Japanese Railway

Trains are a major means of passenger transportation in Japan. Japanese trains are comfortable, clean, safe and punctual. In fact, Japanese trains are known as the safest and most punctual in the world. Japanese Railway has actually become part of Japanese culture.

History of Japanese Railway

In 1872, the first railway in Japan was opened. In 1927, the first subway in Tokyo opened, which is also the first subway in Asia. This is what we know today-ginza line. After many years, with the development of urbanization in Japan, railways continued to be built at high speed. 

With the rapid development of railways, Meiji, Taisho, Showa and Heisei came to the era of Linghe. Today, Tokyo has become a truly orbital city with 13 subway lines, dazzling above-ground JR railway lines and various private railways. However, this is only the tip of the iceberg in Japan's railway kingdom. When we leave Tokyo and look at a wider area, there are more railway operators providing transportation security for this country. 

The Shinkansen, which came out in 1960s, made the development level of Japanese railways reach the forefront of the world. Today, Japan is one of the most developed countries in the world in railway industry (including transportation services and related upstream industries). 

Types of Rail Operators

In Japan, rail operators include Japan Railways Group (JR Group), private rail companies and third-sector companies.

JR Group

Japan Railways Group consists of 6 regional companies. They are JR East, JR Central, JR West, JR Kyushu, JR Hokkaido and JR Shikoku. Most Japanese trains are operated by JR Group, including the well-known Shinkansen. The 6 independent companies of JR Group are divided by region. Almost all services are within the specified geographical area.

The discounted Japan Rail Pass for overseas visitors, privided by JR Group, covers almost all trains operated by JR Group, including Shinkansen and metro.

Private Rail Companies 

In addition to JR, private railways are also very prosperous. There are also developed urban rail transit (subway) and commuter railway systems in important cities such as Tokyo and Osaka. In addition, there are many third-sector railways around Japan that mainly serve the countryside.

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