Blog posts

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.

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.

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.

In Tokyo, few train rides are as memorable as the Yurikamome. Departing from Shimbashi Station, this driverless line rises above the city, makes its way toward Tokyo Bay, and then crosses the iconic Rainbow Bridge.

Japan’s Doctor Yellow is a rare Shinkansen inspection train known for its bright color, hidden schedule, and reputation as the country’s luckiest train.

Japan's famous Shinkansen, known around the world as 'bullet trains' are renowned for their speed, safety, comfort, and efficiency. But did you know there were many different types? Find out more in our expert guide.