Catching a bullet train in Japan can be as simple as turning up at the station, buying your ticket and jumping on the next service – but not always. Some popular trains become reservation-only at some times of the year, and a few others operate reservation-only seating year-round. Here’s what you need to know to ensure you don’t get caught out.
Getting Around Japan
Find our how to get around Japan more easily. Learn all about the train system, rail passes and the best transport routes for your itinerary
The ‘Suica Made Simple’ Guide
IC cards make using the metro, bus and local trains easy in Japan. You might see them referred to as Suica cards, although that’s just one of the brand names. If you live in a country with a similar transport system, you’ll probably understand roughly how they work, but they can still be confusing. So, let us explain…
10 Mistakes Not To Make on the Shinkansen
Riding one of Japan’s superfast bullet trains is a must-do experience, but there are a few mistakes to avoid when using it. Like these…