TokyoWaltz
White and blue Shinkansen train passing beneath city buildings in Tokyo

Japanese Trains

An overview of Japan’s railways, from the first line of 1872 and the Shinkansen to commuter networks, private operators, and station-centered urban life.

JR East simple Suica card reader beside a station entrance in Akita

Suica

Suica is JR East’s rechargeable contactless IC system for fares, commuter passes, and electronic money, launched in 2001 and expanded through mobile and interoperable services.