activation
Kyoto station is the gateway to Kyoto and the rest of the Kansai area. Activating your JR Pass here can be confusing so here is a handy guide.
mobile, apps, ios, android
Whether you are a new or frequent traveller in Japan, here are some of the most essential apps to help you make the most of your Japan Rail Pass.
ski
Fancy some snow? Use the JR Pass to visit the ski resort of Gala Yuzawa. 1.5hrs by bullet from Tokyo, Gala Yuzawa also has full gear rental service!
lost property
Losing things on the train is never fun. Luckily Japan is one of the safest countries in the world, and JR has many lost and found offices to try.
sakura, kyushu
From 12th March 2011, the Japan Rail Pass is valid on the new Sakura Shinkansen, whisking you from Osaka-Kagoshima in just over 4 hours!
hayabusa, tohoku
From March 2011, the Japan Rail Pass can be used on the new JR East Hayabusa service which takes you from Tokyo to Shin-Aomori in just over 3 hours!
west coast
Venture off the beaten track to the west coast of Japan. Access the Japan Alps, Noto-hantō and Kanazawa with the JR Thunderbird.
mobile, internet
These days we've got to be connected at all times. From maps to translations services, having mobile internet in Japan is essential. We tell you how.
buying online
From passenger names to your d.o.b and intended date of use, we take you through a step by step guide to ordering online with us.
delivery
Some of you have enquired about having a Japan Rail Pass sent to you overseas and the estimated delivery time. We can do it! Here's the lowdown...
timing
Recently you've asked us about taking breaks between days once your JR Pass is activated, click here to see what the JR Pass rules are...
tickets, children
We've contacted Japan Rail and found out useful information that'll come in handy if you're planning on travelling around Japan with young children.
luxury
Find out what the difference is between Standard and Green Car travel, during peak season you may wish to invest to ensure travelling in comfort.
video, tickets
In addition to the JR network, Japan has lots of smaller privately owned lines where you will need to purchase tickets, find out how here.
sleeper train
Recently we received an email asking about Japan Rail Pass validity on Sleeper Trains, and the opportunities for pre-booking. We tell you more here...
Why do I purchase an Exchange Order and not a 'Japan Rail Pass', and how long do I have to validate it?
bags
Once you’ve activated your Japan Rail Pass and boarded your first Shinkansen Bullet Train, you’ll need somewhere to stow your luggage. More info...
bus
Your Japan Rail Pass not only covers travel on the Bullet Train, but on JR buses too. Find out how to use the bus system with our without a pass here.
reservations, boarding
Usually you'll find plenty of empty seats on the Bullet Train, but if you're looking into reserving seats here's what you need to know.
video, planning
Discover how to use the Hyperdia online timetable to calculate train timetables and understand if a Japan Rail Pass is the best choice for you.
tokyo, subway
Now that's a busy map! Actually, understanding the Tokyo Metro map is easier than you'd expect, we tell you how to decipher it here...
pasmo&suica, tokyo
Around the big cities a prepaid travelcard could help you save money on your travel (and make things a whole lot simpler!) Here are your choices...
stations, food
The amazing station bento, or 'ekiben', is the stuff of travellers dreams, don't you dare ride a train without buying one!
visa
Who is eligible for a Japan Rail Pass? Are you a tourist, entertainer, student or apprentice? We have all the info you need right here.
With an itinerary fit to burst, what should you do with your luggage if you’re hopping from place to place? Station lockers may be your answer...
facebook, twitter
OMG, we're on Facebook and Twitter, find us and we can be BFF's!
date system
Read this if you don't want to feel a wave of panic every time you read your Japan Rail Pass expiry date!
narita, nex
Landing at Narita you can activate your Japan Rail Pass and hop on the N'EX to Tokyo immediately and for free! Click here for more info.
language
Japan isn't as incomprehensible as some would let you believe, all the major cities have signs in English, with a bit of concentration travel is easy!
multi-ticket
You're not restricted to buying just 1 Japan Rail Pass per person, there's no limit and you can mix and match to suit your needs. Find out more here.
accommodation, hotels
Spending a night in a traditional inn, or Ryōkan, is an experience you must try while in Japan. Tatami rooms, futon, onsen and kaiseki food!
karaoke
Temples, rice fields, cityscapes and shopping. A visit to Japan isn't complete without blasting out 'your version' of a favourite song at karaoke!
tokyo, kamakura, mt. fuji
From Tokyo many amazing sights are within easy reach. By basing yourself in the city you can use your JR Pass to day trip out to these Japanese gems.
mountains, japan alps
The Japan Alps has lots to offer - farmhouses, gardens, onsen, local craft, teahouses and samurai dwellings - the perfect antidote to neon cities...
onsen
Spending time soaking in a mineral rich 'onsen' (hot spring) is a favourite Japanese pastime. Find out about etiquette and the best bath houses here.
mt. fuji, mountains
For many, seeing the snow-capped peak of Japan's no.1 volcano, Mt. Fuji, will be at the top of your list of things to do. Click here to find out more.
kyoto
If you base yourself around Kyoto or Osaka you can use your Japan Rail Pass to day-trip to the best sights in the area - Nara being one of them.
A unique alternative to the dress-up of your childhood, be made up as a Geisha or Samurai in the old Japanese capital of Kyoto.
buddhism, mountains
Mt. Koya, with its thick forests and monastic complex, is an incredible place to visit from Osaka, Kyoto or Nara. Click here to read more.
beaches, islands
Crystal clear waters and white sand, yes, Japan is not just temples, geisha and electronics! Find out where to catch some rays here...
islands
UNESCO World Heritage Site Itsukushima, or Miyajima as it is more commonly known, is located in the Seto Inland Sea not far from Hiroshima. Densely wooded and tranquil the island has been worshipped since ancient times as a sacred place where people and gods live together in harmony. MiyajimaR...
tokyo
The master of Japanese Anime, Hayao Miyazaki, has set up an interactive museum to his work and it's just as weird and wonderful as you'd expect.
festivals
In a previous post we mentioned traditional festivals, here we give you the 411 on music festivals, Japan-style!
video
This video is so mindbogglingly amazing that it would be a crime not to share it with as many people as possible. An incredible video by Brad Kremer, you’ll see contemporary and traditional Japan in perfect detail and in a way you’ve never seen before. If you’re gearing up for a...
A matsuri is the perfect way to glimpse a part of Japanese culture not normally seen in daily life. With 100s every year enjoy one during your stay.
kamakura
A fantastic day trip from Tokyo, visit Kamakura and the huuuuge Great Buddha at Kotokuin Temple.
blossom
Perhaps THE most social part of the Japanese calendar, Hanami is a beautiful time to visit the country and join in some cherry blossom bbqs!
Shibuya and its famous crossing have been captured on celluloid thousand of times, now it's your turn to see it for real...
