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.
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.
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.
Confections of a Cake-holic: Desserts Aplenty in Otaru, a Pastry Paradise
Discover tasty treats in Otaru, a paradise for cake connoisseurs and pastry pundits!
Day Trips from Tokyo: Discovering Chofu’s Temples and the World of Kitaro
Want a new place to check out in Tokyo? Consider Chofu! Know as the hometown of famous manga writer Shigeru Mizuki, it is also home to Jindaiji, one of Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temples
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.
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.
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 […]
Confections of a Cake-holic: Desserts in Hokkaido’s “Sweets Kingdom” Obihiro
Hokkaido beckons with exquisite confectionery creations, so let’s check out the tasty pastries in Obihiro, Hokkaido’s Sweets Kingdom!
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.
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.
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!
Rakuhoku, Kurama, Kibune: The Hidden Gems of Northern Kyoto
Escape from the crowds in Central Kyoto and explore the northern reaches of Rakuhoku and beyond where the enchanting valley towns of Kurama and Kibune lie, hidden amidst the ancient slopes of Mount Kurama.
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!
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!
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!
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.
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.
Kita! Biwako: A 3-Day Journey Cycling across Northern Shiga
Come and cycle around Japan’s largest lake, Lake Biwa in Shiga Prefecture, and go on an adventure exploring the northeast side of the lake!
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.
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.
8 Reasons Why People Are Buying Japanese Snacks
Despite being one of the last few countries to open up its borders to international travellers during the COVID-19 pandemic, Japan has been able to maintain its popularity as a top travel destination amongst Singaporeans and its neighbours in Southeast Asia. And with many of us visiting Japan in the recent months of 2023, one might take notice of the wide array of Japanese snacks that are usually bought back as souvenirs.
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.
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
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.
Shonai Special #2: Day Trip To Sakata
Find out what you can do in Sakata via this comprehensive day trip guide..
A Valentine’s Trip: 5 Romantic Spots to Visit with the 3-Day JR TOKYO Wide Pass
If you’re heading to Tokyo during the season of love, why not take your partner out to view some of Japan’s earliest blooms of sakura, or on a shopping spree in a premium outlet mall? With the JR TOKYO Wide Pass, here is a 3-day sample itinerary for a romantic getaway with your loved one!
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.
A Culinary Seafood Adventure in Nakaminato Fish Market
Taste Ibaraki’s freshest seafood like oysters and monkfish at Nakaminato Fish Market in Hitachinaka City. Any fresher, you’d have to catch it yourself!”
Follow Me to Mito and Oarai: A Daytrip to Ibaraki
Follow me on a day trip to Ibaraki Prefecture, as I attempt to see why it’s known as Japan’s so-called “Least Attractive Prefecture”, with the help of the 3-day JR TOKYO Wide Pass.
Beyond the Brochure: JR EAST PASS (Nagano, Niigata area)
Thanks to the extensive train and shinkansen coverage of Nagano and Niigata Prefectures, it is entirely possible for you to experience much of what they have to offer in the form of day trips from your Tokyo hotel. So, for this edition of “Beyond the Brochure”, I will cover five different locations you can access via train—one trip for each day of the 5-day pass!
Food Fun-Ventures in Eastern Japan: Part 1
What’s visiting Japan without trying all the delicious local cuisines? Here are some of the must-try when visiting Eastern Japan!
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!
“Flying” through Yamagata: Yamagata Shinkansen Celebrates 30th Anniversary
To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Yamagata Shinkansen, take a look at 5 stations along the line and what to see and eat around them!
Matsuri Museums: See Tohoku’s Summer Festivals Year-Round
Don’t worry if you can’t visit Japan during the exact dates of summer festivals, you can visit a matsuri museum, which are usually open year-round! Learn about and “experience” key elements of the actual festivals!
Hiratsuka City: 5 Must-Visit Sightseeing Spots in Kanagawa
Looking for a lesser-known getaway nearby Tokyo? Hiratsuka City is the perfect place to check out with its many beautiful sceneries surrounded with abundant nature such as the sea, mountains, and seasonal flowers.
Always Something Special in Toyama Prefecture
Looking for a unique getaway in Central Japan? Toyama Prefecture is about 2 hours from Tokyo, and offers special experiences unlike anywhere else!
Report: Visiting GRANSTA TOKYO’s New Areas in Tokyo Station
Tokyo Station is one of the city’s key transport hubs but did you know it also contain a wealth of shopping and dining opportunities, but the surrounding area also offers some of the city’s best sightseeing spots?
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.
SSAJ Stories: A Visit to Enoshima and the Beach Cleanup That Wasn’t
What happens when a beach cleanup in Enoshima goes wrong? Our friends from the Singapore Students’ Association (Japan) reckons you explore the rest of this beautiful island and coastal town!
Take a Tour of Tohoku: 7 Must-Try Activities
Discover 7 unique tours and experiences around Tohoku to make the best of your trip!
Farewell Toreiyu Tsubasa: It’s Hard to Say Goodbye…
The beloved footbath bullet train, the Toreiyu Tsubasa, will end operations on 6 March 2022. Join us on a ride on one of its last few runs, and bid farewell to this lovely train.
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!
Ue-lcome to Ueda, a Castle Town Rich in Samurai History
Thinking of visiting Ueda? Check out our list of must-visit places in this castle town filled with samurai history!
Beyond The Brochure: JR Tohoku-South Hokkaido Rail Pass
The JR Tohoku-South Hokkaido Rail Pass is catered towards those who intend to both start and end their trip in Sapporo or Tohoku’s largest city Sendai, circling around various locales in Tohoku along the way. Let’s begin our 6-day trip with the JR Tohoku-South Hokkaido Rail Pass!
Highlights from a Central & Eastern Hokkaido Self-Drive Itinerary
Hokkaido is so vast and wide, with many amazing sights, so why not go on a self-drive tour to enjoy the countryside view and take in the sights and sounds of nature?