5 Must-Visit Spots Near Mount Fuji as Recommended by JR East Staff
Hello from Otsuki Station, the gateway to Mount Fuji from Shinjuku! Visiting East Japan this autumn? Here are five of our recommendations of top sightseeing spots to check out nearby Otsuki Station.
4 Must-Visit Spots in Railway Town Omiya as Recommended by JR East Staff
Our friends from JR Omiya Station would like to recommend four of their must-visit local spots in Omiya, which is just 30 minutes away by local train from Central Tokyo.
Kanto’s Coastal Charms: 3 Beaches to Visit Near Tokyo!
Whether you’re looking to relax on soft sands, enjoy water sports like surfing, or explore scenic coastal landscapes, these beaches in the Kanto Region nearby Tokyo provide the perfect escape during the blazing summer months.
3D2N in Okinawa: The Perfect Summer Getaway in Japan’s Subtropical Paradise
If you love the beach and are due for a short getaway, there is truly no better choice than Japan’s southernmost prefecture, Okinawa. Join us as we take you on a 3-day adventure through Okinawa’s Main Island, also known as Okinawa-Honto!
Get Around Lake Tazawa And Nyuto Onsen With TAKKO MaaS
With the TAKKO Mobility-as-a-Service service, you get get information as well as arrange for transport to get around the Lake Tazawa area.
Wilderness of the North: Exploring Hokkaido’s Top 5 National Parks
Whether you’re hiking through towering mountains or kayaking along tranquil rivers, Hokkaido’s national parks promise unforgettable experiences for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. Explore five of Hokkaido’s top national parks in every season.
Minazuki: 8 Scenic Lakes to Visit in Eastern Japan
Explore 8 scenic lakes in Eastern Japan! From volcanic crater lakes to lakes that reflect their surroundings like a mirror, these lakes offer gorgeous scenery that is sure to be unforgettable.
Hello Hokuriku: Walking through Snow Walls at the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route
The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route opens in mid-April every year, and its most famous attraction is the towering snow walls. Follow us on a trip to visit this amazing sight!
Forest Bathing at Mount Daisen, One of Western Japan’s Holiest Mountains
Come and explore the city of Yonago in Tottori Prefecture! The city is a haven for hiking enthusiasts and nature lovers who enjoys a respite from city life.
Day Trips from Tokyo: Pink Paradise at Fuji Shibazakura Festival
Take a day trip to see the pretty pink shibazakura flowers at the Fuji Shibazakura Festival! After cherry blossom season ends, there are still many flowers to enjoy around Tokyo, and one of them is shibazakura.
Slow Travels in Japan: Hidden Sakura Gems along the JR Fukuchiyama Line
Do you enjoy “slow travelling” in Japan? Ride on the Fukuchiyama Line in western Japan, and experience the slower side of life in Japan away from bustling city life in Hyogo Prefecture.
Sakura Special: 8 Most Beautiful Places to Enjoy Cherry Blossoms in Shikoku
Discover 8 stunning sakura spots on the lesser-travelled island of Shikoku!
A Recommended Walking Route through Kanazawa’s Major Sights
Visiting Kanazawa for the first time? Here’s a recommended walking route around Kanazawa’s must-visit spots perfect for all seasons!
Sakura Special: 5 Must-See Types of Cherry Blossom Trees in Japan
Our latest intern from Rikkyo University, Asuka, is here to help you on your next step to sakura mastery by learning about the different varieties of popular cherry blossom trees in Japan!
Sakura in Hokuriku: 8 Enchanting Cherry Blossom Spots in Hokuriku
Did you know that the area of Hokuriku is home to plenty of sakura (桜) spots during springtime (late March to late April)? Include these spots in your next trip to Japan!
Shinkansen Ins-And-Outs From A Real Driver
Find out how a Shinkansen is operated from the perspectives of the drivers themselves, who explain how they get you from place to place, safely and on time. Find also where along the Tohoku Shinkansen where you can witness the coupling and decoupling process that’s unique to services operated on the line.
5 Most Beautiful and Scenic Winter Train Lines in Japan
Visiting Japan during winter? Take a look at 5 of Japan’s local train lines that offer spectacularly scenic snowy views!
JR NEWS: Ski Season Is A Go At GALA Yuzawa
2023 Ski Season information for GALA Yuzawa.
5 Must-visit Autumn Spots from Tochigi
Are you planning to visit Tochigi Prefecture (栃木県 Tochigi-ken) in Autumn, and looking for spots to fill in your itinerary? Travel Communicator Jason has five recommendations for you!
Awesome Autumn: Strolling in Minoh Falls and Katsuoji Temple in Osaka
Looking for spot for hiking in autumn? Then check out Minoh Falls in Osaka, where beautiful warm-coloured foliage and scenic natural sight await in autumn. The spot also makes for an excellent choice for a day-hike from the city of Osaka.
Awesome Autumn: Scenic Drive through the Hakusan Shirakawa-go White Road
If you are travelling in autumn, and all the more so if you are driving, the 33.3km long scenic Hakusan Shirakawa-go White Road is a place you should definitely see in all its autumnal glory.
Awesome Autumn: 5 Spots to “Fall” in Love with Mount Fuji at Kawaguchiko
Discover 5 spots around Lake Kawaguchi to enjoy the awesome autumn scenery of Mount Fuji!
YMCA Special Needs Inclusive Challenge 2023: Conquering All Odds, Reflecting on Mount Fuji
The YMCA Special Needs Inclusive Challenge team reflects on their journey to conquering heights at Mount Fuji.
Aki-citing Autumn Train Rides: 4 Magical Train Rides with Autumn Views in Japan
Trains can take you to amazing places, so here are four railway lines and train rides to enjoy fantastic fall foliage and awesome autumn colours!
Autumn Foliage Forecast 2023: 7 Leafy Spots in Japan this Fall
Autumn is about to hit 2023, so here we have a sample list of seven places in Japan, as well as their prediction dates, that we think you should visit to enjoy an extraordinary autumn koyo trip!
YMCA Special Needs Inclusive Challenge 2023: Conquering Heights Together on Mount Fuji
The YMCA Special Needs Inclusive Challenge team is finally ready to climb Mount Fuji! Altitude-induced fatigue and symptoms of acute mountain sickness tested our resilience, but eventually, they reached the breathtaking summit!
Authentic Akita: My Unforgettable Farm Stay at Sakekoshimai
Want a new way to experience the lcoal cultures of Akita Prefecture? Check out my experience at a farm stay in Odate City.
Matagi: Local Protectors of the Forest in Northeastern Japan
Learn more about the rituals and lifestyle of the Matagi, hunter-gatherers from the Tohoku region in Northeastern Japan.
Okinawa Island-Hopping Guide: Best Islands to Enjoy Summer in Japan
Okinawa is breathtaking in summer when the skies and ocean are bluest, and one of the best ways to enjoy summer in Japan is to explore the outer islands of Okinawa.
Happy Mountain Day! A Guide to Climbing Japan’s Mountains
A quick guide on what to expect when climbing a mountain in Japan and staying overnight on the trail, and what to pack for a climb.
Marine Day in Japan: Discovering Umi no Hi and Its Unique Celebrations
Marine Day, also known as “Umi no Hi” (海の日) in Japan, is a national holiday that celebrates Japan’s ocean and maritime activities. Unlike traditional festivals and holidays that are often associated with specific shrines or temples, Marine Day itself does not have dedicated shrines or religious ceremonies and is a relatively modern holiday established in 1996.
Onward To Western Tokyo On The Tokyo Adventure Line!
See a different side of Tokyo that most travellers usually don’t get to see. Check out the various natural scenery in Western Tokyo and get some information for your next trip.
Sakura Report 2023: My Sakura-hopping Journey Across Japan
From Morioka in the northern Tohoku region to Nagano in the Central Japan region, to Hiroshima in the western Chugoku region, join us on a sakura-hopping tour across Japan!
Sakura Forecast 2024: 7 Recommended Spots for Cherry Blossoms in Central & East Japan
Here are 7 of our recommended spots to view sakura trees in East Japan for 2024!
Sakura Forecast 2023: 7 Recommended Spots for Cherry Blossoms in West Japan
In our two-part Sakura Forecast series, we’ll be further elaborating on recommended spots and giving you the details on how to get to popular cherry blossom-viewing spots, starting with the locations in west Japan!
Awesome Autumn: Fantastic Foliage While Hiking along Aomori’s Oirase Keiryu
During late October to early November, Oirase Keiryu unleashes its renowned yellow autumn foliage, making it a popular spot for hiking. Come along to see the scenic sights you can expect while walking here!
Awesome Autumn: Gorgeous Autumn Scenery at Akita’s Dakigaeri Gorge
Stroll through Akita’s scenic Dakigaeri Gorge in autumn, and admire the gorgeous autumn colours!
My Autumn Getaway to Naruko Gorge
Enjoy a quick autumn getaway to Naruko Gorge, which is located in Miyagi Prefecture in the Tohoku Region. The gorge is famous for its wonderful natural sight, especially in autumn.
5 Amazing Ume Spots to View Plum Blossoms!
Ume (梅) blossoms, or plum blossoms, may not have the same international reputation as their sakura counterparts, but are certainly no less romanticised and prevalent in Japanese art and culture. If you’ll be in Japan a smidge too early to join the cherry blossom crowds then never fear, for here are five recommended places you can visit to drown in clouds of pink plum flowers instead!
Only in Ibaraki: Japan’s Highest Bungee Jump & Longest Slide
Take the longest way down in Ibaraki at Japan’s longest pedestrian suspension bridge, highest bungee jump, and longest slide.
Autumn Views from the Bottom of Doai to the Top of Tanigawa
In this 2022 Autumn Report, follow our writer Afiq as he travels from one of the lowest points of Gunma Prefecture, to one of its highest in the span of half a day!
Rail Report: Exploring Nagano’s Scenic Countryside with the Resort View Furusato
Take a ride on the Resort View Furusato and explore Nagano Prefecture’s scenic countryside and majestic mountain scenery!
Autumn Views on Dragondola, Japan’s Longest Ropeway
Take an autumn ride on Dragondola, Japan’s longest ropeway, and soak in the stunning colours along the 25-minute ride.
6 Spots for Sustainable Tourism in Niigata Prefecture
In Niigata Prefecture, people are working towards preserving traditions and nature and ensuring they get passed onto the next generations. Check out 6 spots for sustainable tourism.
Welcome Back, Tadami Line! Chasing Autumn Views on Japan’s Most Scenic Train Line
Autumn is said to be when the Tadami Line is the most scenic, so let’s check out some of the most beautiful viewpoints along this beloved line, which finally resumed operations on the entire line after almost 11 years!
Cycling the Shimanami Kaido: A Quick Taster from Imabari
Spare half a day to have a quick taster of the popular beginner-friendly cycling route Shimanami Kaido that spans across 6 islands and 6 bridges between Imabari City and Onomichi City.
Spectacular Autumn Ropeway Views: Yuzawa Kogen Ropeway and Zao Sky Cable
One of the best ways to appreciate the natural scenery around you is by ropeway. Let’s check out two ropeways with spectacular scenery especially in autumn!
Rail Report: Tasty Treats & 3 Fun Day Trips with the FruiTea Fukushima
Take a ride on the FruiTea Fukushima sightseeing train and discover 3 day trip options around Aizu-Wakamatsu you can enjoy!
Adventures of a Cat Lady: Frolicking on Cat Island Tashirojima
Attention all cat lovers! Tashirojima is a must-visit if you’re looking for a cat island around the Tohoku Region.
Shinryoku Season: Walking Through the Mystical and Magical Togakushi
Home to gorgeous natural beauty and sacred Shinto sites, Togakushi is a fantastic place to visit during the shinryoku season, when the cedar-lined paths are covered with lush greenery, and the weather is cool and pleasant.