Useful tips for travelling in Japan

■Tips for using stations and rail cars

  • ・Indications of station names

    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 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 Wifi

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

  • ・Food and drink sales at stations and on trains

    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

    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 (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
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
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