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It's very easy to get around on Japan's awesome rail system. The extremely comfortable Shinkansen, or bullet trains, offer high-speed service to major cities. Together with limited express, rapid, local (commuter) trains, and inner-city subways, you can pretty much get anywhere you want to go with ease, whether it's 3 hours away or just across town. Check out the Japan Railways Group for routes and timetables.
Japan Rail Pass
If you're in Japan for a week or more and plan to travel between cities–for instance, a Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka itinerary–a Japan Rail Pass is a good idea. It can also be used for the subways. Not only can this be more economical than buying tickets as-you-go, it's really handy to forego the process of deciphering the ticket dispensing machines at train and subway stations–you just flash your pass at the attendant and you're through the gate. Keep in mind there are private train lines that don't accept JR Rail Passes. Rail passes are only sold to tourists, and only outside of Japan, so get one before you go–you won't be able to purchase a rail pass once there. On arrival, exchange your ticket voucher at a JR Railways Group office or ticket counter (find the one in the airport). You can make reservations for specific travel dates and destinations at that time, or at JR ticket counters at train stations throughout the duration of your stay. For trips on limited express trains (for instance, between Osaka and Himeji), and on local trains, a ticket reservation is not required.
You can purchase a rail pass through a distributor in your home country–find one here.
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