NHK chronicles railway developments throughout Japan from July to December 2021. We revisit the measures railway companies adopted in the wake of the pandemic, explore the appeal of scenic tourist lines, highlight the introduction of new ro…

Ekiben, a portmanteau of the Japanese words for "station" and "boxed meal," have long been a staple sold at train stations and on trains across Japan. The recent coronavirus pandemic, which significantly reduced rail travel nationwide, incl…

The Konan Railway navigates the heavy snowfall of Aomori Prefecture, a region in Japan where winter is a constant presence. For those who call this area home, deep snow is an inevitable part of life. Maintaining the railway's schedule hinge…

The Great East Japan Earthquake of March 11, 2011, inflicted widespread damage upon railways stretching along the Pacific coast. Within five days of the seismic event, Sanriku Railway in Iwate Prefecture managed to resume partial operations…

The Japanese railway industry has recently witnessed a flourishing of innovative train designs, the result of collaborations between renowned designers and rolling stock manufacturers and parts suppliers eager to embrace fresh challenges. T…

Tobu Railway serves the greater Tokyo area with twelve distinct lines and operates a tourist train powered by SL Taiju steam locomotives in Tochigi Prefecture. Previously possessing only two steam locomotives, the company made the decision …

The pandemic spurred a shift toward remote work and virtual conferences, resulting in fewer commutes and business trips. To adapt to this evolving landscape, railway companies are introducing shared workspaces and facilities within stations…

By 2050, Japan aims for a carbon-neutral future. In pursuit of this goal, the nation's railway companies have initiated a range of projects designed to lessen their impact on greenhouse gas emissions. Currently, JR East is testing a hydroge…

NHK chronicles the changing face of Japan's railways with news from January to June 2022. We revisit developments in this vital sector, exploring everything from popular tourist and special commemorative trains to the final journeys of hist…

A growing trend has seen former railway lines repurposed as destinations for tourism. The Kosaka Railroad, which once linked Kosaka Town and Odate City in Akita Prefecture, facilitated the transport of ore and passengers until its closure i…

The introduction of JR Kyushu’s "Seven Stars in Kyushu" in 2013 marked a turning point, as railway companies began to recognize the potential of trains as engines for tourism, launching luxury tourist routes. These trains, deeply connected …

The Okayama Destination Campaign, a sweeping initiative in Japanese tourism, unfolded across Okayama Prefecture from July to September 2022. The campaign featured numerous engaging events, but the centerpiece was the restoration and operati…

Established in 1986, the Yagan Railway operates as a third-sector line, traversing the landscape between Shin-fujiwara Station in Tochigi Prefecture and Aizukogen-ozeguchi Station in Fukushima Prefecture. Situated between the Tobu and Aizu …

The railway industry has been significantly impacted this year by the opening of JR Kyushu's Nishi Kyushu Shinkansen. Inaugurated on September 23rd, the 66-kilometer line connects Takeo-onsen Station in Saga Prefecture and Nagasaki Station …

The JR Tadami Line, which links Fukushima and Niigata Prefectures, is celebrated for its breathtaking scenery. Yet, in July of 2011, torrential rains swept away bridges and tracks, necessitating a suspension of service along a portion of th…

This year commemorates the 150th anniversary of Japan's railway system. At its core lies Tokyo Station, a central hub connecting travelers to countless destinations. Serving as the gateway for all major Japanese lines – Tokaido, Chuo, Sobu,…

In 2022, thirteen new train models entered service, encompassing express, commuter, and tourist lines. A notable development compared to the previous year was the launch of several tourist trains, many of which adapted the passenger experie…