It's actually quite easy! First off, you'll need to figure out where you are, where you want go, and the direction you need to head in. You could get to the right platform, but if you're on the wrong side, you'll go the opposite way! Look at the train line map and time table (usually above the ticket machines), ask a station worker, or use a train app like Jorudan, Hyperdia, or Yahoo Norikaeannai (Japanese) or even just Google Maps for help.
Anyway, you'll need a ticket before you can get on the train. You can get one from the automatic machines or by asking someone at the ticket window. Or you can buy an IC card and top it up with money instead. I have an ICOCA card~ :)
One more thing! If you're in a more countryside kind of area, the train might be more like a bus, where you take a numbered ticket and pay when you get off.
Anyway, you'll need a ticket before you can get on the train. You can get one from the automatic machines or by asking someone at the ticket window. Or you can buy an IC card and top it up with money instead. I have an ICOCA card~ :)
One more thing! If you're in a more countryside kind of area, the train might be more like a bus, where you take a numbered ticket and pay when you get off.
