The first time I rode the bullet train in Japan was exhilarating, but I couldn’t have done it without help. I was fortunate to travel with a group of fellow teachers who were more familiar with the train systems. Although the transportation systems in Japan are very efficient, the complexity of the train lines, ticketing, and interactions with people were quite daunting for me at the time.
Learning from My Mistakes
After that first “shinkansen” adventure, I began taking solo trips on local trains to explore nearby areas. Unlike my guided experience, I made so many mistakes – getting lost, missing departures, and boarding wrong trains. I vividly remember trying to use my beginner Japanese to ask for directions, feeling confident I understood the instructions, only to receive completely different guidance when I double-checked with another person. These experiences taught me just how challenging it can be to navigate with limited language skills and familiarity with the systems.
Types of Trains I Encountered
Before sharing what helped me, it’s best to first understand Japan’s main train types:
- Shinkansen (Bullet Train): High-speed trains connecting major cities
- Express Trains: Faster service with fewer stops between regional destinations
- Local Trains: Stops at all stations, perfect for exploring neighborhoods
- Limited Express: Premium service that’s faster than regular express trains
Navigating Japan's Train Systems
While Japan’s railway system is renowned for its efficiency, it can also feel overwhelming. Over time, I learned to get around and use the trains much more effectively. Let me share what has helped me manage my Japan train travel so much better.
1. Get a Suica IC Card
One of the best decisions I made was adding a Suica IC Card to my Apple Wallet. These rechargeable cards (¥500 deposit plus the amount to preload for train fares) work on most trains (excluding bullet trains) and buses in major cities, regardless of train company. You can purchase them at any JR station ticket office or from ticket machines with English guidance. I chose to add mine to Apple Wallet for 3 reasons: 1)it was easy to load money on the card from my Apple Pay credit card without fees, 2) the actual cards are often sold out, and 3) the Suica app had bad reviews and the virtual Apple Wallet card had great reviews.
The Suica app is also only in Japanese and works on any iPhone, or on Android phones sold only in Japan. Although the app offers points collection, the wallet integration was simpler and more reliable (according to the user reviews I read). I never had a problem.
If you’re going to do extensive train traveling everyday, you might consider a JR Pass. It has to be purchased before arriving in Japan, but with the latest price increase, I don’t think it’s as good of an option as it used to be. It’s exclusive to JR train lines, so comparing the options ahead of time is wise.
2. Download the Right Navigation Apps
I tried several apps, but two stood out as essential companions:
- Google Maps proved surprisingly reliable with real-time information and train routes. I could listen to directions through my earbuds while navigating stations.
- Japan Travel by Navitime became my go-to for trip planning, offering English-language support and detailed fare information.
3. Plan Ahead
Taking time the night before to study my route and familiarize myself with the train lines and stations gave me the prep I needed. This simple strategy helped me recognize station names when they were announced (in both Japanese and English on most trains) and made transitions between lines much less stressful. It also helped me save costs when I was traveling around Tokyo.
4. Stay Connected
Despite Japan’s high-tech reputation, free Wi-Fi isn’t as widespread as you might expect. Consider these options:
- Pocket Wi-Fi rental (depending on the length of your stay, this option ranges in cost from ¥200-1000 per day)
- International roaming (most expensive option)
- eSIM rental through providers like Airalo (good middle-ground option)
- Hotel Wi-Fi only (most limiting option)
I recommend the pocket Wi-Fi option – it’s relatively inexpensive and allows multiple devices to connect, perfect if you’re traveling with family. It was also easy to pick up at the airport when I arrived because I reserved it in advance.
5. Learn Key Japanese Phrases
Finally, I can’t emphasize enough how much using the proper etiquette and basic Japanese phrases have helped me have good travel experiences. Station staff may not speak English, but showing effort to communicate in Japanese often led me to more helpful interactions.
To help you prepare, I’m going to share a simple guide with 25 essential travel phrases, complete with audio recordings by my wife, a Japanese language teacher. These recordings ensure you’ll learn the correct pronunciation for crucial expressions like “Sumimasen” (Excuse me), “Tasukete kudasai” (Please help me), and “Eigo ga hanasemasu ka?” (Do you speak English?).
Link to Japanese phrase guide
Have you ridden on Japanese trains? From your experience, what would you add in the comments that would be helpful to others trying to navigate the trains?