Travel to Japan
Why a Large Bag Needs Its Own Reservation
Luggage over 160 cm needs a free oversized-baggage seat booked in advance on the Tokaido line, or a ¥1,000 charge on board. Sizes, cars and where bags fit.
Japan Know How archive
japan trains
Travel to Japan
Machines, Apps and the Ticket Counter
You can buy a Shinkansen ticket online, from a station machine or at a staffed JR counter, but those routes do not offer identical fares or payment options. This guide explains the Japanese terms on each screen, the current advance-booking rules and what to do when a foreign card fails.
Travel to Japan
The Break-Even Math on Kansai, JR East and Hokkaido
Japan’s national rail pass can lose money even on a Tokyo–Kyoto–Hiroshima trip. Compare the current prices, coverage, and break-even math for Kansai, JR East, and Hokkaido before buying.
Travel to Japan
How Japan’s Rail Fares Are Actually Built
Six JR companies, private lines on top, and a fare made of two separate charges. How tickets are priced, when a seat must be reserved, and what a week costs.
Travel to Japan
Is the Japan Rail Pass Worth It in 2026?
Tokyo to Kyoto to Hiroshima and back comes to about 44,760 yen against a 50,000 yen pass. The classic route does not break even, and from 1 October the pass costs more.
Japanese Phrases
Japanese Phrases for Trains and Stations
One phrase, one card and about eight kanji cover the world's best rail network. Plus train types, the exit that matters, and the luggage rule people miss.