Postcards from Japan: Crossing Prefectures, One Gotochi at a Time
Do you know what “gotochi” form cards are? They are special die-cut regional cards designed and released by the Japanese Postal System, and they have become valuable items for collectors!
Sake 101: 6 Types of Sake and Ways to Indulge in the Goodness of Sake
Embark on a journey of discovery, enrichment, and sensory delight through the world of Japanese sake, and celebrate the timeless allure of this beloved beverage. Kanpai!
Beyond Blossoms: 5 Must-Do Spring Activities in Japan
As winter’s chill gives way to the gentle embrace of spring, Japan bursts into a kaleidoscope of colour and activity.
Navigating Japan 101: 11 Travel Tips and Hacks for Your Next Japan Trip
Check out 11 travel tips and hacks to prepare you for navigating around Japan’s metropolitans, to help you save on both time and unneeded stress!
Beyond Blossoms: 9 Spring Festivals in Japan to Leap into This 2024
If you’re planning to visit Japan in spring time between March, April, and May, here are nine spring festivals to check out in every region!
Seafood 101: 10 Types of Japanese Sashimi & Sushi Toppings
To prepare you for your next seafood adventure in Japan, in this article we will introduce 10 must-try raw seafood, which are delicious not just in sashimi, but as rice bowl and sushi toppings as well!
The Art of Communal Bathing: A Beginner’s Guide to Japan’s Onsen and Sento
Communal bathing is an activity ingrained in Japanese culture. Here are some popular onsen and sento spots to explore during Japan this winter, as well as basic etiquettes to take note of!
Eating Ehomaki Roll and Catching Lucky Beans on Setsubun
As part of Japan’s bean throwing festival, Setsubun is observed on 2, 3, 4 February to mark the transition from winter to spring. Rituals such as eating ehomaki and lucky beans are practiced during this day.
The World of Tetsuin: Collecting Stamps on Local Railway Lines
Have you heard of tetsuin? Go on a journey around Japan’s local lines to collect special train stamps in an exclusive, special book!
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!
What Your Favorite Japanese Summer Festival Food Says About You
During the hot months of July and August, summer festivals (夏祭り natsu matsuri) are held all around Japan where celebrations take shape in the form of mesmerising dances (Awa Odori, Hanagasa Festival), impressive decorations (Nebuta Festival, Tanabata Festival), and spectacular fireworks (Sumida River Fireworks Festival, Nagaoka Fireworks Festival).
Fruit-Tastic Japan: 8 of Japan’s Bountiful & Juicy Treasures
Prepare to be delighted as we embark on a juicy adventure through the world of Japanese fruits! From the succulent peaches to the luxurious cantaloupes, these fruits are a feast for the senses.
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.
Summer’s Ultimate Delight: Hiyashi Chuka, Cold Noodle Bliss!
Did you know that Japan has a quintessential must-try summer dish? It’s the Hiyashi Chuka, the perfect choice for beating the summer heat while indulging in a delicious and satisfying meal.
Golden Week in Japan (29 April to 5 May)
The next exciting holiday that many living in Japan would look forward to is Golden Week! Find out what are some of the best way to enjoy this long holiday!
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!
JR East Launches JAPAN RAIL CLUB for the Avid Japan Traveller
East Japan Railway Company (JR East) has launched a new membership service called JAPAN RAIL CLUB. In a bid to revitalise inbound tourism, this community-based membership service aims to connect fans with the locals in Japan while discovering various regional attractions.
Matsuri Mania: Celebrating Japan’s Hottest Traditional Festivals
With so many different matsuri held in Japan every year, each varies based on the size and occasion—some having been around for centuries and some that are modern. Here are four to visit, one from each genre of festivals!
Matsuri Treats: Soul Foods of a Japanese Summer
Summer is the season for summer festivals, fireworks, and delicious food!
Omiyage 101: Japan’s Culture of Gift Giving
What makes a good souvenir or omiyage from Japan? Here is a guide to buying omiyage from Japan.
Ultimate 7-Day Japan Rail Pass Itinerary for Railway Fans
Are you a railway enthusiast? In this article we introduce an itinerary for the ultimate train trip around Japan for railway fans, using the 7-day Nationwide Japan Rail Pass!
Hanami Bento: Sakura-Themed Food to Enjoy During Spring
Elevate your sakura viewing experience in Spring with this selected of sakura-themed food!
Hanami Manners and What to Bring
Celebrate the beauty of the cherry blossoms in spring by enjoying hanami, a traditional practice in which people enjoy picnics and drinks under the beautiful blooming flowers.
Have a Sweet Hanami: 7 Must-Try Sakura-Flavoured Wagashi
Can’t decide what desserts to pair with your sakura-viewing picnic? Check out our list of 7 must-try sakura-flavoured Japanese confectionery to enjoy at your next hanami party!
What’cha Drinking Today? Types of Teas and Production Areas
A helpful breakdown of the different types of green teas and tea-growing areas in Japan.
What’cha Drinking Today? History, Health Benefits, and Ways to Pair Green Tea
A little dose of history, a big dose of healthiness, and some great ways to pair green tea.
Mochi, a Winter Japanese Delicacy
Discover the versatility of mochi, a winter delight, consumed daily as a staple in Japan while being used in almost every dish, including desserts!
RAILCROSS: Receive a Box of Goodies with JR-EAST’s New Cross-Border Venture
Want to enjoy exclusive Japanese snacks at home? Subscribe to JAPAN RAIL CLUB!
Discovering Train Lines in Japan with the Best Scenery
Do you want to know where to find the most scenic train lines in Japan? From Hokkaido to Kyushu, these lines take you on an unforgettable journey that will showcase different sides of Japan that you could never imagined.
JR News: 4 of Japan’s Shinkansen Extension Plans
Check out 4 of Japan’s shinkansen extension plans and take a peek at what the future has in store for rail travellers!
Beyond The Brochure: The Beginner’s Guide to the Japan Rail Pass
Want to purchase a Japan Rail Pass, but no idea how to use it or where to start? With the right amount of planning and prudent management of your time spent travelling, you’ll be able to save money like a pro!
All Aboard! Discovering Japan’s Steam Locomotive Trains
Have you ever ridden a steam locomotive (SL) train before? It is a remnant of history in a time when trains were operated by steam, and there are only a few that are still running in Japan.
All Aboard for the Return of The Japan Rail Fair (2021)!
The Japan Rail Fair is back for another virtual trip to Japan! Hosted by JAPAN RAIL CAFE, TJRF promises an exhilarating ride of free and ticketed live programmes over three days (16-17 and 23 October 2021) that will span prefectures such as Akita, Kagoshima, Kanagawa, Aomori, Tokyo, Fukushima, and Wakayama, all by rail.
The Allure of Japan’s Railway Travel
When visiting Japan, the best method of travelling is without a doubt by railway. Discover the charms and allure of railway travel!
FamilyMart’s Convenience Wear: Bringing “Konbini Fashion” to a New Level
Check out “Convenience Wear”, FamilyMart’s latest wearable collection, ranging from socks to imabari hand towels to boxer briefs!
10 Types of Railway Enthusiasts: Which Are You?
Delve into just 10 types of railway enthusiasts, and find out what makes railways attractive and exciting to them. Which type(s) are you?
What’cha Drinking Today? Green Tea, the Icon of Japanese Drinks
Discover more about the history of Japan’s green tea drinking culture, as well as some of the health benefits of drinking green tea.
It’s 2021! JR Hotel Members Campaign Returns (21 January–21 March)
With the convenience that each JR Hotel has to offer, and the perks that comes with this free membership offered by JR East Hotels, there’s really no downsides in participating in this JR Hotels Membership Campaign!
9 Must-Visit Hiking Trails in Japan (That Aren’t Mount Fuji)
When one imagines hiking in Japan, oftentimes Mount Fuji is the first trail which comes to mind. There is so much more to hiking in Japan than just climbing the iconic mountain! Here are nine exciting hikes to explore in Japan, with one from every region.
Why I Travel by Rail: The Sights, Sounds, and Tastes (Part 2)
Why is rail travel such an enticing means of transport in Japan? Let’s continue exploring 7 reasons why rail travel is so appealing!
Why I Travel by Rail: The Sights, Sounds, and Tastes (Part 1)
Thanks to Japan’s extensive and well-maintained rail network, as well as a myriad of passes offered to travellers both local and foreign, rail travel is one of the main ways tourists travel around the country. Let’s explore a few reasons why rail travel is so appealing!
Going Retro: Discover Japan’s Historical Train Stations
Let’s go back in time and check out “retro” train stations that are steeped with history and tradition.
Exploring the History and Variety of Japan’s Ekiben
Have you tried Japan’s ekiben before? Check out the different types of ekiben available in the country, and where you can get them.
The Japan Rail Fair (2020): Taking a Virtual Trip to Japan, for Real
Can’t wait to visit Japan? While borders are still closed, here is an exciting virtual travel fair for all fans to Japan: The Japan Rail Fair 2020 by JAPAN RAIL CAFE Singapore.
Railway Day Special #2: Exploring Japan’s Unique Train Stations
Want to know Japan’s prominent train stations? Check out some of the country’s special train stations, from the northernmost to the southernmost train stations, to the ones with stunning scenery.
Railway Day Special #1: Understanding Japan’s World-Class Railways
Ever wondered how Japan’s trains and railways came to be? Let’s take a journey back in time and see how trains in Japan developed to become among the best in the world.
Happy Railway Day! 3 Fun Facts About Japan’s Railways
In commemoration of Railway Day (14 October) in Japan, here are three fun facts about Japan’s railways.
Japan’s Autumn Harvest Delights: 3 Seasonal Flavours to Savour
Visiting Japan in autumn? Here are three flavours you need to savour!
Plum-of-a-Kind: What Flavour of Temari Umeshu Are You? (Personality Quiz)
Umeshu, or plum wine, is a type of fruit liqueur made from young plums harvested in June, steeped in shochu (焼酎) and sugar. With an alcohol content of between 10–15%, umeshu is generally sweet, sour, and easy to drink, making it a popular drink among the ladies.
JR News: JR Group Awaits Your Next Visit to Japan
The six Japan Railways Group companies created a video to promote train travel, featuring beautiful scenery from all over Japan.