Navigating Japan's Shinkansen Network

Above, inside a bullet train car. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

My first trip to Japan was in November 2001. During that trip I took a bullet train (Shinkansen) trip to the Atami area of Japan.

Since then, I have taken several other Shinkansen trains to other areas of Japan including Sendai, Osaka, Hiroshima, Kyoto, Kyushu and Niigata. 

Travel + Leisure has posted a complete guide on Japan's bullet trains with information on the different types of them.

They begin with:

The notion of wasting time on commutes is foreign in Japan, thanks to its high-speed bullet trains, or Shinkansen, which zoom along at a top speed of 320 km/h (199 mph). Operating on a well-organised high-speed railway network, these trains adhere to a punctual schedule throughout the week. With travellers’ convenience at the fore, Japan’s bullet trains delight with amenities like vending machines, food carts serving meals, drinks, and snacks, as well as informative announcements delivered in multiple languages.

To read more, go here. 

Japan Train Fares To Surge For Foreign Tourists

Above, Sendai Station. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Starting Sunday, October 1, the cost for JR Rail Passes will sharply increase for foreign visitors.

According to Nikkei Asia:

TOKYO -- The Japan Railways Group (JR Group) will sharply increase fares for foreign travelers under the Japan Rail Pass program for unlimited access to all JR trains, effective on Sunday.

Depending on how the pass is purchased, hikes will be 49% to 69% for economy-class train cars and 56% to 77% for first-class cars, called Green Cars.

At present, the over-the-counter price of the seven-day pass is roughly the same as the fare of a Tokyo-Osaka round trip aboard a bullet train, known in the country as shinkansen. The low fare has become possible "as a result of efforts to expand and upgrade services," the JR Group said.

But Japanese travelers have complained that the program unfairly favors foreign visitors.

The generous program started when prices were extremely high in Japan. Recently, however, it has become difficult to maintain the low prices because of a steep increase in the number of users. 

The surge of foreign visitors is causing other problems in Japan, to read further, go here. 

What To Know About Using A Japan Rail Pass

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

One of the perks of being a foreign tourist to Japan is that it allows tourists to use different Japan Rail Passes. Rail Passes allow tourists to explore Japan by rail (including bullet trains) and save money at the same time.

I've used them several times during my eight trips to Japan.

The Travel has posed an article on everything you should know about using Japan Rail Pass.

They start it off with:

Every year, millions of people flock to Japan to witness its marvelous and most iconic attractions, including Mount Fuji, Imperial Tokyo, Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, historic Kyoto, the Island Shrine of Itsukushima, and much more. They can use the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto when heading to Mount Fuji or take the subway train to a specific place of interest. The simple fact of experiencing the country’s world-leading railway system is just a unique and quintessential part of a Japan trip.

However, those who want to save a lot of money when using the Japanese transportation system can spend some time learning about the convenient and special Japan Rail Pass. This applies to tourists who plan to save much money when exploring a lot in Japan.

Above, a shinkansen view of Mt. Fuji en route to Osaka from Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read the full article, go here. 

Best Discount Train Deals and Passes From Tokyo

Above, a view of Mount Fuji from an Osaka-bound Shinkansen. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When Japan finally reopens to foreign visitors, there are deals to be had while in the country.

One of the best deals for foreign tourists are those offered by Japan Rail and other rail companies.

Time Out Tokyo has posted some of the best discount train deals and rail passes for excursions from Tokyo.

They begin with:

Japan’s legendarily efficient train network is a thing of beauty. We love being able to zip around the country on a shinkansen for a weekend getaway, but that convenience often comes with a hefty price tag. A trip from Tokyo to Osaka can cost around ¥15,000 one-way.

Thankfully, Japan’s railway companies offer package deals for trips on a budget. Deals can include shinkansen tickets to and from your destination, unlimited public transport once you’re there, and even discounts on local attractions. 

Whether you want to spend a day exploring Tokyo, take a day trip to Nikko, or travel to Osaka for the weekend, be sure to check out these deals before you book your next trip. 

To read more, go here.