You might already be aware that to the Japanese, trains are sometimes more than just vehicles that carry you from A to B. Unlike most countries in the world, Japan’s Sightseeing Trains don’t just run between the tourist attractions in the rural areas. They operate on normal train tracks between cities and prefectures, and compared […]
Rokumon: The Sightseeing Train Connecting Karuizawa & Nagano Read More »
Akita Prefecture is one of our most favorite destinations in Japan’s rural area. And the good news is that getting to Akita from Tokyo isn’t hard either! All you need to do is jump onto a bullet train called Komachi. It is the name for all Akita Shinkansen. The next question is: Which seat should
The Best Seats on the Akita Shinkansen: Komachi Read More »
After visiting Kusatsu Onsen, you can drive up to Shiga Kōgen. The 43km-long scenic freeway connecting the two popular destinations is National Highway No. 292, also known as Shiga Kusatsu Kōgen Route (志賀草津高原ルート). The route goes as far as Shibu Onsen (渋温泉郷) in Nagano Prefecture, close to the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park. So if you
A Guide to the Picturesque Shiga Kusatsu Kōgen Route Read More »
Kyoto, the former capital of Japan, is undoubtedly the top tourist destination in the country. But because of its popularity, the city center is packed with hundreds of thousands of tourists. So, if you want to enjoy the traditional side of Japan without being surrounded by strangers, visit Mt. Hiei, located on the border between Kyoto and Shiga
The Best Guide to How to Get to Mt. Hiei and Enryaku-ji Read More »
The 14 km Oirase Gorge (奥入瀬渓流) in Aomori Prefecture is known as one of Japan’s most scenic spots. No matter which season you visit Oirase Gorge, you will definitely be amazed by its beauty. But getting using public transportation isn’t straightforward. So if you are unsure how to get to this picturesque destination, read on!
How to Get to the Picturesque Oirase Gorge Read More »
One of the most common bullet train-related questions we saw in Japan travel forums is: which side of the train offers the best view? While you won’t be able to see the majestic Mt. Fuji when you travel north from Tokyo, the scenery along the train line does not disappoint! In fact, we decided to summarize
The Best Seats on the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Hokkaidō Read More »
As much as we love the trains in Japan, sometimes the attraction you want to visit is closer to a bus stop. Moreover, when traveling in Japan’s rural areas, taking a bus is usually the only option if you don’t want to drive. Although taking a bus in a foreign country might be daunting, taking
The Ultimate Guide to How to Take a Bus in Japan Read More »
If Kawaguchiko (河口湖) or Lake Kawaguchi is on your Japan itinerary, the limited express, Fuji Excursion, might be the train you want to take from Tokyo! To accommodate the mass amount of passengers traveling from Tokyo to Kawaguchiko, JR East Japan introduced the limited express service, Fuji Excursion (富士回遊), in March 2019.
Fuji Excursion: The Fastest Option from Tokyo to Mt. Fuji Read More »
The mountains from Arashiyama to Kameoka have some of the most spectacular scenery in Kyoto. To adore the scenery that change each season, the best seats are provided by Sagano Scenic Railway (嵯峨野観光鉄道). The company’s Sagano Romantic Train runs along the Hozu River (保津川), which flows through the scenic Hozu Gorge (保津峡). Especially during the
The Best Guide to Sagano Scenic Railway Read More »
Mt. Kōya, or Kōyasan, is becoming increasingly popular among international tourists who want to escape from the hustle and bustle of Kyoto and Osaka’s city center. The sacred mountain in Wakayama Prefecture is culturally and historically rich. In addition, it is one of the best spots in Japan to experience temple lodging, Shokubō. If the
The Best Guide to How to Get to Kōyasan from Osaka and Kyoto Read More »