Most long-distance trains that are not part of the Shinkansen system are called Limited Express trains, 'tokkyu' in Japanese, because they are fast and make a limited number of stops. A few similar trains are designated Express ('kyuko'). These trains serve many cities and towns that are not on Shinkansen lines including popular tourist locations such as Nagasaki, Takamatsu, Takayama, Kanazawa, Matsumoto, Sapporo and others. For example, to go from Tokyo to the scenic mountain city of Takayama you will take the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Nagoya and then change to the L'EX 'Hida' to travel inland. Limited Express trains include the rapid airport shuttle trains in Tokyo and Osaka. Some L'EX trains provide overnight service with standard seating. All Limited Express and Express trains are covered by the Japan Rail
Pass or appropriate regional pass.
Important: Limited Express trains often have unique design features and frequently travel on very scenic routes. We encourage you to give them a try !
JR also operates a limited number of sleeper trains ('shindai-sha'), especially from Tokyo or Osaka to more distant spots in Kyushu or Hokkaido. Sleeper trains offer a variety of berths and compartments; the selection differs from
train to train but most offer some inexpensive berths. A few trains have dining and lounge cars. Sleepers are considered express trains and require an express surcharge plus a berth or compartment charge in addition to the base fare. The Japan Rail Pass covers only the base fare portion of sleeper costs.