This section of our blog is dedicated to the public transportation in Japan, available for free to all Japan Rail Pass holders.
If you want to learn more about how to locate and take your trains from Tokyo or Kyoto stations; how to arrive in central Tokyo from Narita Airport, by taking the Narita Express (N’EX); how to ride the JR buses in the major cities or take the Miyajima ferry from Hiroshima, this section is for you.
You will also enjoy a number of comprehensive routes on how to arrive from one city to another; where to look for accurate online timetables; where and how to transfer between stations and more.
Kyoto is a city with a long history – more than 1,000 years, in fact. The construction of its primary train station, Kyoto Station, took place during the city’s 1200th anniversary and opened to the public in 1997.
Designed by acclaimed architect Hara Hiroshi, Kyoto Station is futuristic and modern. It is one of the largest buildings in Japan. Filled with interesting restaurants, shops, and attractions, a visit to Kyoto Station is a miniature vacation in itself.
With your Japan Rail Pass, it’s easy to visit both Tokyo and Kyoto and make the most of your trip. Regular bullet trains connect the 2 cities, meaning you can make the journey in just a few hours.
This guide explains how to travel from Tokyo to Kyoto, including bullet train services and journey times. You’ll also find details on alternative ways to make the trip, including daytime coach services and night buses.
Not sure how to use the Japan Rail Pass? Check out our detailed guide and handy video to find out!
The Japan Rail Pass is an all-you-can-ride discounted train ticket for foreigners visiting the country. It’s the most practical way to travel all over Japan.
All over the world, scenic rail tours have been revived as an alternative to traditional sightseeing. Japan is no exception. A special term has even been coined in the Japanese language to describe those who are pleasantly obsessed with rail travel – densha otaku, literally translated “train nerd.”
If using your Japan Rail Pass to travel about the country, why not include some scenic views in your itinerary? There’s no better way to enhance the value of your travels than to make the journey, and not just the destination, part of the fun!
In Japan, taking the train can offer much more than simply reaching your destination. Joyful Trains turn train travel into an experience you’ll never forget!
These are special themed trains with designs that can make travel more fun and exciting. Joyful Train interiors might feature tatami mats, art installations, or colourful anime and manga characters that bring the journey to life.
The island of Kyushu is the southernmost, as well as the most westerly, of Japan’s large, main islands. Kyushu is home to mountainous terrain, including the most active volcano in Japan, known as Mount Aso.
The subtropical climate of Kyushu makes it an ideal location for vacationers. Few sights evoke as much awe as the view from a train winding through Kyushu’s countryside, steam floating lazily atop nearby hot springs. The island is also a valuable resource for understanding Japanese culture, as it is famous for its art and its silk.
