2025– date –
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Special Train – West Express Ginga
What is The "West Express Ginga" (West Express銀河) Train Video: Introduced in 2020 by JR West the West Express Ginga is a special tourist train, but with a difference. It has both luxury (Green) seating and sleeping births. It also incl... -
Exploring San’in by Train – Rivers, Sea, Mountains & Forests with lots of culture and good food!
Introduction - getting off the beaten path This article concentrates on Shimane and Tottori prefectures but because of the rail lines we feature we also dip into Hiroshima, Hyogo and Okayama Prefectures a little. It is not the purpose of... -
Banetsu East & Banetsu West Lines – “Mountains, Forests, Water & steam trains ” A favourite for both rail enthusiasts and travellers…
The Banetsu Railway Lines – Crossing Honshu Through Mountains, Forests, Rivers & Rice PaddiesPlaces to Visit Along the Banetsu East LineKoriyama (郡山)Banetsu West Line "The Railway of Forests, Water, and Romance. 森と水とロマンの鉄... -
Four Rural Rail Lines in Chiba – Countryside on Tokyo’s Doorstep
Four Rural Rail Lines in Chiba: Chiba’s Hidden Rail Gems In this article we take a look at 4 rural lines in Chiba Prefecture which can be described as "Chiba's Hidden Rail Gems", not just for rail enthusiasts, but also tourists who want ... -
NHK World’s 「Japanology Plus」 features TS Japan Rail’s Stephen Turner
NHK World's Japanology Plus features TS Japan Rail's Stephen Turner travelling on the Kominato Railway. Join Stephen Turner and host Peter Barakan as they embark on a scenic train journey through Chiba Prefecture’s historic Kominato Rail... -
Understanding the Japan Rail Network – “Complicated and Confusing” is really “Comprehensive & Convenient”…
Complicated and confusing? For many first-time visitors, navigating Japan's extensive rail network might initially seem complicated and confusing. Fortunately, most travelers find that after a few days, the system becomes much easier to ... -
“The Enduring Charm of Printed Timetables…” TSJR’s Turner featured on NHK World’s Japan Railway Journal
Japan's printed railway timetable books are still popular despite the rise of travel planning apps! The March 20, 2025 edition of NHK World's Japan Railway Journal titled "The Enduring Charm of Printed Timetables," exploring why they rem... -
Visiting Japan? Two special offers for clients of TS Japan Rail and Mobal Japan – Save money on SIM Cards & Travel Planning
Save money on Mobal Japan's Voice and Data SIMs when visiting Japan and get a 10% discount on TSJR's travel planning services! Whether you are a tourist or rail enthusiast when getting off the beaten path in Japan it is important to have... -
Understanding the Japan Rail Network – fares and tickets
Buying tickets at Ticket OfficesUnderstanding how the ticketing works may save you money (JR Lines)Buying tickets at Ticket MachinesUn-manned stations and one man trainsNon JR Japan Rail PassesRail Passes available to everyone For visito...
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