Rail transport in Japan

Japan
Operation
Major operatorsJapan Railways Group
Statistics
Ridership7.589 billion (2014)
Passenger km260 billion (2014)
System length
Total30,625 km
Electrified21,600 km
Map
Railway Map of Japan
N700 series Shinkansen train
E235 series train on the Yamanote Line
Tokyo Station in Tokyo
Hiroden Tram in Hiroshima

Rail transport in Japan is a major means of passenger transport, especially for mass and high-speed travel between major cities and for commuter transport in urban areas. It is used relatively little for freight transport, accounting for just 0.84% of goods movement. The privatised network is highly efficient, requiring few subsidies and running with extreme punctuality, though since privatisation several unprofitable but socially valuable lines have been closed by private operators.