乗Japan Train Trips
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How to ride trains in Japan

Japan train basics: tickets, gates and manners

日本の電車の基本（きっぷ・改札・マナー）

Buying a ticket, getting through the gates, children's fares, priority seats and the unwritten rules on board — everything you need for your first ride.

Japan's railways are run by dozens of companies, but the basic routine is the same almost everywhere: pay for your trip with a paper ticket or an IC card, pass through an automatic gate, ride, and pass through a gate again where you get off.

If you only remember one thing: keep your ticket or card until you have left the station — the exit gate needs it.

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乗り方の流れ

Step by step

  1. 01Find the fare to your station

    Above the ticket machines is a fare chart (a route map with prices). Find your destination and note the number. If you use an IC card you can skip this — the fare is deducted automatically.

  2. 02Buy a ticket at the machine

    Most machines have an English button. Switch the language first, then choose your ticket or search for your destination and pay. Some JR West machines for Shinkansen and limited express tickets also take credit cards (PIN required).

  3. 03Pass through the automatic gate

    Insert a paper ticket into the slot and take it back as the gate opens, or tap your IC card on the reader. If the gate stays shut, the card was not read or the balance is too low — use the staffed gate.

  4. 04Queue at the marks and let people off first

    Platforms have floor markings where the doors will stop. Line up beside them, wait for passengers to get off, then board in order.

  5. 05Ride quietly

    Set your phone to silent and avoid calls on board. On crowded trains, wear your backpack on your front. Priority seats are for older people, people with disabilities, pregnant passengers and people with small children.

  6. 06Leave through the gate

    At your destination, insert your ticket (the gate keeps it) or tap your IC card. Travelled further than you paid for? Use the fare adjustment machine just inside the gates first.

Children's fares

Children aged 6 to 11 (elementary school) pay half fare; from 12 they pay the adult fare. Younger children usually ride free with a paying adult, but how many can ride free per adult differs by railway — Tokyo Metro allows two, the Hiroshima streetcar three.

Eating and drinking

Eating is normal on long-distance trains such as the Shinkansen and limited expresses — that is what ekiben are for. On local trains and subways it is generally seen as impolite.

Women-only cars and rush hour

Some lines in Tokyo and Osaka have women-only cars during the weekday morning rush (on Tokyo Metro from the first train until about 9:30, depending on the line). Signs on the platform and the train show which cars; young children and passengers with disabilities and their carers may also use them.

The busiest time is the weekday morning peak. Big luggage is much easier outside it.

Good to know

  • Most trains run from around 5:00 until about midnight. Check the last train before a late evening out.
  • Lost or stuck? Go to the staffed gate (有人改札) next to the automatic gates — staff there handle ticket problems.

Sources

Rules differ between railways and change from time to time — last checked 3 Nov 2026. Follow signs and staff on the day.