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.
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.
Down Memory Lane: Diary of a Packaging Collector’s Travels Across Japan
Do you like collecting items from Japan? They include station stamps, train tickets, and even milk cartons, and each bring an invaluable sentimental value for the collector while travelling around Japan.
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.
Discover Northern Tohoku’s “Hinabi-utiful” Countryside by Train with Hinabi
Say hello to the Hinabi, a Joyful Train that showcases the beauty of Iwate and Aomori’s countryside. The train runs on parts of the Tohoku Main Line, the Kamaishi Line, the Yamada Line, parts of the Aoimori Railway Line, and the Ōminato Line.
Unlock Sendai With Our Guide To Must-See Places!
Explore Sendai with the Unlock SENDAI campaign and find out what locations you can visit to make your trip to Tohoku a busy one.
Slow Travels in Japan: Visiting the Land of Gods on the JR San’in Line
Have you travelled on the San’in Line before? The route traverses parts of Kansai and Chugoku, and offers passengers the experience of “slow travelling” to appreciate time away from the bustling city life.
Duties Of A Conductor And An Introduction To A Shinkansen’s Facilities
See what a conductor does on a Shinkansen, and get to understand the facilities onboard to make your journey a smooth one.
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 […]
“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.
Riding Japan’s Cutest Cat Train to Meet the Station Meowster
Hop on Wakayama Electric Railway’s cute Tama Train and head over to Kishi Station, where you can meet the adorable cat station master, Yontama.
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!
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.
JR News: Say Hello to the New E8 Series Yamagata Shinkansen
Say hello to the E8 Series, JR East’s latest addition to the Shinkansen rolling stock. It made its debut in March 2024, and runs on the Yamagata Shinkansen.
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.
Shikoku Rail Tales #3: Iyonada Monogatari and Discovering Special Stations
In Part 3 of this series, we take a ride on the Iyonada Monogatari sightseeing train and explore unique stations along the ride!
Slow Travels in Japan: Ruminating About Life on the JR Hachinohe Line
Have you travelled on the Hachinohe Line before? The scenic coastal route offers an amazing view of the Pacific Ocean, and travellers can experience “slow travelling” in the countryside by riding this train and exploring the areas around it.
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
Shikoku Rail Tales #2: Shikoku Tosa Toki No Yoake No Monogatari & Exploring Kochi
In Part 2 of this series, we explore Kochi and take a ride on the Toki No Yoake No Monogatari sightseeing train!
Day Trips from Sendai: Oysters, Sea Breeze, and Serenity in Matsushima
Include Matsushima in your next itinerary to Japan! With its main sightseeing area easily accessible via a short walk from the station, it was easy to discover many of Matsushima’s treasures and delicious gourmet.
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.
Welcome to Omiya Station, the Gateway to Saitama!
Have you visited Omiya Station and the areas around it? The train station is where all JR East’s Shinkansen trains will pass through, but few would get off and explore it, where many pleasant surprises await!
Shikoku Rail Tales #1: Shikoku Mannaka Sennen Monogatari & Exploring Oboke Gorge
In Part 1 of this series, we take a ride on the Sennen Monogatari sightseeing train and explore Tokushima’s Oboke Gorge and Iya Valley!
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.
A Winter Railway Adventure Around Southern Hokkaido & Northern Tohoku
The guide to winter travel around the southern portion of Hokkaido as well as northern Tohoku, that can be experienced by rail.
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!
Incredible Ibaraki #2: Anime Tourism In Oarai Via Mito And Enjoy A Local Festival!
Nestled in the heart of Ibaraki Prefecture, Mito is a city that boasts a rich cultural heritage and natural beauty that will captivate any traveller. With its stunning parks, historic sites, and vibrant local culture, Mito is a must-visit destination for those looking to explore the hidden gems of Japan. If you are also a […]
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.
Incredible Ibaraki #1: Exciting Railway Updates & Cycling Around Ibaraki!
Get to know more about Ibaraki, a prefecture north of Tokyo, through cycling. Find out new changes to train stations within Ibaraki as well.
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!
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!
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!
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.
JR News: “Thank You, FruiTea Fukushima!” Project to Run until December 2023
Note: FruiTea Fukushima permanently ceased operations from December 2023. Last year, JR East announced that it was time to bid adieu to everyone’s favourite cafe-themed sightseeing train: FruiTea Fukushima (フルーティアふくしま). After eight and a half years since its debut in April 2015 running along the Ban-etsu West Line, the popular Joyful Train will retire in […]
Awesome Aomori: Special Announcements From Tohoku’s Northernmost Prefecture!
Find out what you can travel to in Aomori on the Konan Railways Konan Line as well as information on how you can get there to start your exploration of the northernmost prefecture on Honshu Island in Japan
Shonai Special #2: Day Trip To Sakata
Find out what you can do in Sakata via this comprehensive day trip guide..
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!