Explore Japan by Train
See and Experience Japan…




Rail travel in Japan is seen as a reliable, fast and safe way to get from A to B. We here at TS Japan Rail totally agree with this. However, we believe that foreign visitors frequently fail to recognize another facet of rail travel in Japan: its ability to provide a unique and immersive experience of the country. Allow us to offer you some suggestions on exploring Japan by train.
Rail travel in Japan is seen as a reliable,
fast and safe way to get from A to B.
We here at TS Japan Rail totally agree with this. However, we believe that foreign visitors frequently fail to recognize another facet of rail travel in Japan: its ability to provide a unique and immersive experience of the country. Allow us to offer you some suggestions on exploring Japan by train.
Get off the shinkansen…
The shinkansen network, despite offering connections to numerous parts of the country, accounts for only 11% of Japan’s entire rail network. You also do not see too much of Japan from the shinkansen. Getting off the shinkansen and opting for alternative routes or using the train to explore various regions of Japan, you will gain a fresh and insightful perspective on this country. Additionally, you will commence your journey into experiencing the real Japan.










So many scenic and interesting routes…
Yes! Japan is not just bustling urban metropolises; in fact, only 20% of its land area is urbanized. The remaining 80% consists of picturesque rural landscapes, mountains, river valleys, and fertile agricultural regions. The breathtaking scenery displays vibrant colors throughout the year. When you witness the diverse wonders that Japan has to offer, your perception of this country will be completely transformed.









And so many interesting places…
Big cities and destinations on the shinkansen network do not hold a monopoly on captivating locations, be it culturally or scenically appealing. Consider the Izu Peninsula in Shizuoka Prefecture or the Matsue & Izumo regions of Shimane Prefecture, one being relatively near and the other quite distant from major urban areas but both taking you to a different aspect of Japan. The train system provides convenient access to these places, offering plenty of fascinating sights along the way. And this is just one of many examples!









Many tourist trains…
Not only foreign tourists, but locals also have a great fondness for exploring and experiencing the different regions of Japan. There are around 70 dedicated tourist trains, most of which operate on scenic routes allowing passengers to enjoy those area in a relaxed manner..
Some are restaurant or cafe trains with meals prepared by local chefs with local ingredients, some also have onboard local cultural performances.
And there are trains that will stop or slow down to allow passengers to take photographs of the passing scenery.









Travel can be part of the experience…
Yes, we believe that for much of your trip in Japan
the travel can be part of the experience.
For example the nearly 3 hour journey from Nagoya to Takayama is nearly 3 hours of mountainous scenery or the 4 hour Tadami Line journey is unbeatable as far as the scenery you will see. There are many more examples!









Learn more about what the different regions
have to offer and how to explore by train…

Explore Japan by Train…Explore Japan’s Railways…