Japan’s railway system is complex but remarkably systematic. This guide takes first-time travelers from buying tickets to boarding the right train in the right place.
1) Automatic ticket machines (券売機): English-language options are available at all major stations. Select the fare shown on the map above the machine. 2) Midori-no-madoguchi (JR ticket office, green stripe): buy Shinkansen and Limited Express tickets and reserve seats. 3) SmartEX app: book Tokaido/Sanyo Shinkansen tickets online with a foreign credit card. 4) Buy tickets at a combini (7-Eleven, Family Mart) for certain special fares.
Buy a Suica (JR East) / Pasmo (private Tokyo railways) / ICOCA (JR West) at a ticket machine. ¥500 deposit + add credit. Tap in at the departure station (piiii) → tap out at the destination station (piii) — the fare is deducted automatically. Usable on: JR + private railways + metro + buses + combini + vending machines across 98% of Japan.
The departure display (発車標) shows the train name, type (Local/Rapid/Express/Shinkansen), departure time, destination, and platform. Platforms are often divided by car groups (1-4, 5-8) — queue at the CORRECT painted line on the platform corresponding to the car you booked. Station staff use a whistle to signal that the train is about to arrive.
Orange/blue painted lines on the platform mark where to wait. Form 2-3 orderly lines along the markings, and DO NOT stand too close to the edge. When the train stops, WAIT until passengers have gotten off before boarding. This is an unwritten rule — breaking it will earn you strange looks.
Keep quiet—do not speak loudly or make phone calls (set your phone to silent mode). Do not eat or drink on the Metro or regular trains (eating and drinking are OK on the Shinkansen and Limited Express; bento boxes are sold at stations). Place large luggage on the luggage rack or between your feet. Wear headphones when listening to music. Wear a mask when you are ill (very common in Japan).
