Josh 
Kyoto is beautiful throughout the year, but autumn transforms the city into one of Japan’s most spectacular destinations. There are many unforgettable places to visit in Kyoto in fall, from temple gardens and wooded hillsides to historic streets surrounded by brilliant shades of red, orange, and gold. Kyoto’s fall colors usually arrive later than those … Read more
Autumn is one of the best times to explore Japan by train, and there are many unforgettable places to visit in Japan in fall. From temple gardens glowing red and gold to mountain valleys framed by colorful forests, many of Japan’s most beautiful autumn destinations are easy to reach using the rail network. The timing … Read more
Narita Airport to Tokyo is usually associated with trains, but one of the cheapest and easiest options is actually a bus. When it comes to travelling from Narita Airport to central Tokyo, most visitors immediately think of the Narita Express or Keisei Skyliner. Both are excellent, but there is another option that can be much … Read more
Yokohama Minato Mirai is one of the easiest waterfront escapes from Tokyo. Modern architecture, harbour views, shopping, museums, family attractions, and illuminated city scenery are packed into a compact area that is easy to explore largely on foot. Yokohama is less than 30 minutes from central Tokyo by train, making Minato Mirai practical as either … Read more
UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Japan include ancient temples, castles, sacred mountains, historic villages, memorials, pilgrimage routes and extraordinary natural landscapes. Many are also surprisingly easy to include in a train-based Japan itinerary. As of 2026, Japan has 27 properties on the UNESCO World Heritage List: 22 cultural properties and 5 natural properties. The newest … Read more
The Saphir Odoriko is one of Japan’s most stylish limited express trains, connecting Tokyo and Yokohama with the hot-spring resorts and coastal scenery of the Izu Peninsula. Its deep sapphire-blue exterior reflects the sea and sky of Izu, while the interior is designed around a noticeably more premium travel experience than an ordinary limited express … Read more
Tokyo is one of the best cities in Japan for casual food exploration. Beyond sushi restaurants and ramen shops, you’ll find market stalls, shopping streets, festival-style snacks, traditional sweets, grilled seafood, croquettes, yakitori, and countless grab-and-go specialties across the city. The best part for train travellers is that many of Tokyo’s strongest food areas are … Read more
The best sakura spots in Tokyo are surprisingly easy to reach by train, with many famous cherry blossom locations just a short walk from major JR or subway stations. Some of the capital’s best-known sakura spots are only a few minutes on foot from major JR or subway stations, so you can visit several beautiful … Read more
The best places to visit in Japan in winter combine snowy scenery, hot springs, seasonal food, winter festivals, and easy rail access. Snow-covered landscapes, hot springs, seasonal food, winter festivals, and quieter sightseeing can make the colder months feel completely different from the busy spring and autumn seasons. The challenge is choosing destinations that are … Read more
Many of the most visited tourist destinations in Japan are easy to explore by train. From Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka to historic castle towns, mountain destinations, hot-spring resorts and coastal escapes, Japan’s most popular places are connected by an excellent rail network. This guide brings together 20 of Japan’s most popular train-accessible destinations and explains … Read more