HyperDia has been an invaluable route planner tool for those traveling on trains and Shinkansen within Japan with a JR Pass since the early 2000’s. However, recent changes in HyperDia’s timetable services mean that you may like to consider an alternative option.
Travel Guides
We have dedicated this section to detailed and visual Japan travel guides. Come and let us help you explore and enjoy the best of the Land of the Rising Sun.
If you are overwhelmed by the sheer number of Japanese shrines, million torii gates spread around the country, many authentic shopping streets, hidden all over – fear no more.
Our Travel Guide section will resolve all your question or doubts while helping you to discover Japan from deep within. Where the art of the Japanese culture stems from. Join us on a trip to remember to Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Hiroshima, Nagoya and so much more, including the best food, culture, attractions and travel tips.
Japan to open to visa-free individual tourists from October 11
The Prime Minister of Japan, Fumio Kishida, has announced that Japan is lifting the majority of its remaining COVID entry restrictions for tourists from October 11.
Kishida revealed the long-awaited news during a press conference in New York on September 22. He confirmed that Japan will open its borders to individual tourists and resistate visa exemptions. The cap on 50.000 daily arrivals will also be lifted, he said.
Bullet Train movie: facts, accuracy, and differences from Shinkansen
Japan’s famous Shinkansen rail network got its biggest exposure yet following the release of the Hollywood blockbuster, Bullet Train.
This explosive action movie set almost entirely on the tituar mode of transport was released on August 5th, 2022. But it and generated a huge amount of buzz from both Japanese and international film fans alike.
Matsuri: The 10 best Japanese summer festivals to visit
There are countless local festivals (祭り, matsuri) in Japan each year. They are all spectacular, extravagant, and fun but also unique. Each celebration is based around an individual shrine which pays tribute to a different deity or a famous historical event.
The celebrations vary greatly as each has features based upon the specific shrine but hey also have many similarities. Almost all of them involve energetic processions where thousands of people dance, chant, and dress up in special clothes.
Obon Festival Guide: Meaning, traditions and dates
The Obon festival (お盆, also known as Bon festival) is an annual Japanese holiday that commemorates and remembers deceased ancestors. It is believed that their spirits return at this time to visit their relatives.
Chochin (paper) lanterns are hung to guide the spirits and Obon dances (bon odori) are performed. Families have reunions and visit the graves of their relatives and make food offerings at altars and temples.
Rainy season in Japan: Dates and what to expect
Japan’s rainy season starts in early summer, between May and July, depending on the region. The period is called Tsuyu (also pronounced baiyu) which translates to “plum rain” as the season coincides with the ripening of Japan’s plums.
The wet weather is caused by cold winds from the north colliding wind warm southern winds which create several weeks of rain. The amount of rainfall varies dramatically from year to year. Some years are exceptionally wet whereas other years barely see any rain.