Howdy Neighbor

Hello and Welcome!!

Yes, JR has the same policy. Most of the bullet trains (if not all), are run by JR as well. I think they are getting really picky on getting dog's whole body in the bag, so they may not let your dog stick out its head out... (well, we kinda did it in sneaky way). Good luck with everything, and let me know if you have any questions... even after you get there. :)

The customs rules in Japan changed after we took our girl there. Before we left, they changed something like if you have proof of rabies shot & microchip, the quaranteen is only for 24 hours... which they normally release the animal to you right away if they don't show any signs of illness. You shoud check their customs website though. You can ride on the train as long as you can keep your dog confined, and pay the extra bag fee... less than US$3. Yes, the picture of us with the train was in Akita Japan. The train is Tohoku Shinkansen (one of the bullet trains). On that train, we let her stick her head out on the floor, and she did fine. She slept most of the time. You can send me a "message" if you have any other questions. I will be glad to help!!

Welcome from Yoda and David! You guys are wise to like Kafka!
"All knowledge, the totality of all questions and all answers is contained in the dog"
Franz Kafka