Japan by Rail

Welcome to the website ...

... for the guidebook (and now also Kindle / ebook version) to discovering Japan by train. Japan by Rail tells you what you need to know to plan a trip to Japan including; details of the main rail passes (both JR and private), ideas about when to go and how much a trip might cost. The book also tells you what to see and do when you are there, as well as where to stay and eat. Most importantly, though, it tells you how to get around by train, particularly with a Japan Rail Pass.

The purpose of this website is to include more information than there is space for in the book, such as more Festivals and events and Itineraries. Also Scenic journeys, Highlights, a list of Japan's World Heritage Sites and details about some of the many Hot springs (onsen and rotemburo).

There is an Updates and news page and we will share feedback, so please send us anything you would like to say about your trip to Japan.

If you don't already have a copy of the book see About the book below for some technical details and to buy a copy click on the link!

Buy the book

Edition Fifth – July 2022
Price £19.99, US$26.95
ISBN 978-1-912716-14-2
Extent 528 pages
Photos 70 colour photos, 10 B&W photos & illustrations
Maps 3 overview, 7 regional and 33 route maps as well as 31 town plans

Practical information – planning your trip; rail pass options; when to go; festivals and events; suggested itineraries; what to take; customs and etiquette
City guides and maps – where to stay, where to eat, what to see and do in 25 towns and cities; historical and cultural background
Kilometre-by-kilometre route guides – covering train journeys from the coast into the mountains, from temple retreat to sprawling metropolis; 33 route maps
JR service summaries – Summaries of the rail services for the main routes in this guide
Japanese words and phrases – and kanji/katakana for all place names

Since the current edition of Japan by Rail was published there have been big changes to the cost of JR's rail passes particularly the Japan Rail Pass. For up-to-date details, as well as information about other changes, see Updates and news.

We are delighted to announce that a Kindle version of 5th edition of Japan by Rail is now available on Amazon. See the Buy the book page to find out how to buy the printed book!

For our Facebook page click on the icon at the bottom of this home page.