Josh Hakone is one of the best places to escape Tokyo for mountains, hot springs, scenic train rides and views of Mount Fuji. Located in the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, the area combines Lake Ashi, volcanic landscapes, traditional onsen, museums and some of Japan’s most enjoyable mountain transportation. One of the best things about visiting Hakone is … Read more
Staying in a Hakone hotel or ryokan with a private onsen is one of the most memorable ways to experience Japan’s famous hot-spring culture. Instead of using only a shared public bath, the properties in this guide offer guest rooms with a private open-air hot spring bath — often called a rotenburo in Japanese. A … Read more
Chugoku and Shikoku offer some of Japan’s most rewarding sightseeing trains, with routes along the Seto Inland Sea, through rural mountain valleys and across parts of western Japan that many international visitors never explore. These trains range from elegant coastal sightseeing services and art-inspired trains to a historic steam locomotive and premium dining journeys through … Read more
Kyushu has one of the best collections of sightseeing trains in Japan. JR Kyushu calls many of them “Design & Story Trains,” with each service built around the scenery, culture, food and character of the region it travels through. You can ride a classic resort train to Yufuin, follow two different coastal routes around western … Read more
Tohoku and Kanto offer some of Japan’s most varied sightseeing-train experiences, from dramatic coastal journeys in northern Honshu to family-friendly themed trains, luxury resort trains and steam locomotives within easy reach of Tokyo. Tohoku is particularly strong for JR sightseeing trains that highlight local scenery and culture, while Kanto offers several premium and historic trains … Read more
Hokkaido is one of the best regions in Japan for scenic rail travel. Its trains cross snowy wetlands, dramatic coastlines, flower-covered countryside and vast mountain landscapes that feel very different from railway journeys around Tokyo, Kyoto or Osaka. Many of Hokkaido’s most interesting trains are seasonal, so choosing the right experience depends heavily on when … Read more
Kansai is famous for Kyoto, Osaka, Nara and Kobe, but some of the region’s most memorable rail experiences happen away from the ordinary commuter and Shinkansen routes. From a classic trolley train through Kyoto’s Hozu River Gorge to elegant limited expresses linking Osaka, Nara and Kyoto, luxury journeys toward Ise-Shima and a brand-new sightseeing train … Read more
Staying in a Tokyo hotel with a kitchen can make family travel much easier, especially for breakfast, children’s meals, longer stays and early-morning Shinkansen departures. The properties in this guide range from apartment hotels to luxury serviced residences near Tokyo Station, Marunouchi, Hatchobori and Ginza. They offer an in-room kitchen or kitchenette with useful facilities … Read more
An in-room washer and dryer can make a surprisingly big difference when traveling in Tokyo, especially for families, longer stays and travelers trying to pack light. Instead of carrying laundry to a shared coin laundry, the hotels in this guide provide a washing machine or washer-dryer inside the guest room. Several also include microwaves, kitchenettes … Read more
Tokyo is one of the world’s easiest major cities to explore with children. Trains and subways connect theme parks, museums, observation decks, aquariums, anime attractions and traditional neighborhoods without the need to rent a car. This guide covers 20 of our favorite things to do in Tokyo with kids, including practical station information and advice … Read more