Although many people choose to fly or take a bullet train to move around Japan, the popular night trains of this country continue to offer a chance for tourists to save time and money.
Besides the popular Sunrise Express, which connects Tokyo with the Izumo and Sea of Seto areas, the Moonlight Nagara between Tokyo and Ogaki is also included in the JR Pass.
Your mental images of Japan likely include such scenes as cherry blossoms swaying in the breeze, steam rising from relaxing onsens, and the majestic Mount Fuji. A trip to Tottori, however, will introduce you to a very different and unexpected side of Japan.
Did you know that the country of Japan is actually a series of islands? The four largest islands – Hokkaido, the main island of Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu – form a long, narrow shape and provide ample coastline against the Pacific Ocean to the east and the Sa of Japan to the west. Additionally, over 3,000 small islands surround the Japanese mainland, most notably the southern island of Okinawa and the 150 islands of its prefecture.
Hakone is renowned for the stunning views it offers of Mount Fuji and Lake Ashi. Situated less than 100 km west of Tokyo, the scenic location is popular for day trips and weekend breaks.
There are a number of popular attractions in Hakone. Many people go there specifically for the onsen (hot springs) and the town has some fascinating points of cultural interest too, including the Hakone Shrine and the Hakone Open Air Museum.
Tokyo is a bustling metropolis, a busy and populous neon city. If you’re visiting Tokyo but looking to slow the pace and enjoy the great outdoors, nearby Mount Takao may be just the ticket. Mount Takao offers autumn leaf and cherry blossom viewing, hiking, sky lifts, animal encounters, and historic temples.
What is Golden Week? In Japan, the Golden Week is a series of four national holidays that take place within one week at the end of April to the beginning of May each year. It is often considered a time of vacation for the Japanese people, and many people receive time off from their secular employment on these bank holidays.
