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Trains are a convenient mode of transport for foreign tourists visiting Japan. An extensive network of railways encompasses four important islands of Japan, namely Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu and Shikoku. Japan Railways (JR) owns a lion's share of the reliable network of Japanese railways. The remaining section is managed by several private railway companies in and around the urban metropolis. Japan railways (JR) was borne out of JNR (Japanese National Railways) which had succumbed to indebtedness and privatized in 1987. Features of Japanese Railways: - Japan Railways (JR) comprises of six regional passenger railway companies like (JR Hokkaido, JR East, JR Central, JR West, JR Shikoku, and JR Kyushu) and a national freight railway company (JR Freight). They manage and run an extensive network of urban, regional and interregional train lines, night trains and bullet trains (shinkansen).
- Shinkansen is a high speed bullet train. The train steams ahead with efficiency. The train leaves the station every fifteen minutes. The Tokaido megalopolis corridor will be dysfunctional without the Shinkansen. The train is divided into the Green Car (the first class), reserved regular car (the second class), and none-reserved regular car. The well trained attendants serve you Ekiben (station box lunch) at reasonable prices. - Nozomi Express halts at large stations like Shin Yokohama, Nagoya, Kyoto, Shin Osaka, Shin Kobe, Okayama, Hiroshima and Kokura.
- Other major trains are Hikari and Kodama. While Hikari halts at major railway stations, Kodama stops at all stations.
- Hayate, Yamabiko, Komachi and Toki are major trains connecting important places in Japan.
- Limited express trains operate widely in Japan.
- Cassiopeia is the most luxurious overnight train in Japan. Launched in July 1999, it runs from Tokyo to Sapporo thrice every week. Twilight express runs from Osaka to Sapporo providing A-class facilities and the best of luxuries.
- A number of private railway companies run small as well as a wide network of trains between city and suburban areas.
- Tobu runs a wide network of railways into the outskirts north of Tokyo. It gives visitors an easy access to Nikko.
- Three lines from Central Tokyo to western Tokyo and Kanagawa are run by Odakyu. It gives tourists an easy access to Hakone.
- Tokyu, Keisei, Seibu, Keikyu, Keio, Meitetsu, Kintetsu, Nankai, Hankyu, Keihan, Hanshin and Nishitetsu operate a wide network of railways in Japan and provide access to important places much to the delight of the tourists.
- Local trains (Futsu ressya) are popular among young people of Japan. The trains provide a breathtaking view of the Japan countryside.
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