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.
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!
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 […]
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!
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!
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 #1: Day Trip To Mount Haguro & Tsuruoka
Look up for information on Mount Haguro and Tsuruoka in Niigata Prefecture, as you plan a trip to Niigata.
Food Fun-Ventures in Eastern Japan: Part 3
Last autumn, I was given the opportunity to embark on a whirlwind tour of the Tohoku Region (東北地方) and feast on its many delicacies along the way. Join me as I recount the many meals I had along the way as I travelled together with my colleague Carissa to nearly every prefecture to see what makes the food of Eastern Japan so much fun!
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!
Let’s Go to Kawagoe, the “Little Edo” near Tokyo
Make a day trip to Kawagoe, the “Little Kawagoe” located near Tokyo! The city still retains the olden charms of the Edo Era, with many preserved historical buildings and quaint structures that people today can appreciate.
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.
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!
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!
Nagano Side Trips: 3 Chestnut Foods to Feast on at Obuse
Ride a local railway line from Nagano and take a side trip to Obuse, a town famous for its chestnuts. Find out more about 3 delicious, must-try chestnut foods!
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.
A “walk”-through to exploring Niigata on foot
Welcome to Niigata, the capital city of Niigata that is a wonder to explore on foot! Take a walk from Niigata Station to the Bandai Bridge, Toki Messe, Furumachi district, and Hakusan Shrine, all in one day trip.
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!
Welcome Back, Tadami Line! I Rode the Entire Tadami Line, You Should Try it Too
Welcome back Tadami Line! After almost 11 years, the entire line has fully resumed operations, so let’s go on a trip along the entire line from Aizu-Wakamatsu Station to Koide Station!
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!
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: An Electrifying Ride on the POKÉMON with YOU Train
If you consider yourself a fan of Pokémon, then there is one Joyful Train in Tohoku that you absolutely HAVE to ride: the POKÉMON with YOU Train! Check out this Rail Report as we take a ride on it from Ichinoseki to Geibikei Station!
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!
Apple of My Eye: Aomori’s Amazing Apple Treats
Did you know that Aomori Prefecture produces close to 60% of the country’s apples? Here are my top recommendations for apple desserts, snacks, and drinks for your next visit to Aomori!
Hiking an Abandoned Railway: Abt Road and the Usui Pass
Follow us on a walk along the Abt Road, a 6km-long nature trail following the abandoned Abt-system railway of the Former Usui Line spanning from Yokokawa to Kumanotaira!
A Day Trip to Obuse, Nagano Prefecture’s Chestnut Town
If you love chestnuts, then you don’t want to miss Obuse, a town in Nagano that is famous for its chestnut production.
Joyful Train in Autumn 2021 #4: SL Banetsu Monogatari
Join Jak and Emmie as they discover the joys of riding the SL Banetsu Monogatari, and explore the wonders of autumn!
Joyful Train in Autumn 2021 #3: HIGH RAIL 1375
Join Jak and Emmie as they discover the joys of riding the HIGH RAIL 1375, and explore the wonders of autumn!
Beauti-Fall Shinetsu Part 2: Niigata’s Unbe-leaf-able Fall Foliage
Awesome autumn foliage awaits in Niigata Prefecture! From the deep red maple leaves at Yahiko Maple Valley, to the golden trees at Bijinbayashi, there’s so much unbe-leaf-able scenery to enjoy!
Joyful Train in Autumn 2021 #2: Koshino Shu*Kura
Join Jak and Emmie as they discover the joys of riding the Koshino Shu*Kura, and explore the wonders of autumn!
Awesome Autumn: 4 Spots to Enjoy Hokkaido’s Awe-tumn Colours
Discover 4 spots to enjoy the splendid autumn colours of Hokkaido, all easily accessible by train!
Beauti-Fall Shinetsu Part 1: Nagano’s Awesome Autumn Scenery
Awesome autumn foliage awaits in Nagano Prefecture! From the colourful mountains at Hakuba, to the golden larch trees at Kamikochi, there’s so much fantastic scenery to enjoy!
Joyful Train in Autumn 2021 #1: KAIRI
Join Jak and Emmie as they discover the joys of riding the KAIRI, and explore the wonders of autumn!
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.
Scrumptious September: Delicious Foods to Enjoy from the Harvest Season
Do you know that the harvest season is the best time to enjoy locally grown foods in Japan? Check out all the best harvests in Eastern Japan, from the most delicious apples in Aomori to the best chestnuts in Ibaraki.
Beyond The Brochure: A Trip for Every Season with the JR TOKYO Wide Pass
Need a daytrip idea out of Tokyo CIty? Check out our 4 recommendations using the JR TOKYO Wide Pass, one for each season of the year!
#MyJALtrip: Autumn & Winter Japan Trip Tips by Japan Airlines Cabin Attendants
See Japan in autumn and winter through the eyes of Japan Airlines cabin attendants!
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.
Tohoku Autumn Trip: Soak in the Autumn Hues at Aizu, Fukushima
The Aizu region in Fukushima is filled with beautiful natural scenery, especially in autumn. On this trip, we visited the Tadami Line, Ouchijuku, Tsuruga Castle, and more!
Tohoku Autumn Trip: Beauti-fall Nature Meets Exquisite Culture in Akita
Akita may be well-known for its Akita dogs, but it also a lot of beautiful autumn-viewing spots, such as Dakigaeri Gorge and Kakunodate, a samurai district that is always beautiful regardless of the season.
Tohoku Autumn Trip: Hunting for Autumn Foliage in Yamagata
Yamagata is filled with culture and history, as well as beautiful nature. Join us as we visit Yamadera, Mount Haguro, and various sites around Tsuruoka and Sakata.
4 Autumn Desserts around Ikebukuro Station in Tokyo
Discover these seasonal delights that will only be available in Autumn, around Ikebukuro Station. From simplistic cafes to a cafe that is located within the temple grounds, you will be spoilt for choices on where to go for your next dessert!
3 Ways to Spend a Perfect Day in Iiyama City
A cycling tour, apple-picking, shrine-hopping, these are just some of the things you can do to enjoy a day at Iiyama City, just north of Nagano City!
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!
A Fulfilling Autumn around Naruko Onsen
Enjoy a fulfilling autumn around Naruko Gorge, one of Miyagi Prefecture’s most scenic sites!