A friend is living in the Japanese sticks but on a Shinkansen line. He commutes via Shinkansen directly to Shinagawa station, almost next to his office. Zero changes, a 1hour train ride with reserved seating in a quiet environment. He almost always clocks in for the ride and does quiet work, but it's also a great way to relax. The expensive train fare is essentially what he saves on Tokyo rent in exchange for being able to afford a great house with a large yard.