Section 05

Transport & Rail

Japan's trains are the best in the world and the most confusing for first-timers. Work out whether a pass pays, how to book seats, and how to move around each city.

交通

Rail passes

03 guides

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01周遊

The JR Pass explained: is it still worth it?

Prices, what's covered, and the simple test for whether it pays.

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02新幹線

How to book the Shinkansen

Reserved seats, luggage rules and which side to sit for Mount Fuji.

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03地域

Regional transport passes

Often better value than the national JR Pass.

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Getting around

02 guides

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01移動

Getting around Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka

The lines that matter in each city and how to read the stations.

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02日帰り

Day-trip transport guide

How to reach the classic day trips from Tokyo and Kansai.

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Next section · 06

Culture & Etiquette

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