The massive railway network centered on Japan Railways (JR) is developed throughout the Japanese archipelago, linking Honshu with Shikoku, Kyushu and Hokkaido by bridges and tunnels. Major cities are connected with Shinkansen (bullet trains) and limited express trains, and rail track networks within metropolises such as electric trains, subways, monorails and streetcars operate every a few minutes. Japan boasts a highly frequent and punctual railway system although crowded and train schedules tend slightly fall behind during the rush hour. Station renovations to make them barrier free are being carried out. Some stations have many shops inside their buildings.

Many railways in rural areas are single track, with some lines taking more than one hour between trains. Some scenic mountainous railways entertain tourists by running steam locomotives. Boxed lunches distinctive to each area called "Ekiben" are sold at stations in all corners of the country, attracting attention for their uniqueness.

The railway is an extremely important transportation method for the everyday lives of Japanese people, at the same time, it continues to seize hearts of thousands and millions of railway fans nationwide motivating them to film trains and create railway models.