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.

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Lots to see for all interests…

Japan: A Rail Enthusiast’s Paradise

Whatever your railway interests may be, Japan has something to offer. While it’s world-famous for the Shinkansen (bullet train) and its vast urban rail systems, there’s so much more for rail fans to explore and enjoy across the country.

01.

the shinkansen

Japan launched the first high-speed railway, the shinkansen, in 1964. The iconic image of it passing Mt. Fuji symbolizes Japan. While not the fastest today, it remains one of the world’s safest, busiest, and most punctual rail systems.

02.

Freight

Rail freight in Japan has declined over the years, but recently there’s been a revival. JR Freight has modernized its fleet to handle multiple power types, though older locomotives still run on some private lines.

03.

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.

Rural & Local Lines

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

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

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.

JR East E233 Chuo Line Green Cars

Iyo Tetsudo (Matsuyama) 7000 series

Sapporo Shiden 1100形

Echizen Tetsudo Tram L series (Fukui) Washizukaharibara

Fukui Tetsudo Tram 880_Shinmei

Sapporo Shiden _nr Sapporo Tram depot

JR Tokai 315系 4 car Kansai Main Line set

JR Tokai KiHa11 Meisho Line Ieki

JR Freight EH500-58 Shin Tsurumi

Utsunomiya Light Rail Utsunomiya Eki Higashi

Tobu Spacia (100系-106) Shimo Imaichi

JR East E6 series Akita Shinkansen Koriyama

JR East E3 series Yamagata Shinkansen Koriyama

JR Shikoku KiHa2700 (2803 Anpanman) Kochi

R Kyushu KiHa125 Hohi Main Line Miemachi

JR Kyushu KiHa72 Yufin no Mori Tosu 20220402

Doctor Yellow T5 Okayama

EF81 1500V /20KV AC Locomotive

EF81 20KV AC / 1500V DC Locomotive with Toho Zinc (open wagon train)Train

JR East E4 (double decker) shinkansen at Niigata

See More Pictures on our picture gallery…

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Japan’s Remarkable Rail Network

Japan’s Railways connect large cities and small villages

Japan offers everything from local and rural lines to subways, trams, and even steam trains—run by nearly 180 railway companies. With modern and historic trains and a famously punctual and safe system, where even a one-minute delay matters, it’s a dream destination for any rail enthusiast.

Our service includes coming up with...

TS Japan Rail offers travel ideas and 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!

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.

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.

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!

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

Exploring Japan beyond trains? We’re here to 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

and to help you with ideas…

See our main site
for details how
we can help you

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

We look forward to hearing from you!

Stephen Turner

the Founder and CEO of TS Japan Rail

Feel free to reach out via our contact form or email. Since our service is fully customized, we have plenty more ideas and information to share.

Email:

info@tsjapanrail.com

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blog posts

01

Oigawa Tetsudo ex Nankai 21000系 at Kanaya

heritagerailways

Oigawa Railway

Oigawa Railway runs along the Oigawa (Oi River) in Shizuoka Prefecture, including the Minami Alps area. It is popular with rail fans and tourists.

2022-03-05

02

Bullet train

Bullet Trains (Shinkansen)

Japan’s Bullet Trains, are rightly a proud symbol for Japan. Learn more about the shinkansen on the TS Japan Rail Railfan website.

2022-04-09

03

chichibu

Steam Trains in Japan – Chichibu’s “SL Paleo Express”

Less than 2 hours from Tokyo, Chichibu Railway in Saitama prefecture operates the steam train the “SL Paleo Express”. It is a great way to see the Chichibu area.

2022-05-27

04

arakawaline

Tokyo’s Tram Lines

Tokyo in days past had an extensive tram network. Today there are only two lines that are classified astray (or light rail) lines. A number of cities in Japan have tram systems. We will be publishing more articles on Trams in the future.

2022-07-05