All About Japan All About Japan

Fresh start every Monday!

A Luxury Train From Tokyo to Izu

JR East unveils the Saphir Odoriko, a luxury train connecting Tokyo with Izu, a popular tourist destination in Shizuoka Prefecture, starting March 14.

Unmanned Stations, Gorgeous Scenery

Unmanned stations on Japan's smaller train lines are becoming an increasingly popular tourist attraction, and one glimpse at the views some of them offer is all you'll need to understand why!

Commuters Still Crowding Tokyo Stations

Many commuters showed up at stations in central Tokyo on the first Monday since the government declared a statement of emergency in the capital and asked companies to have 70 percent of employees work from home to fight the spread of the novel coronavirus

Incredible Drive-By Hanami on a Tokyo Train

Tokyo's extensive rail network isn't only extremely convenient—it can also be extremely beautiful, especially during cherry blossom season!

Social Distancing Reduces Tokyo Train Traffic

The number of people passing through Tokyo’s major stations has drastically decreased on the first Monday since the Japanese government expanded the state of emergency over the COVID-19 pandemic to cover the entire nation.

Tourists Can Finally Buy JR Rail Passes Online

After years of complicated and added-expense hoops to jump through, JR will start letting international travelers buy their passes online and inside their home countries.

Explore Shikoku on a Luxury Sightseeing Train

Japan's new luxury sightseeing train will show visitors a part of the country most never see—Shikoku!

Retro Maintenance Train Illustrations

The work of this Japanese illustrator focuses on Japan's unseen maintenance trains, which only work at night after regular service is finished.

All Aboard the Mickey Mouse Bullet Train!

Japan's iconic bullet trains are no strangers to pop culture makeovers, but this latest sees the shinkansen take a note from the Magic Kingdom!

Rejoice! The JR Pass Will Be Sold Online

The JR Pass is easily one of the best ways to get bang for your buck while traveling in Japan! Fortunately, the process to purchase it is about to get even easier!

Connecting the City with Nature in Aizu

The Aizu Railway in Fukushima Prefecture is a vital means of transportation for residents, but it offers so much more than just a way to get around.

Award-Winning Train Designed by Architect

Architect Kazuyo Sejima’s commuter express train, Laview, took home a prestigious award for its sleek, unique look.

Tokyo Station Guide Robot Both Weird & Helpful

Tokyo Station now has a guidance robot named Semi, who can help guide you to your destination in seven different languages!

Japan Eases Domestic Travel Restrictions

People flock to airports and train stations as the Japanese government eases domestic travel restrictions that were in place to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus.

2019 Ranking of Japan's Rudest Train Behaviors

Every year, commuters participate in an annual survey to determine the most aggravating behaviors observed on trains and at stations. Learn what not to do on Japanese transportation with the 2019 poll results.

Travel to Kyoto on a Traditional Train

With tatami mats, noren curtains and a zen garden, this is one of the most stunning and surprisingly affordable ways to travel in Japan.

Sleep in a Real Sleeper-Train-Turned-Hostel

The Hokutosei Hostel is designed like the inside of a sleeper train—and that's because that is exactly what it was!

Special Marathon Cars Coming to Yamanote Line

To promote the yearly college marathon, Hakone Ekiden, special edition train cars will be featured on the JR Yamanote Line in Tokyo.

Busiest Train in Tokyo to End Service Earlier

Tokyo's busiest train line, the JR Yamanote Line that loops around the city, is slated to end service about 30 minutes earlier.

Riding Through the Heart of Shikoku

The charming sightseeing train known as Shikoku Mannaka Sennen Monogatari is a three-hour ride through two of Shikoku's beautiful prefectures.

know-before-you-go