All About Japan All About Japan

Fresh start every Monday!

JR East to Offer Half-Price Shinkansen Tickets

Good news for anyone residing in Japan; JR East has announced a 50% discount on Shinkansen and limited express tickets until spring next year!

Secret Shopping Sprawls Under the Train Tracks

Welcome to Hibiya Okuroji, a new alleyway underneath Tokyo's railroad system that's filled with shops and eateries.

JR East International Residents Rail Pass

Great news for foreign residents of Japan; as of October 16, 2020, JR East will begin selling a special limited pass available to all foreign passport holders, regardless of visa or residence status!

JR Halves Price of Bullet Train Tickets

Japan Railways Group companies cut the ticket prices of some bullet train and express trains to lure customers amid a drop in travelers due to the coronavirus.

Bullet Train Telework Trial with Rental Wi-Fi

East Japan Railway is using the month of February to test out the use of bullet trains on the Tohoku Shinkansen line as virtual office spaces for passengers to telework.

Fewer People Travel Day After Summer Holiday

The flow of people at major train stations in Tokyo on the first Monday after Japan’s summer holiday season decreased compared with the previous month.

Tokyo Metro Launches 17000 Train Series

Tokyo Metro has added a new train model to its lineup on the subway system.

All About the Seishun 18 Ticket

Traveling around Japan by rail need not be an expensive feat. If you have plenty of time and a knack for adventure, the Seishun 18 ticket might be just for you.

Train Station Now Playing Music from 'Totoro'

Fans of Studio Ghibli's film “My Neighbor Totoro” will immediately recognize this famous tune now playing at a Saitama train station.

JR East Redesigns All Station Stamps in Tokyo

Train otaku, rejoice! JR East has redesigned 78 of the stamps at central stations in Tokyo. Are you gonna catch 'em all?

Hop on the Trolly with JR Shinkansen Undies

This shinkansen underwear lets you show (or hide) your love of Japan’s iconic, super fast trains.

Remains of Japan's First Railroad Embankment

Train otaku across Japan must be rejoicing as the press gets footage of the railroad remains from the 1870s.

New Shinkansen Bullet Train Model Debuts

A new model of the Shinkansen bullet train goes into service between Tokyo and Hakata. The N700S is the first fully remodeled Tokaido Shinkansen train series in 13 years.

Central Japan Railway Adds More Bullet Trains

Central Japan Railway Company increased the number of its Nozomi bullet trains to 12 per hour ahead of the Obon summer vacation.

An Inside Look at the Next-Gen Bullet Train

The press got to join a test-run of East Japan Railway Company's next-generation bullet train, ALFA-X, on October 27.

Tokyo Station's New Shopping Center

August 3 marks the opening of a gigantic in-station commercial facility featuring 153 shops and restaurants at the iconic Tokyo Station!

See Ueno Subway Workers Install Platform Gates

For those subway train otaku curious about how Tokyo Metro installs its safety gates station platforms, we've got you covered!

Train Services to End Earlier in Greater Tokyo

Railway companies serving the greater Tokyo area move up the times of their last train amid the state of emergency over the coronavirus.

'Shooting Star' Bullet Train

A beaming bullet train running through the Kyushu area was created to mark the 10th anniversary of the Kyushu Shinkansen.

Hakone Tozan Railway Is Ready to Roll

Typhoon-hit Hakone Tozan Railway is preparing to resume operations. The railway was partially destroyed last October by Typhoon Hagibis. Operators had a successful test run on Wednesday.

know-before-you-go