Useful tips for travelling in Japan

■Tips for using stations and rail cars

• ・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.

• ・FREE Wifi

  

  Free internet services are available in the vicinity of many stations.

  • JR HOKKAIDO
  • JR EAST
  • JR CENTRAL
  • JR WEST
  • JR SHIKOKU
  • JR KYUSHU

• ・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.

• ・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).

• ・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!

  For details, please see the following.

Japan's national Holidays 2025

Useful words