Notes From Tokyo

Tag: trains

  • Things to Know Before Riding the Limited Express Azusa

    I recently rode the Limited Express Azusa.

    So today, I want to share a few things that are useful to know, especially if you are traveling in Japan.

    What Is the Limited Express Azusa?

    The Azusa is a limited express train that mainly runs between Shinjuku Station in Tokyo and Matsumoto Station in Nagano Prefecture.

    Depending on the time of day, some Azusa trains also go to Hakuba Station in Nagano Prefecture, which is farther north from Matsumoto, or to Chiba Station in Chiba Prefecture.

    There are also some trains that start from Tokyo Station instead of Shinjuku. And there is another limited express train called the Kaiji, which uses the same type of train and goes as far as places like Kofu Station or Ryuo Station.

    So please check carefully depending on the train you want to ride.

    To give you a rough idea of the locations, it looks something like this:

    [Chiba Prefecture]
    Chiba Station
    ↓
    [Tokyo]
    Tokyo Station
    ↓
    Shinjuku Station
    ↓
    [Yamanashi Prefecture]
    Kofu Station
    ↓
    [Nagano Prefecture]
    Matsumoto Station
    ↓
    Hakuba Station

    You may still find old information online saying that the Azusa goes from Chiba all the way to Minami-Otari.

    But after the March 2025 timetable revision, the Azusa no longer goes to Minami-Otari. It now stops at Hakuba.

    So be careful when you are looking at old travel blogs or old timetables.

    The Azusa is a train that can be operated in quite flexible ways.

    In summer, there may be extra seasonal trains. Some trains may also be connected with the Fuji Excursion at Otsuki Station.

    So please check the specific train you want to ride.

    And if it feels confusing, feel free to leave a comment!

    Tickets Can Be Confusing

    Now, this part is very confusing.

    The Azusa is a limited express train, so you need a limited express ticket.

    You cannot ride it with only an IC card or a regular ticket to your destination.

    And this is the part that can get especially confusing.

    There are two main types of limited express tickets for the Azusa: reserved seat limited express tickets and seat-unassigned tickets.

    There are no non-reserved seat tickets.

    There used to be, but not anymore.

    A reserved seat limited express ticket is probably easy to understand.

    It is like an airplane ticket.

    The date, departure time, train name, car number, seat number, and even the seat letter are all decided.

    For example:

    Azusa No. XX, leaving at XX:XX on Month Day, Car No. X, Seat XXA.

    Everything is fixed.

    Reserved Seat Tickets and Seat-Unassigned Tickets

    A seat-unassigned ticket works differently.

    You buy it for the Azusa on a specific day, up to a specific station.

    So it is useful when you know which day you want to travel, but you are not sure what time you will take the train.

    But here is the scary part.

    You do not know whether you can actually sit down until you get on the train.

    If the train is full, you may have to stand.

    So if you are traveling, I think it is much more relaxing to reserve your seat if you can.

    How to Check If a Seat Is Available

    By the way, you can check whether a seat is available by looking at the lamp above the seat.

    Honestly, even as a Japanese person, I find this a bit confusing.

    Red means the seat is available.

    Yellow means someone with a reserved seat ticket will get on at the next station.

    Green means someone currently has a reserved seat ticket for this section.

    That is what the colors mean.

    So… what do you think?

    Does that make sense to you?

    Personally, I always wonder: if the seat is available, shouldn’t it be green? And if it is not available, shouldn’t it be red?

    Maybe that is just how it feels from the point of view of someone looking for a seat.

    I don’t know. Haha.

    I took a photo, so take a look.

    The seat-lamp guide printed on the folding table on the back of the seat in front of you.
    The seat-lamp guide is right there on the folding table, but honestly, I still had to think about it.

    Even if nobody is sitting there, if the lamp says someone will get on at the next station, you have to move.

    Moving with your luggage is annoying, and constantly wondering, “Is it okay if I sit here?” is also tiring.

    So yes, I recommend getting a reserved seat limited express ticket.

    Things to Know About the E353 Train

    The details can change depending on which train you ride, so from here, let’s talk about the train itself.

    The Azusa is operated using a train called the E353 series.

    Here are a few things travelers may want to know about this train.

    1. Toilets

    Yes, there are toilets.

    Not every car has a toilet, but the train does have them.

    One thing to be careful about is that you cannot walk through the Green Car.

    Also, if two front cars are connected together — you know, the “head” part of the train — you cannot walk through that section either.

    But other than that, you can walk through the train, so I don’t think you need to worry too much about toilets.

    They are pretty clean too.

    And toilet paper is usually there, as long as it has not run out!

    2. Power Outlets

    There are power outlets.

    They are either in front of your seat or under the armrest.

    If you want to charge your phone or use your laptop, you can use them.

    They are standard Japanese power outlets.

    Power outlet below the seat on the Limited Express Azusa train
    A power outlet on the Limited Express Azusa. Mine was near the floor, so it may be easy to miss.
    And yes, sorry about the little foot in the photo!

    3. Luggage Space

    Some cars have luggage space.

    But honestly, whether everyone can use it is another question. The luggage space is not that big.

    From my point of view, the seat pitch is wide enough that I could put a larger suitcase at my feet without much trouble.

    But depending on your body size, that may not work for you.

    So please do not assume that there will always be a perfect place for your suitcase.

    If you cannot find anywhere to put it, one option is to stay in the deck area with your luggage.

    Just don’t leave your luggage there by itself!

    Depending on the situation, it may be treated as suspicious luggage, and that sounds like a huge headache.

    4. Trash Bins

    There are trash bins near the doors.

    They are in the deck area, where people get on and off the train.

    They are often on one side of the wall near the train doors, so look around there.

    5. Food and Drink Service

    Food and drink service may or may not be available.

    I think it is available on some regular trains, but it may not be available on extra seasonal trains.

    So if you would be in trouble without food or drinks, bring something with you before boarding.

    The ride from Shinjuku to Matsumoto takes less than three hours, but still.

    Sometimes you just want a snack, right?

    Enjoy the Ride!

    The Azusa uses a newer train, and the ride is comfortable, so I hope you look forward to it.

    If the weather is good, you may even be able to see Mount Fuji or the Yatsugatake Mountains from the window.

    Have a great trip!

  • Things to Know Before Riding the Limited Express Shinano

    This article is not about Tokyo, but I actually rode this train myself, so I wanted to share a few things I noticed.

    I rode the Limited Express Shinano in August 2026.

    There were a few things I thought:

    “I’m glad I know this now, but I wish I had known it before boarding.”

    So let me share them with you.

    Limited Express Shinano ticket in August 2026
    My ticket for the Limited Express Shinano in August 2026.

    The Limited Express Shinano is a limited express train that runs between Nagano Station in Nagano Prefecture and Nagoya Station in Aichi Prefecture.

    It can be useful if you want to visit places like Zenko-ji Temple or Matsumoto Castle in Nagano, enjoy retro Japanese scenery around areas like Magome-juku, or continue on to Nagoya for Nagoya Castle and local food.

    The ride from Nagano to Nagoya takes about three hours.

    That is long enough that a little preparation can make your trip much more comfortable.

    Reserved Seats Are Safer If You Can Get One

    The Limited Express Shinano usually has reserved seats and some non-reserved seats.

    If you can book a reserved seat, it is much easier.

    You can simply arrive at the station in time for your train and know that your seat is already secured.

    I especially recommend a reserved seat if you have large luggage or if you are riding for a long section, such as between Nagano and Nagoya.

    One thing to keep in mind: non-reserved seats may not be available in some seasons, and the train may operate as reserved seats only.

    Please check before your trip.

    1. Don’t Expect to Charge Your Phone on Board

    This was the thing that surprised me the most.

    When I rode the Limited Express Shinano in August 2026, I could not find any power outlets or USB ports around my seat.

    If you are used to newer Shinkansen trains or newer limited express trains, you might think:

    “Well, I can probably charge my phone somewhere.”

    But on the Shinano, I recommend assuming that you cannot charge your phone on board.

    The ride from Nagano to Nagoya takes about three hours.

    If you use your phone for maps, photos, translation apps, or checking your next route, the battery can drain faster than you expect.

    I really recommend bringing a portable charger.

    Please do not underestimate this one.

    2. The Toilet in Car No. 3 Was a Japanese-Style Squat Toilet

    There are toilets on the Limited Express Shinano.

    When I rode it, there were toilets in car No. 1, car No. 3, and car No. 5.

    But here is the important part.

    When I rode the Shinano in August 2026, the toilet in car No. 3 was a Japanese-style squat toilet.

    You may have seen squat toilets in other countries too, but if you are not used to the Japanese-style version, this one may feel a little unfamiliar.

    Also, the Shinano can sway quite a bit, so please don’t feel like you have to try it just for the experience.

    If you are not comfortable using it, I recommend using the toilets in car No. 1 or car No. 5 instead.

    Even if your seat is in car No. 3, you can walk to car No. 1 or car No. 5 when you need to use the toilet.

    Just be careful when moving between cars, because the train can sway while you walk.

    Japanese-style squat toilet in car No. 3 on the Limited Express Shinano
    The toilet in car No. 3 was a Japanese-style squat toilet when I rode the Shinano in August 2026.

    If you look at the photo, you can clearly see what a Japanese-style squat toilet looks like.

    If you are not comfortable with this type of toilet, please do not force yourself to use it.

    Just go to another car.

    3. Don’t Count on Buying Food or Drinks on Board

    Another important thing is food and drinks.

    When I rode the Shinano, there was no food or drink service on board.

    The ride from Nagano to Nagoya takes about three hours.

    If you board without anything, it might feel a little tough.

    I recommend buying a drink before you get on the train.

    If you think you might get hungry, it is also a good idea to buy something light, like rice balls, bread, or snacks, at the station.

    Especially in summer, I really think you should buy at least a drink before boarding.

    A Little Preparation Makes the Ride Much Easier

    To sum it up, here are the main things to know before riding the Limited Express Shinano:

    • Bring a portable charger, because you may not be able to charge your phone on board.
    • If you are not comfortable with Japanese-style squat toilets, use the toilet in car No. 1 or car No. 5.
    • Buy drinks and light food before boarding.
    • Check before your trip whether non-reserved seats are available.

    The Limited Express Shinano is a convenient train for traveling between Nagano and the Nagoya area.

    You can enjoy the scenery along the way, and it can be a useful route for sightseeing.

    But if you ride it with the same expectations as a newer Shinkansen train, you might be a little surprised.

    Just knowing these things before boarding can make the ride much more comfortable.

    Enjoy your trip!

  • Japan Uses the 24-Hour Clock More Than You Might Expect

    I once read an interesting article somewhere.

    It said something like:

    “Japanese people can instantly understand that 17:00 means 5 p.m.? What is this, the military?!”

    Wait, wait, wait.

    In Japan, the 24-hour clock is pretty normal from quite a young age!

    You’ll see it not only on train and bus schedules, but also for reservation times, opening hours, work emails, and casual messages about meeting up.

    For example, if someone says:

    “Let’s meet at Shinjuku West Exit at 13:00!”

    Most Japanese people will naturally understand it as 1:00 p.m.

    Of course, we also say “1 p.m.”

    But honestly, using just the numbers is often easier, both when writing and speaking.

    In Japan, children learn how to read clocks from a young age.

    At first, they learn to read the clock as it is: “1 o’clock,” “2 o’clock,” and so on.

    Then, after learning addition and subtraction, they gradually learn the 24-hour clock too.

    By around age eight, many children start to understand things like:

    “13:00 means 1 p.m.”

    “17:00 means 5 p.m.”

    The idea slowly becomes familiar.

    One reason you see the 24-hour clock so often in Japan is probably public transportation.

    Train and bus schedules usually use the 24-hour clock.

    When you’re traveling and looking at a timetable at a station or bus stop, you’ll often see times like 13:00, 18:30, or 23:15.

    If you’re not used to it, it might take you a second.

    And when you’re traveling, that one second can feel surprisingly stressful.

    So today, while getting used to the 24-hour clock, let me walk you through what a typical day in Japan feels like.

    This is mostly based on Tokyo and other big cities.

    Smaller towns and tourist areas may feel a little different.

    What a Day in Japan Feels Like

    5:00

    Early morning.

    People who start their day very early may already be moving around by this time.

    But most places open at this hour are 24-hour convenience stores or a few restaurants.

    6:00

    People who are going to work start waking up little by little.

    Stations and streets slowly begin to come alive.

    7:00

    Trains start getting crowded with commuters.

    Highways also begin to get busy around this time.

    If you’re taking a highway bus, it may be delayed because of traffic.

    People may imagine Japanese public transportation as very punctual, but highway buses run on roads. Once they get stuck in traffic, there’s only so much they can do.

    Some cafés and chain restaurants that serve breakfast also start opening around this time.

    8:00

    Schools begin around this time too.

    More students are on their way to school, so stations and streets get even busier.

    9:00

    Street-level shops and public facilities gradually start opening.

    Banks and city offices often start around this time too.

    10:00

    Station buildings, department stores, and large shopping facilities begin to open.

    If you want to start sightseeing or shopping, this is around the time when it becomes easier to move around.

    12:00–14:00

    This is what many Japanese people think of as “lunchtime.”

    If you go to a restaurant during this time, it may be quite crowded.

    On weekdays, some restaurants offer special lunch menus, which are often a good deal.

    Be especially careful around office areas and near major stations.

    15:00

    Snack time.

    This is the kind of time when you start wanting to sit down at a café.

    On the other hand, bank counters often start closing around this time.

    Many ATMs can be used at night, but it depends on the location and the bank, so be careful.

    If you’re in trouble, try checking a convenience store.

    Most major convenience stores have ATMs.

    17:00

    Public facilities and tourist facilities start closing.

    Museums, small local museums, city offices, and similar places often close around this time, so be careful.

    If you think, “I’ll just go in the evening,” it may already be closed.

    It’s honestly so sad when you go all the way there and the place isn’t open.

    I’ve done that abroad too.

    18:00

    More people finish work, and trains start getting crowded again.

    Before COVID, some trains were so crowded that there was barely any room to stand.

    These days, with remote work and other changes, some places seem a little calmer than before.

    This is also around the time when many Japanese people start having dinner.

    Restaurants can get crowded too.

    21:00

    The evening rush starts to calm down a little.

    Regular shops begin closing.

    On the other hand, people going out for drinks may start moving around this time.

    23:00

    This is when people start thinking about the last train.

    At this hour, you should assume that regular tourist facilities and shops are already closed.

    Of course, in nightlife areas, some izakaya and bars stay open late.

    But it really depends on the area.

    This is also around the time when more people start getting ready for bed.

    24:00

    The date changes.

    For train schedules, this is often written as 0:00, but in Japan, you may also see “24:00.”

    Trains gradually reach their last departures around this time.

    25:00

    By this point, most trains are already finished for the night.

    On train schedules, this would be 1:00.

    But in restaurant information, TV programs, event listings, and similar places, you may sometimes see “25:00.”

    It means 1 a.m.

    It’s like treating the time after midnight as an extension of the same day.

    So, that’s the general idea!

    What do you think?

    Is it different from your country?

    When I stayed with a host family in Canada, the father left for work around 5 a.m.

    So I think the idea of “early morning” or “late night” can feel quite different depending on the country, or even the family.

    It might feel confusing at first, but knowing this sense of time can be really helpful when traveling in Japan.

    “Oh, it’s lunchtime, so restaurants will be crowded.”

    “The commute has started, so trains will be busy.”

    “It’s after 17:00, so some tourist facilities may already be closing.”

    You can start to read the day a little better.

    And if you arrive in Japan very early in the morning or late at night, you need to be even more careful.

    Trains, shops, cafés, and buses may not be moving the way you expect.

    In the next article, I’ll talk more specifically about arriving at the airport early in the morning or late at night.

    This is one of those things that can really cause trouble if you don’t think about it ahead of time.