Destinations

Do you love trains? From children to adults, many people are fascinated by these massive, powerful vehicles. Japan, with its long history of innovative rail transportation, is a vacation destination for train lovers of all ages.

The Japanese railway train museums chart the history of the train in Japan and around the world, from early steam locomotives to diesel and electric train cars, to the innovative shinkansen bullet train and maglev trains. As a boon for international travelers, these Japanese museums include informative displays in English as well as Japanese. The main museums in Kyoto, Nagoya and Tokyo are family-friendly, offering exciting hands-on exhibits for the education and enjoyment of little railroad fans and their parents alike.

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Often called “the Kyoto of Eastern Japan”, this charming coastal town is located about an hour south of Tokyo and is perfect for a relaxing day trip from the capital. Its beaches, historical structures, and monuments make Kamakura a go-to destination year-round.

The area is especially good for viewing cherry blossoms in the spring and colorful foliage in autumn. The numerous historic temples, such as Kotoku-in and its famous giant Buddha statue, also make it an ideal location to learn about Japanese religious culture.

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The Koka Ninja Village, or Koka no Sato Ninjutsumura, is located in the rural city of Koka, also called Koga. Along with nearby villages, Koka is set deep within the homeland of the ninja. The rugged and mountainous landscape made Koka an excellent retreat in which the ninja honed their skills. Its close proximity to Kyoto makes it an accessible and exciting stop for your next Japanese vacation.

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Nagoya is Japan’s fourth most populous city. Easy to access on a day trip from either Tokyo, Kyoto, or Osaka, the capital of the prefecture of the same name has something to offer everyone, from ample shopping opportunities to kid-friendly amusement parks.

Nagoya originated as a castle town known as Owari during the Edo Period (1603 to 1867 C.E.) However, much of its historic architecture was destroyed during the bombing raids of World War II. Today, it is a city of boundless technology, including the Toyota Motor Corporation headquarters just outside the city limits.

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Kobe is a coastal city of the Kansai region of western Japan, located on the main island of Honshu bordering Osaka Bay. It is one of Japan’s ten largest cities. Enclosed by the sea on one side and a majestic mountain range on the other, it is also considered one of Japan’s most beautiful big cities.

Kobe is rich in history as the first port in Japan to open to foreign trade. This is evident in the western style architecture of some neighborhoods. Recent history is displayed at the Kobe City Museum and the Earthquake Museum.

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