Japan will celebrate Golden Week from April 29 to May 7, 2023, which comprises four national holidays: Showa Day on April 29, Constitutional Memorial Day on May 3, Greenery Day on May 4, and Childr
Prepaid SIM cards allow for high-speed data usage during travels to Japan, but whether or not purchasing one is the best option for an upcoming trip depends on the individual.
Traveling with the family can be one of the most rewarding experiences to have, especially to Japan. Take a look at the following tips to ensure a great time for adults and children alike!
The Japan Rail Pass boasts a medley of benefits for travelers to Japan, but for first-time users, using it to its maximum potential may not be fully known.
The Shinkansen Bullet Train is one of the most populars ways of traveling across Japan and hosts a number of types of cars with varying features that cater to travelers of all needs.
While Tokyo is one of the most densely populated cities in the world, its atmosphere remains particularly peaceful and welcoming, in part thanks to its many green spaces.
Reserving seats serves as a great option for travelers in order to insure the optimal means of commute on Japan's famous railways, especially during the busy travel times during Spring, Fall, and F
Travel in Japan is largely associated with the Shinkansen, but as of 2020 there are new luggage regulations when traveling with oversized baggage that require a train reservation.
Japan Rail Pass Exchange Offices: the major offices throughout Japan where an Exchange Order can be exchanged for a Japan Rail Pass. Below are a few of the 51 offices throughout Japan where the Exc
If you want to optimize your time when taking the train in Japan, you should plan your routes well in advance (and ensure that you order your Japan Rail Pass prior to departing for Japan).
If you're planning your trip for cherry blossom season, which goes from mid-March to mid-April depending on the region, you can make the most of your travel time right from your seat with these stu
Hara Station is a subway station in the east of Nagoya on the Tsurumai Line. Hara is one stop after Hirabari going west; the next stop is Ueda Station.
The Tsurumai Line of the Nagoya subway runs east-west from Kami Otai Station to Akaike Station with connections to Inuyama from Kami Otai and Toyota from Akaike.
JR Nakatsu Station in Oita Prefecture, Kyushu is served by the Sonic and Nichirin Limited Express trains which run between Hakata Station and Miyazaki.
Matsuyama-shi Station (as known as Matsuyama City Station or shieki) is the other major railway station in Matsuyama in Ehime Prefecture on Shikoku along with JR Matsuyama Station.
Meguro Station in Tokyo is on the circular Yamanote Line, the Tokyo Metro Namboku Line, the Tokyu Meguro Line between Meguro and Hiyoshi and the Toei Mita Line from Meguro to Nishi-Takashimadaira
Starting at JR Shinji (San-in Line), on the shore of Lake Shinji the JR Kisuki Line travels 82 kilometers to terminate at Bingo-Ochiai Station Hiroshima.
JR Izumo Station JR出雲市駅 in Izumo, Shimane Prefecture is built in the style of the nearby Izumo Taisha shrine. Izumo Taisha is the main attraction in town.
The Anpanman Train is a special train running in Shikoku with liveries and interior decorations on the theme of the popular Anpanman children's manga and anime series.
Marutamachi Station is a station on the Karasuma Line of the Kyoto subway one stop north of Karasuma Oike (the interchange station with the Tozai Line).
The Sakaisuji Subway Line in Osaka runs from Tenjimbashisuji Rokuchome Station north-south to Tengachaya Station via Kitahama, Ebisucho and Dobutsuen-mae stations.
Imadegawa Station is a subway stop on the Karasuma Line of the Kyoto subway one stop north of Marutamachi Station and one stop south of Kuramaguchi Station.
The Okuizumo Orochi train offers a relaxed and scenic train ride through remote mountains and valleys in an open car through Shimane and Hiroshima prefectures.
Hiroshima Station is the main point of access for train travelers to Hiroshima city with shinkansen connections west to Hakata and east to Osaka and Tokyo.
Yamashina Station in north east Kyoto is made up of three stations: JR Yamashina Station, the Yamashina subway station and Keihan Yamashina Station on the Keishin Line.
Aso Boy Trains: Since 2011 the Aso Boy limited express train has been running, not surprisingly considering its name, to and from Mount Aso, the massive volcano in the middle of the island.
Kiso Fukushima Station is a JR station serving the pleasant town of Kiso Fukushima in Nagano Prefecture. Kiso Fukushima Station is on the Chuo Main Line.
Tokyo Disneyland: Tokyo Disneyland in Tokyo Disney Resort is the world's most visited theme park. Tokyo Disneyland is located in Chiba a short journey from Tokyo Station.
Kyoto Station: find information on Kyoto Station including rail services from Kyoto Station, the Kyoto subway and trains to Kansai international Airport (KIX).
Nagasaki Station: read a guide to Nagasaki Station which has connections to Hakata Station in Fukuoka, Sasebo, Huis Ten Bosch and other destinations in Nagasaki Prefecture.
Kitano Hakubaicho Station is a terminus of the Keifuku Electric Railway out further west to Arashiyama. The station is close to Ritsumeikan University.
Hitoyoshi Station in Kumamoto is on the Hisatsu Line and is the terminus for several scenic trains: the Kawasemi Yamasemi, Isaburo Shinpei and Hitoyoshi SL.
Bantan Line (播但線): the Bantan Line connects Himeji and Wadayama in Hyogo Prefecture. One train on the line called the Sky Castle train depicts Takeda Castle Ruins.
Kokura Station: Kokura Station in Kokura, the second largest station in all of Kyushu, is the main transportation hub for the city of Kitakyushu in Fukuoka Prefecture, northern Kyushu.
Nakatsugawa Station, Gifu is on the JR Chuo Line from Nagoya via Tajimi to Nakatsugawa. The Chuo Line then continues to Shiojiri, Takao, Mitaka and Tokyo.
Hamamatsucho Station Tokyo 浜松町駅 is a busy station on the Yamanote Line and the Keihin-Tohoku Line as well as connecting to the Tokyo Monorail for Haneda.
Takaracho Station Tokyo 宝町駅: Takaracho Station is located in the Kyobashi district of Tokyo close to Tokyo International Forum and the National Film Center.
Kita Senju Station is a major railway station in Tokyo on the Hibiya and Chiyoda metro lines, the Tsukuba Express, Joban Line and the Tobu Skytree Line.
Oita Station: read a guide to JR Oita Station which is on three lines: Nippo Line, Kyudai Line and the Hohi Line. The station is also a large shopping and entertainment center.
Tennoji Station: read a guide to Tennoji Station in south Osaka with details on train and bus connections and nearby sights and attractions around Tennoji.
Akabane Station in Kita Ward in the very north of urban Tokyo is a busy commuter train station entirely operated by the East Japan Railway Company (JR East).
Fukuchiyama Station connects the city by train with both Osaka and Kyoto, Kansai's two biggest cities. Fukuchiyama is on the Sanin Main Line to Shimonoseki.
Aomori Station is on the Ou Main Line for Shin-Aomori Station, Hirosaki Station, Akita Station, Yamagata, and Niigata and the Aoimori Railway Line for Hachinohe and Morioka.
The ever-popular blossoming of cherry flowers, Sakura, is a national event in Japan. However, the transience of flowers and unpredictability of the nature make forecasting difficult.
The Meiko Line is a continuation of the Meijo Line of the Nagoya subway system and runs 6km from Kanayama Station to Nagoyako Station in the Nagoya Port district of the city.
The Kuko Line (Airport Line) is one of the three subway lines in Fukuoka. The line operates from Meinohama to Fukuokakuko (Fukuoka Airport) in Hakata Ward.
A real phenomenon since its release, Attack on Titan , or Shingeki no Kyojin in Japanese, is one of the most universally recognized manga of the last decade.
Extremely popular action-adventure shonen, despite the numerous interruptions it was subjected to to preserve its author's health, Hunter x Hunter is a real reference of the genre.
Bridging Japan’s major hub of Kanto and the most northern island of Hokkaido, the Tohoku region boasts some of the main island of Honshu’s most celebrated attractions, its unique culinary culture e
Bleach is a popular manga, which has just made its comeback to present its final arc (a narrative arc is characterized by a plot developed over several episodes) in an animated ver
As a timeless manga that has marked several generations, Naruto has revitalized the action-adventure genre in shonen. Here is a quick overview of this internation
Today considered as one of the greatest mangas in existence, while also being one of the most popular, One Piece has influenced several generations. Here is an overview of what One Piece is about
Located just an hour and a half away from Tokyo by Shinkansen, Sendai is known for its tree-lined streets and Tanabata festival. A variety of sightseeing spots are abound on the way, too!
In addition to being the season when you will have the best chance to see Mount Fuji thanks to clear weather, winter in Japan has many surprises in store for you.
The Tohoku Emotion is a Japanese train, which crosses the northernmost part of the main island of Honshu and makes you taste the specialties of the region.
Your trip to Japan is coming up and you want to be sure you do not forget anything? Here is a checklist of the 10 essential things to prepare before the big departure!
The Tohoku region consists of the north east part of the main island of Honshu including the six prefectures of Aomori, Akita, Iwate, Yamagata, Miyagi and Fukushima.
The brightly painted Yasaka-jinja Shrine is one of the city's best known and most popular landmarks, especially the two-story vermilion entrance gate at the end of Shijo-dori Avenue.
This fall, Japan Experience shares its selection of the best places to enjoy the Japanese phenomenon of kōyō, when the natural landscape is transformed and the leaves turn red.
As Japan prepares to welcome foreign visitors once again, we invite you to discover 5 new magical and extravagant places, which are opening their doors this year.
Not far from the capital, there are some nice hikes to do in a day to escape Tokyo's crowds and neon lights. Mount Takao is the most famous, but there are many others ...
There are no temples, shrines or medieval castles to visit on this island in the Japanese inland sea (Setouchi), but seven spaces dedicated to contemporary art, bathed in sunshine.
As an essential means of transport, the train will take you to the four corners of Japan safely, quickly, and punctually... as long as you choose your route carefully.
Character Trains In Japan: see a listing of Japan's many cute character trains with special liveries and interiors such as the Anpanman train, Tama train and Yokai train.
Five of the best ski resorts in Japan, plus their great rail pass package deals. Order your Japan Rail Pass online today - 7, 14, & 21-day Passes available.
This train line between Matsumoto and Nagoya is covered by the Japan Rail Pass and runs through the Kiso Valley, along the route of the Nakasendo Highway, the old postal route between Edo (Tokyo) a
If on the first part of the journey the JR trains from Aomori to Akita via Odate run through residential areas, the landscape gradually opens up to reveal beautiful scenery of the Japanese countrys
Running down the east coast of Kyushu the journey between Oita and Miyazaki on the Limited express Nichirin or Nichirin Seagaia is a contrast of mountain and sea.
At the origin of a centuries-old superstition, the bakeneko or "monster-cat" is both feared and celebrated...Its long tail allows it to stand up, and it is even said to have the gift of ra
Discover with your Japan Rail Pass the route between Kanazawa and Kyoto, it follows the northern coast of japan, before heading south along Lake Biwa. If you have time, make a stop at Fukui.
The blooming of cherry blossoms, called sakura in japanese, announces the arriving of Spring. Incarnating ephemerality, they unveil their beauty for only two weeks.
Japan is the country of trains, with probably the densest network in the world, the highest traffic... It has therefore developed a culture of train travel unique in the world.
Yokohama Station is about half an hour from Tokyo with a Japan Rail Pass. It provides access to Chinatown, Landmark Tower and Minato Mirai district close to the sea.
The Chuo Main Line is a Japan Rail-operated railway line that goes between Tokyo and Nagoya, and is not to be confused with the Chuo Line (Rapid), which is the special section of the line that serv
The Chuo Line in Osaka is a municipal subway running west-east from Cosmosquare at Osaka Port to Nagata Station through Hommachi and north central Osaka.
Read information on navigating Tokyo along with the various Tokyo subway tickets available including Pasmo and Suica IC cards, one-day tickets and special tickets for foreign visitors.
The Nozomi is the super-express bullet train service on the Tokaido Shinkansen Line, faster than the Kodama and Hikari services, and is the only shinkansen service not covered by the Japan Rail Pas
The route between Fukuoka and Nagasaki is served by the Limited Express Kamome trains. For great views of the Ariake Sea, be sure to reserve a seat on the left-hand side of the train!
From Kyushu to northern Honshu, discover the best places to enjoy cherry blossoms... by night! Experience this well-known phenomenon in Japan: yozakura.
Taught to Japanese students in their first year of school from the age of six, hiragana and katakana are the essentials prerequisites for learning the Japanese language.
From the Japanese megalopolis to the vineyards of Alsace, the Chinese countryside and the Mongolian steppes, Jean Freund fills his Moleskine notebooks with his stories. He likes to take the
Yoyogi Park in Shinjuku is the ideal stop after a studious morning spent visiting temples and shrines. You will feel carefree upon leaving the park, which has a festive atmosphere.
Emperors, empresses, princes and concubines lived for centuries behind the walls of Kyoto-gosho. Today the former imperial palace welcomes visitors and transports them back in time.
When visiting Japan, you might have to do some shopping at a supermarket, but don't be intimidated! Here's a guide to what to expect when shopping at a supermarket in Japan...
The Imperial Palace, or Kokyo, is centrally located in Chiyoda ward, Tokyo, very near Tokyo Station. Kokyo is home to the Emperor of Japan and his family, and is where Edo Castle once stood.
Given the urban density of most of the cities in Japan, and the speed with which the authorities notice illegally parked cars, it is very unlikely that you will easily find somewhere when p
Recently moved from its original location in Tokyo to Kanazawa in the Ishikawa prefecture, the National Crafts Museum is a great asset in the conservation and promotion of Japanese crafts.
With the arrival of spring, the streets, gardens and mountains of Japan welcome the cherry blossoms and the whole archipelago is covered in pink for a few days, a few weeks.
From fashionable clothing accessories in Japan during the Edo period, they have become popular collector's items around the world. But what are netsuke and where can you get them?
Since we are still not able to travel to Japan this year, why not make travel those who dreamed of discovering Japan by giving them Christmas gifts from the Land of the Rising Sun?
A permanent fixture on the streets of Japan, Koban or police boxes, are there to help bring order to their designated neighborhood as well as help lost tourists.
In Japan, Taxis are expensive, yet very useful when you've got heavy luggage or you missed the last train. Here are Japan Experience's tips and advice for taking a taxi in Japan.
In Japanese, nabe (pronounced "nah-beh") simply means pot. Nabe ryori (pot cooking) has become a generic term for meals cooked in a pot - vegetables, meat and noodles or rice cooked at the table in
The Tokyo Big Sight (Tokyo International Exhibition Center) in Odaiba Tokyo is one of the country's premier exhibition arenas and convention centers, a venue for a busy calendar of events.
The history of Sado Island, north of Nagano, is one of both a land of exile and the gold rush. Today, it is primarily a destination for seasoned hikers and a center of taiko drumming.
Awaji island (Awaji-shima) in Japan's Inland Sea is linked to Honshu island via Akashi Kaikyo Ohashi Bridge, and to Shikoku island via the Naruto Ohashi Bridge.
Located in the south-east of Kyoto, Tofukuji is a large open temple complex, with 23 sub temples. The temple is famous for its stone and moss gardens and has the largest Zen temple gate in Japan.
Steeped in history, the Toji complex spans the years from its expansion in the ninth century to its current collaboration with the Cartier Foundation for Contemporary Art in France.
Destroyed during the Second World War, all that remained of Tokugawa's prestigious castle was the main keep. But gradually, the palace is rising from the ashes.
The shrine is dedicated to the two most important Japanese emperors and built to celebrate the Kyoto 1100th anniversary and named Heian, the city's former name.
Running from Nanzenji Temple to Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion) in the northeast of Kyoto, the Philosopher's Walk is a roughly 2 km path that follows the beautiful Shishigatani Canal lined with many ch
Spring, summer, fall, and winter, Japanese festivals are held throughout the year and celebrated up and down the country. The type of festival varies from region and season.
This period saw 260 years of peace thanks to a strong political regime, unprecedented urban development, a flourishing culture, and refined arts; this is the Edo Period (1603-1868).
Kusatsu Onsen is one of Japan's most famous hot spring resorts. Located in Gunma Prefecture, north-west of Tokyo, it attracts onsen lovers all year round.
Ueno Park, in Taito ward, is home to Tokyo's most famous cherry trees, art galleries, museums, temples, a zoo, street entertainers, the odd proselytizer, and more than the odd crow.
One stop from Shibuya, the Daikanyama area brings together fashion boutiques, terraces, restaurants and bookstores. The perfect place to explore and escape the excesses of the capital.
Todaiji incites interest by its imposing statue of Buddha, its status as the first sacred Buddhist site in the province can not be put aside. The grandeur of this site commands respect.
On first impressions, Shinagawa is in an impersonal business district full of skyscrapers. However, this old fishing village once the water's edge has a rich history to discover.
Discover Japanese history through architecture, from the time of the Tokugawa shogun to warehouses from the Meiji period and the architecture of the Taisho era.
At the heart of an arrangement of memorial buildings for soldiers who died whilst fighting for the Emperor. The shrine seems so peaceful yet Yasukuni Jinja became very controversial.
In the land of green tea, there is no shortage of coffee enthusiasts or "Kissaten", coffee shops. Imported to Japan in the late 1800s and the first cafe opened in the early 1900s.
Commonly mistranslated as 'vertical pinball,' pachinko is a noisy, smoky, time-consuming, and hypnotic form of gambling that plays a huge part in the Japanese economy.
What city can boast having an impressive stadium, an amusement park and a spa with natural hot springs, all in one location and in the center of the city? Tokyo of course!
The Imperial Palace, or Kokyo, is centrally located in Chiyoda ward, Tokyo, very near Tokyo Station. Kokyo is home to the Emperor of Japan and his family, and is where Edo Castle once stood.
Located in the heart of Tokyo in a wooded area of over 100,000 trees, Meiji-Jingu is one of Japan’s most famous shrines and is dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken.
Formerly residential, the exciting Shinjuku area, dominated by the city hall, by the famous architect Kenzo Tange (1913-2005), is a concentration of skyscrapers and department stores.
South of Kyoto, the torii of Fushimi Inari Taisha, traditional gates at the entrance to Shinto shrines, lined up in their thousands on the mountainside. This is a must-visit place in Kyoto
Ryoanji Temple located in the northwest of Kyoto is home to Japan's best known stone garden. Now a World Heritage Site this a must see attraction in Kyoto.
When it comes to Japan's most beautiful gardens, Korakuen garden is regarded as one of the best, along with Kenrokuen in Kanazawa and Kairakuen in Mito.
Kofukuji temple was the family temple of the powerful Fujiwara family and is considered one of the finest museums of sacred Japanese sculpture from the seventh to the thirteenth century.
The Tokyo International Forum is a vast convention center, concert venue and exhibition space in the Marunouchi district of Tokyo, bordering the lively Yurakucho area, near Tokyo S
Voices calling out from behind their stalls, traders dealing with customers. The smell of fresh fish, spices and candy tempt passersby. Welcome to Ameyayokocho.
Plants mark the passing of the seasons. Here, nearly 120 varieties of moss have created a color palette of infinite varieties of yellow and green. Welcome to the Kokedera Moss Temple.
Located in southeast Kyoto Daigoji Temple was founded by Shobo in 874. Now a World Heritage Site the temple is a great place to see the changing of the leaves.
Kanazawa Castle is just across the Ishikawa Bridge from Kanazawa's prime attraction, the Kenrokuen Garden. Both sites are must-sees on a visit to Kanazawa in Ishikawa Prefecture.
Matsushima is famous for its view of over the bay, considered one of Japan's Three Great Sights. However, it offers visitors ancient cultural treasures as well.
Iriomote Island is the largest island of the Yaeyama Islands (Yaeyama-shoto), the group of 19 sub-tropical islands in the deep south western waters of Okinawa Prefecture (Ryukyu Is
Flighting robots, futuristics choreography and other scenes of science fiction: the Robot Restaurant in Shinjuku features performances straight out of anime movies.
Abeno Harukas in Abeno ward, Osaka, is Japan's tallest building at 300m, 4m taller than the next tallest building in Japan. Its observation deck offers a fantastic view of Osaka.
Mount Mitake, located in Ome, in western Tokyo and part of the Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park, is one of Tokyo's favorite day trip destinations, rivaling the popularity of Mount Takao.
