The train has been the core of all transportation since Japan’s modernisation. Trusted by local Japanese and holiday-goers, Japan Rail is famous for being safe and punctual. Based in Yoyogi, Shibuya, Tokyo, JR East Japan Railway Company is the largest passenger service provider amongst seven Japan Railways group companies since 1987. As one of the most sought after railway company on the globe, JR East Japan Railway Company aims to be a trustworthy source of transportation for all kinds of guests such as business travelers to tourist alike.
Joyful Train – FruiTea Fukushima Exterior
Joyful Train – FruiTea Fukushima Sitting Area
Railway lines of JR East primarily serve the Kanto and Tohoku regions such as Yamagata, Akita, Morioka and many others, along with adjacent areas in Koshin’etsu region (Niigata, Nagano, Yamanashi) and Shizuoka prefectures. JR East operates all of the Tokyo based high-speed rail lines, Shinkansen or widely known as Bullet Trains, moving at a speed up to 200mph cutting the commute time by almost half. The efficient rail system covers a total of 624 destinations from Tokyo up to the South of Hokkaido.
Joyful Train – FruiTea Fukushima Lounge Area
Joyful Train – FruiTea Fukushima Fruit Tarts
The launch of Resort Express Yu, tatami-style charter train in 1991 kickstarts a range of conceptualised, fun-filled interactive travelling experience, Joyful Trains. Each train is carefully curated for every region, based on the region’s speciality. Sake hedonists, in particular, will find embarking on Koshino Shu*Kura to Niigata Prefecture enjoyable. The passenger carrier promotes an event hall with the sampling of Niigata’s best sake while soaking in the picturesque view along the coastline. Travelling back in time with style and lux on SL Banetsu Monogatari, one of the steam locomotives that has been revived by JR East, traverse gracefully on the Ban-etsu-West Line.
Joyful Train – Resort Shirakami Exterior
Joyful Train – Resort Shirakami
Joyful Train – Resort Shirakami has stunning views along the sea of Japan that will leave you speechless. If you are lucky to catch the sunset along your way perhaps it would be an ideal occasion to even do a proposal to your love one. Joyful Train – FruiTea Fukushimais is full of fun and colours. Enjoy your journey with delicious tarts made with Japanese fresh fruits and cream along with a free flow serving of ice tea and coffee.
Joyful Train – Resort Shirakami Sitting Area
Joyful Train – Resort Shirakami Lounge Area
Purchasing of tickets is as convenient and easy with modern self purchasing ticket kiosk at every train station. Many ticket kiosk also comes with dual English language functions. Train station staff are at hand to assist in purchasing of tickets as well as travel advise. The time schedule for train arrivals and departures are extremely accurate so travelers are advise to be at the embarking platform well ahead of time. Ample and comfortable waiting areas are provided in every station perfect for travelers with elderly or children.
Typical Train Station Entrance With Accurate Train Schedules
Easy Self Purchasing Train Ticket Kiosk
Non-japanese passport holders are eligible for JR East passes (available for purchase both in and out of Japan, more expensive by 1,000JPY to purchase in Japan), traveling made convenient. The JR East Passes can be used on any 5 days of your choice within a 14-day period, for trips within the JR East coverage. Perfect if you are not into planning ahead or a thrill-seeker who packs and go spontaneously.
Well Design And Comfortable Waiting Areas
The world famous Shinkansen trains are also part of JR East Japan Railway Company’s group of elite trains. Furnish with luxurious padded chairs with pull down tables for that snack and drink on your ride or simply to do some work on your laptop. Ample spaces are also provided overhead for cabin baggage or at designated areas for bigger luggage. Those with window sitting, enjoy the views of cities, towns and even countrysides with its tall skyscraper buildings or gorgeous mountains and beautiful valleys depending on your travel route.
Shinkansen – Interior
Shinkansen – Exterior
Shinkansen trains consist of reserved seating and non reserved seating cabins. Advance reservation of your reserved seat is required and highly recommended for popular routes such to and via Tokyo. Washrooms fitted with modern functionality for the convenience and comfort of guests. Handicap toilets are also available for elderly travelers or those with special needs. A food and beverage trolley with a service personal will make its way along the train cabins with delectable bites and thirst quenching drinks for sale.
No matter what type of JR East Japan Railway Company trains you choose, travelers can be assured of top notch service and the amazing Japanese hospitality that Japan is renown for. Traveling made easy with all the comfort and convenience for one and all.
For more information: www.jreast.co.jp/e/