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Explore Japan's Railways...

TS Japan Rail - Railfan Site - Explore Japan's Railways

  • Home
  • About Us
  • Information pages
    • The Shinkansen-Japan’s High Speed Trains
    • Freight Trains in Japan
    • Steam Locomotives in Japan – TS Japan Rail Guide
    • Trams in Japan…experience both the old and modern…
  • Gallery
  • Blog
  • Newsletter
  • TSJR main site
TS Japan Rail - Railfan Site - Explore Japan's Railways
  • Home
  • About Us
  • Information pages
    • The Shinkansen-Japan’s High Speed Trains
    • Freight Trains in Japan
    • Steam Locomotives in Japan – TS Japan Rail Guide
    • Trams in Japan…experience both the old and modern…
  • Gallery
  • Blog
  • Newsletter
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  • TSJR Railfan News & Updates April 2025
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    Japan Rail Enthusiast Updates and News – April 2025

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    Japan Rail Enthusiast Updates and News March 2025

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    Japan Rail Enthusiast Updates and News – February 2025

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    TS Japan Rail – Japan Rail Enthusiast Updates : November 2024

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    TS Japan Rail – Japan Rail Enthusiast Updates : September 2024

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Japan
a "Rail Fans Paradise"

TS Japan Rail, are the Japan Rail Experts, who can help you explore the very modern, not so modern to the vintage of Japan’s Railways.

Sign up for Newsletters and other information

Lots to see for all interests...

Whatever your railway interests are Japan has something for you. Japan is famous for and rightly proud of the shinkansen (or bullet train) and its extensive urban rail networks, but there is a lot more for rail enthusiasts to see and learn about. 

the shinkansen

Japan introduced the first dedicated high-speed railway, known as the shinkansen, in 1964. The picture of the Tokaido Shinkansen train passing Mt Fuji is rightly a symbol of Japan. Although it may not be the fastest system today, it is renowned as one of the most heavily used, safe, and punctual systems in the world. 

Find Out More ⟶

Freight

Rail freight has been declining for years in japan, However in recent years there has been some resurgence in rail freight and JR Freight has modernised its fleet of locomotives, that have to operate over various electrical power types and non electrified lines. You can also see some of the older types of locomotives operating on a few private railways.

Find Out More ⟶

Trams & Steam Locomotives

Japan is not all about modern high speed trains. There are a number of “main line” SL services. Many of these run on scenic routes and you can feel the power of the locomotive as it climbs the many inclines. 18 cities also have tram networks, many of them still using old tram cars.

Find Out More ⟶

Rural & Local Lines

Rural Railways Ichibata Tetsudo "Bataden" 7000系&1000系 Kawato

The Japan railway scene is full of contrasts. As well as the modern the modern high speed and urban trains there are many rural and local lines, where you can see a variety of different rolling stock, some of it very old.  Some of these lines are very scenicEven  in the big cities you will be surprised what you might find...

Intensive Urban Networks

Intensive Urban Networks: JR Ebisu Station Saikyo Line & Yamanote Line

At peak times in the major cities such as Tokyo, Osaka & Nagoya trains operate  at frequencies of 5 minutes or less carrying millions of passengers. Seeing this in action will fill you with awe with both the technology and human effort needed for this to work. There are places where you can see trains operated by a variety of different companies pass as they connect different areas.

Limited Express & tourist trains

Tobu Spacia (100系-106) Shimo Imaichi

There are numerous Limited Express trains crisscrossing the country, operated by various train types. There are approximately 60 tourist trains, some of which have been converted from old train sets, while others are quite modern. However, all of these trains provide passengers with a unique experience of the areas they serve, which can only be achieved  on the railway.

See More Pictures on our picture gallery…

From High Speed Trains to trams and more…

Japan has
an extensive rail network,
as well as the shinkansen network...

there are many local lines, rural lines, subways, trams, guided systems and even steam trains. There are very many train types operated by the around 180 railway companies. In fact there is a lot see both modern and old.

Also Japan is famous for if very reliable and safe railway system, where a one minute delay is regarded as a delay. See this in action, with trains on some lines operating with a 3 or 4 minute headway. You will find this fascinating.

All of this makes Japan a “Rail Fan’s Paradise”. 

Old, but still in service, trams at Hiroden's depot (Hiroshima)

Our service includes coming up with...

TS Japan Rail can help with, ideas and travel planning….

As the Japan Rail Experts we can help you with why you should visit Japan, Travel ideas on what to see and help with travel planning in Japan. Our aim is always to add value so you get the most from your trip!

Chichibu Tetsudo SL Paleo & Seibu 4000 & Chichibu 7500 Mitsumineguchi 20220508

1

Ideas

We are rail enthusiasts ourselves and are connected to the rail fan scene in Japan. 

We also have access to a lot of information, much of which is in Japanese.

We can ensure you get the most out of your trip to Japan.

2

Planning itineraries

All our itineraries are customised, based on our clients interests. again, our local knowledge and access to information can help you see what you want to see and a lot more! 

3

Advising on tickets & Passes

Although there is the JR Rail Pass, it is not always the best ticket. As part of out itinerary planning we will work out what are the best tickets or passes. and we will be very transparent on why.

4

Helping make arrangements

We are not a travel agent so cannot making bookings ourselves, but we do work closely with a Japan based agent, or we can assist you or your travel agent on how to make the arrangements.

and if you want to see

Other aspects of Japan,
or have a partner not so interested in railways we can help…

We specialize in Japan rail travel for both tourists and rail fans and in fact advocate rail travel as a good way to explore Japan, so we can help you! 

Japan has many tourist trains, 

including sightseeing trains, restaurant / cafe trains, 

steam hauled trains and more.

Learn more how we can help you explore Japan's railways
0 km

Japan Rail Network

(17,200 miles)

0 km

Shinkansen Network

(1,990 miles)

0 km

Non JR Rail Network

(5,030 miles)

0 /day

Tokaido Shinkansen Scheduled

departures & arrivals at Tokyo

39 mins

Yamanote Line train frequency 

7 ~8am weekdays

 (on outer loop)

0 /day

No of Yamanote Line train services departing Osaki (weekdays)

and to help you with ideas…

See our main site
for details how
we can help you…

Our Main Site, tsjapanrail.com,

has all the information on how we can help you, whether you are a rail enthusiast or general tourists.

http://www.tsjapanrail.net/

please feel free to contact us via

https://tsjapanrail.net/contact-page/

email: info@tsjapanrail.com

As our service is customized we have a lot more ideas and information.

Visit / return to our our main site

See TSJR main site

Explore Japan by Train…Explore Japan’s Railways…

quick links

  • Home
  • About Us
  • Information pages
    • The Shinkansen-Japan’s High Speed Trains
    • Freight Trains in Japan
    • Steam Locomotives in Japan – TS Japan Rail Guide
    • Trams in Japan…experience both the old and modern…
  • Gallery
  • Blog
  • Newsletter
  • TSJR main site
  • Home
  • About Us
  • Information pages
    • The Shinkansen-Japan’s High Speed Trains
    • Freight Trains in Japan
    • Steam Locomotives in Japan – TS Japan Rail Guide
    • Trams in Japan…experience both the old and modern…
  • Gallery
  • Blog
  • Newsletter
  • TSJR main site

Contact Info

  • Email: info@tsjapanrail.com

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