Railway in Japan
JR Lines
Mark of JR company
JR (Japan Railways) are the nationwide railway companies.
They were originally the national railway of Japan having the railway lines in the whole mainland, and it was privatized and split up into six JR companies in 1987.
But, the nationwide network of the railway is kept, so the passengers can use the trains as national railway.
In all areas, limited express trains that travel a long distance run, and many local trains are also operated.
In the center of Tokyo and Osaka, there is a loop line of JR.
The local trains are operated frequently all day, so it is a convenient transportation to travel around the city.
So, the tourists traveling around Japan will use the trains of JR mainly.
Japan Rail Pass is available for only JR lines.
About JR line, check the following page.
Shinkansen
Tokaido Shinkansen
Shinkansen (新幹線) is the high-speed train of Japan, and connects the main cities in Japan.
The first section was opened in 1964, and most lines have been constructed as the exclusive line for high-speed trains.
The lines start at Tokyo, and two main lines to western Japan and northern Japan connect the many main cities.
The trains run at a maximum speed of 260 to 320 km/h.
All lines are managed by JR, and Shinkansen is ranked as the special limited express on each section of JR.
Therefore, Japan Rail Pass is available.
Shinkansen is the fastest and most convenient transportation to move to distant city.
About Shinkansen, check the following page.
Railways in the large cities
Asakusa station of Ginza Line, Tokyo Metro (Subway)
Subway is set up in many big cities.
But all of them are not management by JR, so Japan Rail Pass is not available.
In Tokyo and Osaka, a loop line of JR runs in the central area.
Many subway lines cover the inside and outside of the loop line.
Sappro, Sendai, Yokohama, Nagoya, Kyoto and Fukuoka cites have also the subway network, and these are managed by the city government.
In Hiroshima city, streetcar managed by a railway company covers the central area.
Various railway companies
Hakone Tozan Railway
Tokyo area, Osaka are and Nagoya area are the three major metropolitan areas of Japan.
In these areas, many railway lines by some railway companies are set up from the central part of the city to its suburbs to complement JR lines.
The name of the company is generally recognized as the line name.
Most terminal stations of the railway companies are by main station of JR, and the passengers can transfer easily.
Some lines are directly connected with the subway line, so many commuters can go to the center of the city on a train.
Many of commuters in and around the large cities use the railways.
Of course, you can use them as a method to travel around the cities.
But, Japan Rail Pass is not available.
In local regions, there are many small railway companies.
Most railway companies have a few short lines around the local city.
And some railway companies have the lines to popular sightseeing spots.
About various railway companies, check the following page.