“Pikachu, I choose you!”
If those words are still ringing in your ears from your favorite childhood anime cartoon, JR East’s POKÉMON with YOU train may be the perfect day trip during your next visit to Japan.
Celebrating New Year in Japan
Visiting Japan during New Year (Shogatsu) is a once in a lifetime experience. It is Japan’s most important National Holiday, even bigger than Christmas! It is a family affair, where everyone gets together and exchanges gifts. There are also many tourist attractions and fun things to do. Stores and restaurants are closed so getting around may be a bit of a challenge.
The New Year’s season in Japan is full of special traditions, in particular, one before the new year begins, when the Japanese look back on the past year and bid farewell to old worries as a way to start fresh. A bonenkai, or “forget-the-year party” is an end of year party for friends and coworkers to forget the trouble and stress of the year about to finish. Lately, countdown parties have become more popular in large cities.
The Yamagata Shinkansen line
Imagine a day of skiing or snowboarding on fresh, white powder, followed by a relaxing soak in a natural hot spring. In Japan, Yamagata’s Zao Onsen Ski Resort is a prime location for a winter wonderland get away. But how do you get there?
The Yamagata Shinkansen is the answer. The Yamagata Line begins in the bustling metropolis of Tokyo and offers easy access to Yamagata Prefecture. Much international travel to Japan involves a trip to Tokyo, either by air or by land. Why not branch out into Yamagata during your next visit to the Neon City?
Sapporo Snow Festival 2025: Yuki Matsuri Travel Guide
Welcome to the Sapporo Snow Festival, called Sapporo Yuki Matsuri in Japanese. Imagine yourself strolling through a winter wonderland. Snow blankets the ground, painting the city a shining white, while the scent of delicious food fills the air.
Trees are decked with twinkling lights, and statues crafted of ice and snow tower over the mingling crowds. At night, the sculptures are illuminated by entrancing, moving colored lights that give the park an enchanted atmosphere.
International airports in Japan
Many international travelers consider the flight to be the most confusing and nerve-wracking portion of their trip, from booking flights to navigating customs and airport terminals. Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be that way.
We’ve compiled a list of the most important airports in Japan, complete with access information and abbreviation codes, to help your vacation run a bit more smoothly.
The Joetsu Shinkansen line to Niigata
The Joetsu Shinkansen connects Tokyo and Niigata, providing access to ski resorts and restorative hot springs along the way. The line has been operating since 1982. It was considered a “pet project” of Prime Minister Tanaka Kakuei, who desired to connect his hometown of Niigata with the capital, Tokyo. Part of the line follows the course of the Tohoku Shinkansen to Omiya.