Train Japan

October 8, 2024
In today’s world, where information is instantly available, travel guides may seem less appealing. However, there are times when expert advice compiled in a beautifully designed guide is invaluable—such as navigating Japan’s vast and intricate train systems. The number of options with the shinkansen can feel overwhelming, with various express, local, private and metro train lines and multiple rail passes. Steve Wide and Michelle Mackintosh’s Train Japan: The Essential Rail Guide to Japan provides a quirky and comprehensive exploration of one of the world’s most extensive and sophisticated rail networks. It starts with regional categories (Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and nearby day trips) and offers detailed itineraries for travellers with unique or aesthetic tastes, featuring scenic routes through snow-capped mountains on decorated trains, picturesque coastal trips on trains with wood-carved interiors, hot-spring odysseys, and seasonally inspired journeys on historic monorails. The book is an energetic visual feast showcasing Mackintosh’s design and illustration skills as arty photographs on pastel backgrounds are paired with bright connecting lines (depicting train routes), creating an eye-catching layout. Although the minimal maps sometimes make it difficult to identify the region, the lively commentary injects personality into the book. Compact and smaller than a trade paperback, Train Japan is easy to take with you on your travels, and the practical advice on etiquette, phrases, seating and visiting onsens (traditional bathing facilities) is particularly useful.