Asakusa Station sits on the banks of the Sumida River in Tokyo’s Taito special ward. Rather than just one ordinary station, it’s actually a complex of 4 different stations, combined in one but operated by various companies.
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.
Green JR Pass vs ordinary JR Pass: What is the difference?
The Japan Rail Pass comes in two main types of passes: the Green (first class) and the ordinary pass. Both passes offer unlimited travel across Japan, but they come with different levels of comfort, convenience, and amenities.
On this page, we break down the key differences of the Green JR Pass vs the ordinary option, ensuring you make the best choice for your trip.
Big Eye: the New Inspection Train by Kyushu Railway
Japan is debuting a brand new inspection train — Big Eye! 👀
Tests will be run from now till March 2024 before Big Eye is fully operational. Developed by Kyushu Railway (JR Kyushu), Big Eye is a colorful character and a testament to Japan’s continued innovation in rail transport.
How to use Japanese prepaid IC cards: PASMO, SUICA, ICOCA and more!
Navigating international travel can be daunting, whether you’re a novice voyager or a seasoned globetrotter. Yet, Japan has always striven to simplify its internal transportation for everyone, resident or tourist. Their ingenious solution? The IC Card, designed to make traveling throughout the country as effortless as a gentle summer breeze.
Continue reading “%s”
Collecting Eki Stamps: A Fun Japanese Railway Quest
Imagine embarking on a journey across Japan with your Japan Rail Pass, not just to explore the diverse landscapes and rich culture, but to uncover a unique tradition: collecting eki train stamps.
This custom offers a special way to document your travels and engage with the Japanese railway system. Below, we delve into everything you need to know about this fun pastime.
Hello Kitty Shinkansen: The cutest bullet train
The Hello Kitty Shinkansen is a pink-and-white bullet train that runs on Japan’s Sanyo Shinkansen line, connecting Shin-Osaka and Hakata stations. It includes themed cars, a gift shop, and provides a charming travel experience with its stylish Hello Kitty design. Passengers can ride it using a standard train ticket or a valid JR-WEST Rail Pass.
In October 2025, JR West announced that the Hello Kitty Shinkansen would end operations in spring 2026, after around 8 years of service. The exact final running date has not been confirmed yet, but special farewell events and campaigns will be held until the collaboration finishes. Fans still have a limited time to enjoy this iconic pink bullet train.