All About Japan All About Japan

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Plathome: A Home Designed Around an Old Train

What would you do with an old train car? If you're architect Takanobu Kishimoto, you incorporate it into part of a house!

How Japan's Trains Stay on Time

Ever wonder how Japan's trains stay so precisely on time? Hideki Hashimoto at the transport division of JR East's transport and rolling stock department explains the secret—and it's not just technology.

10 Amazing Photos of Japanese Trains

Japan has some beautiful trains that pass through some incredible locations. And sometimes the train itself is the marvel!

How to Survive the Last Train in Tokyo

Despite being Japan's most populated city, trains still stop around 1 a.m. in Tokyo. So how do you survive the crowded crush on that final train home?

Riding Shotgun on a Subway

Ever wonder how a subway conductor sees the world? This video will give you a rare opportunity to hop in the driver's seat!

Using Regenerated Energy from Trains

Since 2014, Tokyo Metro—the firm that operates the subway lines that run through downtown Tokyo—has been using regenerated power from subway cars to power the equipment in train stations.

Putting a Vital Railway Back on Track

Despite suffering massive damage in the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, the Sanriku Railway Company swiftly restored its services and has become a pillar of support for the region.

Thomas the Tank Engine Takes Japan

It may come as a bit of a surprise, but Thomas the Tank Engine is one of Japan's best-loved children's characters. In fact, the country boasts multiple theme parks and working trains dedicated to Thomas and his friends.

Train Postcards Represent Your Favorite Lines

Want to show your love for your favorite train line? With these wonderful train postcards, your dream is now a reality!

Akita Nairiku Line: Winter Wonderland by Rail

Through the heavy Akita snowfall, a train with one or two cars makes its way across bridges that span deep valleys and through tunnels that burrow into the heart of the mountains of the region.

Take the Train through Japan's Deepest Gorge

The Kurobe Gorge Railway is a perfect choice for tourists looking for something spectacular.

Hammering Out the Shinkansen's Face by Hand

Just one company in Japan, with a mere 40 employees, uses hand hammering techniques to produce many of the Shinkansen's distinctive shapes.

4 Fun & Weird Ways to Use the Train

Japanese trains are fast and efficient. But have you ever seen one used as a rolling showroom? Or how about having a concert at 260 kilometers per hour?

Understanding Japanese Phone Culture

Before heading off to Japan, you may want to check out these keen observations by visitors from overseas regarding Japanese smartphone etiquette.

Merry Melodies for Train Departures

After taking into account suggestions from the public, Tokyo Metro has finally settled on some J-Pop jingles for train departures.

The Shinkansen Network in Japan

A visit to Japan is incomplete without some travel on the Shinkansen, Japan’s bullet train network. With a new line connecting Hokkaido, there isn’t a better time to see all of Japan in the blink of an eye!

Pompompurin Takes Over Shinjuku Station!

The adorable half dog, half flan Sanrio character, Pompompurin, is making commuters' lives a little more cheerful at Shinjuku station.

Japan's Magnificent Maglev

Japan's fast and super-efficient rail services have been the envy of the world for years, but the nation's newest train makes the speedy Shinkansen look like a tortoise.

Mastering the Art of Sleeping Anywhere

Our friendly Texan in Tokyo has always been alert and vigilant while using public transportation—until now!

10 Intricate Ins & Outs of Train Etiquette

Japan is well-known as a polite society, and knowing the rules of etiquette is important to getting around Tokyo. With these 10 tips, you'll be commuting like a local.

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