Lake Kawaguchiko hotels with private onsen offer one of Japan’s most memorable stays, combining private open-air baths with spectacular Mt. Fuji views. In this guide, I’ve selected five standout hotels and ryokan around Lake Kawaguchiko that offer private open-air bathing options together with excellent Mt. Fuji scenery. Some properties have private open-air baths directly inside … Read more
Nikko Toshogu Shrine is one of Japan’s most impressive historic sites and one of the main reasons travelers visit Nikko from Tokyo. Surrounded by tall cedar trees, the shrine is famous for its richly decorated gates, detailed carvings, gold leaf, and strong connection to the Tokugawa shogunate. The shrine is dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the … Read more
Narita Airport to Tokyo is usually associated with trains, but one of the cheapest and easiest options is actually a bus. When it comes to travelling from Narita Airport to central Tokyo, most visitors immediately think of the Narita Express or Keisei Skyliner. Both are excellent, but there is another option that can be much … Read more
Yokohama Minato Mirai is one of the easiest waterfront escapes from Tokyo. Modern architecture, harbour views, shopping, museums, family attractions, and illuminated city scenery are packed into a compact area that is easy to explore largely on foot. Yokohama is less than 30 minutes from central Tokyo by train, making Minato Mirai practical as either … Read more
The Saphir Odoriko is one of Japan’s most stylish limited express trains, connecting Tokyo and Yokohama with the hot-spring resorts and coastal scenery of the Izu Peninsula. Its deep sapphire-blue exterior reflects the sea and sky of Izu, while the interior is designed around a noticeably more premium travel experience than an ordinary limited express … Read more
Tokyo is one of the best cities in Japan for casual food exploration. Beyond sushi restaurants and ramen shops, you’ll find market stalls, shopping streets, festival-style snacks, traditional sweets, grilled seafood, croquettes, yakitori, and countless grab-and-go specialties across the city. The best part for train travellers is that many of Tokyo’s strongest food areas are … Read more
The best sakura spots in Tokyo are surprisingly easy to reach by train, with many famous cherry blossom locations just a short walk from major JR or subway stations. Some of the capital’s best-known sakura spots are only a few minutes on foot from major JR or subway stations, so you can visit several beautiful … Read more
ashiyu-in-tokyo-7-foot-bath-spots-to-soak-tired-feet-between-sights Tokyo is a city that can wear out your feet surprisingly quickly. Long station corridors, huge sightseeing areas, and hours of walking can add up fast — especially after several days of exploring. One very Japanese way to take a break is an ashiyu, or foot bath. You simply remove your shoes and socks, … Read more
Hakone and Lake Ashi make one of the best escapes from Tokyo for mountains, hot springs, scenic train rides and views of Mount Fuji. Located in 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 … 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