Three days in Kyoto works best when you stop treating the city as a checklist. Choose one main area each day, use trains for the longer journeys, and leave enough time for the walk after you leave the station. A short rail ride does not necessarily mean a short sightseeing day. This Kyoto itinerary groups … Read more
The most useful way to compare scenic train rides in Japan is to start with your itinerary, not a ranking. A short river-valley excursion near Kyoto and a five-hour coastal journey in northern Honshu can both be memorable, but they ask very different things of your trip. This guide compares five rides by departure area, … Read more
Traveling from Osaka to Hiroshima by train is fast and straightforward thanks to the Sanyo Shinkansen. Direct Shinkansen trains run from Shin-Osaka Station to Hiroshima Station, with the fastest services completing the journey in around 1 hour 20 minutes. For most travelers, the main choice is between Nozomi, Mizuho and Sakura. All three can take … Read more
Looking for the best ekiben in Japan? One of the highlights of travelling by train is enjoying these regional boxed meals made especially for railway journeys. Ekiben are sold at major stations, inside station shopping areas, and sometimes on station platforms. Many feature local ingredients and regional specialties, so they are more than just a … Read more
Miyajima may be best known for Itsukushima Shrine and its famous floating torii gate, but food is another big part of the experience. The island has several specialties that are well worth planning into your visit rather than simply grabbing whatever is convenient. The three foods I would prioritize are anago-meshi, Hiroshima oysters, and momiji … Read more
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