Rail passes & tickets
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Shinkansen luggage rules: seats, oversized bags and what to reserve
Measure your suitcase, identify the Shinkansen operator, and reserve the right luggage space without treating one corridor's rules as nationwide.
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Is the Osaka Amazing Pass worth it? Here is the break-even maths
The Osaka Amazing Pass costs ¥3,500 for one day and ¥5,000 for two. Here is what it covers, the admissions that make it pay off, and the rules that catch people out.
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Is the Tokyo Subway Ticket worth it, or should you just tap an IC card?
The Tokyo Subway Ticket costs ¥1,000 for 24 hours, ¥1,500 for 48 and ¥2,000 for 72. Here is the break-even maths, what it does not cover, and who should skip it.
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Getting from Kansai Airport to Kyoto and Osaka: the routes compared
How to get from Kansai Airport into Kyoto or Osaka: the Haruka, Nankai's Rapi:t and Airport Express, and the limousine bus, compared on fare, time and hassle.
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Is the Japan Rail Pass still worth it after the price rise?
Since the 2023 price rise the nationwide Japan Rail Pass pays off far less often. A Tokyo resident works through the break-even maths and the cheaper alternatives.
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Sending your suitcase ahead: how takkyubin works for visitors
How Japan's takkyubin luggage-forwarding works for tourists — sending suitcases hotel to hotel or from the airport, what it costs, timing, and the traps to avoid.
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Getting into Tokyo from Narita and Haneda: the four routes compared
A Tokyo resident compares trains, buses and taxis from Narita and Haneda into central Tokyo on cost, time and hassle — including when the Narita Express is worth it.
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Who can actually buy a Japan Rail Pass, and who gets turned away
A Tokyo resident explains Japan Rail Pass eligibility plainly — the Temporary Visitor rule, who qualifies, who gets refused at the exchange counter, and how to check.
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Reserving Shinkansen seats from abroad without reading Japanese
How to book and reserve Shinkansen seats in English before you arrive — the official apps, the platforms, QR-code tickets, and the traps that catch first-timers.
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Tokyo to Kyoto: every option, ranked by what it costs and how long it takes
A Tokyo resident compares every way to get from Tokyo to Kyoto — Shinkansen, night bus, budget flights and local trains — on real cost, time and hassle.
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Regional rail passes that beat the nationwide JR Pass on most trips
A Tokyo resident on Japan's regional rail passes — when a Kansai, JR East or area pass beats the nationwide JR Pass, the eligibility rules, and how to buy in English.