How to Use Trains in Japan | Cheapest Commute

#1 Knowing the train types

You should know 5 types of trains in Japan, they are:

• Local (kakueki-teisha or futsu-densha): stop at every station;
• Rapid (kaisoku): skip some stations;
• Express (kyuko): stop at fewer stations;
• Limited Express (tokkyu): stop only at major stations. Fee 500-4,000 JPY depending on distance;
• Super Express (shinkansen): use separate tracks and platforms. Fee 800-8,000 JPY distance-based.

#2 Knowing the seat types

There are 2 types of seat in Japan’s train:

• Regular seats: most local,rapid, and express trains seat are non-reserved;
• Green/first class seats: reservation cost 300-700 JPY, but free with Japan Rail Pass.
• Smoking room: well ventilated rooms are separated from seating areas, provided on trains along the Tokaido/Sanyo Shinkansen.

#3 How to buy trains’ ticket

These are some ways to buy trains’ ticket:

• Using prepaid IC cards to use trains: pass the gate with the cards;
• Purchase a ticket at manned ticket counters: for long distance trips, you will need to fill in information;
• Purchase a ticket at a ticket machine: know the price from the map, insert the money into the machine, select number of ticket, select the ticket price, and collect it;

#4 Entering the paid fare zone

Proceed to the ticket gates and insert the ticket, or tap the IC card to the reader. If it’s invalid, the gate will close and the alarm will sound. To access Shinkansen platforms, there is a separate set of ticket gates.

#5 Ride the train

Know your platform by looking for your train line and direction. Do not talk on mobile phones inside trains, it’s forbidden. Announcements are in Japanese, pay attention to the name of your station destination. Shinkansen and other newer trains have electronic signs that display the next station.

#6 Arriving at the destination

leave the paid fare zone through the ticket gates in the same way as you entered. If you did not pay the correct fare for your destination station, you have to pay the difference at a "Fare Adjustment" machine or at the manned gate, before leaving.