Comments on: Traveling by Train in Japan: 8 tips

By: Abdulhakim Kariya

Abdulhakim Kariya — Fri, 05 May 2017 18:08:28 +0000

Thank you very much for your information.
It’s very heipful for me.

By: Rachel Heller

Rachel Heller — Wed, 16 Sep 2015 11:36:55 +0000

In reply to Victoria@ The British Berliner. Thanks, Victoria, for your kind words!

By: Victoria@ The British Berliner

Victoria@ The British Berliner — Wed, 16 Sep 2015 09:34:17 +0000

I love this post Rachel. I really like the way that you have broken down the points and added pictures to tell a better story!
I haven’t yet been to Japan but when I do so, I’ll find using the Japapnese train a doodle thanks to you!

By: Rachel Heller

Rachel Heller — Sun, 13 Sep 2015 08:14:51 +0000

In reply to Michele {Malaysian Meanders}. Oh, of course! I should have said that! Yes, you can walk from car to car to find your seat. Not as efficient as waiting at the right spot, but it would do! Thanks!

By: Michele {Malaysian Meanders}

Michele {Malaysian Meanders} — Sun, 13 Sep 2015 06:59:03 +0000

I remember feeling very intimidated the first few times we rode the Japanese trains but it was much easier after just a few trips. It’s so well-organized that it’s easy to figure out once you know the system. I was so amazed that the trains came so frequently. Very convenient! My one hint is that if you’re getting to the track right before the train is about to depart, you can go ahead and board on the car nearest to you. It doesn’t have to be the one that you are assigned. Since they are all connected, it’s better to board the wrong car than miss the train entirely trying to run down the track to the right door.

By: Rachel Heller

Rachel Heller — Fri, 11 Sep 2015 06:39:47 +0000

In reply to Karen. I'm glad you found it helpful! Have a great trip in Japan!

By: Karen

Karen — Fri, 11 Sep 2015 06:21:10 +0000

Thank you. This is a very useful post for me as I’m headed to Japan next.

By: Rachel Heller

Rachel Heller — Fri, 11 Sep 2015 05:36:53 +0000

In reply to Ruth - Tanama Tales. Wow, I'm impressed you managed that! English was pretty minimal there too! We booked all our train trips in China through an agency ahead of time, but sometimes just finding out where we needed to be at the station to catch the train was a challenge.

By: Rachel Heller

Rachel Heller — Fri, 11 Sep 2015 05:34:38 +0000

In reply to budget jan. Yes, the one I spoke to in the Tokyo station also had good English. But believe me, you can't depend on employees speaking English at every station! As for the groping, I think it's been going on for a while, but the women's cars is a recent phenomenon.

By: Ruth - Tanama Tales

Ruth - Tanama Tales — Fri, 11 Sep 2015 03:53:07 +0000

Good tips! I think a lot of these apply in many situations and in places where you do not speak the language. Your post reminds me of my experience taking trains in China. I barely made plans or research on how to use it. I am still not sure how I pulled that one off.