Blog posts

Learn how the Tsubasa leaves the Tohoku Shinkansen at Fukushima for Yamagata's onsen country, with JR Pass coverage, fares, times, and Ginzan Onsen tips.

The 500 Series ends regular Kodama service on 13 January 2027. See how to ride it on the JR Pass, which cars to pick, and where to see it after retirement.

E7 or W7? Same train, two owners. Learn how Japan's snow-country Shinkansen handles winter, which Gran Class trains serve meals, and what tickets cost.

The long-nosed green E5 is the face of the Tohoku Shinkansen, running Japan's fastest scheduled services with first-class Gran Class on board. Meet the machine.

Sold-out Shinkansen? You can often still travel by standing in non-reserved cars or using designated standing tickets. Here’s how it works and how to avoid it.

Driving a bullet train takes years of conventional-line experience, licences, and simulator drills. Here's the path from station staff to the shinkansen cab.

Everything you need to know about finding your carriage on the shinkansen platform and ensuring you get on at the right place. Read on for our easy to follow guide.

Everything you need to know about understanding your ticket for Japan's famous shinkansen train.

Japan's bullet trains are designed to withstand some of the world's harshest winter conditions. Find out more in our latest guide.

Our latest JRPass guide covers why the nose of Japan's famous 'bullet train' is shaped this way, how the Shinkansen nose design has changed across series, and where that thinking is headed next.