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.
Vineyard Voyages: Grape-Harvesting and Wine-Tasting in Japan
Japan may not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking about wine, but it boasts a burgeoning wine industry with a distinct culture of grape-harvesting (vendanges) and wine-tasting. Explore the fascinating world of Japanese viticulture, highlighting the grape-harvesting season, notable wine regions, and the cultural nuances that make wine-tasting in Japan a unique experience.
穿越時光之旅:探索五個日本歷史悠久的江戶古城
在這篇文章中,我們將回到過去,造訪五個保留了江戶時代風貌的歷史古城,一起來體驗這個繁榮而和平的黃金時代。
Time Travel Through Japan: Exploring 5 Historic Edo Towns
An era of peace and prosperity, the Edo Period saw the emergence of post towns, towns that are located along major routes connecting Edo (modern day Tokyo) and key cities. Let’s travel back in time and visit five historic towns that have retained the vestiges of the Edo Period.
Hokuriku Shinkansen Extension: All 4 of Fukui’s Shinkansen Stops in a Day
In the final stretch of this series on things to do around the new Hokuriku Shinkansen stations, we head to Fukui Prefecture and check out the four stations of Awara Onsen, Fukui, Echizen-Takefu, and Tsuruga.
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!
JR News: Welcome Suica Upcoming Features For A Greater Rail Travel Experience
With tourism to Japan back in full swing, there is never a better time to plan your first or a repeat trip to Japan. JR East has recently announced a road map of news and updated services for tourists visiting Tokyo and getting around by train. These services will be of great help in planning […]
The Timeless Art of “Wa” (和): 4 Must-Visit Pottery Towns in Japan
There are as many as 50 pottery towns in Japan boasting unique styles and techniques, distinguishing them from one another and contributing to Japan’s diverse pottery heritage. Let’s explore some of the top pottery towns renowned for producing some of Japan’s esteemed cultural treasures!
Hyakumangoku Festival: Kanazawa’s Biggest Celebration
Held over three days, the Hyakumangoku Festival is a massive celebration of the history, culture, and traditions of Kanazawa and is the perfect opportunity to see them all in a short span of time!
“18×2 Beyond Youthful Days” Location Hunt With The JR EAST PASS (Nagano, Niigata area)
Find an introduction to some of the locations used in the film “18×2 Beyond Youthful Days”, and also information to get there yourself should you wish to retrace the steps of the main character.
Hokuriku Shinkansen Extension: A Foodie’s Guide around Kagaonsen Station
Here’s a foodie and shoppaholic’s guide to all things delicious and souvenir-friendly around Kagaonsen Station in Ishikawa Prefecture!
Kawabata’s World: Iconic Locations from Kawabata Yasunari’s Novels
Embark on a journey into the melancholic world of Kawabata Yasunari through the iconic locations that serve as the backdrop for his narratives, delving into the haunting beauty of his literary landscapes.
Seihakusai: Noto Peninsula’s Must-See Golden Week Festival
Come 3-5 May during Golden Week, Nanao on the Noto Peninsula in Ishikawa Prefecture transforms into a lively destination as Japan’s largest floats take to its streets in the Noto’s biggest festival, Seihakusai.
JR News: Enjoy GALA Yuzawa Snow Resort 2024 Ski Season Until 6 May 2024
Updates to the 2024 Winter season for GALA Yuzawa Snow Resort.
Hello Hokuriku: Hop on the Hanayome Noren Sightseeing Train
Hop aboard the Hanayome Noren, one of Hokuriku’s most beloved sightseeing trains, which runs between Kanazawa Station and Wakura-Onsen Station in the Noto Peninsula.
Hokuriku Shinkansen Extension: 3 Things to Do around Komatsu Station
Equip yourself with the 7-day Hokuriku Arch Pass and embark on a Hokuriku Holiday! With six newly-opened shinkansen stations between Kanazawa Station to Tsuruga Station, unlock more hidden gems by exploring the vicinity of each station. This article will introduce must-visit spots around Komatsu Station in Ishikawa.
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.
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!
Hello Hokuriku: Holiday around the Hokuriku Shinkansen Extension’s 6 New Stops
With the opening of the Hokuriku Shinkansen extension, travel to Ishikawa and Fukui is even more convenient! Check out the 6 new stations and what to see, do, and eat around them!
Travelling through Toyama: Train Rides, Tulips, Tasty Treats
Toyama makes for a very convenient side trip, with so much to see, do, and eat, and best of all, it’s just a 2-hour ride on the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo!
Exciting Escapades with the Hokuriku Shinkansen #1: Shinetsu
The Hokuriku Shinkansen has extended its route to Fukui Prefecture in March 2024, allowing travellers direct Shinkansen access from Tokyo to the prefecture. Let’s check out exciting places you can visit with the Hokuriku Shinkansen, starting with those in prefectures Nagano and Niigata!
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!
Exciting Escapades with the Hokuriku Shinkansen #2: Hokuriku
The Hokuriku Shinkansen has extended its route to Fukui Prefecture in March 2024, allowing travellers direct Shinkansen access from Tokyo to the prefecture. Let’s check out exciting places you can visit with the Hokuriku Shinkansen, starting with those in prefectures Toyama, Ishikawa, and Fukui in the Hokuriku Region!
JR News: Price Revision of Hokuriku Arch Pass, Your Rail Pass for Hokuriku
The Hokuriku Arch Pass, which enables pass holders to enjoy unlimited train rides on the Hokuriku Arch Pass between Tokyo and Tsuruga in Fukui Prefecture, will have a price revision from March 2024 onwards. Learn more about the revised prices and how you can make full use of the rail pass!
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!
SAPPHIR ODORIKO: A Sapphire Sea & First-Class Seats to Izu
Take a trip on the SAPHIR ODORIKO in its Premium Green Car, and see sparkling sapphire seas on your journey to the Izu Peninsula!
Freshness Explosion! The Best Places to get Japanese Seafood Ocean-to-table
If you’re keen on making the jump from sushi fan to aficionado, and want to travel the land in search of Japanese seafood so fresh it might as well have leaped from the ocean right onto your plate—then this article is for you!
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!
See Shimoda, Izu by Rail: Hot Springs, Seasonal Blooms & More (Part 2)
A trip from Tokyo to Izu’s city of Shimoda might be just the right distance for railway lovers, be it aboard the regular JR Odoriko Limited Express train or the stylishly luxurious SAPHIR ODORIKO, with the two and a half hour journey providing just enough time to enjoy the scenic views of Japan’s countryside, and maybe a bite to eat.
See Shimoda, Izu by Rail: Hot Springs, Seasonal Blooms & More (Part 1)
Make the planning process easy for your next cherry blossom trip to Japan. Hop on the JR East sightseeing Limited Express SAPHIR ODORIKO and come along on this trip to the end of the Izu Peninsula for seasonal blooms, hot springs and local delicacies!
JR NEWS: Ski Season Is A Go At GALA Yuzawa
2023 Ski Season information for GALA Yuzawa.
5 Ways to Enjoy Winter Trips from Tokyo with a JR EAST PASS
Winter is a beautiful time to visit Eastern Japan! Here are 4 ways to enjoy winter trips from Tokyo with the JR EAST PASS!
Your Travel Guide To The Revised JR East Rail Passes
With the revision of JR EAST PASS prices in October 2023, find out how you can extract value from the passes with suggestions of a few places to visit in the respective areas coverd.
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!
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!
5 Exciting Fireworks Festivals in East Japan to Catch This Summer
East Japan, where major cities like Tokyo, Sendai, Nagano, and Yokohama are located, is home to many exciting displays of fireworks, many of which have been held and celebrated for decades (if not, centuries!).
JR News: Price Revision of JR East Rail Passes for Foreign Visitors (2023)
With effect from 1 October 2023, JR East will revise the prices of various rail passes for foreign visitors to Japan in accordance with the increasing inbound travel needs.
“EKITAG”: Digital Station Stamp App for Your Next Railway Travel to Japan!
Say hello to EKITAG, the new digital station stamp app. You can use this to collect digital version of station stamps at selected train station in Nagano, so feel free to use it on your next railway trip to the prefecture!
Fireworks & Matsuri: A Guide to Japan’s Top Summer Festivals
Summer is here in Japan! From July to August, get ready to enjoy rich culture and customs, vibrant dance and music, and spectacular fireworks shows at Japan’s many summer festivals.
Shinkansense 101: Updates to the luggage rules onboard Japan’s bullet trains (May 2023)
Riding the shinkansen between Japan’s major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka with luggages? There’s a new luggage reservation service in town.
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!
Nagano Side Trips: Exploring the Best of Bessho Onsen
Ride a local railway line from Nagano and take a side trip to Bessho Onsen, the Kamakura of Shinshu! Explore temples, delicious mushrooms, hot springs, and more!
Exploring Nagano’s Hakuba Iwatake Mountain Resort & Karuizawa
Have you visited Karuizawa and Hakuba Iwatake Mountain Resort in Nagano before? Both are popular snow resorts especially in winter, but they offer something special for other seasons as well!
Exploring around Mount Fuji with the Fuji Excursion
Have you ridden the Fuji Excursion? The train service travels directly from Shinjuku Staton to Kawaguchiko Station, where you can visit areas around the famous Mount Fuji. What’s more, you can ride it as many times as you want if you have the JR TOKYO Wide Pass!