Yes, trains in Japan do stop running at night, usually between roughly midnight and 5:00 AM. Unlike cities like New York or London, which have some 24-hour lines, Japan’s rail network—including the Tokyo Metro and the JR lines—shuts down to allow for essential track maintenance and safety inspections. The "last train" (shuden) is a major part of Japanese urban culture; if you miss it, you are often stranded and must rely on expensive taxis, "capsule hotels," or 24-hour "manga cafes" to wait until service resumes in the morning. Even the high-speed Shinkansen (bullet trains) do not run overnight; they typically arrive at their final destinations by 11:30 PM to comply with noise regulations and maintenance schedules. Travelers in 2026 should always check the specific "last train" time for their route using apps like Google Maps or Navitime, as the cut-off can vary significantly depending on the day of the week and the specific line.