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.
Nagoya Travel Guide: Access and things to do
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.
Japan in 7 days: Travel itinerary
Visiting Japan for the first, second or even third time can be scary. It is not an easy task to get around in Tokyo or figure out what to see from the countless number of giant temples, beautiful parks, large shopping streets and fresh restaurants.
That is why we have prepared our top “7 days in Japan” itinerary and recommendations so that you can travel, see and explore the greatest sights of the country with your Japan Rail Pass.
The Limited Express Sonic train in Kyushu
The island of Kyushu is the southernmost, as well as the most westerly, of Japan’s large, main islands. Kyushu is home to mountainous terrain, including the most active volcano in Japan, known as Mount Aso.
The subtropical climate of Kyushu makes it an ideal location for vacationers. Few sights evoke as much awe as the view from a train winding through Kyushu’s countryside, steam floating lazily atop nearby hot springs. The island is also a valuable resource for understanding Japanese culture, as it is famous for its art and its silk.
How to find and use ATMs in Japan
ATMs, or Automatic Teller Machines, are common sights throughout the world. The devices offer a convenient way to withdraw money stored in your bank account, acquiring cash directly from the machine. ATMs can be especially useful for international travelers, as they dispense cash money in the local currency at competitive exchange rates.
Shinkansen Gran Class: The ultimate luxury bullet train
Japan has been a legend in commuter travel for over half a century. Early Japanese train travel featured decadent luxury, such as on Japan’s famous night trains. The introduction of the Shinkansen bullet trains added new levels of speed to the mix, creating excitement and increasing comfort.
Japan continues to stay ahead of the game with new innovations – luxury trains such as the Seven Stars Kyushu, and the increased velocities of the soon-to-be released Maglev. Another such innovation is a new luxury class available on the Shinkansen bullet train lines – the Shinkansen Gran Class.