Japan has once again proven itself a leader in blending tradition with innovation. The country has officially built the world’s first 3D-printed train station building at Hatsushima Station, located in the scenic Arida City of Wakayama Prefecture in the Kansai Region. West Japan Railway said it expected to open the new building for use in July.
Trains & Transportation
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.
Seishun 18 Kippu vs. JR Pass: Which is Right for Your Trip?
For anyone who is getting ready to explore Japan, train passes are a convenient and cost-saving option to get the most out of the country’s rail network. Two popular options are the Seishun 18 Kippu and the Japan Rail Pass, each suited to distinct travel needs.
How and why Japanese trains are so punctual
Traveling by train is more prevalent in Japan than in most other countries around the world. Statistics from the OECD showed that in 2021, 28% of passenger kilometers in Japan were traveled by rail, compared to just 0.25% in the United States and 5% in the United Kingdom.
A large part of this frequent use is due to the excellence of their railway system—particularly evident in the iconic Shinkansen or bullet train—which puts many others to shame.
Disney Shinkansen Wonderful Dreams: Experience a magical ride
Following on from the success of the Disney Magical Journey Shinkansen, a new Disney bullet train took to the rails of Japan’s high-speed rail network.
The Wonderful Dreams Disney Shinkansen, a collaboration between JR Central and Tokyo Disney Resort, launched on February 21, 2025. This special Disney shinkansen was introduced for a limited time to help commemorate the opening of Tokyo DisneySea’s “Fantasy Springs” area. The train made it’s final journey on September 15, 2025.
One Piece Shinkansen: Ride the Grand Line with the Straw Hats
Anime fans, prepare for an unforgettable journey! The One Piece Shinkansen debuted in spring 2025, transforming the iconic Sanyo Shinkansen line into a moving tribute to Eiichiro Oda’s legendary series.
Following the success of themed trains like the Hello Kitty Shinkansen, this collaboration between JR West and the beloved One Piece franchise brings the vibrant world of Luffy and the Straw Hat Pirates to Japan’s high-speed rail network.
The Magical Journey Shinkansen: the Disney bullet train
A special new type of Shinkansen bullet train is pulling into stations in Japan to take riders on a Disney adventure.
The Magical Journey Shinkansen is designed after the new “Fantasy Springs” area of Tokyo DisneySea Park.