Kids Web Japan

Q. How extensive are Japan's train and subway systems?

A.

The six passenger-carrying railway companies that emerged after the break-up and privatization of the Japanese National Railways in 1987 have lines covering 20,007 kilometers (12,432 miles) nationwide. An additional 7,308 kilometers (4,541 miles) are operated by 147private railway companies.

Subway systems are also extensive; as of July 2006, lines stretched lines stretch for a total of 708.9 kilometers (440 miles) in nine major cities, including Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya. The total for Tokyo alone is 291.2 kilometers (181 miles), the third longest in the world after New York and London.

Commuter rail networks are well developed in greater Tokyo and other urban areas, and residents use trains as their main means of getting around, including going to work and school.

Photo courtesy of Tokyo Metropolitan Government.