Blog posts

The Saphir Odoriko is JR East’s all-premium limited express running from Tokyo (and some Shinjuku departures) to Izukyu-Shimoda along the eastern Izu Peninsula. Find out more here.

Welcome to the Shinkansen Seat Guide: How to Pick the Right Seat for Views, Legroom, and Comfort. After all, choosing a Shinkansen seat isn’t just a small detail—it can change how comfortable, quiet, or scenic your journey feels.

The Sonic is JR Kyushu’s flagship east coast limited express, running from Hakata (Fukuoka) to Beppu via Oita. Find out more in our special guide.

The Shinkansen vs plane decision in Japan depends heavily on the route you’re taking. What looks faster on paper often changes once you factor in airport transfers, security time, and station access. Let's take a closer look.

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.