World Travel Guide

City Guide  - Tokyo  - Rail
Rail

Japan's extensive Japan Railways (JR) rail network provides outstandingly efficient and punctual services and (other than at rush hour and on public holidays) is a pleasure to use. Trains in the Tokyo area and northern Japan are operated by JR East (tel: (03) 34 23 01 11; web site: www.jreast.co.jp), while the Shinkansen bullet trains on the Tokaido line between Tokyo and Nagoya, Kyoto, Osaka and Fukuoka are operated by JR Central (tel: (03) 58 18 35 10; web site: www.jr-central.co.jp). Tokyo has several major train stations, with Tokyo Station being the city's central hub, and Ikebukuro, Shibuya, Shinjuku and Ueno stations serving the suburbs. In addition to the JR network, there are a number of private rail companies operating commuter trains to Tokyo's suburbs and an extensive and convenient network of underground lines.All but the smallest stations have coin lockers and newspaper/snack kiosks. Shinkansen bullet trains and selected express services offer both reserved and non-reserved seats. Some trains also offer first-class 'green car' seats. Reservations for Shinkansen bullet trains and long-distance express services on and around national holidays should be made well in advance. Long-distance rail travel is expensive, however, the Japan Railways Rail Pass can offer outstanding value for money for those planning to make extensive use of the rail network. It allows unlimited travel on all JR lines during the period of validity (one, two or three weeks). It is important to note that the pass must be purchased in advance before entering Japan and is available only to non-resident tourists.

Rail services: All Shinkansen bullet trains depart from and terminate at Tokyo Station, from where commuter and underground trains run to all areas of the city. Shinkansen bullet trains run to northern Japan, Niigata on the Japan Sea, Nagano in the central Alps, Nagoya, Kyoto, Osaka and Hiroshima, and Fukuoka on the southern island of Kyushu. Services run several times an hour. The journey time to Kyoto and Osaka is approximately three hours, and to Fukuoka six hours.

Transport to the city: Tokyo Station is very centrally located in the Marunouchi/Ginza area, accessible by numerous train and underground lines including the JR Yamanote loop line. Ikebukuro, Shibuya, Shinjuku and Ueno stations are also all on the JR Yamanote loop line.



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