Train vs Domestic Flights in Japan: Which Is Better for Your Itinerary?
How I decide between rail and air: time, cost, hassle, and weather risk.
When I Take Trains
- Sub-4 hour routes (Tokyo-Osaka-Hiroshima)
- Want scenic rides; less security/boarding hassle
- Reliable even in bad weather (more than flights)
When I Fly
- Long hauls (Tokyo-Sapporo/Okinawa/Kyushu)
- Time is tight; LCCs can be cheap with light bags
- Winter storms up north (pad buffer days)
Cost/Time Snapshot
| Route | Train Time/Cost | Flight Time/Cost | My Pick |
|---|
Tips
- Compare total time (airport transit/security) vs rail walk-on
- Carry light to avoid LCC bag fees
- Weather: flights can delay; trains rarely cancel