Japan Railways Group - JR Travel Basics


	In this section we walk you through the basics of taking a train: buying a ticket, using ticket gates, getting to the right platform and boarding a train. These days this is a highly automated process with ticket machines, automated ticket gates and digital display signs, but never hesitate to ask a uniformed station or platform employee for assistance. English ability may vary but JR staff members will do their very best to help you.

All larger and medium-sized stations have separate ticketing areas called Midori-no-Madoguchi ('Green Ticket Windows') for long-distance tickets or seat reservations. These will generally be marked as Ticket Windows in English. At smaller stations you will find only regular ticket windows. Automated ticketing machines can be found in all stations, many with English-language instructions. These machines take bills and give change. If your stay is extended you can buy prepaid cards to use in these machines. You can also do ticketing at the Travel Service Centers located in larger stations.

In Japanese stations, you must pass through ticket gates (kaisatsu-guchi), showing a ticket both to enter and exit platform areas. The vast majority of these gates are now automated, but there is always a manned booth on one side of the gates. If you are using a rail pass present it to the employee at this booth. Be sure to remember that you need a ticket to exit the platform area so you don't waste time going through your pockets!

Once you have passed through the ticket gate you may have to go up or down to your platform. All larger stations will have diagrams and digital display signs showing you where to go. Likewise, larger stations will have escalator and elevator access. But in some medium and smaller stations, there may be long staircases, so be sure to pack your luggage appropriately. Never hesitate to ask JR staff for directions if you are lost; better to check than walk a long distance by mistake.

All Shinkansen stations and some other large stations have elevator access to platforms. It is often recommended to contact stations before travel if you are using a wheel chair to make sure of the access situation. Smaller stations can often provide staff assistance for handicapped travelers if they are notified in advance. Please check with JR Telephone Service, JR info desks or Travel Service Centers.

Rail platforms can be a little world of their own with kiosks selling all kinds of food and goods, vending machines and a wealth of English-language information. On Shinkansen and other long-distance train platforms digital display signs show arrivals and departures, as well as car numbers so that you will know exactly where to board the train. Announcements are frequently made in English. In smaller stations there may be less information, but look for a uniformed staff member to assist you if you are ever unsure of anything.

If you are taking a Shinkansen 'bullet train' or a long-distance Limited Express train, your car number and type, as well as the destination, will be clearly marked by each boarding entrance as it pulls in. Recorded platform announcements in English will also help you board your train. Remember that part of Japanese efficiency is a short stop of maybe one minute, so be prepared to board (or deboard) quickly. Now you're on the train and ready to enjoy the comfort and speed of Japan Railways!

All long-distance trains have uniformed conductors who may inspect your ticket or rail pass, and can who can answer your questions. Conductors can also assist with some ticket changes such as upgrading from Ordinary to Green. Local trains will often not have conductors since the ticket gates process tickets. All Shinkansen trains and many other trains, even local trains, will have digital display signs showing the next stop, the location of train facilities and other information in English. Recorded announcements also are found on all Shinkansen trains.

Sit down and relax: long-distance trains have comfortable reclining seats and large windows for enjoying the scenery. Food carts often pass through these trains offering a wide selection of beverages, traditional box lunches (bento) and snacks. All long-distance trains have Western style toilets, and most have telephone service. Overhead luggage racks will hold medium-sized bags, and there is generally room for larger suitcases behind the last row of seats. Green Cars (first class) on some trains may even provide you with an 'o-shibori' hot towel and a complementary beverage.

Rail stations and local trains in metropolitan areas are extremely busy during rush hour periods. We recommend that passengers with a lot of luggage avoid travel during these times if they can, especially on commuter trains or subways,. If you do use trains during peak times remember that most service is very frequent. If one train is too packed, wait for another. Although rush hour crowds can be intimidating, take your time navigating stations and rely on uniformed station employees if you are lost or confused.

Most long-distance trains offer both smoking and non-smoking seating; JR ticket agents will always ask your preference. A typical sixteen-car Nozomi 'bullet train' now has four smoking cars. Almost all local trains, some short distance express trains (including the Narita Express) are completely non-smoking. Most platforms and stations are also non-smoking except for special 'smoking corners.'