Blog posts

Find out everything you need to know about using the Tokyo Subway on your first visit to this amazing city in our special guide.

This special guide filters scenic routes by JR Pass coverage status, so you can quickly see what your pass includes and what you’ll need to budget for separately.

Suica and PASMO work interchangeably across almost every train, bus, and store in Japan. The more important decision in 2026 isn’t which brand to choose. It’s which version of the card you can actually get.

The Japanese train station music you hear before trains depart is called "hassha merodii," or “departure melody.” These short tunes were introduced in the late 1980s to improve safety and reduce rushing at train doors. Find out more here.

Japanese trains are known for exceptional punctuality, and the Shinkansen’s record supports that reputation. But why are Japanese trains so punctual. Find out in our special guide.

The right app makes navigating Japan's train network effortless, even without Japanese. Here are the best travel apps for routes, IC cards, and JR Pass planning in 2026.

Wondering which side of the Shinkansen to sit on for Mount Fuji views? Discover the best seats, routes, and times to see Fuji from the bullet train.

Two fast trains connect Narita Airport to Tokyo, but they go to different stations, cost different amounts, and only one is covered by the JR Pass. Here's the honest side-by-side.

You already know that Ekiben are regional bento boxes made specifically for train journeys. Find out where to buy them, and which are the best.

Japan's women-only train cars exist to prevent harassment during rush hour. Here's how they work, when they operate, and what to do if you accidentally board one.