Escape to Hokkaido on the Bullet Train
Japan's speediest train, the Shinkansen, now extends up to Japan's most northern island of Hokkaido, making it easier to enjoy red king crabs and the famous Sapporo Snow Festival.
Budgeting for a Weekend Away from Tokyo
Tokyo’s great, but it’s nice to get away from time to time. Fortunately, from the capital, the short-trip traveler has access to some great weekend-away spots. We've selected some of the classics, and assess their travel budgets.
Hydroponic Greens Grown Under the Tokyo Metro
Tokyo's elevated train spaces might be shaded from the sun, dreary and have most often been turned into bicycle and car parking, but surprisingly, where the sun doesn’t shine turns out to be an ideal setting for a garden.
Tour Ise-Shima with the KINTETSU RAIL PASS
While the Ise-Shima area is best known for Ise Jingu, the area also offers picturesque scenery and gourmet food. And you can access this resort region easily from Osaka using the KINTETSU RAIL PASS!
Tokyo’s Major Train Stations Illustrated
This illustrator creates astounding renderings of Tokyo’s major train stations by hand!
This Lawson Station is an Actual Station!
While Lawson convenience stores are usually called 'Lawson Station,' this store in south-central Gifu Prefecture takes the name literally!
Essential Tips for Navigating Trains
Day-to-day transit in Japan can be confusing for the uninitiated. Don't worry! We're here to help.
A Gamer's Approach to Tokyo's Trains
Tokyo's train system is challenging! So why not view it like a game to be won?
The Next Generation Express Train
Seibu Group announces a new train concept that would be one with its environment.
JR East to Use New Station Numbering System
From October 2016, a new numbering system for JR trains will be introduced making it a little easier (we hope!) to navigate the complex Tokyo rail network.
The Perfect Beer for Shinkansen Fans
Have you been on all the bullet trains featured on these 15 beer cans?
Train & Station Transform into Temporary Pub
Love beer? Love trains? Here’s your chance to combine the two for four special nights!
Tokyo Like You've Never Seen It Before
It's easy to make Tokyo look good—but this video makes it look like a gorgeous living landscape. Sit back and get swept away.
Riding the Rails from Top to Bottom
You'll never believe how long it takes to travel from the northernmost Shinkansen station to the one furthest south.
Have You Ever Shopped in a Lawson Train?
You've heard of Lawson Station, but have you ever shopped in a Lawson train? Located in Kobe City, this unique, train-themed convenience store was unveiled in January 2016.
Regional Station Souvenirs You Can't Miss!
Don't let these yummy station souvenirs pass you by on your next Shinkansen ride!
Inspirational Vintage Illustrations of Trains
Discover the many groundbreaking locomotive images by Japanese illustrator Koyata Yasui.
Can You Survive Aomori's Summer Stove Train?
Looking for a steamy train experience? Head up to Aomori for a stove train that's heated to 50°C in the middle of summer!
7 Great Train Passes to Save Money on Transit
There are a number of passes you can buy to get unlimited transit in popular tourist areas. Here are seven great picks, with a focus on the Tokyo and Kyoto areas!
Things We Wish We Knew Before Moving to Japan
Rachel of vlogger team Rachel & Jun teams up with Sharla from Sharla in Japan to riff on train passes, humidity, onion-free burgers and more.
