Shinkansen tickets: How to buy and use

Traveling around Japan using Shinkansen bullet trains is an absolute pleasure. They’re comfortable, convenient, luxurious, and above all, super-fast! However, at first, it can be difficult to know where and how to buy Shinkansen tickets.

Everyone wants to get the best value tickets possible, but without doing extensive research it can be tricky. This guide to Shinkansen tickets will explain the different types, where to buy them from, how to use them, and how you can save money by getting the best-value tickets.

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Ashikaga Flower Park Travel Guide

The Ashikaga Flower Park first opened in 1968 and now spans 94,000 square meters (23 acres) of land approximately 74 kilometers north of Tokyo. The park is famous across Japan for housing a 150-year-old wisteria tree which has been designated as a national monument by the Tochigi Prefecture.

In addition to this amazing natural wonder, you can experience an 80-meter tunnel of white wisteria or yellow Kibana, thousands of azaleas, hundreds of other flowers, and winter lights. The flowers themselves are also illuminated at night, providing a truly otherworldly experience.

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Best Winter Illuminations in Japan in 2023/2024

Light festivals over the Christmas period have become huge events in Japan. Every year the spectacular displays become even more extravagant and breathtaking.

They typically take place in November and December. However, some start as early as October and others go on until February or even later in the spring. Here is a guide to some of the very best illuminations you can see in Japan this winter.

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15 best apps for traveling around Japan in 2024

This article is dedicated to the most useful apps to check while traveling in Japan. If you are scared of the fact that you simply can’t cope with Japanese writing and will get lost either in translation or the extensive Tokyo Metro system – worry no more. Our app selection is here to save the day.

Below you’ll find a detailed list of the best apps for traveling in Japan, the type of service they provide, and how to use them when visiting the country with a Japan Rail Pass!

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