30 Things You Should Know About Japan's Trains

[@xr6lad]

Lovely to see you back. Was getting a bit worried you’d got tired of making videos. Now we know - a big Japan trip.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Cheers! Yes, I was away for a month and then busy with work etc so haven’t had a lot of time to edit. 😉

[@rileycummaudo8612]

Trains in Japan are so cool

[@traindude1949]

Adam, I agree , nothing prepares you for just how brilliant the rail system is, nor how amazing Japan and its culture is, Can't wait for your remaining videos.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Absolutely. Can’t wait to go back. ✌️

[@paulvanston2129]

Love Japan, and love Japanese trains / stations / culture ... the lot! Your video of the Top 30 is brilliant, Adam. Thank you for pulling it together! Really looking forward to your trip vids 🤩

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Glad you enjoyed it! Took a while to pull it all together but happy with the result. 😁

[@jackybeck2479]

3:18 as for someone on the Autism Spectrum, usually big crowds are very overwhelming for people like me, but I can handle crowds fine! Also at 28:19, a lot of people with ASD from all around the world love trains, including me. When I was younger and in primary school, my fellow classmates did find me a bit strange for liking trains, sometimes I would get teased about it, but I didn't mind it too much, trains are just one of the big things that make up me. I guess if people like trains, Japan is a great place to go to, and it seems very appreciated as well!

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

That’s good. ☺️

[@kid20595]

One of the best travel videos on KZbin. I learned a few things. Even though I worked and lived in Japan twice: such a great experience. Keep up the good work.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thanks so much! 🙏

[@fidomusic]

I live in Japan and I endorse this video! Japan is a train lovers paradise. Regarding not talking in the seating area of train carriages, I don't think there is no strict rule. In all the trains I've been on, you can talk quietly in the seating area. The Japanese are naturally quiet, so there is no need for a dedicated quiet carriage. As far as I know, there are no longer smoking areas on trains. I haven't seen any. I didn't know that the English announcer I hear is the person on the Piccadilly Line. Amazing!

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thank you! I guess it’s not a strict rule as you say, more something that’s discouraged.

[@sarbaazchabahar]

Japan has always impressed me, especially with its incredible trains! They are technological marvels. Thank you for sharing your amazing videos, Adam. Cheers 🍺✌️

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

They really are. Thank you!

[@larryingle9966]

Great video Adam, well done! Worth waiting for! 👍

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thanks so much Larry. 😁

[@phillipv2500]

This video was especially well done, and truly covered the quality and thoughtfulness of the Japanese railways. Thank you for your excellent coverage of so many trains. Well done.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thank you so much Philip. It’s great to get that feedback! 🙏

[@eprohoda]

From!hiya!~Yo. so amazing -😎

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Hiya! Thank you. ☺️

[@maybelucky2558]

You are very very good with your vids. Thank you.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Glad you like them! Cheers!

[@normangale3159]

All the benefits of the Shinkansen and although you didn’t mention the high cost, with the JR Pass, even with its increase, the system is truly a remarkable one. I mainly used the Keihan Mainline for my travelling between Osaka and Kyoto as I was home based in Neyagawa for the near two weeks I was there and it was just as efficient, clean and reliable as Shinkansen. It also went past the Fushimi Inari Taishi and the end of the line is Demichayanagi which is near The Old Imperial Palace in Kyoto

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Sounds wonderful! I was quite lucky as I was able to book my JR Pass at the pre-increase prices. I also got a Kansai area pass for a later part of the trip, which was good value for Osaka to Hiroshima. 🤔

[@daejonbm]

I love getting a stamp. Almost every train station has a place where you can get a stamp to commemorate your visit to that station. It's mostly used by younger passengers. I have collected over 150. Sadly, I only have 4 of the commemorative photos, Which the attendant will take of you holding the special placard with the day's date on special trains e.g. The A train, The Train to Yufuin etc.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Yes, that’s something I didn’t realise until later. Very cool!

[@sbose64]

adams detailing and japans railroad efficiency to a super human level. makes it a compulsive and engaging video to watch. perhaps the first aussie channel to cover the japan railroad system. and it keeps you glued to every frame, every second. delightful and an eyeopener.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thanks so much! Wonderful to hear. 🙏

[@rebeccaw9656]

That 7 minute turnaround is indeed a 7 minute miracle!

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Agreed!

[@walt0784]

One of the special brooms they use to clean the Shinkansen seats has a dampness sensor to detect if the previous passenger had spilled some kind of drink on the seat.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Wow - didn’t know that. Very cool!

[@leonwakefield7285]

Glad that you're back. Though you'd done a runner.Great video, looking forward to the next one 😊

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Cheers! This video took longer than usual because I had to source vision from multiple trips. 😁

[@Shinkansen1966]

Been to Japan four times, all with plenty of train. Adam’s 39 things is an excellent summary.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Jealous - I’ve only been once (but I’ll be back). Thank you!

[@TattooMyWombat]

Many Thanks for Another Great Video..

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Glad you liked it.

[@magtje]

The world has a lot to learn from Japan, not just train waise but as a society (rule abiding, respect to others etc...) and how they plan, build and operate infrastructure and important services.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Agreed!

[@johnlocke5265]

Very good production 😊

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thank you 🙌

[@Zuuu40]

Yay a new video

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

😎

[@amir64]

Wow this video deserves more views!

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thank you! Here’s hoping. 🤞

[@magnustan841]

One of my favourites you didn't mention is station stamps. A lot of Japanese stations have them, either in the paid area, the concourse, or kept in the station staff's offices, just ask them for it. You can learn a lot about the area around the station from them. I was in Osaka 2 weeks ago and the hotel I stayed in was outside the city centre in a residential neighbourhood, but I figured out that it's known for fireworks viewing in the summer because its station stamp had fireworks in its design. That makes sense because the station is next to one of the biggest rivers that runs through Osaka and that's a safe spot to launch fireworks from.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Oh cool. I didn’t know about that but it makes sense given goshuin are also popular.

[@andrewhighriser9531]

That was great. On a Shink about a decade ago, was the first time I came across the now common vertical hand dryers where you put your hands inside the machine and move your hands up and down. I thought it was a bit strange that is was outside the toilet. The Shink didn't go to Aomori back then and earlier we changed to local train. We were travelling on to Hirosaki and when we reached Aomori, fellow passengers jumped up to turn all the seats around. We caught Tokyo suburban trains and some regional trains, and our JR East pass allowed us onto a bus to Mount Iwaki. At one point a very stylish looking older Japanese woman left her seat to use the toilet and left her handbag sitting on the table next to me. That told me rather a lot about Japan. I think we caught a train and then a rubber tyred train to railway museum in the north of Tokyo. The museum was great and I drove a tram, kind of. I look forward to your future Japanese videos.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Oh wow - sounds like an incredible experience. Japan certainly is a wonderful place. 😊

[@shanellstrehlow7110]

Another wonderful video Adam. Train travel in Japan is quite awesome yet unique. This was very well presented and highly informative. I have never traveled by train so I find your videos very helpful. Thank you and awesome to see another high quality video from you.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

So good to hear that. Many thanks! ✌️

[@chiragganguly]

This is therapeutic to watch

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Great to hear. 😊

[@enischial965]

Fantastic video, Adam. When I was attending college I took Japanese as my foreign language and did a project about the Shinkansen. Ever since then, I have been obsessed with Japanese trains and train culture. Very much looking forward to your indepth videos. Looks like you had an amazing time.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thanks so much! Your obsession is very understandable. 😊

[@MyMrMahad]

Hello Watching your videos from Dubai. I was wondering why dont you make more videos for the Ghan,Indian Pacific and Great Southern. They are such a treat to watch. If you make 10 more I will see all of them repeatingly😅

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Hello! I guess the thinking is that once you've made one video, people don't want to see the same journey again. But certainly worth trying to see if there are many people like you who'll watch more. Cheers!

[@MyMrMahad]

@@FromtheWindowSeat I think people will love it, you can even do a poll for that

[@russellwebb4805]

Great video. Loved all the different trains and such.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thank you very much!

[@lilfloss7]

i was so excited to see you had posted this video! 🚃🛤️🚄 thanks for sharing your trip with us and can’t wait to see more of it! i agree the smoking room on the hello kitty shinkansen does seem a little out of place 😅

[@lilfloss7]

also, every carriage being a quiet carriage is my absolute dream - VLine could never

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Glad you liked it! ✌️😎 Of course the interesting thing is that although people are generally quiet I found they have a lot of automated announcements… so the carriage isn’t as quiet as you might imagine. 😝

[@kevinellis8869]

Great to see such a comprehensive review. Be good to see your take on UK train services.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thank you! Hope to visit the UK next year. 🤞

[@amtrakharry]

That was very interesting...:):):)

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Glad you enjoyed it! 😊

[@josephchristianson3001]

There are now a number of the Nankai Rapi:t trains in Osaka bearing an Expo 2025 livery.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

That’s awesome - thanks for letting me know!

[@FlyerE901]

Thanks for the intro to railway travel in Japan! I’ve been to Tokyo twice but only had a chance to ride the Metro.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

You’re welcome! Keen to return myself. 😊

[@johnclauder615]

Great effort, very enjoyable . Did not see the "TAMA / CAT" train !

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thank you! Yes, that’s one I missed. Shall have to return!

[@kenhaigh8195]

Love this Japanese post Adam ,I am in the middle of building a new gauge Kato /Tomix layout at home

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Cheers! Sounds great.

[@kapilachandrabharathi7134]

Hello there Mr.Window seat. Nice to see you in this psrt of the world.I wrote to you last year requesting some travel tips to NZ to which you kindly replied .tks We went to Japan instead because of lengthy NZ visa procedures. Did a lot of travelling in those fascinating trains. Goung back again this April. Good to see you again.cheers

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Sounds great - appreciate your comments. ☺

[@powerlawrence9259]

Brilliant a professional looking video keep up the good work.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Much appreciated!

[@geoffreyhansen9962]

It's good to see you do a video about Japanese trains.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Cheers!

[@withinjapan2024]

Nice video

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thank you!

[@amyfarrell8141]

Great video.❤❤

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thank you! 🤗

[@jezzter4293]

Thank you Adam. Such a great video. I worked for a Japanese Company for many years & stupidly I never pushed for a visit to Japan! I regret that, would love to have visited this amazing country. I bet my Dalmatian would love to travel at 300kph on a Shinkansen, I know I would! Sadly don't think he'd enjoy the flight to get there, unless he was allowed to run around the cabin making everyone laugh

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Glad you liked it! Thank you for watching. ☺️

[@jezzter4293]

@@FromtheWindowSeat Admittedly I did visit New Zealand, my most favorite country ever & jumped out of an Airplane at 15000 feet over Lake Taupo. Thats an interesting way to get a view LOL

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

@@jezzter4293 wow … that would have been quite the experience!

[@jezzter4293]

@@FromtheWindowSeat It was along way down. 1 minute freefall. Totally amazing

[@jezzter4293]

Thanks for your video's. I live in the UK with my 2 yr old Dalmatian now. I watch travel thanks to people like you. Stay safe & be well ok

[@flowergun_films]

Japan is on my bucket list and the rail system is going to make it so much easier and cheaper to pull off. Great video!

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thanks so much! :)

[@nzmu01]

Thanks Adam, as usual your video was fabulous. Your videos are like little Christmas presents delivered throughout the year - and I can never wait to unwrap the next....

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

That’s very kind of you to say. Thank you! (And Merry Christmas 🎁 😜)

[@sandram44]

Great video and i am so envious of these bullet trains. I live on Canada's east coast and our train service west to the main centres of Montréal and Toronto are now reduced to two to three times a week depending on time of year. They also take around 25 hours so the fast trains would just change life here. Maybe with such vast areas, it would be too expensive or maybe it's just a lack of motivation on Via Rail's part. Thank you for sharing that wonderful overview of Japan's railways.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thank you! Yes, I can relate coming from Australia where sadly, car is king.

[@railvlogger1439]

It was such a joy to watch this video. We visited Japan last September. We had our JR Pass and used the trains extensively. We were on the ' Hello Kitty' train from Osaka to Hiroshima. We also visited the train museum just outside Nagoya. We rode on the suspended railway from Ofuna to Enoshima, followed by the tram to Kamakura before returning to Tokyo. Our hotel room near Shinagawa station had great views of the railway from our room. When we weren't on a train, we were watching them. Absolutely fantastic video. It allows us to relive our memories of Japan.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

So lovely to hear that - thank you! I didn't get to try the suspended railway while I was there but it's on my list for when I eventually go back. I can relate to having views of the railways ... wasn't in the same league but I stayed in a small hotel in Onomichi before cycling the Shimanami Kaido. The hotel was attached to the railway station and had views of the platforms. You could hear freight trains passing in the night. That was pretty cool.

[@mgrizz2386]

As a railfan, it would be my dream to go there and ride them ALL. And then the ferries after the trains. But as a senior with limited funds and a fear of flyinb, i probably won't in this lifetime, so thank you for taking us with you. Wonderful video.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Yes, so much to see and do. Thank you for your kind comments. 😊

[@philipashbourn1538]

I came to Japan for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics - a wonderful experience. The bullet train was new but too fast for me. I preferred the steam hauled semi fasts with plenty of time to take in the scenery. I met many friendly folk and often was invited to stay with a family. Youth hostels were good, especially the traditional ones where we slept on the floor. Thanks Adam for such excellent and wide coverage. I often see Japanese steam fans in East Germany, a mecca for the narrow gauge.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Wow - the Tokyo Olympics would have been something. And steam-hauled semi-fasts sound wonderful. Thanks for your comments!

[@simonolsen9995]

Adam. That was pure gold mate. Some of those visual compositions were so Miyazaki! I cannot believe the amount of work you put into getting all those shots. A total pleasure to watch. Thank you.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Wow - so good to hear that Simon. There were so many great things to capture on video so glad it came across well. ☺️

[@allenzhang9900]

Long time no see

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Yep, it’s been a while. This one was a long time in the making.

[@frizzy60]

Hi Adam, another amazingly informative video. As viewers we have come to expect nothing less from you. With your time in Japan riding all the trains you must have felt like a kid in the world's candy shop 😂

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thanks so much! Yes, it was just like that. I’m really made the most of my JR Pass! 😁

[@PeterTodd]

Brilliant, super informative. You really packed a lot into this one! And here I was checking on your channel yesterday, just in case KZbin didn't notify me. Guess I was missing your delightfully nerdy/daggy style. 🙂👍

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thanks so much! Yes, this one was a bit overwhelming to make so took a while to pull together.

[@StephenNorris-ow3vd]

What a comprehensive, informative, entertaining video. Well done, Adam. Looking forward to more from you about Japanese railways.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thanks so much Stephen!

[@sandramcbean6736]

Hey Adam! Our little man has a special interest in trains. Your videos are not only always safe content but really beautifully done. Before I realise it, I’m hooked in to watching and commenting to him about the interesting and informative facts. 😂It’s a slippery slope! Little man has been driving me mad repeatedly asking about what countries you film. 🤯His question has been answered now. Thanks for sharing your interest and expertise in producing such amazing content!

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Hi Sandra. That’s wonderful to hear. It’s great your little man has an inquisitive mind. Being curious about the world is great inspiration. All the best!

[@diegohurwitz]

Hi Adam, thank you so much for editing this fantastic video, I couldn’t have done it better. I’m also mad about Trains in Japan, as a matter of fact going there very soon in a few weeks and can’t wait to experience it again. Once again thanks so much for iChat for sharing. Arigato gozaimasu Adam san.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Hi Diego. Thanks so much! Very jealous of your forthcoming trip … keen to return myself. Enjoy!

[@iiigraghu]

Excellent Presentation As Usual. Japan is the path finder in many ways to the world at large. 2024 is the Diamond Jubilee (60) Years of Shinkansen (Bullet Train). I understand that the Japanese have this technology even during the year 1948 . But they deferred the introduction to 1964 for Tokyo Olympics. Hearty Greetings from Hyderabad, India 🇮🇳

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thanks so much! Yes, it’s incredible isn’t it. 😊

[@notactuallymyrealname]

Looks like you had a kid-in-a-candy-shop visit to Japan! I hope it was as much fun as it looked, and I loved learning so much about Japanese trains. Thanks for another great video.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

That’s an apt description. Loved every moment!

[@DailyPassenger]

Wishing you a Happy New Year! I enjoyed the vlog, and the place featured looks fantastic too. Hope to see more content from you. Like and support from Bangalore.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thank you. Happy New Year to you too!

[@ronsmith2241]

You sure get around. Very interesting. Thanks.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

I do! Cheers.

[@aprilhilliard3302]

Lovely job once again! The wait was concerning, but oh so worth it. Can't wait to see the "more" vids you referenced. Much love from western Colorado

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Many thanks April. Working full time makes it hard to find time to edit these but glad it was worth the wait.

[@charlo90952]

A lot of these concepts should be adopted by other railway systems. There are many good ideas here.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Agreed!

[@erinstevens9953]

Love your work, Adam sir. It's my dream to go to Japan one day. One day fairly distant in the future when my children are older. Too stressful with young children. Looking forward to your next train adventure.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thanks so much! Yes, understandable. It will be worth the wait. ☺️

[@Brian-hy9fb]

Thoroughly enjoyed

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Great to hear. 😊

[@rhubarb4601]

I'm happy you're back. I was missing your wonderful videos. I've enjoyed this one about Japan. Because the commentary you made at the end I deduce your next ones will be about Japan's trains. Although I would like to have more about your country's and New Zealand's in the future. Thank you very much indeed and a happy new year to you from Basque Country Spain.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thank you! Don't worry, there will still be a combination of videos from Australian and NZ too. ;)

[@doug3117]

Absolutely brilliant video. Thanks. I experienced my first Japanese trains just over a year ago and am looking forward to my next trip this October subject to any earthquake restrictions. The trains make the journey to the destinations an event.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thank you! Very jealous … would love to go back. Enjoy!

[@Rheilffordd]

I LOVED this video! Oh man, what an awesome perspective of Japanese railways from an Australian, I needed this viewpoint, and the editing, that was top class! Wonderful stuff! This gave me more info on the railways in Japan more than I could get from my membership of the Japanese Railway Society! Looking forward to the content to follow from here and wishing you continued further growth!

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thanks so much - that’s awesome to hear! Took a lot of time but really wanted to encapsulate how incredible the railway system is in Japan. 😊

[@PassportAndPixels]

Hey, I have gone through your videos about Japan Railways. They are very detailed and informative. I want to ask you if you have any idea how to travel between Fujikawaguchiko and Hakone? I tried searching, but nothing concrete. I thought I would ask, as you might have some clue as you know so much in depth. Any response would be deeply appreciated.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thank you! I believe the best way is to catch a bus from Fujikawaguchiko to Gatemba and then change to a bus to Hakone. If you prefer to travel by train, you’ll probably need to change at least three times and it will be a much more indirect route (so longer). Google Maps is quite helpful for looking at your options with up to date public transport options.

[@davidcartwright5591]

I loved everyone of those 30 things . What a contrast to the overcrowded , dirty , graffiti ridden and often late running ancient technology Aussie trains. I wonder what Japanese people make of Australian trains . , I dread to think . What a great video compilation Adam , thank you .

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@andreawoelke]

That station probably has more passengers a day than all railways in Australia together.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Quite possibly! 😄

[@LWJCarroll]

09:49. On one video about this apparently scientific research found it works as a safety process better than not doing this. Which I thought was an interesting thing about our human behaviours. Thanks’s Laurie. NZ. 😊

[@LWJCarroll]

Aha as you mentioned just a bit later! 😊

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Yes, and a number of other industries around the world have adopted similar processes.

[@ggreg2258]

Amazing, isn't it! ! !

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

💯

[@bryanmilne8824]

Great video. So informative, will you be creating more detailed videos about your individual trips in japan in the future? Thanks

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thank you! I most certainly will. 😊

[@princessann9285]

Hello Paul, do you do these videos on your own or are you working for the Australian railways, also can you tell me, is it possible for me to travel all over Australia via train or would I have to double back at one point?

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Hello. I make these videos on my own in my own time. It is possible to travel over most but not all of Australia although it will be very expensive as many interstate trains (such as The Ghan and the Indian Pacific) are privately operated essentially land cruise-type services.

[@adamw1944]

Very interesting video about rather weird Japanese culture. Very weird. Thank you.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

It's certainly quirky but rather wonderful, really. 😍

[@axan50transportproductions]

I 100% agree with this list. I did the blue Romancecar from Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto and Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto back in 2019. Never had I felt so pleasant travelling on trains. Japan is a class apart from other nations when it comes to their railways. There is a sort of cooperation between the public and JR. The train company trusts that passengers will not dirty the train with food crumbs or speak loudly on trains therefore, there is no law prohibiting food consumption. Likewise, the train company also delivers with safe, fast and punctual train services. This is non-existent in the rest of the world. By the way, will you be doing more Japan train reviews?

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Yes, very good observations! I never planned to make this video (rather a series of videos about individual trips) but Japan had such an impression on me that I decided I needed to make this video. Yes, individual reviews will follow. ✌️

[@axan50transportproductions]

@@FromtheWindowSeat Great to hear that more vids are coming

[@Yitao_Su]

One of China's EMUs has Japanese Shinkansen technology.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Interesting 🤔

[@swisssentraveler]

I only have one reason: There's a JR pass, I only have to pay once!

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Yes, I loved the JR Pass and being able to jump on almost any train, when I felt like it. 😊

[@r4jpyr24us3]

You know well of our trains and rails than ordinal Japanese.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Arigatō! ✌️

[@Pringle93]

wait is it true that he replies all comments if that is real imagine how long it takes.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

It’s true. 😅

[@Pringle93]

I bet that takes hours or even days

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

@@Pringle93 I reply in small batches so it doesn’t take too long but I guess if you added it all up, it would run into hours. 🤔

[@Sid_handle]

excellent video....

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Cheers!

[@RichardFraser-y9t]

320km is about 200 miles

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Yes

[@TattooMyWombat]

Many Thanks for Another Great Video..

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thank you!