What is the difference between Rapid Express and Express in Japan?

Rapid: skips more stations than semi-express but less than the express. Express: stops only at notable stations. Rapid Express/Semi-Special Express/Special Rapid: stops only at the most noteworthy stations. Limited/Special Express: sometimes requires a special fare because of how few stops are made.



People Also Ask

Shinkansen bullet trains are the fastest and most convenient way of discovering Japan. The Japan Rail (JR) network is extensive and the trains reach a top speed of 320 km/h (199 mph). This allows you to get to wherever you need in little time. The nine Shinkansen lines take you in different directions around Japan.

MORE DETAILS

While Shinkansen run on a separate high-speed railway line, limited express trains don't have that luxury. They use old commuter lines that don't allow to reach the head-spinning speed of Shinkansen trains. There are two types of limited express trains currently in service, intercity and commuter.

MORE DETAILS

The best way to travel between Tokyo and Osaka is the shinkansen (bullet train). The fastest type of shinkansen, which is called the Nozomi, takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes and costs Y13,620 for a one-way trip in an unreserved seat.

MORE DETAILS

The major difference between regular and bullet trains is their efficiency. A shinkansen can cover great distances in minimal time, connecting major cities in a matter of minutes - literally. A trip from Kyoto to Osaka takes just 15 minutes by bullet train, versus 30 minutes by regular train and over an hour by car.

MORE DETAILS

You can use Icoca/Pasmo/Suica for all trains, subways and buses in Osaka. You can also use Icoca/Pasmo/Suica at many shops, especially convenience stores. You can use Icoca/Pasmo/Suica in other parts of Japan as well. Buy Icoca cards from vending machines at JR stations in Osaka.

MORE DETAILS

The JR pass is only worth it if you travel through different cities, if you are just travelling to Tokyo to Kyoto for example, I would just pay on the Suica. You can do the online calculator or just use google to calculate which trip is easier - paying individually on Suica or getting a JR Pass.

MORE DETAILS

The Suica can be used not only for JR East trains, but subways and buses as well. See the Suica Map for transportation systems you can use with the Suica. The Suica can also be used to pay for things with e-money. Buy soft drinks and coffee from vending machines and on the train.

MORE DETAILS

The JR Pass is valid on all Shinkansen services in all the Shinkansen lines, except for the Nozomi and Mizuho services on the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen lines. You will not have access to the trains with the fewest stops on the Tokaido and Sanyo lines.

MORE DETAILS

While the metro lines do no accept the JR Pass, other IC Cards, such as the Pasmo and Suica, may be used. These cards give you access to almost any train or bus in Tokyo, and are a perfect complement to the JR Pass.

MORE DETAILS

Instead, what makes the Shinkansen (and any Ltd. Express train) more expensive then regular trains is a hefty standard surcharge: the supplementary special-express ticket, which covers the premium experience of traveling on the nice fast trains. And yes, you have to pay it even if you have to stand.

MORE DETAILS

The Tokaido Shinkansen (??????, Tokaido Shinkansen) is a shinkansen line that connects Japan's three largest metropolitan areas (Tokyo/Yokohama, Nagoya and Osaka/Kyoto) with each other. It is Japan's best used shinkansen line with departures every few minutes.

MORE DETAILS