Articles for the theme Itineraries for Japan

Travel by Train

Shirakawago, Takayama

How to get from Kanazawa to Takayama

Go from Kanazawa to Takayama with the Hokuriku Shinkansen and the Hida Express Train!

Matsumoto Castle in Nagano

How to get from Tokyo to Matsumoto

Use the Azusa Limited Express Train to get from the metropolitan capital of Japan, Tokyo, to the historically rich but modest town of Matsumoto in Nagano Prefecture!

Kyoto

How to get from Kyoto to Osaka

No two cities are said to represent the Kansai Region more than Kyoto and Osaka, and getting from one to the other is made easy with the popular limited express trains that service the area!

Sanno Festival in Takayama

How to get from Nagoya to Takayama

The terminal station of the Hida Limited Express, Nagoya in Aichi Prefecture, goes out to the other side of Honshu Island to the Japan Sea Coast, and halfway through, it stops at Takayama, a nature

Kyoto

How to get from Nagoya to Kyoto

Get from Nagoya to Kyoto, two of the most famous cities in Japan, using the famous Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen Line. 

Kanazawa Station

How to get from Kyoto to Kanazawa

See the best way to get from Kyoto to Kanazawa using the Thunderbird Limited Express Train and Shinkansen bullet train!

Saruhashi Bridge

How to get from Tokyo to Otsuki

From the iconic Shinjuku Station, the JR Chuo Main Line has limited express train options for getting from the world's busiest train station out to the much more subdued and tranquil Otsuki in Yama

How to get from Osaka to Kanazawa

Travel from the biggest city in Kansai to the golden boutique city of Kanazawa using a combination of the Thunderbird Limited Express Train and the newly expanded Hokuriku Shinkansen bullet train!

Himeji Castle

How to get from Kyoto to Himeji

Himeji in Hyogo Prefecture and Kyoto, the ancient capital of Japan, are considered two of the most culture-and-history-rich locations in the Kansai Region.

Fukuoka City

How to get from Osaka to Fukuoka

Go from the largest city in Kansai to the largest city in Kyushu with the Shinkansen bullet train! 

Shirakawago, Takayama

How to get from Tokyo to Takayama

Though both Tokyo and Takayama exist in central Honshu, they represent very different parts of Japan, the former a major metropolitan city home to more than 12 million people and the latter a charm

How to get from Kyoto to Hakone

Hakone, a common trip for those coming from Kansai, is a great location to enjoy some of the best natural scenery in all of Japan. The two locations are connected via the Tokaido Shinkansen.

Kanazawa, Ishikawa

How to get from Tokyo to Kanazawa

Going from Tokyo to Kanazawa entails crossing the center of Honshu Island out to the Japan Sea Coast.

Hiroshima

How to get from Kyoto to Hiroshima

A key leg of the Japan Golden Route, going from Kyoto to Hiroshima entails traveling from one history-rich cultural hub to another.

Hiroshima Peace Memorial

How to get from Osaka to Hiroshima

These two major cities in the more southern portion of Honshu Island are some of the most eccentric destinations in all of Japan. Both have a rich history and a fair share of attractions to visit.

Hiroshima

How to get from Tokyo to Hiroshima

Both ends of Japan’s “Golden Route”, the capital city of Tokyo and the historic city of Hiroshima, are connected via the Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen that goes all the way down to Kyushu and will pass

Hakone

How to get from Tokyo to Hakone

Hakone in Kanagawa Prefecture is an essential destination in the Kanto Region, an area rich in natural beauty and a renowned destination for art culture.

Tokyo nuit

How to get from Kyoto to Tokyo

Going from the former capital of Kyoto to the current capital of Tokyo can be like traveling through time.

Tokyo Station

How to get from Osaka to Tokyo

Getting from Osaka, the largest city in Kansai, out to Tokyo, the largest city in Japan (and the world as a whole via population), is a common journey for those either starting their Japan journeys

Osaka, Japan

How to get from Tokyo to Osaka

Two of Japan’s most bustling metropolitan areas, the two cities of Tokyo in Kanto and Osaka in Kansai, are often compared, and thus, a bit of a rivalry between each of the city’s residents exists.

Nozomi Shinkansen

How to get from Tokyo to Kyoto

The trip from the current capital of Tokyo to the ancient capital of Kyoto is a common journey for those traveling on Japan’s Golden Route, an itinerary popular with first-time visitors to Japan th

Imagine that you are taking the train with full blooming cherry blossoms.

Sakura Views from the Train

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

Morioka

How to go from Sendai to Morioka?

From Sendai to Morioka, you will find outstanding views of rural Japan to the left and right of the train.

Zao Onsen

How to go from Tokyo to Sendai?

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!

Koraku-en Garden, Okayama

How to go from Okayama to Matsue?

Japan has always boasted a very rich historical background, and the itinerary from Okayama to Matsue is especially representative of that.

Aso

How to go from Beppu to Aso? 

The journey from Beppu to Aso will take you through Japan's volcanic areas.

Tsuruoka, Haguromachi Touge

How to go from Akita to Niigata? 

The route from Akita to Niigata offers great views with a Japan Rail Pass : as the train enters Yamagata Prefecture, mountains give way to the coast.

Niseko Grand Hirafu

Japan's Best Ski Spots by Rail

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.

Osaka

Visit the Best Plum Blossom Spots in Japan by Rail

Our thoughts on the best plum blossom spots in Japan, and how to get there by rail.

Nagoya

How to go from Tokyo to Nagoya ?

Discover the Tokaido Line and reach Nagoya with your Japan Rail Pass

Eiho-ji_Temple_Garden

How to go from Matsumoto to Nagoya ?

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

How to go from Aomori to Akita ? 

How to go from Aomori to Akita? 

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

Takachiho, Miyazaki

How to go from Oita to Miyazaki ?

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.

Nachi, Kumano Kodo, Wakayama

How to go from Shingu to Osaka ?

The Kuroshio is the most frequent train, connecting Kii peninsula, Kyoto, Shin-Osaka and Tennoji.

Biwa, Shiga

How to go from Kanazawa to Kyoto ?

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.

Fukuoka

How to go from Fukuoka to Kumamoto ?

Let's discover the journey between Fukuoka and Kumanoto !

Limited Express Kamome

How to go from Fukuoka to Nagasaki?

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!

La Malle de Bois

Access to Naoshima with a Japan Rail Pass 

You can reach Naoshima by boat from Takamatsu (Shikoku) or Uno Port (Honshu). Let's study the route from Okayama with a Japan Rail Pass.

Shiretoko National Park, Hokkaido

How to go from Abashiri to Kushiro ?

The journey along the Senmo Line from Abashiri to Kushiro in Hokkaido offers some stunning scenery !

Furano

The Lavender Farm station

The area near Furano and Biei is famous for its beautiful flowers blooming in July and August. Here is our guide to reach the Lavender Farm Station.

Susukino district in Sapporo city, Hokkaido, Japan.

How to go from Sapporo to Asahikawa with a Japan Rail Pass ? 

Trains from Sapporo to Asahikawa are quite frequent. Let's go north !

AirDo

Accessing New Chitose Airport

Let's see how to access to New Chitose Airport.

Kyoto

Seven days itineraries

If you are planning to travel seven days in japan, the seven itineraries below can be useful. Have a look !

Shimanami Kaido

How to go from Matsuyama to Okayama ?

The Shiokaze Limited Express runs direct from Matsuyama to Okayama and is covered with the Japan Rail Pass.

How to go from Kushiro to Sapporo ?

How to go from Kushiro to Sapporo?

The route between Kushiro and Sapporo is covered by the beautiful blue, green and red Super Ozora Limited Express Train.

Takamatsu

How to go from Okayama to Takamatsu ? 

If you are coming to Shikoku from Honshu, your first stop will probably be Takamatsu, the capital of Kagawa prefecture.Take the Marine Liner rapid train along the Seto-Ohashi Line in Okayama.

Kinosaki Onsen

How to go from Kinosaki Onsen to Kyoto?

Kinosaki Onsen is a pleasant town, built along a willow-lined river and is one of the most popular onsen destinations of the Kansai Region.

Soya super service

How to go from Asahikawa to Wakkanai ?

The route is covered by the Soya Service, a limited express train which runs between Sapporo and Wakkanai and the Sarobetsu Service, which runs between Asahikawa and Wakkanai.

Kyoto, Momiji

Automn colors by train 

In Japan, Autumn means with colorful garden and forest. To view the red leaf (Momiji-gari) many places can be reach by rail. Discover our selection.

 

Kanazawa, Ishikawa

How to go from Takayama to Kanazawa ?

First take a Limited Express (Wide View) Hida train from Takayama to Toyama and then jump on a Hokuriku Shinkansen from Toyama through to Kanazawa.

Naruto, Shikoku

The Inland Sea 

As Japan is made up of so many islands, it is naturally home to an extensive network of ferry routes.

Takamatsu, Kagawa

How to go from Takamatsu to Kochi ? 

From Takamatsu, located in central Kagawa Prefecture on the island of Shikoku, you can head south on the Dosan Line to Kochi.

Gero Onsen

How to go from Nagoya to Takayama?

The Limited Express "Wide View" Hida trains ply the route from Nagoya to Takayama. Near Takayama if offers some amazing scenery.

Okayama, Japan

How to go from Kyoto to Okayama ?

Okayama is the largest city in the Chugoku Region after Hiroshima and an important transportation hub. Korakuen, a spacious landscape garden, is the city’s star attraction.

How to go from Nagano to Matsumoto ?

How to go from Nagano to Matsumoto ?

The Limited Express Shinano runs from Nagano to Matsumoto before continuing on to Nagoya. In Matsumoto you can explore one of the best preserved castles in Japan.

Fuji, Ise

How to go from Nagoya to Shingu?

From Nagoya to Shingu, get on the Limited Express Wide View Nanki or on the Mie ‘rapid’ train. This last train is more convenient to reach Ise.

Hokuriku shinkansen

How to go from Nagano to Kanazawa ?

Opened in March 2015, the new Hokuriku Shinkansen Line connects Tokyo with Kanazawa via Nagano. The fastest train with limited stops takes 2.5 hours.

Koshino Shu*Kura

How to go from Niigata to Tokyo ?

The fastest way of returning to Tokyo from Niigata is by Joetsu Shinkansen and takes around 1h40.

Hikone, Shiga

How to go from Nagoya to Kyoto ?

On the second part of the journey from Tokyo to Kyoto, the JR Tokaido Shinkansen does not hang around and stops only a couple of times.

How to go from Hakodate to Sapporo ?

How to go from Hakodate to Sapporo ?

With a Japan Rail Pass, the quickest way to Sapporo from Hakodate is to take the Hokuto or the Super Hokuto Limited Express on the Hakodate Line.

Itsukushima, Miyajima

Access to Miyajima with a Japan Rail Pass

Easily reached in about 40 minutes from Hiroshima with a Japan Rail Pass, Miyajima is a treasure of an island only 2 km (1 ¼ miles) off the mainland in the Seto Inland Sea.

How to go from Tokyo to Nagano ?

How to go from Tokyo to Nagano ?

Nagano, the Japanese Capital of the Winter Sports, is along the Hokuriku Shinkansen, which opened in March 2015 and connects Toyama and Kanazawa to Tokyo.

Fukuoka

How to go from Hiroshima to Fukuoka ?

In just one hour from Hiroshima, you can reach the city of Fukuoka, the economic and cultural heart of the island of Kyushu.

Hiroshima

How to go from Okayama to Hiroshima ?

Discover the itinerary between Okayama and Hiroshima ? If you have time make a stop at Kurashiki and explore the Bikan Chiku historical area.

Hokkaido shinkansen

Discover North of Japan with the new Hokkaido Shinkansen

Discover North of Japan with the New Hokkaido Shinkansen : Hakodate and Aomori

Meitetsu

Accessing Central Japan International Airport

Learn about how to get to and from Nagoya's Chubu Airport. Buy Your Japan Rail Pass Today!

Japan Guide

The Japan Railways Guide

The Japan Railways Guide - Our Free digital Japan by Train guide

Hakodate

Celebrating the Holidays with your JR Pass

Japan's most exciting holiday season events, all accessible with a Japan Rail Pass. Travel Japan and experience the holiday lights via a Japan Bullet Train.