Double-decker Shinkansen Cars To Be Retired

Above, a cleaning crew waits to be given the go-ahead to clean the Joetsu Shinkansen
double-decker train in the background at Tokyo Station. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

During my 2010 trip to Japan, I took an excursion to Niigata to see the Sea of Japan side of Honshu for the fun of it.

I rode the Joetsu Shinkansen to Niigata. It was a double-decker train.

The Japan News (Yomiuri Shimbun) reports that the double-decker Shinkansen cars will be retired October 1.

They wrote:

The E4 series of Shinkansen trains — known for their Max Toki and Max Tanigawa services on the Joetsu Shinkansen line — will retire after their final run on Oct. 1.

The E4 are the only double-decker Shinkansen trains in Japan. Social media accounts operated by East Japan Railway Co. (JR East) have been flooded with messages from passengers and fans, describing their memories of trips and expressing their appreciation.

JR East is planning events and selling commemorative goods on an unusually large scale. Fans and the railway company are united in their desire to send the trains off in style.

The E4 series Shinkansen trains were first introduced to the Tohoku Shinkansen line in 1997 and to the Joetsu Shinkansen line in 2001. The 16-car trains had a seating capacity of 1,634, the most of any high-speed train in the world.

Age and speed were cited as the reasons for retiring the double-decker cars.

To read more, go here. 

Regional Japan Rail Passes

Above, the front of the JR East Rail Pass I used in 2006.
Below, is the reverse side. Photos by Armand Vaquer.

When people, in general, hear "Japan Rail Pass", it is usually the pass usable in all of Japan.

But there are also regional rail passes available to visitors (they still have to purchase them in their home countries and bring the voucher to redeem in Japan) and Live Japan discusses four of them available from JR East.

I used a JR East 5-day rail pass to go to Tohoku in 2006 (pictured at top).

They begin with:

Japan is such an amazing destination for tourists that companies do their best to make it as easy to travel around as possible, and at an astonishingly low price. Japan rail passes and train tickets make this possible. 

Here we will introduce four different Japan train tickets which JR East, Japan’s largest train company offers. No tourist should be without!

To read more, go here. 

Which Japan Rail Pass To Choose?

Above, one of the first shinkansen trains I made use of a Rail Pass on. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Planning a trip to Japan that includes venturing out of Tokyo to other areas of the country? Getting a Japan Rail Pass will get one there and save a lot of money.

I've used Rail Passes several times and they are very handy and I saved a lot of money.

But which Rail Pass to get?

Tokyo Cheapo has a handy guide that will provide the needed information to decide.

They begin with:

Japan Rail Passes (JR Passes) are available to anyone visiting Japan on a short-term tourist visa. They provide a fantastic discount on bullet train (Shinkansen) and regular train travel, but if you don’t have experience with Japan’s rail transport system, it’s difficult to know a) if you need one, and b) which JR Pass works with which Shinkansen. To add to the confusion, the various regional companies that constitute JR (JR East, JR West, JR Central, JR Hokkaido, JR Shikoku and JR Kyushu) all have their own passes! Each is priced differently and has different conditions. Read this guide for a better idea of which JR Pass to choose.

Above, a couple of Rail Passes I've used. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read more, go here. 

Which JR Rail Pass To Choose

Above, the Saikai Bridge (that was blown down by Rodan) near Sasebo City in Kyushu. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Regular readers of this blog are aware of the convenience and value of the JR Rail Passes available to foreign visitors to Japan. There are several different ones and it is often difficult to choose the right one.

Tokyo Cheapo has an article on which Japan Rail Pass to choose.

They begin with:

Japan Rail Passes are available to anyone visiting Japan on a short-term tourist visa. They provide a fantastic discount on regular rail travel, but if you don’t have experience with Japan’s rail transport system, it’s difficult to know a) if you need one, and b) which pass you should get. To add to the confusion, the various regional companies that constitute JR (JR East, JR West, JR Central, JR Hokkaido, JR Shikoku and JR Kyushu) all have their own passes! Each is priced differently and has different conditions. 

Japan Rail (JR) Pass Online Reservation: The main JR Pass is excellent value, and if you’re traveling to more than one major city within seven days (or three/four cities within 14 days), it’s very likely you’ll be saving money if you buy this pass (it opens up the whole of Japan). You can order it online here. 

If you’re not sure that’s the ticket for you, read on as we explain the exact conditions of the main JR Pass and those of the two biggest regional companies: JR East and JR West.

To read more, go here. 

Harajuku Station To Be Rebuilt

Above, Harajuku Station. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Three Tokyo train stations will be undergoing renovation, including the historic Harajuku Station that serves the JR Yamanote Line.

According to RocketNews 24:

JR East confirmed reports today that it would be renovating three stations on its Tokyo rail network, with upgrades planned for Harajuku Station on the Yamanote loop line and Sendagaya and Shinanomachi stations on the company’s Chūō-Sobu Line. The works, which will include the introduction of new barrier-free facilities and expansion of concourses and ticket gates, are expected to be completed by 2020 at a total cost of 250 billion yen (US$2.3 billion). 

The new plans are designed to improve passenger flow, which is expected to increase dramatically during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics, and alleviate congestion, which, especially in the case of Harajuku Station, can prove dangerous as passengers spill out onto the road from the narrow walkway during peak periods on weekends and public holidays.

The plans for Harajuku Station is causing concern to locals, given its historical value:

Following the announcement of the station upgrades, Japanese television news reports focused heavily on the changes planned for Harajuku Station. Built in 1924, the wooden building is the oldest of its kind in the Tokyo area, and has a distinctive facade that evokes an atmosphere of nostalgia within its modern environment. 

JR East has said it will make a decision on whether to demolish the current structure or incorporate it into the new design after listening to views from the local municipality.

To read more, go here. 

Yamanote Line To Get Security Cameras

Above, passengers boarding the Yamanote Line at Shinjuku Statiom. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The JR Yamanote train line that encircles central Tokyo will soon be installing surveillance cameras in its trains.

According to Japan Today:

Tokyo - East Japan Railway Co (JR East) said Tuesday it will introduce security cameras on trains running on Tokyo's Yamanote loop line to enhance security. 

The railway operator will introduce the cameras on 550 train cars starting in the spring of 2018, completing installation by 2020 in time for the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics, it said. 

The installment of the cameras is expected to cost around 2 billion yen ($18 million), according to the company. 

"Crimes and nuisance are becoming noticeable on trains. (Security cameras are) necessary to prevent terrorism as well," President Tetsuro Tomita said at a press conference, adding train cars on other JR East lines are planned to be equipped with surveillance cameras.

To read more, go here. 

Which Japan Rail Pass To Choose?

Above, a shinkansen arrives at Atami Station. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

If you are heading to Japan and are planning on extensive excursions outside of Tokyo, and want to purchase a Rail Pass but don't know which one to get, Tokyo Cheapo has an article that will assist in helping you to made a decision.

They start with:

Japan Rail Passes are available to anyone visiting Japan on a short-term tourist visa. They provide a fantastic discount on regular rail travel, but if you don’t have any experience with Japan’s rail transport system, it’s difficult to know if you need one and which pass you should get.  To add to the confusion, the various regional companies that constitute JR (JR East, JR West, JR Central, JR Hokkaido, JR Shikoku and JR Kyushu) all have their own passes! Each is priced differently and has different conditions. 

Japan Rail (JR) Pass Online Reservation: If you know you want to buy the main JR pass for the whole of Japan, then you can order it online here. 

However if you’re not sure, we put some of the confusion to rest, and try to explain the exact conditions of the main JR Pass and those of the two biggest regional companies: JR East and JR West.

To read more, go here. 

JR East Introduces New 3-Day Pass To Tohoku

Above, the Zuiganji temple walk in Matsushima. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

JR East has introduced a new 3-day pass for foreign tourists who are spending most of their time in Tokyo.

Japan Today reported:

TOKYO —If you’re thinking of travelling to or around Japan this summer, you’ll need to ask yourself: Should I buy one of the various all-you-can-ride passes from Japan Railways? 

The decision of whether or not to buy a JR Pass is a bit tricky. Sure, the passes can save you a ton of money if you’re making a multi-leg journey to far-flung regions of the country. If you’re going to be spending a large chunk of your trip in Tokyo, though, where it’s easiest to get around by the not-covered-by-JR-passes subway, a JR pass might not be the best option. 

But as endlessly interesting as Tokyo is, you might find yourself wanting to make one excursion outside the capital, perhaps to see the beautiful mountains of Nagano or the lush forests of the northeastern Tohoku region. If such a side-trip stirs your wanderlust, JR East’s brand-new three-day pass is just about perfect.

To read more, go here. 

A Day's Cost of Tokyo Trains

If there's a big city in the world where one doesn't need to own a car, Tokyo is it.

Above, passengers boarding the Yamanote Line at Shinjuku Station. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Tokyo has a transportation network of trains and subways that is the envy of the world. While it is far from perfect, one can get to anywhere in Tokyo through the train and subway system and, surprisingly, it is relatively cheap to use. It is a lot easier than it looks.

So, how much does train travel in Tokyo cost for a day?

Fortunately, City-Cost has that all figured out and it is explained.

They start with:

Let’s get this straight, Tokyo’s transport network is nothing short of phenomenal. Somehow it manages to shift an army of economic foot soldiers of Biblical proportions, from home to office, office to home, every day.  And usually without major incident. Yes, it’s not without its faults and yes, at times, cramped carriage conditions border on a human rights violation.  But still, cities the world-over eye-up Tokyo’s system with envy. And rightly so!

A key part of said system is the JR East train network.  These are the trains that navigate Tokyo above ground.  Despite having a map that looks like a preschooler went mad with some crayons, the JR network is perfectly navigable, given a bit of time.  But is it affordable?  Here we ask, What’s the cost of a day’s train travel in Tokyo?

 To read more, go here.

Tokyo's Harajuku Station To Be Rebuilt

Above, Harajuku Station. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The historic Harajuku Station in Tokyo is to be rebuilt, according to sources.

The Japan Times reported:

East Japan Railway Co. is planning to rebuild the Harajuku Station building in Shibuya Ward, Tokyo, according to sources. 

The number of foreign tourists using the station has increased, and more visitors are expected to use it in 2020, when some Olympic events will be held at nearby Yoyogi National Gymnasium. 

Sources said Monday that JR East aims to open the rebuilt station in time for the 2020 Summer Games. 

The new station building is expected to be built to the south of the current building, the sources said.

The current station building was built in 1924.

To read more, go here. 

8 Railway Projects Proposed For Tokyo

Above, a train at an overhead station in Asakusa. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

A panel looking into making Tokyo more competitive as a tourist draw has proposed eight projects to get people from Haneda Airport to central Tokyo.

The Japan News (Yomiuri Shimbun) reported:

An expert panel under the Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Ministry has listed eight railway improvement plans in the metropolitan area in its draft of proposals to the government to make Tokyo more competitive as an international city. 

The eight projects proposed in the draft, which was released Thursday, include building a new East Japan Railway Co. (JR East) line to connect stations in central Tokyo with Haneda Airport. It also called for extending the Tsukuba Express, and constructing a subway line connecting Tokyo’s central and bay areas. 

If realized, the improved rail networks will boost the accessibility of Haneda Airport and the bay area from central Tokyo, but it will be a challenge to secure funds for construction costs.

To read more, go here. 

Tokyo JR Stations To Have Letters and Numbers

Above, the JR Harajuku Station. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Japan is continuing to prepare for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. The East Japan Railway Co. is allocating numbers and letters to every JR station in Tokyo. 

According to Kyodo News:

East Japan Railway Co. will start allocating a combination of a letter and number to stations in the Tokyo area in a bid to make it easier for foreigners to travel around one of the world's most complicated labyrinths of rail lines, company sources said Wednesday. 

The company, commonly known as JR East, will start updating station signboards and other displays by the end of this year ahead of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics, the sources said. 

JR East will be joining Tokyo Metro Co. and other railway operators in the metropolis that have already introduced such station numbering.

To read more, go here. 

Choosing A Japan Rail Pass

Above, two JR Rail Passes I used during prior trips. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Yesterday, I ordered my 7-day JR Rail Pass for next month's trip to Japan. I plan to visit several places west of Tokyo for work on the updated The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan.

The cities include Atami (where the end of King Kong vs. Godzilla took place at Atami Castle),

Nagoya (Mothra vs. Godzilla and Gamera The Brave), Osaka (Godzilla vs. Biollante and Godzilla Raids Again) and Kyoto (Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla II and Gamera 3).

I purchased the JR Rail Pass as I plan to do a lot of shinkansen (bullet train) travel.

There are other options (and money-saving) with regional Rail Passes.

Tokyo Cheapo has a new article on the different types of Rail Passes to choose from.

They begin it with:

Japan Rail (JR) Passes are available to anyone visiting Japan on a short-term tourist visa. They provide a fantastic discount on regular rail travel, but if you don’t have any experience with Japan’s rail transport system, it’s difficult to know if you need one and which pass you should get.  To add to the confusion, the various regional companies that constitute JR (JR East, JR West, JR Central, JR Hokkaido, JR Shikoku and JR Kyushu) all have their own passes! Each is priced differently and has different conditions. To put some of the confusion to rest, we’ll try to explain the exact conditions of the main JR Pass and those of the two biggest regional companies: JR East and JR West.

I saved a lot of money when I bought the JR Rail Pass in 2007 for my trek down to Kyushu to see Kumamoto, Mount Aso, Nagasaki, Sasebo and Fukuoka and back to Tokyo. Along with the shinkansen rides to and from Tokyo, I made use of the JR Rail Pass for rides on regional JR trains while in Kyushu.

To see what types of Rail Passes, what they cover and their prices, go here. 

June 3 Blog Post Pick-ups

The fine folks at The Japan Daily have picked up three blog posts for sharing with their readers.

They are:

To read The Japan Daily, go here.

Japan Info: What Railcard to Use in Japan

Above, two of the JR Rail Passes I've used. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

If you are planning to visit Japan and want to see much of the country, but are on a budget, Japan Info has posted an article on different ways to save money on transportation.

Above, the fronts to the rail passes I've used. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Included in the article are the ten JR Rail Passes that are only available to foreign visitors and pre-paid travel cards.

They start the article with:

Japan has an amazing and extensive public transportation system, being famous for the Shinkansen, or bullet train which is the fastest train in the world. It might seem overwhelming at first when you come to plan your trip due to all the different options for travel, today I will focus on getting around Japan by train and what products you can have to make this simpler and cheaper!

To read more, go here. 

Free Wi-Fi On Tohoku Shinkansen Trains and Yamanote Line Stations

Above, the Harajuku Station is one of the stations of the Yamanote Line. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

There's good news for travelers on the JR East Tohoku shinkansen line and Tokyo's Yamanote train line.

Japan Today reported:

TOKYO —Although it’s taken some time to catch on, the number of places offering free Wi-Fi in Japan has been steadily increasing over the last few years, and is now available on the Tohoku shinkansen and all of the stations on Tokyo’s Yamanote train line. 

This new push for easier access to the Internet is a result of contact with the rest of the world. At the same time as Japan is receiving more visitors from overseas, tourists are increasingly relying on online guides and networking to navigate the country and coordinate with their travel companions. 

To help them do so, on May 1, Japan Railways began offering free Wi-Fi onboard E5 Type 1 trains on the Tohoku shinkansen line, which connects Tokyo with northern Aomori Prefecture. By the end of June, the service will be expanded to include E5 Type 3 trains as well.

To read more, go here.

New Round-Trip Discount Tickets For Narita Express

Above, a Narita Express car. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The East Japan Railway Company (JR East) has announced new changes for foreign visitors. Foreign visitors can ride the Narita Express (round trip) at a discounted rate beginning March 14.

From the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO):

The prices for the N'EX round trip will be:

ADULTS (aged 12 and over): ¥4,000

CHILDREN (aged 6 to 11): ¥2,000

The tickets can be purchased at the JR EAST Travel Service Centers at Narita International Airport's Terminal One Station and at Terminal Two Station.

For more details, go here.

New JR East Travel Service Center At Shinjuku Station

Photo: Japan National Tourism Organization.

The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) has announced that JR East has opened a new travel service center at Shinjuku Station in Tokyo.

They wrote:

Visitors to Japan from overseas this year has already exceeded 11 million, more than last year which was the highest on record ever. In order to provide services to meet the needs of foreign tourists visiting Japan, expected to continue growing in the future, East Japan Railway Company (JR East) has opened a new JR EAST Travel Service Center inside Shinjuku Station.

For details on the new travel service center, go here. 

New Yamanote Line Station

Above, an artist's sketch of the new Yamanote Line station. Image by JR East.

Several weeks ago, it was announced that a new JR Yamanote Line station will be built between the Shinagawa and Tamachi stations in the Minato Ward of Tokyo.

A new artist's sketch of the new station's interior has been released by the East Japan Railway Co. (JR East).

According to The Japan Times:

The new station will sit roughly halfway between Shinagawa and Tamachi stations, which are also served by the Keihin-Tohoku Line running north-south from Saitama to Kanagawa prefectures. 

The project will take up most of what is now a 20-hectare rail yard in the Konan district of Minato Ward.

Although nobody has said when construction will begin, but it is expected to be ready in time for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Funny thing, I rarely go to the Shinagawa Station, but during my February trip to Japan, I had to go there to catch the Keikyu Line to go to Yokosuka (and back) to see the Godzilla slide and, later, I met up with college buddy Tom Logan for a reunion over coffee at the Starbucks in Shinagawa Station.

To read more, go here. 

Kanto Area Pass

Above, this is the area the JR Kanto Area Pass covers. Map: JR East Railway Co.

Suppose you went on vacation to Japan, but didn't pick up a JR Rail Pass voucher (you have to buy them in your home country) to exchange for a JR Rail Pass in Japan. But, you want to venture out of Tokyo, but not too far and want to save some cash. What can you do?

Well, you're in luck! JR East has a rail pass you can purchase in Japan. All you'll need is your foreign passport.

Gaijinpot.com (via Tokyo Cheapo) has posted an article on the JR Kanto Area Rail Pass.

Here's some of what it says:

The JR Kanto Area Pass feels like the cheap rail pass that JR forgot about. While all the unlimited travel passes are only available to foreign tourists, this particular pass is open to anyone with a foreign passport – I even purchased one using an expired passport. 

So what’s the deal? Unlimited travel within the greater Kanto area for 3 consecutive days on ANY JR train – including the Shinkansen – for 8,300yen. Kids get the pass for 4,200yen. 

If you’re stuck in the sweltering heat island of Tokyo, this is the ideal pass for a weekend away or for a quick circuit of some of the slightly far flung (and cooler) points of interest in the Kanto region. 

Unlike the other rail passes, you won't need a voucher from your home country to get it. Just present your foreign passport and yen. Remember, it is only good for three consecutive days.

To read the rest, go here.