knowledge Overview
This page is the gateway to knowledge on Japan's administrative divisions (47 prefectures) and railways (Shinkansen and JR lines).
Administrative divisions
Japan consists of 47 prefectures; see the divisions section of the Japan page for details by region.
Railway operators
JR Hokkaido, JR East, JR Central, JR West, JR Kyushu, JR Shikoku
Shinkansen
Tokaido (1964, 515.4 km), Sanyo (1972, 553.7 km), Tohoku (1982, 674.9 km), Joetsu (1982, 269.5 km), Hokuriku (1997, extended to Tsuruga in 2024, 345.4 km), Kyushu (2004-2011, 256.8 km), Hokkaido (2016, 148.8 km), Nishi-Kyushu (2022, 66.0 km), and the Yamagata and Akita Mini-Shinkansen
Major conventional lines
Yamanote Line (Tokyo loop, 34.5 km), Tokaido Main Line (Tokyo-Kobe, 589.5 km), Osaka Loop Line (21.7 km)
Urban transport
See the urban subway and bus overview page (link).