Airport Station, it takes about 35 minutes to Tennoji, 50 minutes to Shin-Osaka, and 80 minutes to Kyoto.
If you wish, you can also get a
one-way ticket from the airport to your station of choice like Shin-Osaka station, Kyoto Station, Tennoji Station, Nara Station or Kobe Station.
Nankai Airport Line
The Nankai Airport Line is a popular choice for travelers looking to utilize trains in Japan, as it is operated by the Nankai Electric Railway and provides seamless connectivity between Kansai Airport and the railway network in Osaka. It is a 34-minute journey going to Namba Station inside a retro-themed train.
Traveling from Tokyo to Osaka
🚝 JR
Tokyo (Tokyo and Shinagawa stations) and Osaka (Shin-Osaka Station) are seamlessly connected with each other through reliable transportation in Japan, the JR Tokaido Shinkansen. Note that the Shinkansen trains do not stop at Osaka Station but at Shin-Osaka Station.
Nozomi trains require about 2.5 hours to reach Shin-Osaka Station from Tokyo, Hikari trains about 3 hours and Kodama trains about 4 hours. ❗ It’s worth mentioning that the current JR Pass does not cover Nozomi and Mizuho trains.
If you intend to only explore Osaka alone and just need to take a single Shinkansen ride from Tokyo to Osaka, you can also get a
one-way Shinkansen ticket.
KlookTip: Want to get a glimpse of the magnificent Mt.Fuji on your ride from Tokyo to Osaka or vice versa? Make sure to book the D or E seats on your ride. You will see Mt Fuji at Shin-Fuji Station!
Central Osaka
🚝 JR, Osaka Metro
Taking JR in Osaka
Many trains in Japan, including various JR lines, run through the Kansai area. 🦌 When going sightseeing through the Osaka area, you’ll mainly be using the JR Kyoto Line, the JR Tokaido-Sanyo Line, the JR Osaka Loop Line, and the line with the closest station to Universal Studios Japan, the Yumesaki Line. A JR Pass may be used on each of these lines.
JR Osaka Loop Line: Perfect for sightseeing around Osaka
Operates in a circle around the centre of Osaka
There are many sights along its tracks, such as Osaka Castle and Tsutenkaku
JR Regional Passes that Include Osaka
JR Regional Pass | Description | Validity / Redemption | Price (PHP) |
Hokuriku Arch Pass | - Unlimited rides on Hokuriku Shinkansen, Express Trains, Rapid Services, and local trains - Covers JR trains to Tokyo's Narita and Haneda Airport and Osaka's Kansai Airport - Covers major cities like Tokyo, Hokuriku, and Osaka - Not inclusive of Tokaido Shinkansen, does not cover buses (even if they are JR buses), Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route | - 7 days - Receive your Exchange Order voucher and simply exchange it for your Rail Pass in Japan | 9,516 |
West Kansai Pass | - Unlimited rides on JR trains and buses, including airport express HARUKA - Covers Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, Himeji, Nara | - 1,2,3 or 4 days - Redeem your JR Pass via digital redemption machines at JR Pass ticket offices | From 932 |
Kansai WIDE Area Pass | - Unlimited travel on designated Kansai train and bus lines (including shinkansen and limited express trains) - Covers Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, Himeji, Nara, Okayama, Tottori and more - Not inclusive of Tokaido Shinkansen | - 5 days - Redeem your JR Pass via digital redemption machines at JR Pass ticket offices | 3,884 |
Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass | - Unlimited travel on Sanyo Shinkansen, Express Trains, JR West Ferry, and more - Covers Kyoto, Tottori, Himeji, Okayama and Hiroshima - Not inclusive of Tokaido Shinkansen | - 7 days - Receive your Exchange Order voucher and simply exchange it for your Rail Pass in Japan | 5,826 |
Osaka Metro
Subways are often the go-to mode of transportation in Japan when it comes to navigating around central Osaka. The city has eight subway lines that connect Osaka's two main districts, Kita and Minami. The more popular lines among travelers are the 🟢 Chuo Line (green) and 🔴 Midosuji Line (red).
If you are exploring Osaka City we recommend snagging an
Osaka Metro Pass. Similar to the Tokyo Metro Pass, The Osaka Metro Pass grants you unlimited train travel in the designated Osaka Metro and Osaka City Bus routes. You can also get discounts on tickets to about 30 attractions in Osaka! The Osaka Metro Pass comes in 1 or 2-day validity options.
A more detailed guide to the Osaka Metro Pass:
KlookTip: If you’re looking to do plenty of sightseeing in Osaka, the
Osaka Amazing Pass is perfect for you! It allows unlimited travel on the Osaka Metro subway and Osaka City buses and offers free admission to more than 50 attractions. It is available as a one or two-day pass.
Exploring Greater Osaka
JR Kyoto Line
#KlookTip: If you are traveling out to Kyoto and have a Whole Japan JR Pass, you can take the Tokaido Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka Station to Kyoto Station and reach in 15 minutes. However if you do not have a Whole Japan JR Pass, the Kyoto Line rapid train above is the next fastest way of traveling from Osaka to Kyoto.
JR Tokaido-Sanyo Line
Also called the Kobe Line
Connects Shin-Osaka Station (on the Shinkansen) with Osaka Station
Also runs from Osaka Station to Kobe Station and over to Himeji Station
The trip between Osaka and Kobe takes about 25 minutes on the special rapid service train
More information about the Hankyu Tourist Pass:
More information about the Kyoto Osaka Sightseeing Pass:
Kintetsu Railway manages the largest non-JR rail network, connecting Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Ise, and Nagoya
More information about the Kintetsu Rail Pass:
Nankai Electric Railway runs lines in southern Osaka and Wakayama Prefecture, facilitates access to Kansai Airport
You can travel to Namba Station or Kansai International Airport with the cute retro-themed train Nankai Line Airport Express
The Nankai All Line 2-day pass allows unlimited access to any
Nankai Line (except Semboku Line) for two days
Explore Greater Osaka with Kansai Thru Pass
There’s no shortage of transportation options in Japan, especially when there are so many private rail companies offering a wide range of passes on their lines. 🚦If you can’t decide on sticking to one, you might want to consider the Kansai Thru Pass - a rail pass, which provides unlimited use of trains, subways, and buses in the Kansai Region (around Osaka and Kyoto). This is, of course, not inclusive of JR lines.
More about Kansai Thru Pass, how to go and where to use it:
More information on all the travel passes for Osaka & Surrounds:
Some Osaka inspiration if you are looking for more cool things to put into your itinerary:
Getting Around Hokkaido
Japan’s transportation options are as diverse as its natural wonders, and Hokkaido, the country’s northernmost island, is no exception. 🚞 This enchanting destination is a haven for nature enthusiasts, offering a wealth of breathtaking landscapes throughout the year, from sprawling rainbow flower fields in spring to powder-soft snowy slopes for skiing and snowboarding in winter. Don’t forget the magical
Shirogane Blue Pond and Shirahige Waterfall too!
Nature lover or not, a trip to
Hokkaido will definitely reinvigorate and refresh your mind, body, and soul. While
driving is the recommended way to travel around Hokkaido, exploring via trains in Japan is also a great option. For Hokkaido, the trains are mainly run by JR Hokkaido.
From New Chitose Airport
🚝 JR
New Chitose Airport and Sapporo Station are connected by JR rapid trains that will get you to Sapporo in 35 minutes. The trains are covered by the Japan Rail Pass and Hokkaido Rail Pass.
Traveling from Tokyo to Hokkaido
🚝 JR
If you are not flying directly to Hokkaido, another option is to take a train in Japan. Just take the Shinkansen that’s covered by your JR Pass. 🎫
From Tokyo, you can take the Shinkansen to Hokkaido (Tokyo Station to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station). The journey will take about 4 hours. You can then take the Hakodate Liner, which connects Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station to Hakodate Station in just 15 minutes.
To get to Sapporo, transfer from Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto station to the Hokuto limited express to Sapporo. The journey will take another 3.5 hours.
Sapporo
🚝 Mostly JR
Hokkaido’s capital city Sapporo boasts three subway lines, a tram line, and many bus services (run by JR Hokkaido Bus, Hokkaido Chuo Bus, and Jotetsu Bus) so you’ll have plenty of transportation options in this part of Japan. The Whole Japan Rail Pass,
Hokkaido Rail Pass, and Hokkaido Free Pass are valid on local buses operated by JR Hokkaido Bus.
If you’re only traveling around the Hokkaido area, The Hokkaido Rail Pass might come in handy for your adventures. 🎎 It allows you to explore Hokkaido's major cities with unlimited rides aboard local trains, buses, or the JR Hokkaido Limited Express/Express line and covers Hakodate, Niseko, Furano Otaru, and more! It is available in 5 or 7-day validity.
More details on JR Hokkaido Pass:
If you’re planning to only visit Sapporo and its surroundings, there’s also the
Sapporo-Furano Area Pass, which allows unlimited travel on JR trains in the area around Sapporo, Asahikawa, and Furano (areas on the map above) for four consecutive days.
Other JR Regional Passes for Hokkaido
JR Regional Pass | Description | Validity / Redemption | Price (PHP) |
East-South Hokkaido Rail Pass | - Unlimited use of trains operated by JR East in the Kanto and Tohoku regions and JR Hokkaido trains in southern Hokkaido - Covers Haneda, Narita and New Chitose airport, and connects Tokyo to Sapporo - Not inclusive of Tokaido Shinkansen | - 6 days - Receive your Exchange Order voucher and simply exchange it for your Rail Pass in Japan | 10,487 |
Tohoku-South Hokkaido Rail Pass | - Unlimited travel on JR trains (including shinkansen and limited express trains) in the Tohoku region and southern Hokkaido and BRT buses along the Sanriku Coast -Also covers some non-JR train lines (all trains along the Iwate Ginga Railway and Aoimori Railway and all trains between Sendai and Sendai Airport) - Covers Sapporo, Hakodate, Aomori, Akita, Sendai, Fukushima and more | - 6 days - Receive your Exchange Order voucher and simply exchange it for your Rail Pass in Japan | 9,322 |
Some Hokkaido inspiration if you are looking for more cool things to put into your itinerary:
Getting Around Nagoya
While
Nagoya isn’t as popular as Tokyo, Osaka, and Hokkaido for first timers, it still has its own charming sights and sounds. 🍃 It also serves as an excellent starting point for travelers eager to venture into the captivating central region of Japan. From Nagoya, you can easily access a multitude of prefectures via trains in Japan, including Nagano, Niigata, Gifu, Toyama, Aichi, Shizuoka, Yamanishi, Fukui, and Ishikawa.
From Chubu Centrair International Airport
🚝 Meitetsu Railway
Meitetsu Railway Company connects Chubu Centrair International Airport to Meitetsu Nagoya Station. The Sky Limited Express takes 28 minutes.
Traveling from Tokyo to Nagoya
🚝 JR
You can get to Nagoya from Tokyo via the JR Tokaido Shinkansen. Hikari trains take slightly less than two hours and Kodama trains take about three hours. Remember, your JR Pass is not valid for the Nozomi!
Central Nagoya
🚝 JR, Meitetsu Railway, Kintetsu Railway, Linimo Railway, the Aonami Line and Nagoya subway lines
Taking JR in Nagoya
Nagoya Station connects several major train lines on which you can use your Japan Rail Pass:
Tokaido Shinkansen Line (to Tokyo or Osaka / Kyoto)
Tokaido Main Line (to Tokyo or Kobe)
Chuo Main Line (to Tokyo)
Takayama Line (to Takayama and Toyama)
Kansai Line (to Kameyama, including connections to Osaka)
Other JR Regional Passes for Nagoya
JR Regional Pass | Description | Validity / Redemption | Price (PHP) |
Osaka - Nagoya Ise-Kumano-Wakayama Area Pass | - Unlimited rides on JR conventional lines running between Kansai Airport, Osaka City Area, Iseshi, Kumano, Nara, Nagoya - Covers Osaka, Nagoya,Ise, Kumano, and Wakayama | - 5 days - Receive your Exchange Order voucher and simply exchange it for your Rail Pass in Japan | 4,354 |
Takayama-Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass | - Unlimited rides in Kanazawa, Takayama, Toyama, Nagoya, Osaka, and includes buses and Hokuriku Shinkansen - Covers Kanazawa, Takayama, Toyama, Nagoya, Osaka and Shirakawa-go | - 5 days - Receive your Exchange Order voucher and simply exchange it for your Rail Pass in Japan | 5,539 |
Nagoya Subway
The Nagoya Subway has six lines. At the main Nagoya Subway Station, you can access two subway lines: the 🟡 Higashiyama Line and Sakura-Dori Line.
The Higashiyama Line (yellow) is the busiest and connects you to Sakae District. Sakae is a major commercial district in central Nagoya and has many popular shopping malls.
Exploring Greater Nagoya
Meitetsu is a private railway company that operates an extensive railway network in both Aichi and Gifu Prefectures
Meitetsu also connects Meitetsu Nagoya Station and Chubu Centrair International Airport
Kintetsu Railway manages the largest non-JR rail network, connecting Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Ise, and Nagoya
More information about the Kintetsu Rail Pass:
Linimo Railway
Run by Aichi Rapid Transit, Linimo is a magnetic levitation train line in Aichi Prefecture in Nagoya
Connects to Aichi Loop Line at the Yakusa Station
Aonami Line
Some Nagoya inspiration if you are looking for more cool things to put into your itinerary:
Getting Around Kyushu
Transportation in Japan seamlessly connects visitors to the captivating wonders of
Kyushu. Famed for its hot spring towns, active volcanoes 🌋 (it’s home to Mount Aso, the world's largest active volcanic crater!), and lush greenery, Kyushu is where you want to be if you’re looking for a spiritual recharge away from bustling cities and crowds. History buffs will also love this region, with iconic landmarks dotting the region such as Kumamoto Castle 🏯 and Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine.
From Fukuoka Airport
🚝 Kuko Airport Line
Run by
Fukuoka City Subway, the Kuko Airport line is a subway that connects Fukuoka Airport to Hakata Station (5-minute ride) and to Tenjin Station (11-minute ride).
Traveling from Tokyo to Fukuoka
🚝 JR
Tokyo and Fukuoka (Hakata Station) are connected with each other by the Tokaido/Sanyo Shinkansen. The journey is a total of about 6 hours as you need to ride the Hikari or Sakura train instead of Nozomi (not covered by JR Pass) and make a transfer at Shin-Osaka Station.
Central Fukuoka
🚝 JR, Nishitetsu Railway, Fukuoka Subway
Taking JR in Fukuoka
The Fukuoka region is served by the JR Kyushu Rail, the primary JR line in the area. With Hakata Station as its central hub, this extensive railway network connects with the Fukuoka Subway, providing convenient transportation options for both locals and tourists. 🗾
To fully explore the captivating island of Kyushu, consider getting a
Kyushu Rail Pass. This pass offers unlimited travel on JR trains on the island (excluding the Sanyo Shinkansen) for consecutive periods for two, three, five, or seven consecutive days.
More information about the Kyushu Rail Pass:
Other JR Regional Passes for Kyushu
JR Regional Pass | Description | Validity / Redemption | Price (PHP) |
Okayama-Hiroshima-Yamaguchi Area Pass | - Unlimited travel on designated JR train and bus lines (including Shinkansen and limited express trains) in Okayama, Hiroshima and Yamaguchi Prefectures and the Shinkansen to/from Fukuoka - Covers Okayama, Hiroshima and/or Yamaguchi Prefectures | - 5 days - Redeem your JR Pass via digital redemption machines at JR Pass ticket offices | 5,821 |
Sanyo-San’in- Northern Kyushu Area Pass | - Unlimited travel on designated JR train and bus lines (including Shinkansen and limited express trains) in the Chugoku Region, northern Kyushu and parts of the Kansai Region - Covers Fukuoka, Nagasaki, Osaka, Kobe, Nara, Kyoto,Tottori, Hiroshima, Kumamoto - Not inclusive of Tokaido Shinkansen | - 7 days - Receive your Exchange Order voucher and simply exchange it for your Rail Pass in Japan | 8,925 |
Hiroshima Yamaguchi Area Pass | - Unlimited travel on designated JR train and bus lines (including Shinkansen and limited express trains) in Hiroshima and Yamaguchi prefectures and the Shinkansen to/from Fukuoka - Covers major cities within Hiroshima and Yamaguchi | - 5 days - Redeem your JR Pass via digital redemption machines at JR Pass ticket offices | 5,044 |
Fukuoka Subway
The Fukuoka City Subway is run by the Fukuoka City Transportation Bureau and plays a crucial role in transportation in Japan. It has three subway lines: the Kūkō (Airport Line), Hakozaki Line and the Nanakuma Line. The subway connects the main Hakata Station to Tenjin Station and Fukuoka Airport.✈️ In fact, Fukuoka Airport is one of Japan's most centrally located airports and is only a five-minute subway ride from Hakata Station.
You can get a
Fukuoka Tourist City Pass for unlimited rides on buses, trains, subways and ferries as well as get discounts at Fukuoka attractions. Simply present your passport at the ticket counter to get your passes!
Unique Trains in Kyushu
Kyushu is famous for its unique sightseeing trains in Japan, such as the:
Limited Express Yufuin no Mori (train that takes you to Yufuin Hot Springs Resort; the train has an interior that models the modern and warm charm of a hot spring resort)
Limited Express Kawasemi Yamasemi (named after kingfishers and wild birds, this luxury retro train has timber and plush cushioned seats)
Seven Stars cruise train (has private suites and serves dishes by Kyushu's top chefs)
Some Nagoya inspiration if you are looking for more cool things to put into your itinerary:
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More Reasons to Visit Japan:
