Sakura castle parks in Japan are especially memorable during cherry blossom season, and several of the best are surprisingly easy to reach by Shinkansen. The five places in this guide are particularly useful for train travellers because you can arrive by Shinkansen and continue to the castle on foot without needing a complicated bus connection. … Read more
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
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
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
The Japan Rail Pass can make train travel around Japan much easier, but there are several rules and practical details that first-time visitors often overlook. Some of these details can save you money, while others can help you avoid common mistakes with seat reservations, train types, private railways and pass activation. Quick Answer: What Should … Read more
Not sure whether the Japan Rail Pass will save you money? Learn how to compare current JR Pass prices with individual train fares, check real itinerary examples, and decide whether a nationwide JR Pass, regional pass or separate tickets offer the best value.
The JR Kyushu Rail Pass is designed for international visitors traveling around Kyushu by train. Depending on your itinerary, you can choose a pass covering all of Kyushu or a smaller pass focused on northern or southern Kyushu. The passes cover many JR Kyushu local trains, limited express trains and Shinkansen services, making them worth … Read more
The Hokkaido Rail Pass offers unlimited travel on most JR Hokkaido trains for 5, 7 or 10 consecutive days, making it worth considering if you plan to explore several parts of Hokkaido by rail. Because Hokkaido is large and some intercity journeys are expensive, the pass can provide good value on routes combining destinations such … Read more