Once a defining feature of Japan's travel landscape, sleeper trains—often called "blue trains"—vanished with the rise of quicker, more convenient ways to journey. Today, only the Sunrise Seto and Sunrise Izumo continue to operate regularly.…

The Echigo Tokimeki Railway, which began operations in 2015 alongside the Hokuriku Shinkansen, now faces considerable financial hardship. Declining passenger numbers have left the company with a debt of 490 million yen. Hope for its future…

As the excitement for the Tokyo 2020 Games builds, international travelers will likely arrive in Japan via the city's two international airports. The Narita Express, operated by JR East, and the Skyliner, run by Keisei Electric Railway, bot…

In March 2020, Kintetsu Railway, often called the "kingdom of limited express trains," unveiled its latest offering: the "Series 80000 Hinotori." This new train, designed for utmost comfort, connects Osaka and Nagoya. Kintetsu meticulously …

After nearly fifty years, a new addition has been made to the JR Yamanote Line: Takanawa Gateway Station. Situated between Shinagawa and Tamachi, the station is a key component of a large-scale redevelopment. This ambitious project envision…

Ninety-five local railways crisscross Japan, many now facing precarious existence. The industry's challenges stem from a confluence of factors: a shrinking and aging population, a declining birth rate, the rise of private vehicle ownership,…

Founded in 1953 and boasting a membership of over 3,000, the Japan Railfan Club annually recognizes exceptional new railway vehicles with its prestigious Blue Ribbon Prize and Laurel Prize, awarded to those entering service the preceding ye…

Following a suspension due to the coronavirus pandemic, JR East’s cycle train returned to service in July. B.B.BASE (Boso Bicycle Base) first launched its operations in 2018. Responding to a growing number of cyclists, JR East’s Chiba branc…

The Heisei Chikuho Railway, a privately-owned line in Fukuoka Prefecture, gained attention in 2018 with its "Japan's Slowest Tourist Train." Passengers enjoyed French cuisine crafted from the region’s freshest ingredients, all while travers…

Marking its 90th anniversary, Tsugaru Railway winds through Aomori Prefecture, connecting many sought-after destinations. Its famed "stove train," a winter favorite, draws visitors from afar. Yet, the coronavirus pandemic has dealt a severe…

In March of 2020, JR Freight inaugurated "Tokyo Rail Gate West," a substantial distribution center designed as a comprehensive hub for streamlined and efficient goods handling. The facility addressed a national scarcity of long-haul truck d…

Mitooka Eiji, an internationally renowned industrial designer, stands as Japan’s foremost figure in railway vehicle design. His portfolio encompasses over forty trains throughout the country, a collection that includes the opulent cruise tr…

In response to evolving lifestyles shaped by the coronavirus pandemic, JR West is pioneering new services. One such initiative centers on the concept of a "workcation," offering packages that allow individuals to combine travel, accommodati…

The Tenryu Hamanako Railroad, a third-sector line spanning 67.7 kilometers in Shizuoka Prefecture, links five cities and one town. Renowned for its railway heritage, the line preserves vestiges of the past: a turntable, a roundhouse, and we…

In 2020, a number of new express, commuter, and tourist trains, alongside a sleeper service, entered operation. Discover the newest express trains, including the Tokaido Shinkansen "N700S," Kintetsu Railway's "HINOTORI," and JR East’s opule…