For more info on using trains in Japan see the article below
Line Symbol / Color and Station
Number Usage Guide
In this article
1. Basic Information
Line symbols and colors have been introduced within the Kinki, Okayama, Hiroshima, and San'in area for convenient identification of which trains to take and which stations to get off at. We have also introduced station numbers that consist of line symbols and station numbers for easy navigation, particularly convenient for international customers on major routes in the Kinki area.
Put these guides to effective use when riding JR-WEST trains.
Components of Station Numbers
The line symbol and station number are combined.
Please note that the rail company identifier (“JR”) is generally omitted in JR facilities (stations and trains).
For more information on the station numbers and the line symbols and colors for a given station, refer to the following route map or learn more on the Route Maps and Timetables page.
2. Route Maps for Participating Areas
Station numbers are only provided for major lines within the Kinki area.
Station Number Route Maps
3. Convenient Uses of
Station Numbers and Line Colors
Buying Tickets
Usually it’s enough just to type the station’s name, but on some ticket machines the station numbers in the destination area can also be used when buying a ticket.
*For more information on conventional purchases, please click here.
*Contact the JR-WEST Ticket Office staff when using a Limited Express or discount ticket.
Step-by-step guide
Purchasing Based on a Station Number
* For stations in the Kinki area with designated station numbers.
Please refer to the JR Line Station Number Route Map (PDF)
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1
Start by switching the display language to make your purchase easier.
* The initial display is in Japanese
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2
Select the display language.
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3
Press the “Purchase Ticket” button.
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4
Press the “Search for a station number” button.
*Photos in the guide are for illustration only. The display may differ.
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5
Enter a station number.
*Tickets for any station displayed in the fare table on the ticket machine can be purchased.
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6
Check if the displayed station name matches your desired destination and press “Enter”.
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7
Insert the appropriate amount (using bills and/or coins) for the displayed fare to purchase a ticket.
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8
Your ticket will be issued. Make sure to take the ticket and the change if needed.
Step-by-step guide
Purchasing Based on a Station Name
* Tickets for any station displayed in the fare table on the ticket machine can be purchased.
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1
Start by switching the display language to make your purchase easier.
* The initial display is in Japanese
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2
Select the display language.
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3
Press the “Purchase Ticket” button.
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4
Press the “Search for a station name” button.
*Photos in guide are for illustration only. The display may differ.
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5
Enter a station name to search.
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6
Press the button with the name of desired station.
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7
Insert the appropriate amount (using bills and/or coins) for the displayed fare to purchase a ticket.
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8
Your ticket will be issued. Make sure to take the ticket and the change if needed.
Before Boarding
Line symbols and colors are displayed in various locations such as station guide boards, LED departure boards, and category banners on the outside of trains. Use these as guides to determine the desired platform and train.
Click here for more information on line symbols and colors:
Kinki, Hiroshima, Okayama, and San’in area route maps (PDFs).
Information Boards near Ticket Gates
Refer to the LED departure boards and concourse platform guide boards near the ticket gate to determine your desired platform.
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Train / platform guide boards
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Train / platform guide board
Typical station guide board
Platform Guide Boards
For stations with LED departure boards, travelers can check the destination, departure time, and boarding locations for a given train.
Typical display of an LED departure board
Signs on Side of Train
The line symbol and color for a train’s route are displayed on the outside of the train.
Click here for more information on line symbols and colors:
Kinki, Hiroshima, Okayama, and San'in area route maps (PDFs).
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Typical train route display
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Typical train category banner
On the Train
In-car displays show the next stop for the current train.
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In-car display
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In-car route map and QR code
QR codes linked to this website are displayed inside trains. Simply scan the code with your smartphone or other device to view this page or access route maps when on the train.
In the Kinki area, the station number is also displayed for convenient identification of the station number of your destination station.
*For areas in the Kinki area with designated station numbers:
JR Line Station Number Route Map - Kinki Area-
In-car display
Getting off the Train
At least one vertical station nameplate is generally located in front of every train car at any given station.
These nameplates make it simple to determine whether you are at the right place when you get to a station.
Click here for more information on line symbols and colors:
Kinki, Hiroshima, Okayama, and San’in area route maps (PDFs).
*Station numbers are also displayed in Kinki area stations that have adopted a station number:
JR Line Station Number Route Map - Kinki Area (PDF)Nameplate sample
Let JR-WEST help make your trip a pleasant one.
