Japanese trains

 Ted. At the suggestion of a Servas member we know in Athens named Melora, we splurged and bought 21 day Japan Rail Passes. I was’t sure we would use them enough to justify the $650 per person cost. However, they are turning out to be a great investment. They allow us to hop on any train at the last minute and go wherever we want. 

Judy and I had planned a day journey to Hiroshima but we have taken several more day trips as you can see. One day, we just wanted a better view of the mountains so we took a 55 minute train to a nearby town where we got up close and personal with the Hida Mountains. On the trip home, we ate our bento box lunch while enjoying the views. 

View from our train in Omachi

On many trains, we can reserve seats at no cost which ensures we have good seats waiting for us. On other trains, there is a light system over each seat. A red light means that seat is available, green means it is reserved so don’t sit there. 

There are super fast luxurious trains, rapid intercity trains and local trains. One thing they have in common is that they all run on time, making your trip easy to plan. Google maps does a good job helping to figure out which trains to take (even telling you which platform to head to). 

Shinkansens travel up to 200 mph

We enjoyed these superplush seats on one train

More typical express train seats 

Local trains are still clean and neat

All have clean bathrooms with heated toilet seats

The urinals are rarely in use and never stink!

Towels are never provided at Japanese sinks

We do get confused at times but the railroad staff and locals are quite helpful. Every train is neat, tidy and quiet - a real pleasure to ride. The trains, subways and buses, always announce the stops in Japanese and English which really helps. 

We have ridden on many good public transportation systems over the years and I have always thought that the Spanish trains are the best, but I have to say that the Japanese may be even better!