JR East launches Japan's first cargo-only Shinkansen in March 2026. A former Yamagata Shinkansen E3 Series train has been stripped of all 394 seats and rebuilt to carry up to 17.4 tons of freight at 186 mph. Learn how the "Hako-Byun" service tackles Japan's driver shortage, cuts CO2 emissions, and creates a high-speed logistics link between rural producers and Tokyo.

Oigawa Railway's DAY OUT WITH THOMAS 2026 launches its first-ever year-round operation from March 7. Asia's first passenger-carrying Percy steam locomotive joins Thomas through tea fields of Shizuoka. Discover how Japan uniquely blends heritage railways with character collaborations — tickets from about $40 round trip.

JR West launches new-type facial recognition ticket gates at Osaka and Shin-Osaka stations from March 2026. By retrofitting existing IC card gates with dual cameras, the system combines face authentication with IC card functionality — a practical shift from futuristic arch-style gates to scalable standard designs, paving the way for nationwide expansion.

Nagoya's revolutionary SRT (Smart Roadway Transit) launches February 13, 2026. An 18-meter Mercedes-Benz articulated bus connects Nagoya Station to Sakae, offering futuristic design, barrier-free access, and contactless payment. Discover how Japan is reshaping urban mobility ahead of the Linear Shinkansen era.

Kyoto City announces a switch from rear-entry/pay-later to front-entry/prepay bus boarding by FY2028. This overtourism countermeasure aims to reduce congestion and balance residents' daily life with tourism. The tourist express bus impact is also being evaluated.

JR East unveils major rail pass reforms starting March 2026. The new JR EAST PASS covers all JR East lines at ¥35,000 for 5 days or ¥50,000 for 10 days. With price increases and expanded coverage for other passes, Japan prepares its transportation infrastructure for the 40-million-visitor era. A comprehensive look at what's changing and why.

Starting March 25, 2026, 11 Tokyo-area private railways will enable contactless credit card payments across 54 lines and 729 stations. But with JR East and Keisei absent, how much will this change travel in Tokyo? We examine what's coming and what challenges remain.

Kashima Rinkai Railway in Ibaraki Prefecture draws attention with its unique dual strategy of operating both passenger and freight services. Factory night tours on normally restricted freight lines have become popular, while the 2024 logistics problem renews interest in rail freight. Exploring a survival model for regional railways in Japan.