Takkyubin Luggage Forwarding in Japan: A Practical Guide for Train Travelers

Luggage forwarding in Japan can make train travel much easier by letting you send large suitcases ahead instead of carrying them through stations, local trains and multiple transfers. One of the best solutions is Japan’s luggage-forwarding system. Instead of taking every suitcase with you, you can send your main luggage ahead and travel by train … Read more

Traveling Japan by Train With Large Luggage and Kids

Traveling Japan by train with large luggage is completely manageable, but families benefit from planning ahead, especially when traveling with children, strollers and several bags. The difficulty is rarely getting a suitcase onto a train. It is managing children, strollers, elevators, ticket gates, station transfers and several bags at the same time. Quick Answer: Can … Read more

Japan Train Seat Reservations for Families: How to Sit Together

Shinkansen Seats

Japan train seat reservations for families are usually straightforward, but planning ahead becomes more important when you want several seats together, are traveling with young children, or are visiting during a busy holiday period. On many Shinkansen and Limited Express trains, you can reserve specific seats in advance. For families, this can remove a lot … Read more

How Kids Ages 0–5 Ride Free on JR Trains: JR Pass Rules for Families

Kids ride free on JR trains in many common situations, making Japan rail travel especially family-friendly for children ages 0–5.. However, “free” does not mean that every child under 6 automatically receives their own seat. The rules depend on the child’s age, how many young children are traveling with each fare-paying passenger and whether the … Read more

Complete Guide to Traveling Japan by Train With Kids

Traveling around Japan by train with children is easier than many families expect. Shinkansen are spacious and reliable, major stations have useful family facilities, and Japan’s rail network makes it possible to travel between cities without renting a car. However, family train travel becomes much easier when you understand a few important rules in advance … Read more

Welcome Suica Mobile Guide: How to Set Up & Use Suica on iPhone

Welcome Suica Mobile is JR East’s iPhone app for international visitors who want to use Suica without buying a physical card after arriving in Japan. It lets you issue a Suica on a compatible iPhone or Apple Watch, add money through Apple Pay, and use it for participating trains, buses, convenience stores, vending machines and … Read more

Worst Time to Visit Japan: Crowds, Weather & Peak Travel Periods

Japan is a rewarding destination at almost any time of year, but some travel periods are much more challenging than others. Major Japanese holidays can mean crowded Shinkansen, expensive hotels and fully booked attractions, while summer heat, rainy season and typhoons can make sightseeing less comfortable or disrupt travel plans. The “worst” time to visit … Read more

Types of JR Trains in Japan: Shinkansen, Limited Express, Rapid & Local

There are several different types of JR trains in Japan, ranging from high-speed Shinkansen services to Limited Express, Rapid and Local trains. Understanding the difference between them makes it much easier to read timetables, plan connections and know when a reserved seat or extra express charge may apply. Quick Answer: What Are the Main Types … Read more

How JR Pass Holders Can Reserve Shinkansen Seats Online

shinkansen seats

One of the most useful features of the Japan Rail Pass is the ability to reserve seats on eligible Shinkansen and limited express trains without paying the normal reserved-seat charge each time. But whether you can make those reservations online before arriving in Japan depends on how you purchased your nationwide JR Pass. Quick Answer: … Read more