Japan has a global reputation for its amazing transport system and high-speed trains, but are trains still the most convenient mode of travel?
Japan is the country of convenience, and while they do everything possible to make life a smooth sail for everyone, the reality is that they are still a highly dense population with overcrowded cities and subways. The challenge of making efficient and smooth public transport for the people is a never-ending project that keeps getting harder with time. Nevertheless, the Japanese have managed to put together an intricate train network using underground subways and a combination of local, rapid, express, and semi-express trains, not to mention the iconic Shinkansen bullet train.
Navigating Train Stations
Trains are still one of the most convenient and affordable forms of transport in Japan, but one must learn the ropes of navigating their busy train stations. As a first-timer in Japan, Google Maps is your best friend for figuring out which of the countless station exits to use and even gives you advice on which train carriage to embark on for the smoothest transfer.
Fortunately, despite the chaotic crowds of Japan’s train station rush, there are rules in place to keep things orderly and pleasant, such as markings on the ground where people line up, strategically placed so that the train arrives with the carriage doors in front of you. There are also plenty of vending machines on the platforms to keep you hydrated throughout your journey, and in the case of Shinkansen stations, there are outlets for buying “ekiben” lunch packs too!
Countless Railway Companies
Japan Rail, or JR, is the biggest railway network for trains in Japan, but you’ll find countless more as you travel around the country. It can be important to know which company your train line is operating under, particularly if you are using the JR Pass, as non-JR networks will require you to have an additional ticket.
In any case, the countless railway networks make it easy to get just about anywhere in Japan via trains. It may be challenging to navigate these intricate and intertwining railway lines at times, but you’ll thank yourself for all the money saved by avoiding Japan’s overpriced taxis!
Themed Trains!
This has little to do with convenience, but is worth mentioning, but Japan’s themed trains featuring awesome artworks on the carriages makes for another incentive to use this mode of transport. Especially if you or your companions are lovers of Japanese pop culture, such as anime, you’ll find cool trains like these featuring iconic Japanese animated shows such as Naruto, Detective Conan, and Anpanman!
How About Buses?
Buses certainly have their place in Japan, particularly city shuttle buses, which make it easy to tour around major cities like Tokyo and Kyoto. You can also save a great deal of money using Japan’s overnight buses instead of the bullet train to travel between prefectures such as from Osaka to Tokyo.
That being said, buses can be quite inconvenient when there are many stops along the way, and with the additional time of people buying tickets and dealing with their change and whatnot upon boarding. When it comes to comfort, timeliness, and affordability, trains are the most convenient way to travel in Japan!
To learn more about life in Japan, check out my book: The Japanese Pursuit of Perfection. This book features my most profound observations of Japanese culture and society as a foreign resident. Available in e-book, paperback, and hardcover. Grab your copy today!