Your Essential Guide to Japanese Trains: 10 Practical Questions

Japan’s train system is one of the most efficient and reliable in the world—but for first-time visitors, it can also seem complicated! From ticket gates to the Shinkansen, here are 10 common questions travelers ask about Japanese trains, answered clearly and simply.

1. How Do I Get Through the Ticket Gate?

To enter and exit the ticket gate, you need either a paper ticket or an IC card such as Suica or PASMO.
Insert your ticket into the slot or tap your IC card on the reader. If you’re transferring lines or exiting, make sure you have the proper entry and exit records—otherwise, the gate won’t open.

2. What Is the Best App for Train Transfers?

Japan’s train network can be complex, but Google Maps works very well.
Another excellent choice is Citymapper, which is easy to use and accurate.
Although JR has several official apps, many travelers find them confusing, so sticking with Google Maps or Citymapper is best.

3. Which Stations Can I Take the Shinkansen From?

Here’s a quick guide to major Shinkansen lines and departure stations from the Tokyo area:

Tokaido Shinkansen (for Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima): Tokyo, Shinagawa, and Shin-Yokohama Stations
Hokuriku Shinkansen (for Nagano, Kanazawa): Tokyo, Ueno, and Omiya Stations
Tohoku, Akita, and Yamagata Shinkansen (for Hakodate, Aomori, Akita, Yamagata): Tokyo, Ueno, and Omiya Stations

💡 Tip: Only Tokyo Station connects to all Shinkansen lines.

4. What Are “Non-Reserved Seats”?

Some Shinkansen and limited express trains have non-reserved seat cars.
You don’t need to book in advance—just board and find an open seat.
Non-reserved seats are usually ¥500–¥1,000 cheaper, but there’s no guarantee of a seat. You may need to stand if it’s crowded.

🚄 Note: Trains such as Hayabusa, Komachi, Tsubasa, and Kagayaki do not have non-reserved cars.

5. I Missed the Shinkansen! What Should I Do?

Don’t panic! In most cases, you can take the next train with your existing ticket or Japan Rail Pass.
However, note that:

Some discount tickets are non-refundable.
You can’t rebook a reserved seat if you miss your train—you’ll have to use a non-reserved seat.

It’s best to arrive early and allow extra time, especially at large stations.

6. Why Do I Have Two Tickets?

For long-distance travel, Japan’s rail system requires:

A Basic Fare Ticket (for distance)
An Express Ticket (for limited express or Shinkansen trains)

These may be printed separately or on one combined ticket.
If you’re unsure, show them to a station attendant—they’ll confirm if everything’s correct.

7. Can I Bring Large Luggage on the Train?

Yes—within reason.
You may bring up to two pieces of luggage totaling no more than 250 cm (length + width + height) and 30 kg.

⚠️ For the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen, reservations for large luggage spaces are required.
👉 Check official JR Central info here.

Other Shinkansen lines have luggage racks or space behind the last-row seats.

8. What If I Lose My Ticket?

If you lose a Japan Rail Pass or other rail pass—unfortunately, it cannot be reissued.
If you lose an individual ticket, you’ll need to buy another one.
If the lost ticket is later found, bring both tickets to the station office to get a refund (minus a handling fee).

🎫 Treat your ticket like cash—keep it safe!

9. My Suica or PASMO Has a Balance, but It Doesn’t Work!

IC cards like Suica or PASMO track both entry and exit gates.
If one record is missing, the card will stop working.
Go to a ticket gate with a station attendant to fix the issue—they can check your travel history and restore balance access.

10. I Forgot Something on the Train! What Should I Do?

Try to recall:

Which station you boarded from
What time you boarded
Which car number you were in

Report the lost item at a Lost and Found Office in major stations, or to any staff at smaller ones.
Most lost items in Japan are recovered safely—so don’t give up!