Guides

How easy are Japan’s trains to use when you don’t speak Japanese?

For tourists, riding Japan’s vast and complex public transportation network can seem daunting, especially for those who don’t speak Japanese. Between purchasing tickets from machines, finding the right train line and platform, and figuring out your stop, language barriers make navigating confusing. However, Japan’s railway operators understand foreign visitors and implement various aids to facilitate …

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How Japan’s Railways Achieve World-Class Train Safety

With thousands of trains operating daily across thousands of miles of track, maintaining safety is paramount for Japan’s extensive railway network. Japan has diligently cultivated and innovated safety practices over decades to achieve a world-leading train safety record. In this article, we’ll explore the technologies, protocols, and culture underpinning Japan’s excellent rail safety performance. Safety …

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A guide to onboard toilets on Japanese trains

Riding trains for hours across Japan to explore the country inevitably means needing to use the restroom at some point during your journey. Japanese rail operators understand passenger needs and equip nearly all trains with bathroom facilities. However, toilets vary across train types from high-tech washlets on bullet trains to more basic facilities on local …

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How Japanese trains are powered

With thousands of trains whisking millions of passengers across Japan daily, the rail system requires massive amounts of power to run smoothly. From high-speed Shinkansen bullet trains to local subways, these advanced trains utilize various propulsion technologies and energy sources. In this article, we’ll delve into how Japan’s extensive railway network is powered across different …

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Where Does the Bullet Train Go? A Guide to Japan’s High-Speed Rail Network

One of Japan’s most iconic innovations is the Shinkansen, or bullet train. These sleek high-speed trains connect major cities across Japan at speeds up to 200 mph via dedicated railway lines. But if you’re new to Japan’s vast rail network, you may wonder – where exactly do bullet trains go? This guide covers the major …

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What happens when Japanese trains are late

Ask anyone who has traveled in Japan about the trains, and they will surely mention the amazing punctuality. Arriving precisely on schedule is a point of pride for Japan’s railways. But with thousands of trains running daily, even Japan’s impeccable railways sometimes experience delays or disruptions from unforeseen events. When the improbable happens and trains …

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Japan’s Ultra-High Speed Test Trains

Japan is renowned worldwide for its extensive high-speed rail network that efficiently whisks passengers between cities at up to 200 miles per hour. But behind the scenes, Japanese rail engineers continue pushing speed boundaries even further with experimental test trains that have reached incredible velocities over 375 mph. These cutting-edge prototypes demonstrate Japan’s relentless pursuit …

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How Fast do Japan’s Trains Go? A Guide to Maximum Speeds

Japan is renowned worldwide for its high-speed trains that zoom between cities at incredible velocities. The country boasts thousands of miles of dedicated high-speed track enabling swift journeys on various models of sleek bullet trains. But exactly how fast do Japan’s different trains travel? Read on for a guide to maximum speeds across the Shinkansen …

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A Guide to WiFi on Japanese Trains

For many travelers, staying connected online while riding trains in Japan is essential for work needs or simply entertainment. Fortunately, an increasing number of rail services in Japan offer onboard WiFi. However, access can vary across train operators and service tiers. This article explains the state of WiFi availability across major train categories in Japan. …

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