Japan Rail Pass

Eight day trips from Osaka by train, from Kyoto, Nara and Kobe to Himeji Castle, Koyasan, Naoshima, Ise Jingu and Uji, with routes and JR Pass tips.

Japan's railway system explained: train types, seat classes, the JR Pass, IC cards, seat reservations, luggage rules and the busy holiday dates to avoid.

Shinkansen high-speed trains explained: the main lines, seat classes, reserving seats with a JR Pass, luggage rules, onboard etiquette and how to buy tickets.