Travelling by train in Japan

Immerse yourself in the fascinating history of Japanese trains, from their humble beginnings to their meteoric evolution over the decades. Understand how the rail network has shaped human relationships, transformed the perception of time and created unique spaces of public life in stations and on trains.

Beyond their history, discover culinary experiences in atypical carriages or themed restaurants, with talented chefs offering refined culinary experiences. The same goes for bento and ekiben, the delicious packaged meals that have captured the hearts of travelers.

Dive into the world of original tourist trains too, such as the Monogatari trains or the POKEMON Train Kesennuma-go, which will take you on memorable journeys through breathtaking landscapes. Perhaps you're looking for something even more unusual? A train that turns into a bus, or bicycles on rails? For sure, Japan has something to surprise you when it comes to creating tourism concepts.

In addition to all this, this book aims to enlighten you on the different types of trains that run on Japanese rails (urban, express, semi-express, ...) and to tell you about the legendary Shinkansen, that high-speed iron monster. You'll be able to travel with peace of mind in Japan, in an environmentally-friendly way and with a knowledge of the customs and habits (including the hidden rules of a certain Shinkansen carriage), by boarding the vehicle that suits your needs. Yes, a single train can offer several services! And therefore may or may not serve certain stops.

Whether you're a train enthusiast, a food lover or a traveler in search of authentic experiences, this guide will take you on an unforgettable journey aboard some surprising Japanese trains.