Typically in Japan trains are extremely efficient and arrive at the station promptly. You may only be able to find the platform number (on Arrival and Departure boards in the station) from which your train is departing 15 minutes prior to departure, so arriving early to board the train is normally not an option.

Typically you wait for your train on the assigned station platform, join the line (indicated by floor markings) and patiently wait behind the other passengers until you can board the car.

Early boarding may be possible if you are boarding the train in the city from which it originates. If you are boarding a train at one of the stops along its routes, the train won`t arrive in the station until a few minutes before the indicated time on your ticket. And if boarding in the very first city from which your train departs, the platform may only be indicated 15 minutes before departure.

In any event, we typically advise you to get to the station at least 30 minutes prior to departure. This way when your train is ready to board, you can hop on and take your seat without having to rush through the station.

It is pretty simple to find your train in Japan, there are large Departure and Arrival boards found in the center of most of the stations displaying all the information for upcoming departing trains and which platforms they are on.

If you have a reservation on a train, then simply match the train number and departure time on your ticket reservation to the train number on the departure board, the platform number will be listed next to it. Due to the efficiency of Japanese trains, the departure platform may not show up until 15 minutes prior to departure.

There are additional marks on the platforms and trains indicating the train car numbers and whether the car is an ordinary or green car (Japan`s version of First class), and whether or not it carries reserved or non-reserved seats. There may be platforms in Japan that are served by a number of different train categories (local and rapid trains). The displays will indicate the next arriving train along with its category, and may also show the upcoming stations that the train serves.

On Shinkansen bullet trains there are three cars that offer unreserved seating, these train cars will either be at the front or back of the train and will be clearly marked in both English and Japanese. The announcements made on the platform also help you find these cars. The rest of the cars will be for reserved seating only, so the conductors at these train cars check your tickets for reservations.

Train numbers and destinations are always shown in Japanese and English with floor markings on the platforms showing where the train doors are located. Trains stop exactly at the door markings, it is advised to stand in line by the doors as the trains do not stop at the station for long.

If you`ve purchased a reservation for a specific train, you`ll have a designated car and seat number. You`ll need to locate your seat in the car you`re reserved in. If your ticket includes a reserved seat, the details will indicate the seat and car number.

If you don`t have a reservation and the train you`re traveling on either doesn`t accept reservations or reservations are not mandatory, then you`ll be able to get on board and look for an available seat in the class of service you purchased. Keep in mind that during the train ride, if another traveler gets on board and has reserved the seat you`re occupying, you will need to move.

Local commuter trains generally do not accept reservations. During peak hours (typically before 9 am and in the evening between 5-7 pm) the trains are used by locals going to work and tend to be a bit more crowded. This may make it more difficult to find an available seat.

Will there be someone to help me find my reserved seat on the train?

Generally speaking, train cars and seats are prominently marked. If you have any trouble finding your reserved seat, one of the conductors on the platform or onboard the train will be able to assist you.

There is not much space for luggage onboard Japanese trains, especially large suitcases. You can generally store a larger suitcase on the luggage racks located behind the last seats at both ends of the train car, smaller items can be stored above your seat. Be aware that you are responsible for your luggage. The railways assume no responsibility in case of loss or theft of baggage carried on board.

There are door-to-door luggage delivery services offered in Japan which is a fast, secure and cheap way to have your luggage sent to your destination if traveling on a train for a few days.

Bottom line: we suggest traveling light!

In general, there are no luggage fees when traveling by train, however, some rail carriers do restrict the amount of luggage a traveler is allowed to bring. On Japan Railways the regulations for luggage state that each passenger can carry two pieces of large luggage, each suitcase should not exceed 30 kg in total and the luggage`s three dimensions (length, width, depth) should add up to 250 cm maximum. The length should not exceed 200 cm.

In Japan you are able to ride the train with small pets only, the pet will need to be in a fully enclosed cage and there are restrictions of the size of the cage and the size of your pet. The length of the cage needs to be a maximum total height, width, and length of 90 cm, and the pet needs to be under 10 kg, there is also a charge for traveling with your pet (around 280 yen).

Traveling on a train in Japan with a bicycle is permitted (even on Shinkansen bullet trains). You can take a bike on any train at any time free of charge, it has to be stored in a bike bag called a `Rinko bag`. The bike must be completely covered by the bike bag and the maximum size allowed for the bike bag is 250cm in total. You can purchase bike bags from bicycle shops in Japan starting around 3,500 yen.

If you`re traveling on a rail pass and this is your very first train trip, you`ll need to present your passport to the ticket office at the ticket window to validate your pass, before you board the train. Please see our dedicated section on Rail Passes for more information.

If you purchased a print at home Japan Rail Pass voucher, you`ll need to visit the JR ticket office at the station and show your passport to validate the pass. Paper tickets can be purchased from the self-service ticket machines inside the station.

The answer is maybe. Some, but not all, train tickets can be printed at the station in Japan.