Japan Rail Tickets

When it comes to trains in Japan, local and suburban trains are generally the most budget-friendly option. Local trains in Japan can operate on point-to-point routes or follow loop lines in both directions. This works well for short-distance travel within the city, as seen on iconic lines like the Yamanote Line in Tokyo or the Osaka Loop Line. A basic fare ticket for a short journey within a city on a this train costs around 150-300 yen, while longer rides between cities or regions could range from a few hundred to a couple thousand yen. Plus, local trains in Japan are included in the same ticket as the JR Pass. You could buy rail passes from ticket offices at JR stations across Japan, but to reserve seats an for discounted prices and, make sure to book yours on Klook.

If you're visiting Japan and looking for a speedy journey to top cities from the International Airport, you can take the express train services to get you there efficiently. From Narita International Airport, the Narita Express can take you to Tokyo in just 36 minutes for around 2,400 yen per individual train ticket. If you're arriving at Kansai International Airport, you can opt for the Haruka Kansai Airport Express, priced at around 1,300 yen for a regular ticket. It reaches Tennoji in about 35 minutes, Osaka in 50 minutes, and Kyoto in 80 minutes.

You can also purchase a Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) to travel on the Shinkansen. A 7-day Whole Japan Rail Pass in ordinary coach class costs 50,000 yen, and a 7-day JR Pass in green first-class costs 70,000 yen. If you are travelling to only one or two prefectures, consider getting a regional JR Pass. For example, a JR Kyushu Rail Pass costs from 10,000 to 25,000 yen, and a JR East Tohoku Area Pass costs from 27,000 to 34,800 yen. Check out all the JR Pass offers here and compare the prices at one glance!

There are other rail passes for limited express trains as well, like the Fuji Excursion, Spacia X, and Saphir Odoriko - - perfect if you want unforgettable views and luxurious comfort! Here are the prices for these limited express tickets (subject to the seat type):

Fuji Excursion : 2,300 to 8,000 yen

Spacia X : 1,600 to 2,000 yen

Saphir Odoriko : 4,000 to 10,000 yen

Renowned worldwide, the Shinkansen redefine high-speed travel with an emphasis on luxury and reliability. Expect nothing less than punctuality, remarkable speed, and the kind of comfort that makes long-distance travel easy and enjoyable.

Local trains in Japan are the most affordable way to get around cities and nearby areas. They stop at every station, making them perfect for short trips and exploring local neighborhoods.

A great middle option between local and express trains, these rapid trains skip some smaller stations, so you get to your destination faster than on a local train. Best of all, they usually cost the same as local trains—no extra fees!

Express trains and airport express trains can help you get to stations that aren't typically on the Shinkansen route. They're also a good alternative for a cheaper yet faster way to get around Japan.

Limited Express trains in Japan are a fast and comfortable way to travel between cities and tourist spots. They only stop at major stations, helping you get to your destination quicker than regular trains. Some railway companies, like JR, charge a small limited express fee (usually 500 to 4,000 yen) on top of the regular fare.

The Sanyo Shinkansen line links Osaka to Fukuoka on Kyushu Island. Built in 1975, it's the second oldest Shinkansen line in Japan. There are five train services: Nozomi, Hikari, Kodama, Mizuho, and Sakura. Nozomi is the fastest, hitting 300 km/h (185 mph). It's covered by the JR Pass but requires a special additional ticket.

Hikari Shinkansen Train

Hikari is the fastest train on the Sanyo and Tokaido Shinkansen lines, included in the JR Pass. The Hikari runs at 300 km/h (185 mph) and takes just over an hour to travel from Shin-Osaka to Okayama.

Kodama Shinkansen Train

This train service, the slowest on the Sanyo line, makes stops at all stations until reaching its end. Kodama trains operate at a speed of 285 km/h (185 mph) and require almost five hours to reach Hakata station from Osaka.

Sakura Shinkansen Train

This speedy train service operates on the Sanyo Shinkansen line and runs at 300 km/h (185 mph) like other trains on the line, though Sakura trains make fewer stops.

The average speed of a Japanese train not including the Shinkansen is around 80-100 km/h (50-62 mph), depending on the line and type of train, as local and commuter trains typically operate at significantly slower speeds than the high-speed Shinkansen network. The average speed of a non-Shinkansen train can vary depending on the specific train line, distance between stations, and time of day.