Blog Posts
How To Purchase Shinkansen Tickets From Ticket Machines In Japan
- Transportation , Plan your trip
- 07 Apr, 2025
Here's what you need to know about purchasing Shinkansen tickets from automated machines using a credit card. ![Shinkansen tickets can be purchased from automatic vending machines using an internatio
Read MoreJapan Rail Pass How To Make The Most Of It
- Transportation
- 07 Apr, 2025
The Japan Rail Pass (JRP) can save you a LOT of money in Japan, but it takes some planning to make the most of it. Here is our full guide to buying, using and getting the best value from a Japan Rail
Read MoreJapan Rail Pass Is It Worth It
- Transportation , First time in japan
- 07 Apr, 2025
Prices of the Japan Rail Pass increased by about 70% on October 1, 2023. With this price rise, the Japan Rail Pass will not save most travelers money and you'll do better with individual tickets. Here
Read MoreJapans Special Trains
- Transportation
- 07 Apr, 2025
Enjoy a luxury train journey with magnificent views on one of Japan's special trains. Here is our list of Japan's most memorable train journeys with links to all the details about each one. [![Fuji E
Read MoreJR 36 3 Train Guide And Map
- Transportation
- 07 Apr, 2025
This luxury train in Kyushu has some of the most sumptuous cars and private compartments of any train in Japan. ![36 + 3 by the sea copyright Rail Man Photo Office](https://photos.smugmug.com/Kyoto/J
Read MoreJR East Resort Shirakami Train Guide And Map
- Transportation
- 07 Apr, 2025
The Resort Shirakami runs along the stunning coastal route between Akita and Aomori at the northern tip of Japan's main island of Honshu. ![Resort Shirakami en route copyright JR East Photo](https://
Read MoreJR Fuji Excursion Train Guide And Map
- Transportation
- 07 Apr, 2025
Running between Tokyo's Shinjuku Station and Kawaguchiko, which is at the base of Mt Fuji, this is the most comfortable and stylish way to get to the base of the mountain. ![Fuji Excursion approachin
Read MoreJR Kyushu Aru Ressha Train Guide And Map
- Transportation
- 07 Apr, 2025
Aru Ressha is like a museum on wheels. It feels like the royal train carriage from 100 years ago. ![Aru Ressha Green Car interior copyright Rail Man Photo Office](https://photos.smugmug.com/Kyoto/Jap
Read MoreJR Shikoku Cuisine Trains Guide And Map
- Transportation
- 07 Apr, 2025
JR Shikoku operates three "ryori-densha" (cuisine trains) on three different lines on Japan's smallest main island of Shikoku. Sitting in a sumptuous train car and enjoying a fine meal of local cuisin
Read MoreJR Sunrise Seto And Sunrise Izumi Sleeper Trains Guide And Map
- Transportation
- 07 Apr, 2025
The Sunrise Seto and Sunrise Izumo are the only remaining regularly scheduled sleeper trains in Japan. They run from Tokyo to Shikoku and western Honshu. ![Sunrise Seto with fall foliage copyright Ra
Read MoreJR Trains Green Cars Versus Ordinary Cars
- Transportation
- 07 Apr, 2025
Should you buy a Green Car Japan Rail Pass or an ordinary pass? What's the difference between JR Green cars and ordinary cars? Read on to find out the best way to use Japan Rail trains. ![Green car c
Read MoreKintetsu Shimakaze Premium Express Train Guide And Map
- Transportation
- 07 Apr, 2025
The ultra-premium Shimakaze connects Osaka, Kyoto and Nagoya with the Ise Peninsula. The train boast ultra-comfortable premium seats, a dining car, and luxurious private compartments. ![Kintetsu Shim
Read MoreKurobe Gorge Railway Guide And Map
- Transportation
- 07 Apr, 2025
The Kurobe Gorge Railway is a thrilling ride into the heart of the northern Japan Alps. ![Kurobe Gorge Railway at peak foliage copyright Rail Man Photo Office](https://photos.smugmug.com/Kyoto/Japans
Read MorePrepaid Cards Icoca Pasmo And Suica
- Transportation
- 07 Apr, 2025
IC cards like Suica, Pasmo and Icoca are the easiest way to pay for nearly everything in Japan. Here's the complete guide to physical and digital IC cards and a handy decision tree to help you choose
Read MoreSagano Romantic Train Guide And Map
- Transportation
- 07 Apr, 2025
The Sagano Romantic Train follows a river through the mountains west of Kyoto's Arashiyama district. ![Sagano Romantic Train in Autumn copyright Rail Man Photo Office](https://photos.smugmug.com/Kyot
Read MoreSaphir Odoriko Guide And Map
- Transportation
- 07 Apr, 2025
The Saphir Odoriko is the most luxurious way to get from Tokyo to the Izu Peninsula. Premium green car seats are spacious and there are only two in each row, so they afford magnificent views of the co
Read MoreSeven Stars In Kyushu Guide And Map
- Transportation
- 07 Apr, 2025
This "cruise train" is among the most luxurious on earth. There are only 14 suites on the train, guaranteeing an exclusive and special experience. ![Seven Stars in Kyushu with cherry blossoms copyrig
Read MoreTrain Suite Shiki Shima Guide And Map
- Transportation
- 07 Apr, 2025
This ultra-luxurious "cruise train" follows two different routes through northern and central Honshu. ![Train Suite Shiki-Shima dining car copyright JR East Photo](https://photos.smugmug.com/Kyoto/Ja
Read MoreTwilight Express Mizukaze Guide And Map
- Transportation
- 07 Apr, 2025
This sublime "cruise train" leaves from Kyoto and explores the coastlines of western Honshu. ![Twilight Express Mizukaze en route copyright Rail Man Photo Office](https://photos.smugmug.com/Kyoto/Jap
Read MoreWest Express Ginga Guide And Map
- Transportation
- 07 Apr, 2025
The West Express Ginga is a semi-luxury overnight train that runs occasionally in western Honshu and down into Wakayama Prefecture. ![West Express Ginga in the mountains copyright Rail Man Photo Offi
Read MoreFreundlieb
- Kyoto
- 07 Apr, 2025
Set in Kitano-cho's former Kobe Union Church, Freundlieb offers vaulted ceilings and lots of light. It's great as a coffee stop but also serves an excellent breakfast. ![Freundlieb](https://photos.sm
Read MoreIsuzu Bakery
- Kyoto
- 07 Apr, 2025
If you're interested in trying a more Japanese bakery, Isuzu in the Sannomiya-Motomachi district is a good choice for breakfast pastries, such as a 'toreron' sausage roll or curry bread. ![Isuzu Bake
Read MoreKitano Club
- Kyoto
- 07 Apr, 2025
Kitano Club is a gorgeous hillside restaurant serving French fine-dining. It's reasonably pricy but the food is classic and the bar offers excellent views of Kobe below. ![Kitano Club](https://photos
Read MoreNishimuras Coffee
- Kyoto
- 07 Apr, 2025
Nishimura's Coffee in the Kitano-cho district is an elegant space to spend an hour or two. Tasteful interiors, on-site roasting, and delicious cakes make for a great experience. ![Nishimura's Coffee]
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