Blog posts

The JR Pass does not cover Hankyu. Learn how to pay with ICOCA or Suica, what the Hankyu 1-day Pass costs, and when Hankyu beats JR in Kansai.

Ride Nankai's Rapi:t from Kansai Airport to Namba or take the Koyasan line to the mountain temples. Fares, travel times, and why the JR Pass doesn't cover it.

Where to take the famous Tadami Line bridge photo, how to ride around its sparse timetable, and which rail passes cover this scenic Fukushima line.

The Sanriku Railway came back after the 2011 tsunami. See how to reach the Rias Line, what the kotatsu train costs, and whether the JR Pass covers it.

The Spacia X isn't covered by the JR Pass. See seat classes from ¥3,340, the Cockpit Lounge and Suite, how to book, and how it compares with the JR route.

Toritetsu are Japan's train photographers. Meet the other -tetsu fan types, where they gather, and how to join in respectfully.

Travelling by bullet train with kids? Learn when JR Central runs Shinkansen family cars, how to book a seat, what it costs, and what to expect in car 12.

JR East's E10 Shinkansen targets a 2030 launch on the Tohoku line. See its 320 km/h speed, new TRAIN DESK seats, safety tech, and Gran Class status.

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.

Buying N-gauge or Plarail in Japan? See yen prices, Akihabara and KATO store tips, rental layouts, tax-free refunds, and how to get trains home safely.