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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.

Tokyo’s Major Train Stations Illustrated

This illustrator creates astounding renderings of Tokyo’s major train stations by hand!

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.

Inspirational Vintage Illustrations of Trains

Discover the many groundbreaking locomotive images by Japanese illustrator Koyata Yasui.

The Next Generation Express Train

Seibu Group announces a new train concept that would be one with its environment.

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!

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.

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?

Train & Station Transform into Temporary Pub

Love beer? Love trains? Here’s your chance to combine the two for four special nights!

The Perfect Beer for Shinkansen Fans

Have you been on all the bullet trains featured on these 15 beer cans?

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.

Regional Station Souvenirs You Can't Miss!

Don't let these yummy station souvenirs pass you by on your next Shinkansen ride!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

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