Japan Local Railways
Each local railway in Japan has its own personality—the color of the train, the exterior and interior design, and often, an original character that adorns the promotional material.
A fun way to travel into local Japan, find out the events, recommended spots and original tours produced by each railway, and make use of the free Wi-Fi.
The local railway services that criss-cross Japan might not have the speed of the shinkansen, but they travel to some of Japan's most interesting spots, often snaking around mountains and through scenic villages. Research the passes available to enable you to hop on and off the train as you please. Many lines have Sightseeing Service Centers at the terminal stations offering you information on things to do and see in the area, along with local and seasonal events. Sightseeing deals and discount tickets are often available. Certain trains have free Wi-Fi with multi-language instruction available for all its passengers. Many local railways have websites in English. Taking a scenic railway journey in Japan is a great way to explore the country.
If you plan to do lots of traveling in the Kanto area, consider purchasing the Greater Tokyo Pass for unlimited travel on selected trains and buses. Only available for visitors to Japan.
Be aware that English signage is not as prominent in the local stations, and due to the designs of the platforms, they can sometimes be confusing and disorientating. If you have any questions, speak to one of the station staff.
Hokkaido
Tohoku
SANRIKU RAILWAY
Akita Nairiku Jukan Tetsudo.
Iwate Galaxy Railway (Japanese only)
Yamagata Railway
Aizu Railway
KONAN TETSUDO
Tsugaru Railway (Japanese only)
AOIMORI RAILWAY
Abukuma Express (Japanese only)
Yuri Kōgen Railway
Fukushima Transportation (Japanese only)
Hokuriku Shinetsu
Shinano Railway
Toyama Chihou Railway
Hokuetsu Express
Nagano Electric Railway
HOKURIKU RAIL ROAD
KUROBE GORGE RAILWAY
Uedadentetsu
Manyosen(Japanese only)
Ainokaze Toyama Railway (Japanese only)
Echigo TOKImeki Railway (Japanese only)
NotoTetsudou Line (Japanese only)
IR Ishikawa Railway (Japanese only)
ALPICO Kotsu (Japanese only)
EchizenRailway (Japanese only)
Fukui Railway (Japanese only)
Kanto
Chichibu Railway
Watarase Keikokoku Railway
yagan Tetsudo Railway
FUJI KYUKO
Hakone Tozan Railway
Enoshima Electric Railway
kashima rinkai tetsudo (Japanese only)
Kishu Railway (Japanese only)
Cotton Railway (Japanese only)
JOSHIN ELECTRIC RAILWAY (Japanese only)
ISUMI RAILWAY (Japanese only)
Jomo Electric Railway (Japanese only)
Hitachinaka Seaside Railway (Japanese only)
Choshi Electric Railway (Japanese only)
Ryutetsu (Japanese only)
Tokai
Transportation Bureau, City of Nagoya
Tenryu Hamanako Railroad
Izukyu
TARUMI-RAILWAY
IZUHAKONE Railway
Enshu Railway
Nagaragawa Railway
gakunan electric train
Toyohashi Rail Road (Japanese only)
Ise Tetsudo Railway company (Japanese only)
Yoro Railway (Japanese only)
Sangi Railway (Japanese only)
Akechi Railway (Japanese only)
Iga Railway (Japanese only)
Tokai Transport Service Company (Japanese only)
Shizuoka Railway (Japanese only)
Yokkaichi Asunarou Railway (Japanese only)
Kansai
Eizan Electric Railway
WAKAYAMA ELECTRIC RAILWAY
OHMI Railway Corporation
Hankai Tramway
Shigaraki Kohgen Railway
Hojo Railway Company
WILLER
kobe electric railway (Japanese only)
Keifuku Electric Railroad (Japanese only)
Mizuma Railway (Japanese only)
Kobe Municipal Transportation Bureau (Japanese only)
Chugoku
Chizu Express
Ichibata Electric Railway
Hiroshima Electric Railway
Wakasa Railway
Ibara Railway Company (Japanese only)
NISHIKIGAWA TETUDOU (Japanese only)
Mizushima Rinkai Railway (Japanese only)
Okayama Electric Tramway (Japanese only)
Shikoku
TAKAMATSU-KOTOHIRA ELECTRIC RAILROAD (Japanese only)
TOSA KUROSHIO TETSUDO (Railway)
IYOTETSU
TOSADEN TRAFFIC
ASA Seaside Railway
Kyushu
Fukuoka City Transportation Bureau
Kumamoto Electric Railway
Heisei Chikuho Railway
Hisatsu Orange Railway
Kumagawa Railway (Japanese only)
Shimabaratetsudou
Minami-aso Railway (Japanese only)
Chikuho Electric Railroad (Japanese only)
AMAGI TETSUDOU (Japanese only)
Matsuura Railway (Japanese only)
Nagasaki Electric Tramway (Japanese only)