All our articles on train travel in Japan

Plan your trip

Mixed onsen in Japan

Onsen (natural hot springs) are a veritable institution in Japan, symbolizing relaxation, culture and communion with nature.

To Know

Where to see the work of Kengo Kuma in Japan

Discover the achievements of Kengo Kuma, one of the major contemporary artists in Japan.

Cover

Discounts for the Japan Rail Pass: Can you buy the JR Pass at a more affordable price?

The JR Pass offers a medley of benefits when traveling to Japan, including cost-savings, convenience, flexibility, and wide-ranging coverage.

Family travel Japan

The JR Pass for families: Enjoy traveling around Japan together!

The JR Pass is a great option for many travelers to Japan, but it offers some great perks that are especially beneficial to families visiting the country!

Shibuya Station

What are some alternatives to the Japan Rail Pass? 5 other options for traveling around Japan

The National Japan Rail Pass is a staple of transportation for visitors to Japan, but it may not always be the best option for everyone!

How much is the Japan Rail Pass? Current JR Pass pricing for travelers!

Take a look at current pricing for the Japan Rail Pass, a great travel option for visitors to Japan!

The Japan Rail Pass vs. the SUICA Card—the perfect combination when traveling in Japan!

Many wonder if the Japan Rail Pass or an IC Card like the SUICA are better options when traveling Japan.

A day trip to Koyasan, a pillar of Japan’s spiritual history and culture!

Koyasan, or Mount Koya, is a destination in Japan that seems like it is out of a movie, with long-storied structures that are central to the Shingon sect of Buddhism, heavily associated with Japan'

Our top 10 Love Hotels in Japan

Love hotels, or "rabu hoteru", are hotels offering rooms that can be booked for a few hours or for the night.

Travel by Train

Marunouchi Exit at Tokyo Station

A Guide to the Main Train Stations in Tokyo

Tokyo has one of the most developed train systems in the world, and its train stations also follow suit.

Shinkansen bullet train in Japan

Book a private car on the Shinkansen bullet train!

The Shinkansen bullet train is already a premier form of rail travel, but with the option to reserve a private car for you and your travel party, the next time you take a ride can be one to remembe

Nara

How to get from Kyoto to Nara

Discover how to go from Kyoto to Nara and its famous temples from Kyoto.

Itsukushima, Miyajima

How to get from Hiroshima to Miyajima

Easily reached in about 40 minutes from Hiroshima with a Japan Rail Pass, Miyajima is a treasure of an island only 2 km (1 ¼ miles) off the mainland in the Seto Inland Sea.

Fuji Shinkansen

How fast does the Japanese Shinkansen bullet train go?

Given the name, one would expect the Shinkansen bullet train in Japan to zip across the country at high speeds, and that would be correct!

Maglev train on the Chuo Shinkansen Line, Japan

How Japan’s Trains are Always on Time: The Keys to Japan's Public Transportation

Known for their efficiency and punctuality, Japan's train system is as much an attraction for visitors as it is a staple of everyday life for residents.

japan rail pass ticket jr pass machine train

Where to buy your JR Pass? What is the official Japan Rail Pass website?

When looking to buy the JR Pass online, you may be faced with several options, and may ask yourself where is the best place to purchase your Japan Rail Pass.

JR Tadami Line in autumn, Fukushima Prefecture

5 off-the-beaten-path destinations to go to with the Japan Rail Pass

The JR Pass is a great choice for getting around Japan, both its most well-known destiations and hidden gems alike!