JR-East U.S.

09/09/2026

09/09/2026

【Bring your bicycle and explore Japan by train with JR EAST’s Cycle Train!】

Enjoy a unique cycling journey where you can bring your bicycle onboard without disassembling it and start riding as soon as you arrive.

Discover three scenic cycling routes across eastern Japan, from lakeside views and historic towns to coastal landscapes and peaceful countryside.

🚲 Jōban Line Cycle Train
Ueno Station – Tsuchiura Station

Ride through Tsuchiura City, Ibaraki Prefecture, a popular cycling destination known for Lake Kasumigaura and the Tsukuba Kasumigaura Rin Rin Road. After cycling, relax at PLAY atre Tsuchiura.

🌊 Jōban Line Hamadori Cycle Train
Iwaki Station – Haranomachi Station

Enjoy a seaside ride along the Pacific coast on the Iwaki Nanahama Kaido and visit scenic spots such as Bentenjima. Complete your ride with fresh local seafood at Roadside Station Yotsukurako.

🌿 Suigun Line Cycle Train
Kami-Sugaya Station – Iwaki-Moriyama Station / Kami-Sugaya Station – Hitachiota Station
Explore the natural beauty of Daigo Town, with its mountains, rivers, nostalgic streets, and Tsukimachi-no-taki Waterfall.

🚆 Travel by train, explore by bicycle, and discover a new side of Japan with JR EAST’s Cycle Train.

Cycle Train services operate on weekends and national holidays only. Some dates are excluded. Advance reservations are required.

08/24/2026

【✨ Experience Tokyo from the waterfront at mesm Tokyo, Autograph Collection】

Located at WATERS takeshiba, a vibrant waterfront destination overlooking Tokyo Bay, mesm Tokyo, Autograph Collection offers a unique way to experience contemporary Tokyo.

Inspired by the concept of “TOKYO WAVES,” the hotel blends art, music, gastronomy, design, and its waterfront setting to create a stay that engages all your senses.

Enjoy the refreshing atmosphere of Tokyo’s waterfront, take in the bay views, and discover a different side of the city while staying just minutes away from Tokyo’s bustling center.

📍 mesm Tokyo, Autograph Collection
https://www.mesm.jp/en/

🚃 Access
1-minute walk from Takeshiba Station (Yurikamome Line)
Approx. 8-minute walk from JR Hamamatsucho Station

08/20/2026

【🍂 Experience the peaceful beauty of Mount Haguro in early autumn】

The Dewa Sanzan (Three Sacred Mountains of Dewa) have long been known as a place of spiritual pilgrimage, where visitors journey through the past, present, and future.

Among these sacred mountains, Mount Haguro has been worshipped for centuries as a place to pray for blessings in this life.

September is an ideal season to visit, as the summer heat begins to fade. Walk along the sacred pathway surrounded by centuries-old cedar trees, climb approximately 2,446 stone steps, and admire the Five-Story Pagoda, a National Treasure, beautifully illuminated by the early autumn light.

At the summit, visit Hagurosan Sanjin Gosaiden, the main shrine of Mount Haguro, and take a moment to reflect and reconnect with yourself.

🚍 Direct buses from Sendai Station are available on weekends and national holidays until September 27.

Discover a unique side of Japan through the nature and spiritual traditions of Mount Haguro.

Access
🚅 Sendai Station is approximately 1 hour 30 minutes from Tokyo Station by the Tohoku Shinkansen.

08/17/2026

【Spot the Parasol and Discover Akita’s Iconic Babahera Ice Cream】

If you spot a colorful red-and-yellow parasol in Akita, consider yourself lucky! It means you’ve found one of the region’s most beloved local treats—Babahera Ice Cream. 🌸

Named after “baba,” the Akita dialect word for “grandmother,” this refreshing, sherbet-like frozen dessert is carefully shaped into a beautiful flower by local grandmothers using a metal spatula.

The classic flavors are strawberry and banana, with a light, refreshing sweetness that’s perfect for a warm day. A friendly chat with the baba is part of the experience, too. 😊

You may find Babahera Ice Cream at local festivals, roadside stations, and other seasonal spots across Akita. Just follow the bright red-and-yellow parasol!

📍 Location
Somewhere in Akita!

🚆 Getting There
Akita Station: About 3 hours 40 minutes from Tokyo Station via the Akita Shinkansen

08/14/2026

【Experience the Colors of Fall Aboard the Resort Shirakami】

Autumn is one of the best times to explore Shirakami-Sanchi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Akita Prefecture. Ride the scenic Resort Shirakami and discover breathtaking fall foliage, beautiful waterfalls, and authentic local culture.

Join a guided tour to visit scenic spots such as Sanjugama, known for its vibrant autumn colors, and Shirataki Shrine, home to a beautiful waterfall. You'll also enjoy a hands-on soba noodle-making experience and learn one of Japan's beloved culinary traditions. 🍂

Learn more:
https://visitshirakami.com/things_to_do/experience-in-happo-town/

🚆 Getting There
•Akita Station: About 3 hours 40 minutes from Tokyo Station via the Akita Shinkansen
•Akita-Shirakami Station: About 1.5 hours from Akita Station aboard the Resort Shirakami

The guided tour meeting point is just a 3-minute walk from Akita-Shirakami Station on the Gono Line.

We recommend taking the Resort Shirakami to Akita-Shirakami Station, where you'll enjoy spectacular coastal and mountain scenery along the way.

Reserve your train seats here:
https://www.eki-net.com/en/jreast-train-reservation/Top/Index

08/12/2026

【“Spiral, Spiral: Evolving Human Narratives” Presented by JR East Employees.】

“Spiral, Spiral: Evolving Human Narratives” invites visitors to explore the connections between people, culture, and the world around us through the familiar concept of “Spiral, Spiral” (circles, cycles, and recurring patterns) found in our everyday lives.

From art, cities, and culture to the human body itself, the exhibition's six themed zones reveal fascinating connections across a wide range of fields.

By experiencing the many forms of “Spiral, Spiral” in daily life, visitors may gain a fresh perspective on the world around them.

For tickets, please check the URL below.
https://montakanawa.jp/programs/spiral/

Exhibition Information
📍 Box1500/MoN Takanawa: The Museum of Narratives
🚃 Takanawa Gateway Station
📅 Until September 23 (Wed., National Holiday)
⏰ 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM (until 9:00 PM on Fridays and Saturdays)
　Last admission is 30 minutes before closing.

Admission
General: ¥2,500
U25: ¥1,500
Elementary, Junior High & High School Students: ¥800
Preschool children: Free admission.
Audio guide included with admission.

08/10/2026

【 🚆 Ride the Newly Designed Limited Express Train to Autumn in Nikko】

Celebrating the 20th anniversary of the direct service between JR and Tobu Railway, the exterior design of the 253 series Limited Express has been renewed.

Inspired by the deep blue and brilliant gold colors seen at the UNESCO World Heritage Site Shrines and Temples of Nikko, the new design features elegant lines representing the two destinations of Nikko and Kinugawa Onsen.

🍁 From mid-October to early November, Nikko transforms into a breathtaking autumn destination. Enjoy vibrant fall colors at Nikko’s UNESCO World Heritage Shrines and Temples, Ryuzu Falls, Lake Chuzenji, and the Kinugawa Gorge.

🚉 Traveling to Nikko is easy with options such as the JR EAST PASS and Welcome Suica. From central Tokyo, you can reach this historic and scenic destination in about 2 hours by the Limited Express Spacia Nikko or Spacia Kinugawa.

Experience the beauty of Japanese autumn on a memorable journey from Tokyo to Nikko.

📍 Access
Tobu-Nikko Station or Kinugawa-Onsen Station
Approximately 2 hours from Shinjuku Station by the Limited Express Spacia Nikko or Spacia Kinugawa
Shinjuku Station is approximately 14 minutes from Tokyo Station by the Chuo Line.

08/07/2026

【Morioka, Iwate: Festivals, History & Nature】

Morioka is a city where vibrant summer festivals meet quiet, timeless history.

🥁 Morioka Sansa Odori Festival

Every August, the city comes alive with the Morioka Sansa Odori Festival.

Thousands of performers fill the streets with powerful drumbeats and synchronized dances, creating one of Japan’s most impressive taiko drum parades. Visitors can also join in and experience this unforgettable local tradition.

🏡 Nansho-so

For a peaceful escape, visit Nansho-so.

This elegant Meiji-era residence features beautifully maintained gardens that reflect traditional Japanese aesthetics. Each season brings a new view of its beautiful scenery.

🏛️ Iwate Bank Red Brick Building

Designed by renowned architect Kingo Tatsuno (also known for Tokyo Station), the Iwate Bank Red Brick Building showcases Japan’s modernization through its striking red-brick exterior and classic interior.

🌸 Morioka Castle Ruins Park

With preserved stone walls and lush greenery, Morioka Castle Ruins Park blends history with nature. The park offers a different experience throughout the year—from cherry blossoms in spring to snowy landscapes in winter—and remains a beloved spot among locals.

Experience the many sides of Morioka, from vibrant festivals and historic landmarks to seasonal beauty.

08/04/2026

【Morioka, Iwate: Local Flavors & Food Culture】

Morioka is a compact city where history, culture, and nature come together. With many attractions located close to each other, visitors can easily explore the city on foot—even during a short visit.

From Tokyo Station, Morioka Station is only about 2 hours and 10 minutes by the Tohoku Shinkansen, making it an ideal destination for a day trip.

Explore Morioka through its must-try local foods. 🍜

Morioka’s Three Great Noodles (Morioka Sandai Men)
Wanko Soba
📍 Azumaya Ekimae Branch
Experience a unique Iwate tradition as small bowls of soba are served one after another with lively calls of “Hai, janjan!” and “Hai, dondon!”

Morioka Reimen
📍 Seirokaku
Enjoy chewy noodles and rich beef-bone broth in this iconic Morioka dish.

Jajamen
📍 Pairon Fesan Branch
Try this beloved local noodle dish topped with savory meat miso, a flavor loved by Morioka locals for generations.

Other Local Favorites

🥖 Fukuda Pan Nagatacho Main Store
Choose your favorite filling for a soft koppe pan, including the classic sweet red bean paste and butter combination.
Cash only. Credit cards are not accepted.

☕ Kissa Fukakusa and Cafe & Grocery NOOK
Enjoy Morioka’s café culture with beautiful riverside views, rice flour sweets, and delicious coffee.

🍶 Asabiraki
Enjoy locally crafted sake at one of Iwate’s leading sake breweries. Brewery tours are available with advance reservations.

Information is current as of July 2026.