Blog posts

Ahead of Japan's first game in the 2026 World Cup tournament currently taking place in the USA, we thought we'd help with tips on where to watch the games if you're currently in Japan. Read on to find out more.

Japan’s rail networks can become heavily crowded during peak commuter periods, particularly on major Tokyo and Osaka lines. Read our guide to beat the rush.

Rainy season travel in Japan is manageable, especially using the country’s reliable rail network. Find out more here.

This guide explains how Japan’s monorails work, where you can find them, and whether they are covered by the JR Pass.

All three services run on the same track — the Tokaido Shinkansen — connecting Tokyo with Osaka and beyond to Hiroshima and Fukuoka, but differences lie in speed, stop frequency, and Japan Rail Pass coverage for international visitors, especially.

The “seven-minute miracle” refers to the standard cleaning of a 16-car Shinkansen at a terminus station, most famously at Tokyo Station. Find out more here.

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.