I ride Japan’s trains — Shinkansen, limited expresses and sightseeing lines — and write up what each journey was actually like, with practical notes on seats and booking, and plenty of photographs. Two mascots come along for every trip.
Hello, We’re mascots!
Thank you for visiting “mascots no Tabidayori” (mascots’ Travel Journal). I’m mascots, the creator of this blog.
This blog is a railway travel blog dedicated to sharing the charm of train journeys across Japan, through real, first-hand riding experiences. I actually board Shinkansen, limited express trains, and sightseeing trains, documenting the journey along with practical travel tips and plenty of photos.
Why I Started This Blog
Japan’s railways are full of charms worth sharing with the world.
- Speed and Punctuality — The minute-precise operation of Shinkansen and limited express trains is a true crystallization of Japanese technology and pride.
- Rich Local Character — Sightseeing trains running across the country are filled with the culture, scenery, and cuisine of each region. Riding them becomes a destination in itself, and I wanted to share that special appeal.
I started this blog with the hope of helping as many people as possible discover the joy of traveling for the trains themselves — not just using them as a means of getting from A to B.
Our Travel Companions: The Mascots
Two mascots appear throughout this blog as our travel companions.
Their names are Tikoppi and Presley, and they are handmade felt dolls. The pin badge sitting in front of them is from the day we rode the Royal Express.
Mischievous and full of playful energy, these two never fail to liven up our journeys with their unpredictable antics. And here’s a little secret — they’re genuinely, seriously dreaming of one day taking a trip to the Maldives (a slightly greedy ambition, perhaps!).
Together with these two, we’re out exploring a railway somewhere in Japan, every single day.
What You’ll Find on This Blog
- Riding reports for Shinkansen, limited express, and sightseeing trains
- Practical travel tips, such as how to choose the best seats and booking advice
- Sightseeing and gourmet information to enjoy alongside your train journey
Whether you’re a dedicated railway fan or someone looking to start enjoying train travel, I hope to deliver information that’s genuinely useful to you. Thank you for stopping by!