Josh Hida Takayama and Shirakawa-go offer one of the best combinations of historic townscapes, mountain scenery, traditional food, and rural Japan in the Chubu region. Takayama is a compact mountain city in Gifu Prefecture known for its beautifully preserved old town, traditional wooden merchant houses, morning markets, sake breweries, and Hida beef. About 50 minutes away … Read more
Inuyama Castle is one of Japan’s most atmospheric surviving original castles and an easy cultural day trip from Nagoya. Located in Aichi Prefecture beside the Kiso River, the castle sits high on a hill above the old castle town. Its compact wooden keep, steep historic staircases, and open-air upper balcony create a very different experience … Read more
Hikone Castle is one of Japan’s best-preserved original castles and an excellent destination for travelers exploring the Kyoto, Lake Biwa, and Maibara area by train. Located in Shiga Prefecture on the eastern side of Lake Biwa, Hikone is easy to reach from Kyoto and makes a particularly convenient stop if you are traveling along the … Read more
Himeji Castle is one of Japan’s most impressive historic landmarks and one of the easiest major castles to visit by train. Located in Hyogo Prefecture between Osaka and Hiroshima, the castle is served by JR Himeji Station on the Sanyo Shinkansen. From the station, you can walk straight along Otemae-dori to the castle in about … Read more
Miyajima may be best known for Itsukushima Shrine and its famous floating torii gate, but food is another big part of the experience. The island has several specialties that are well worth planning into your visit rather than simply grabbing whatever is convenient. The three foods I would prioritize are anago-meshi, Hiroshima oysters, and momiji … Read more
Miyajima is one of the easiest and most rewarding day trips from Hiroshima. Famous for Itsukushima Shrine, its seemingly floating torii gate, Mount Misen, friendly deer, and excellent local food, the island can be reached from Hiroshima Station in roughly 45–55 minutes using a combination of JR train and ferry. For most travelers, the simplest … Read more
Haneda Airport Terminal 3 is much more than a place to check in for an international flight. If your family arrives early, you can watch airplanes, explore an Edo-style shopping area, cross a traditional wooden bridge, see model aircraft, visit a planetarium café, shop for Japanese souvenirs and even relax in a natural hot spring … Read more
Rain does not have to ruin a family day in Tokyo. The city has excellent indoor playgrounds, aquariums, interactive museums and amusement attractions that can easily fill several hours — and many are conveniently reached by train. Indoor attractions are also useful during Tokyo’s hot and humid summer months or on cold winter days when … Read more
Japan’s trains are excellent for getting people around the country, but carrying large suitcases through stations, local trains and multiple transfers can make an otherwise easy journey much more tiring. One of the best solutions is Japan’s luggage-forwarding system. Instead of taking every suitcase with you, you can send your main luggage ahead and travel … Read more
Traveling around Japan by train with children and large suitcases is completely possible, but families benefit from planning their luggage more carefully than solo travelers. The difficulty is rarely getting a suitcase onto a train. It is managing children, strollers, elevators, ticket gates, station transfers and several bags at the same time. Quick Answer: Can … Read more