Keeping Track: A Japanese Sub-Culture in Love With Trains

I've met people before who like trains. People enjoy trains and train travel for many different reasons. It might be...

Because trains are sophisticated machines. Because they have sleek or interesting designs. Because they are a fairly reliable method of transportation.  Because they are convenient and even enjoyable to ride.  Because they allow you the rider to stay on the ground instead flying 30,000 miles above it.

Those who love to watch trains in action tend to gravitate to where they come and go.  If you look, you can easily spot fans in Japan.  They might be alongside train tracks with cameras ready, or in a busy train terminal in the heart of a city.  If smaller scale is the preference, fans attend museums or shows that display miniature scale train models chugging along on small tracks, crossing sculptured mountains and through quaint towns. 

If you want to know to see what near-train Utopia looks like, go to Japan.  Once you have:
-- purchased your ticket online, at a station kiosk, or from a smiling clerk at the station
-- waited in a spotlessly clean, well lit station, stopping to buy a newspaper or bento lunch to go
-- boarded a train that arrive on time, usually to the minute
-- taken a comfortable seat on a local train (or)
-- discovered your reserved seat in a special cabin and smoothly sailed across the countryside sipping a drink and eating your bento box in a bullet train traveling 300 miles per hour, getting you to your destination in an unbelievable fast time...

...then you might become a serious fan too, or at least gain some insight as to why so many Japanese have become a nation of train riders and admirers.

Trains come in many different forms in Japan.  There are local city lines, regional lines, and cross country lines. Because of the infrastructure in place, you never need to drive a car in Japan.  It is possible to take a train to virtually every city and town, every Prefecture, and connect if you need to with busses or other methods of transport to reach even the most remote destination. Trains in Japan are safe, clean and efficient.  It is easy to get a sense of mutual care and respect between train company employees and their customers.  Employees are dressed in smart uniforms; ladies wear makeup and have their hair looking perfect; men wear ties and even white gloves. All employees are courteous and kind to customers.

The video below is a news clip showing a promotion for the Shinkansen service featuring Kumamoto Prefecture's special mascot  named Kumamon (the bear on the right).  The Kumamon bear is that prefecture's special branding, that extends to the exterior of the Shinkansen design.

Now let's explore the different types of train fans. Here are a few popular categories:
--  Customers who love to ride trains all the time, everywhere
--  Riders who book the inaugural  trips of brand new models
--  Customers who know the timetable of their favorite line
--  Fans of specialty trains such as the Romancecar
--  Riders who take photos and blog about trains
-- Collectors of toys and train models that resemble real trains
--  Riders who sign up for special promotional trips and events held by the train transport companies
--  Riders who splurge on Green Car (1st class) reserved seats and special services

In Japan you can find specialty trains with uniquely decorated cars, inside and out. In the photo below, an attendant holds a sign for customers. This particular train is designed for children and their parents.













Train events and celebrations are held to raise awareness and trigger enthusiasm for a new train model. Such events can draw large crowds.

 Timetables are created with meticulous care.  Train companies are serious about arriving on time.  Profuse apologies can be heard over the loudspeakers if a train is even a few minutes behind schedule.  Which is a rare occurrence, by the way.

 Advertising and public awareness campaigns are ever present in Japan. These train lines promote themselves and improve service all the time.

 Whether you choose to get to your destination as quickly as possible, or opt for the slower scenic route that allows you to enjoy the travel experience in a comfortable train cabin with excellent service and many special amenities, you can find a train and itinerary that will be just right.

 Odayku features the Limited Express "Romancecar" which features comfortable cars and special itineraries. When you are next in Japan, I encourage you to explore train travel options.  You are in for a great surprise!

Whether you are new to train travel in Japan or quite experienced, here is an English language website you should visit for more information and useful guidelines. It is called The Man in Seat 61. It is written by Englishman Mark Smith.  He seems to be one of these extreme train fans, and writes extensively about train travel in Japan and other countries too.  If Japan train travel is your key interest, here is the link to that section.
Be sure to look into a Japan Rail Pass if you not a Japan resident. Here is a link for more information.