Printed Matter and Multimedia

鉄道ファン - Tetsudou Fan (Railway Fan)

First published in 1961. This is the best all round prototype magazine in my opinion (I get it every month!!!). Usually one large in depth article every month relating to a particular line, item of rolling stock or train service. All colour pictures, and the latest rolling stock is always reviewed in great detail with plans, photos etc., usually before the other magazines. Publishes a comprehensive JR rolling stock roster in July or August every year. Most issues contain large foldout posters and technical plans of new rolling stock. (published by Koyusha)

鉄道ジャーナル - Tetsudou Jyanaru (Railway Journal)

Published since 1967. Similar to Railway Fan, but new stock is not given as comprehensive a review. Also has articles on foreign railways, and sometimes also on buses. Photography is all colour, but is often a bit on the artistic side. They also always manage to find (pose?) pretty girls in the trains or on platforms !!! This magazine also includes a brief English contents page. (published by Railway Journal Inc.)

	レイル・マガジン - Rail Magazine
	Larger format glossy magazine. Similar to Railway Journal in that it has more foreign content and artistic-type photos. Published since 1983 as an overall railway hobby magazine, but now prototype only, since the company started publishing RM Models. However a lot of modelling advertising is still present. (published by Neko Publishing)

	RM Models
	Larger format glossy magazine covering a wide range of subjects with lots of colour pics. Published since 1995, and a good all-round magazine. Maybe less than 50% N gauge. (published by Neko Publishing)

鉄道模型趣味 - Tetsudou Mokei Shumi - 'TMS' (Model Train Hobby)

Published since the 1940's !!! Covers wide range of modelling subjects, however not very much modern image. Also tends to steer away from popular N gauge as this is covered more by other magazines. A lot of HO, even though this is rare in Japan; and also narrow gauge/logging is a favourite. Condensed articles from this magazine are regularly published in the 'N Gauge Book', 'N Gauge Magazine' and 'N Gauge Layout' series. (published by Kigei Publishing)

エヌ - 'N' (a.k.a. Nine Scale World)

First published in 2000. As the title indicates, the contents concentrate on N scale and are related to modelling only. There are product reviews and comparisons, layout and shop visits and reviews, and new release information. Articles about prototypes relating to specific models are sometimes done. A comprehensive index of retailers is provided, and surveys of popular items from both retailers and modellers are often listed. This magazine is published quarterly, and the one I recommend (and buy myself) if you want just N scale and modelling only. (published by IKAROS)

	ジェイ･トレイン - jei torein (j train)
	A new magazine that started publication in 2001 - concentrates on prototype articles, but the subjects are not always modern. This magazine is published quarterly. (published by IKAROS)

	旅と鉄道 - Tabi to Tetsudou (Travelling by Railway)
	Published since the early 1970's. A magazine devoted to trips and sightseeing by train. However, there is more information about the destinations you can go to, where you can stay, the things you can do there and the local delicacies you can eat, than about the actual trains themselves. This magazine is published quarterly. (published by Railway Journal Inc.)

	鉄道ピクトリアル - Tetsudou Pikutoriaru (Railway Pictorial)
	First published in 1951. This magazine is like Japan Railway Fan or Railway Journal used to be in the 1970s - i.e. not many colour pages, so certainly not very good value today. (published by Denkisha Kenkukai)

	鉄道ダイヤ情報 - Tetsudou Daiya Jouhou (Railway Diagram Information)
	Published since the late 1970's. Has some news items and colour features, but mostly concentrates on rosters and timetable related subjects. Probably not as good for non-Japanese readers, however the information is very good if you take the time to work it out. (published by Kotsu Shimbun Co.)

	JRガゼット - JR Gazetto (JR Gazette)
	Published since the 1980's - a very small magazine with mostly black & white photos and too much text. Certainly not competitive, even though cheaper, compared to the likes of Railfan and Rail Journal. (published by Kotsu Shimbun Co.)

	とれいん - Torein (TRAIN)
	First published in 1975. This is like Rail Magazine and RM Models combined: i.e. it tries to cover everything! Seems to steer away from modern-image subjects, and has slightly more modelling content than prototype. Also covers foreign modelling quite often. (published by Presse Eisenbahn)

	N ガージ マガジン - N Gauge Magazine
	First published in the 1980's. This is published by the same company that does TMS, and is a compilation of articles from previous issues, but specifically related to N scale modelling (TMS magazine covers all scales). It is published 2-3 times a year. They also do compilations called 'N Gauge Book', 'N Gauge Manual', and 'N Gauge Layout'. (published by Kigei Publishing)

	Tetsudou Rouman (Railway Romance)
	A new magazine first published in mid 2003. It contains 'travel' type articles like Tabi to Tetsudo, as well as articles on rolling stock, train configurations etc. that will also interest the railfan. It was published quarterly, but seems to have stopped coming out during 2006. (published by IKAROS)
	Tetsudou Gahou (Railway Illustrated)
	A new magazine first published in Spring 2005. It contains a 'feature' article (first issue is the Odakyu 'Romance' cars), as well as other topics, all backed up with plenty of photos (the majority in colour). 2 issues came out, and then hasn't been seen again. (published by Makoto Seibundou Shinkousha)
	名列車列伝 - Mei Ressha Retsuden (Famous Train Story series)
	A publication that was issued irregularly every 3 or 4 months, and covers in depth the history and details of a particular train type or service. After #20, they started another series relating to trains of a specific line. (published by IKAROS)
	新幹線エクスプローラ - Shinkansen Explorer
	A new magazine first published in late 2006, and solely concerned with the Shinkansen. It is nearly all colour photos, and has lots of articles about the trains themselves, technology, and the places you can go by using them. Also included with each issue is a pull-out data book on a particular series. As far as I can tell, it is due out every 2 months. (published by Ikaros)
	Modelers File 1
	From the publishers of TRAIN magazine, this one came out in July 2006, and covers the Shinkansen with plans, detail diagrams & photos etc of the prototype trains. Being #1 issue would seem to indicate more of these, but I haven't seen another one yet. (published by Presse Eisenbahn)
	M-Train
	A new magazine first published in January 2006, and having #01 in the cover seemed to indicate a periodical publication, however after 1 issue came out, it hasn't been seen again. it was mainly concerned with private railways and was about 1/4 colour. (published by Ikaros)

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Useful reference & resource books, maps & timetables

	JR全車輌ハンドブック - JR Zensharyo Handobukku (JR Rolling Stock Handbook)
	The definitive 'bible' of Japanese railways. Published yearly, and contains details and photos of every item in the JR companies rosters. A large, heavy and expensive volume, but well worth the effort to get one and use it. From the 2005 issue onwards, it also contains a DVD with data files and all the photos inside the book. (published by Neko Publishing)

	データブック 日本の私鉄 - Daata Bukku Nihon no Shitetsu (Data Book of Japanese Private Railways)
	Also a 'bible', this time on the 149 private and 3rd sector railways in Japan. Although published in 2002, much useful information, as well as photos, is provided. (published by Neko Publishing)

日本列島鉄道の旅 - Nihon Rettou Tetsudo no Tabi (Japanese Islands Rail Travel)

This book takes a picture journey from one end of Japan to the other, and covers virtually all the railway lines, both JR & private. Not as much information & photos of the trains are given compared to the area's features and the surrounding landscape. Major station on maps and line names are all given in hiragana, so it is easy to work out where you are. If you only want ONE book that covers as much of Japan's rail system as possible, this is the one to buy !!! 384 full colour pages, and also included is a double sided rail line map of Japan. (published by Shougakukan)

	私有貨車 - Shiyuu Kasha (Privately Owned Freight Car)
	From the Haruo Iwabori photograph collection, this has shots of a large number of the freight cars (mostly tank cars) used by many non-JR railway companies, unfortunately most of them are in black & white. (published by Nainen Publishing)

Miscellaneous Railway Journal Books

Railway Journal Inc. publishes a wide range of other related publications, as well as their monthly magazine. This one, #48, is all about the Shinkansen, and has 150 full colour pages about each train type, a guide to all 74 Shinkansen stations, and plans and formations for each series. Other volumes cover Blue Trains (sleepers), railways in various parts of Japan, JR trains of different eras, and a yearbook (published by Railway Journal Inc.)

	The Shinkansen
	This book is one of a series - other include The Private Train, The Monorail, The Truck, The Fire Engine, The Freight Train, The Bus, The Earthmover etc etc. They are mostly all colour and have 130 pages with lots of different articles relating to the book's topic. (published by Sansuisha/Kodansha)

	Nゲージカタログ2002 - N Gauge Catalog 2002
	This catalog (as well as several others like it) is published every year, and shows pictures of all the N scale items from the major manufacturers, as well as previews of new releases, and some feature stories. (published by Ikaros)

	新幹線イラストレイテッドSuper Express - Shinkansen Irasutoreddo Super Express  (Shinkansen Illustrated Super Express)
	This book is just full of fine scale drawings (in either HO or N scale) of the various Shinkansen trains, past and present. A beautiful large format volume. (published by Ikaros)

	新幹線全史　歴史群像シリーズ - Shinkansen Zenshi "Rekishi Gunzou Series" (History of the Shinkansen)
	This 174 page book covers the history of the Shinkansen and covers a lot of details about the early design and construction. Published in 2004, it also covers all the trains types running then, and has a lot of detail about the technology used. Lots of maps, diagrams & tables. Other volumes in this series cover JNR trains, Private Railways, Sleeper trains & Electric locos. (published by Gakken)

	新幹線全史 - (History of the Shinkansen 2)
	In mid-2005, a second volume to the above was published, and included new entries like the N700 Shinkansen, and more of the previous history and technology articles. All different to volume 1. (published by Gakken)

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Please note that more than most places, Japanese cities can change rapidly, and it is best to source the latest versions of the following publications before travelling there, 
especially timetables - the following copies are not necessarily the latest available.

ワイドミリオン全東京- Waido Mirion Zen Toukyou (Million Deluxe Wide All Tokyo)

If you are going to do rail-fanning in Tokyo, or just like to have something to look up for reference or research, you need a street directory!!! Whilst there are many different brands available, I have found this company's version to be the easiest to read, and it also shows all station names in hiragana. Quite a large and heavy publication, and I wouldn't recommend you carry it around with you in your travels but good for getting the information before you leave. This one has all of Tokyo's 23 Ku (区) as well as the outlying regions at a large '100m = 1cm' (1:10,000) scale which is about as large as you can get it - there are also other books in the range with just the greater Tokyo city area and also reduced scale versions. This is volume #64, and to cover all of the greater Tokyo metropolis for rail purposes, you will also need #71 Kanagawa, #71 Chiba and #72 Saitama. (published by Tokyo Chizu Publishing)

Road Atlas Japan

The only really useful comprehensive map of Japan that I have found in English. It covers all of the country except Hokkaido at 1:250,000 scale, and included larger detailed maps of most major cities. I guess it is supposed to be for drivers, but the rail details are all there quite accurately and the best thing is that all line and station names are in English. Major towns and area names are also in Japanese for reference. (published by Shobunsha)

1/1万東京２３区 - 1/10,000 Tokyo's 23 Ku

This is a pocket version of the large size street directories, and THE ONE that you carry around with you in Tokyo. Whilst the same scale as the Million book above, there is less area on each page, and this one only covers the main 23 Ku. Again, there are many variations on tjhis type of small street directory, but this is the best I have found. The details on each page is also slightly differently portrayed, and the only thing I don't like is that station names are all in kanji. But which one would you rather lug around - 450g at 105x148mm or 950g at 210x297mm ???  There is also a 1/30,000 version that covers Tokyo, Kanagawa, Chiba & Saitama, for if you get outside the main Tokyo city area. (published by Shobunsha)

全駅前便利ガイド - Zen Eki Mae Benri Gaido (In Front of All Stations Handy Guide)

From the same company as the above pocket book, this pocket book covers all 97 lines and 1,119 stations in the greater Tokyo area, including JR, private companies and subways !!! For each line it lists the times and fares between each station, as well as which cars to use for the required exit. A small map of the area around each station is also included. Finally a series of 1:15,000 scale maps covers the Yamanote line area, and 1:150,000 scale maps of the Tokyo/Kanagawa/Chiba/Saitama area. (published by Shobunsha)

	東京地下鉄便利ガイド- Toukyou Chikatetsu Benri Gaido (Tokyo Subway Handy Guide)
	Again from the same company, this pocket book is the most information you can carry around when using the Tokyo subway system. It shows all 212 subway stations, as well as covering the JR Yamanote line. For each line, it shows the times and fares between each station, and has a map of the area surrounding each station. Also included for each station is a diagram of the exits and where they go (and sometimes even photos of the buildings), and which cars to get in to be closest to the exit you want. Interchange times between lines at connecting stations are also included if applicable. Large stations have exploded maps of all the levels and interconnecting passageways. No English or helpful hiragana though, but there are other versions of this type of book available with less detail. (published by Shobunsha)
	JR時刻表 - JR Jikokuhyou (JR Timetable)
	This is THE reference guide that you need to plan a Japanese holiday - there are useful online tools that can help, but having the book in front of you is easier to use when planning journeys and connection times. It comes out every month for around 1,000yen and contains the full timetables for all the JR lines (except inner suburban ones), as well as 'some' details of most private lines. The first page of each line has the station names in hiragana, which is very useful. Major stations show which platform the train uses. There are other timetable versions available, the other main one is put out by JTB.  (published by Kotsushinbunsha)
	時刻表 - Jikokuhyou (Timetable)
	This is the pocket sized version of the above book, and the better one to carry around with you. The only main difference (and disadvantage) is that it does NOT have the station names in hiragana at the start of the timetables for each line. It also comes out each month, for around 500yen. Other versions come out with more detail for specific areas, eg Osaka, so make sure you get the right one for the area you need. (published by Kotsushinbunsha)
	東京時刻表 - Toukyou Jikokuhyou (Tokyo Timetable)
	If you want to travel around the suburban lines of Tokyo, or want to do precise train spotting (like getting a photo of a certain train), this is the one you want !!! It gives FULL timetables for every train on every JR, subway & private line within the greater Tokyo area (e.g. just the Yamanote line itself is 10 pages), as well as for Shinkansen and major JR Express trains. (published by Kotsushinbunsha)

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Rolling stock data books

Most of the following 4 volumes are printed twice a year - covers are representative and not necessarily the latest version.

	JR・私鉄 列車編成席番表 - JR / Shitetsu Ressha Hensei Sekibanhyou (JR & Private Railway Train Organisation & Seat Number Table)
	A comprehensive volume showing the interior arrangement of both JR and private railway companies cars, including seat diagrams, door positions, etc. (published by JRR)

	JR電車編成表 - JR Densha Henseihyou (JR Electric Train Organisation Table)
	A comprehensive volume giving rolling stock details of JR electric trains, including car rosters, train formations, etc. (published by JRR)

	私鉄車両編成表 - Shitetsu Sharyou Henseihyou (Private Railway Rolling Stock Organisation Table)
	A comprehensive volume giving rolling stock details of the many private company trains, including car rosters, train formations, etc. (published by JRR)

	JR気動車・客車編成表 - JR Kidousha / Kyakusha Henseihyou (JR Diesel & Passenger Car Organisation Table)
	A comprehensive volume giving rolling stock details of JR diesel & passenger trains, including car rosters, train formations, etc. (published by JRR)