STRESS-FREE Japan Travel: Travel Agent’s Secrets to Using Trains & Subways [Japan Travel Tips]

STRESS-FREE Japan Travel: Travel Agent’s Secrets to Using Trains & Subways [Japan Travel Tips]

Using public transportation is an essential part of traveling in Japan. Are you okay with train transfers and buying tickets? Actually, those are common worries for visitors to Japan. This time, we asked foreign tourists about their experiences with the Japanese rail system. If you’re planning a trip, please watch this for reference. If you’ve already been, please watch it while remembering your own experiences. Let’s get started. Where from? We are from Indonesia. Indonesia. Indonesia. Uh, good. In Jakarta. Okay. Good. How about Japan’s experience? Ah, the Japan experience is so many so many trade in here. So, we we have to catch up everything. And Indonesia is like a culture shock for us. Yeah. Because they’re very organated. They’re very organized. It’s not like in Indonesia. And they work so fast. And they work so fast. We we occasionally in Indonesia we use transportation uh para transportation a lot and not using a public transportation. Okay. Japan’s transportation network is one of the best in the world. It’s excellent, convenient and punctual. If you can master it, you’ll be able to easily travel to the suburbs as well. However, because it is so convenient and unfamiliar, you may also face challenges. Where from? Wales. Wales. Wow. Very far from here. Yes, very far. Okay. And how long will you stay in Japan? Um about two weeks. Two weeks. Which city did you go? Um so we we started in Fukuoka and then went to Kyoto and now we’re here. Did you have any um difficult problem? Difficult problem. Yeah. In Japan. Yeah. I think the sometimes getting around is tricky because you have so many trains and different railway lines and you know one is operated by another person and another person and if you have one pass it doesn’t necessarily mean you go on this train and this train but you know it’s like it’s a bad problem to have that you have too many trains. Yeah, the different company and the lines. Exactly. We have to we have not enough. You guys have maybe too many. Um but also I really enjoyed traveling on the trains. We went on the Shink Hansen. That was very cool. Very just so clean and so on time. Um but yeah, I think that’s just more of a me problem learning how to navigate. Japan’s railway system is divided into three main types. They are JR, private railways, and subways. JR for travel across Japan. First, there is JR. This is the main railway network connecting the entire country, and it operates the Shinkansen. For long-d distanceance travel from Tokyo to Kyoto or Osaka, you mainly use JR. Private railways. Privately owned railways in Japan have built their own unique networks that differ from JRs in each metropolitan area. They’re incredibly useful for getting to specific sightseeing spots or local areas loved by residents, allowing for a unique travel experience tailored to your trip’s theme. Subways for urban travel. Lastly, there are subways. They cover the central areas of major cities and are perfect for efficiently getting around key urban spots like museums and department stores. To transfer, simply follow the signs in the station and tap your IC card. By simply being aware of which type of railway company you need to use, such as where is the JR platform or where is the subway gate on station signs and map apps, you can move smoothly without getting lost. Are you tourists in Japan? Yes, we are. We’re having a blast having a good time in Osaka. Oh, but is it her first time to come to Japan? Yes, first time. First time. How many days are you staying in Japan? 11 11 days. But tomorrow is our last day. Oh, very sad. Sad. We’re gonna cry. Where did you go? Tokyo. Kyoto. Hakone. Osaka. And where did you like the most for me? Tokyo. Tokyo. And why? Because it reminds me of home. I’m from New York. So, have you had any trouble or difficulties with like with transportation or language or We haven’t. Everyone’s been very friendly. The trains have been great to use. We’ve only run into one problem, which is the limited express. Very confusing. You have to get two tickets. Who know? No one knows. You have to get two tickets. Anyways, yeah, they were very nice to us. They were they were Yeah, they helped us out, but we were we were stressed. We were We were We were running around in the in the train station with our bags. We We had no idea what to do. Once you’re actually walking around, you might feel like Japanese stations are a giant maze. Especially at major stations with many train lines, there are countless exits, and it’s easy to end up in a completely different area. The most important tip to remember is to check the exit first. When you arrive at your destination station, don’t just head straight for the ticket gate. First, look for the overhead signs. These signs show the exit numbers and the names of the main buildings in tourist spots accessible from that exit. For example, you’ll see signs like north exit, south exit toward the XX building toward XX temple. If you check your route on a map app beforehand to see which exit is the closest, you’ll get to your destination smoothly without getting lost. Choosing the wrong exit can lead to a long detour on the surface, wasting precious time. By simply finding the correct exit for your destination from the very beginning, your journey will become much more comfortable. The best way to solve these problems is to prepare in advance. Before you leave, check your main routes on a transfer app or a website. And if you miss a train, don’t panic. Japanese trains run so frequently that you can just wait for the next one. Here’s another very useful tip. Download offline maps on a map app like Google Maps. Especially when you travel to rural areas, there might not be Wi-Fi and cell service can be spotty. If you download the offline maps beforehand, you can check your location even without an internet connection, making your trip much more secure and comfortable. Where are you from? Uh, I’m from the United States. Chicago. Chicago. Oh, is this first time to come to Japan? Yes. Do you have opinion about Japanese train? Yes, I do. Oh my goodness. First of all, they’re amazing. Absolutely fantastic. Um, I think the thing that impressed me the most is the JR rail. So, all of the local commuter rail in the city and even the shinkinson was incredible. It’s like to the point. And honestly, I’m from Chicago. I have Metra. Mhm. Um, Metra is the transit system we have and we have maybe one or two trains that kind of work in a whole day. The Shinkansen, which is traveling throughout the entire country, has more availability and it’s easier to use than my local transit system. So, yeah, it’s absolutely incredible. It I really do love all the JR lines for sure. Many of the people we interviewed traveled between Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. The Shinkansen was an essential part of their journey. The Shinkansen or bullet train connects Japan’s major cities with incredible speed and punctuality. The spacious seats are comfortable and watching the Japanese scenery pass by is a wonderful part of the trip. If you want to get the most out of your Shinkansen trip, you should consider the Japan Rail Pass or JR pass for short. This pass gives you unlimited rides on most JR trains in Shinkansen for a specific period. But be careful, the pass is non-refundable if lost and the booking process can be a bit complicated. Also, if you’re only traveling round trip between Tokyo and Kyoto or Osaka, it’s often cheaper to buy regular tickets instead of the pass. That’s why we recommend you research your travel route and how to use the pass beforehand. For example, a round trip on a reserve seat on the Nomi bullet train from Tokyo to Osaka costs about 28,000 yen. A 7-day JR pass costs 29,650 yen. So, in this case, you don’t need to buy it. Even if you want to visit Kyoto as well, it’s close to Osaka, so you can just use a local train. However, if you’re also planning to travel to Hiroshima or Kanazawa, the pass is an absolute steal. For a more detailed look at Japan’s railway system, check out this video. It’s a complete guide that covers everything from buying and refunding IC cards to writing the Shinkansen and getting the most out of your JR pass. We’ve packed it with information to help you travel smoothly and avoid wasting money. Japan’s railway system might seem a little complicated at first, but with these tips, your trip will be more fun and a lot smoother. Tell us in the comment if you still have questions about train system. So, go ahead and master Japan’s railways to have an amazing journey.

Using public transportation is an essential part of traveling in Japan, but it can be a source of stress for first-time visitors. Are you ready for transfers and ticket machines?

In this video, we feature honest interviews with tourists from the US, UK, and Indonesia about their real-life experiences, culture shocks, and the unexpected problems they ran into. We then provide a straightforward guide to mastering Japan’s railway system, including the 3 main types of trains, essential station navigation tips, and a detailed look at the Shinkansen and the JR Pass.

Stop stressing about the train maze and start traveling like a pro!

Timestamps
0:00 Intro
1:20 Too Many Trains
3:24 Complicated Station
6:14 Tips of Shinkansen and JR Pass

📊 What You’ll Learn
✅Tourist Pain Points from foreign visitors.
✅ Railway Breakdown: The difference between JR, private railways, and subways.
✅ Station Secrets: The #1 tip to avoid getting lost (checking the exit first).
✅ Maximize JR Pass Value (Who should buy?).
✅ Offline Map Security (Crucial for rural areas).
✅ Limited Express Ticket Trap (Why you need two tickets).

🔗 Video Links
🌐 Japan Train Secrets REVEALED! Use IC Cards & JR Pass Like a Pro

🌐We Tested Japan’s Internet for Tourists: SIM, eSIM, and Pocket WiFi

🌐How to Get Japanese Yen: Best Exchange Rates in Tokyo for Tourists

📍 Locations Covered
Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Fukuoka, Hiroshima, Kanazawa, and more.

🌎 Plan a Stress-Free Trip to Japan
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🧭 About This Channel
Our team of professional, licensed Japanese guides help international travelers get the most out of their trip to Japan with trusted tips, real-life experiences, and local knowledge.
We will ensure a stress-free and unforgettable experience for families and first-time visitors to Japan.

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