Japan is seeing a huge rise in the number of bicycles as many areas and streets have been redesigned with bikeways for cyclists. There are also some exclusive long-distance bike trails for serious bicyclists out there. If you visit smaller islands in Japan where public transport is limited, cycling is one of the few ways…
The Royal Express is a luxurious train which has recently started operating in Japan. It was launched by the Japanese railway operator Tokyu. The train is meant to give passengers a chance to enjoy the scenic view of the Izu Peninsula, a resort area for hot springs, and Sagami Bay, a sea which stretches from…
Hokkaido’s Biei and Furano towns attract domestic and foreign tourists every summer because of their flower farms and breathtaking landscapes. In July and August, lavender blooms and the farming fields are filled with different hues of green and yellow. However, public transportation in Hokkaido is not cheap. The easiest way to get around is by…
If you’re thinking of moving to Japan, no doubt the capital city of Tokyo is a possibility on your list. Tokyo, meaning “east capital” in Japanese, was formerly known as Edo and became the official capital city of Japan in 1868. If you decide to move to Japan to teach, get married, or explore on…
I’m 192cm tall, otherwise known as somewhere in the realms of 6’ 3” to 6’ 4”. By Western standards, that makes me somewhat taller than average, but take a random selection of a hundred Japanese men and I’d be surprised if even one of them is my height or taller. That equates to the fact…
It is always a pleasure riding luxurious trains in Japan. Besides being free from clusters of people, these trains are amenity-rich and outfitted with hotel-quality sleeping compartments. This coming summer, the “Pokemon with You” Train will be back in service! Though not that luxurious, the train has been designed to give everyone an awesome and…
If you happen to visit Japan, you will undoubtedly use the train at some point. Even if you plan to rent a car the entire time during your visit, you are likely to hop on a train between the airport and where you’re staying. Particularly in big cities such as Tokyo (東京), Osaka (大阪), or…
Try asking somebody to describe the Japanese in a few words and most often the answer will be “reserved” and “polite.” Japan is renowned for being a safe place to live where almost everything is pleasant. The majority of people are helpful and courteous with just a few visitors to Japan going home with tales…
When you travel, are you most worried about losing time or losing money? Some people feel that “time is gold” and are willing to purchase expensive train tickets just to get to their destination quickly. However, if you’re happy to spend some extra time but get the best deal, there are some alternative options to…
JR Kyushu’s (九州) newest train makes its first trip this March and with it are tales of hope. Named after kingfishers local to the Kuma (球磨) region, the KAWASEMI YAMASEMI (かわせみ やませみ) is the first sightseeing train launched by JR Kyushu after the Kumamoto (熊本) earthquake in 2016 and is hoped to be a symbol…
