Western Kyoto has long been known for its natural beauty. In fact, the Arashiyama district has been a tourist favorite for well over 1,000 years. The beauty of this region peaks twice a year, first during the cherry blossom season, and later during the autumn.
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.
Best ekiben on Japanese train stations
Most travelers enjoy – even covet – the experience of trying new and exotic foods unique to the places they visit. Japanese cuisine offers tantalizing tastes and textures, and ekiben provide a convenient and affordable means of discovering the best culinary temptations that Japan has to offer.
Seven Stars Kyushu: Riding the luxury train
Wise travelers know that traveling is not just about the destination; getting there is half the fun. The significance of the journey itself is embodied in Japan’s Seven Stars luxury sleeper train, based in the island of Kyushu, Japan. This cruise train is meant to bring new life to train travel, to make the travel itself the integral part of a Kyushu vacation.
The Seven Stars cruise train, also known as Nanatsuboshi in Kyushu, gets its name both from the seven prefectures of Kyushu, and also from the seven lauded aspects of the region. These include the train system itself, nature, the hot springs, power spots, the region’s history, its cuisine, and the friendliness of Kyushu’s people.
Japan train stations: useful tips
If it is your first, second or third time travelling to Japan, this article offers great survival tips and guidance on everything you need to know about the train stations in Japan, including how to purchase single train tickets, how to make a seat reservation, how to find your train, store and transport your luggage.
The JR Yamanote Line: Getting Around Tokyo
The Yamanote line is a 30-station circular JR route connecting central Tokyo’s main districts and transport hubs. A complete loop of the line takes around one hour. It’s included in the JR Pass and can also be paid for using Suica or an individual ticket.
Narita Express: Tokyo Airport transfer with the JR Pass
The Narita Express – also known as N’EX – is the most convenient Tokyo city transfer from and to Narita International Airport, which hosts most of the overseas flights to Japan.
This limited express train service is fast, reliable, and punctual, and you can ride it for free with your Japan Rail Pass. Find out all the travel details in this post.