Useful tips for travelling in Japan
■Tips for using stations and rail cars
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・Indications of station names
All JR stations display station names in both Japanese and romanized English on their platforms. A given station's name appears at the top center of the signboard in large letters; the names of the previous station and next station are at the bottom of the signboard in smaller letters.
Also, some stations use numbers to indicate the stations (station numbering). -
・Coin Locker
Coin-operated lockers (called “Coin Lockers” in Japanese) are generally available. To travel light, take along a few hundred-yen coins.
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・FREE Wifi
Free internet services are available in the vicinity of many stations.
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・Food and drink sales at stations and on trains
Mobile vendors on some Shinkansen, limited express, and other trains sell “Ekiben” boxed lunches (containing local specialty Japanese-style foods) as well as snacks and drinks. These items are also readily available at kiosks and other stores at stations, many of which also have a variety of restaurants and vending machines.
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・Avoid rush hours in the morning and evening
In major cities, it's recommended to avoid traveling during the morning and evening rush hours (between 7:30-9:30 and 17:00-20:00).
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・Eki-rent-a-car (Station Rent-a-car Service)
Eki Rent-a-car System Co. Ltd. is a car rental service company run by the JR Group. The service offices are conveniently located in JR stations, being quite easy access from railway platforms. After getting off a train, you can rent a car on the spot! If you visit the website below to make a reservation, the Eki-rent-a-car is available at a special discount. For details about the requirements, please refer to the website. Take a train and a rent-a-car to fully enjoy your trip in Japan!
Japan's national Holidays 2024
January | Jan.1 / Jan.8 |
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February | Feb.11 / Feb.12 / Feb.23 |
March | Mar.20 |
April | Apr.29 |
May | May.3 / May.4 / May.5 / May.6 |
July | Jul.15 |
August | Aug.11 / Aug.12 |
September | Sept.16 / Sept.22 / Sept.23 |
October | Oct.14 |
November | Nov.3 / Nov.4 / Nov.23 |
Useful words
English | Japanese |
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Reservation | Yoyaku |
Travel Service center |
Ryoko Center |
Ticket Office | Midori-no-madoguchi・ Kippu-uriba |
Super express | Shinkansen |
Limited express | Tokkyu |
Express | Kyuko |
Rapid train | Kaisoku |
Local train | Kakuekiteisha |
Ordinary car | Futsusha |
Green car (superior accommodations) |
Green-sha |
Reserved seat | Shiteiseki |
Non-reserved seat | Jiyuseki |