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Tokyo, Japan
Tips
* Cash is king. Make sure you don’t rely on cards and take out a lot of cash.
* Tokyo subways close at midnight until 5am.
* **Klook Pass Greater Tokyo - Get access to 2-7 of Greater Tokyo’s top
activities and save up to 48% with the Klook Pass Greater Tokyo- The premium
passes include general entry to popular add-ons such as Tokyo DisneySea,
Tokyo Subway Ticket, and Shared Narita Airport Limousine Bus for Tokyo. The
standard pass includes general entry to your all time favourites including
teamLab Planets TOKYO, LEGOLAND Discovery Center Tokyo, Tokyo Kimono
Experience, Tokyo Sanrio Puroland, TOKYO SKYTREE®, Madame Tussauds, Roppongi
Hills Observation Deck ”Tokyo City View“, SHIBUYA SKY Observation Deck, Tokyo
Tower Observatory and many more! - The pass is valid for 30 days and gives
you the flexibility to pick and choose depending on when and where you would
like to go!- After purchasing a Klook Pass, please make a reservation by
selecting the date and time of the facility you wish to use from the “Make a
reservation” button on the reservation page. You will receive a voucher for
the facility you wish to use. Please reserve the facility and use the voucher
with the date and time. PRICES e.g. Standard 7 attractions pass £79.91 +
extra for premium pass add ons
https://www.klook.com/en-AU/activity/74574-klook-pass-greater-tokyo/ (can
also choose to do less than 7 places for cheaper e.g. 2 passes is £27) -
Tokyo subway ticket (72 hours) added on to 2 passes = £34
Things to do/see
* DMM.Planets Art (Tokyo's crystal universe)
15 minutes by taxi from Tokyo Station / 15 minutes by expressway use from Haneda
Airport
-Adults- 3,800 JPY (£20)
* SHIBUYA SKY bar - £12 ticket (but can also get included in klook pass)
Places to go
* Shinjuku
This is one of the most touristy areas in Tokyo and is very foreigner-friendly.
This is where those futuristic skyscrapers with busy flashing neon lights you
see on TV are located.
There are a lot of shopping malls and entertainment centers here, including the
famous Robot Restaurant and Yodobashi electronics store. At night this place
comes even more alive with lots of bars, restaurants and entertainment areas
full of curious tourists.
This area is also where one of our favorite spots in Tokyo, Omoide Yokocho, is
located. Walk down the city’s most charming alley in the evening when the
lanterns light up the street and the air is filled with smoke from the grill and
the sound of sizzling meat.
* Shibuya
Shibuya is a more trendy neighborhood, which attracts a younger demographic.
When it comes to Tokyo street style, Harajuku is usually mentioned first. But in
our opinion, Shibuya is way cooler and more fun. This is by far our favorite
area in Tokyo.
The famous Shibuya crossing is located here. It is the busiest pedestrian
crossing in the world, where lots of iconic TV and movie scenes have been shot.
And it is also where young people love to meet up to hang out, shop, and visit
mega gaming centers and arcades. This is the perfect place to go people-watching
in Tokyo, if that’s your thing.
* Akihabara
This is Tokyo’s famous “geek” neighborhood. It is full of electronic stores,
huge arcade centers and one of the largest Don Quijote stores in Tokyo. (If you
haven’t heard of it yet, be sure to stop by this iconic chain store, which sells
virtually everything under the same roof – from quirky beauty products to sex
toys to groceries and gadgets).
Akihabara is a great place for those interested in anime and manga. Some of
Tokyo’s most interesting and quirky shops are located here, including:
(Mandarake is the biggest manga and anime store in Tokyo ).
* Ginza/Shinbashi
Famously known for it’s old wealth, this area was Tokyo’s first western-styled
shopping district. Every major high-end brand in Tokyo has a store in Ginza.
Here you’ll find cute bars, chic restaurants and wide streets perfect for
strolling down.
In Shinbashi you’ll find a lot of major tourist attractions like the Imperial
Palace and Kabukiza Theatre. This neighborhood is also home to the famous
Yakitori alley under the Shinbashi railway tracks. This is a great area to stay
for business travelers.
* Roppongi
Roppongi is popular with tourists due to its vibrant nightlife. There are a lot
of foreigner-friendly bars here, restaurants and night clubs. The area is home
to a large community of expats. Roppongi is like a bubble with everything you
need, including great dining options, nightlife and plenty of attractions.
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- SHIBUYA SKY
- Ghibli Museum (三鷹の森ジブリ美術館)
- Hibiya Park (日比谷公園)
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Hakone, Japan
Arrive in Hakone from Tokyo
* The quickest direct route to hakone from tokyo is on the odakyu eletric
railway - From shinkjuku station
* Or bullet train = $21Stay at a traditional guesthouse
* RANGE IN PRICES!
1. Soak in an Onsen - LIST HERE
2. Hakone Ropeway - HERE
* Nearby Komagatake Chojo Station, the Hakone Mototsumiya Shrine is a notable
feature while walking trails span-out and lead back down to the lake or
across to Owakudani Station – on the Hakone Ropeway – and ultimately, all the
way back down to Sounzan Station.
1. Hakone Shrine - HERE
* Things to do in Hakone - HERE
- Hakone-jinja Shrine (箱根神社)
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Nagoya, Japan
Hakone to Nagoya
* Takes around 2-3hours - HERE
* £35-50 For train tickets - depends on if we get a JR pass and whats best to
do !
Things to do
* Visit atsuta shrine - less than 1km away from the next destination is
shirotori garden [300jpy]
The day plan:
Morning:
* Nagoya Castle: Start your day early by visiting Nagoya Castle. Explore the
castle grounds, enjoy the historical exhibits, and take in the surrounding
gardens.
Mid-Morning:
* Travel to Osu Shopping Street: Head to Osu Shopping Street. You can use the
subway or a short taxi ride, depending on your preferred mode of
transportation. The subway is generally efficient and well-connected.
Lunch:
* Lunch in Osu: Enjoy lunch in the Osu district. There are plenty of options in
and around Osu Shopping Street, ranging from local eateries to international
cuisine.
Afternoon:
* Explore Osu Shopping Street: Spend the afternoon exploring Osu Shopping
Street. Visit Osu Kannon Temple, check out the various shops, and immerse
yourself in the lively atmosphere of this historic district.
Late Afternoon:
* Travel to Nabana no Sato: Head to Nabana no Sato, which is located in Kuwana
City. You can take a train from Nagoya Station to Kuwana Station and then a
bus or taxi to Nabana no Sato.
Evening:
* Nabana no Sato: Arrive at Nabana no Sato in the late afternoon to evening.
Explore the beautiful illumination displays, seasonal flower gardens, and
enjoy the relaxing environment.
Notes:
Transportation Options:
* Consider using public transportation for the majority of your travels,
especially between Nagoya Castle, Osu Shopping Street, and Nabana no Sato.
Nagoya has an efficient subway system, and you can use trains and buses to
reach Nabana no Sato.
Nabana no Sato Hours:
Check the opening hours for Nabana no Sato, as it is known for its stunning
light displays, which are more prominent in the evening.
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Kyoto, Japan
Nagoya to Kyoto
* Via train is 30-45minutes
* Train costs on average 2000JPY
Shinkansen (Bullet Train):
* The most efficient way to travel between Hakone and Kyoto is by taking the
Shinkansen. You can take the Shinkansen from Odawara Station, which is the
nearest Shinkansen station to Hakone. It takes around 2 hours to reach Kyoto
by Hikari or Kodama Shinkansen. Make sure to check the Shinkansen schedule
and plan accordingly.
Things to do:
Day 1: Eastern Kyoto
* Fushimi Inari Shrine
* Start your day early at Fushimi Inari Shrine to avoid crowds.
* Explore the vibrant Torii gates and hike up to the summit.
* Toji Temple -Head to Toji Temple, which is relatively close to Fushimi Inari
* Explore the impressive pagoda and temple grounds.
* Nishiki Market -Move on to Nishiki Market for lunch and to explore the local
food scene.
* Kinkaku-ji Temple -Afternoon visit to the stunning Golden Pavilion
(Kinkaku-ji).
Day 2: Central Kyoto
* Nineizaka and Kiyomizu-Dera -Morning exploration of Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka,
traditional streets. Visit Kiyomizu-Dera for panoramic views of Kyoto.
* Higashiyama Jisho-ji -Explore Higashiyama Jisho-ji (known as the Silver
Pavilion).
* Kyoto Imperial Palace and Gardens -Afternoon visit to the Kyoto Imperial
Palace and its gardens.
Day 3: Western Kyoto
* Nijo Gardens - Start your day at Nijo Castle and its beautiful gardens.
* Arashiyama Bamboo Grove -Afternoon visit to the enchanting Bamboo Grove in
Arashiyama.
* Kifune-jinja Shrine -Head to Kifune-jinja Shrine, which is a bit farther but
offers a serene atmosphere.
* Ruriko-in Temple - End your day with a visit to Ruriko-in Temple.
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Nara, Japan
Kyoto to Nara
When traveling from Kyoto to Nara, you have several transportation options to
choose from:
Train:
* JR Nara Line: The JR Nara Line offers direct train services between Kyoto
Station and Nara Station. The journey takes approximately 45 minutes. Trains
are frequent, and if you have a Japan Rail Pass, you can use it for this
route.
Kintetsu Line:
* Kintetsu Nara Line: The Kintetsu Nara Line is a private railway that connects
Kyoto to Nara. It is often a bit faster than the JR Nara Line, taking around
35-40 minutes. The Kintetsu Nara Station is closer to Nara's city center
compared to JR Nara Station.
Bus:
* Highway Bus: Some highway buses operate between Kyoto and Nara. The bus
journey may take a bit longer than the train, but it can be a cost-effective
option. Buses usually depart from Kyoto Station and arrive at the Nara Kotsu
Bus Center.
Things to do in NARA:
Morning:
* Start in Nara Deer Park: Arrive early to Nara Deer Park to enjoy some time
with the friendly deer.
* Visit nearby attractions such as Todai-ji Temple and Kasuga Taisha Shrine.
Mid-Morning:
* Move to Isuien Garden: Head to Isuien Garden, which is located near Todai-ji
Temple. Explore the two parts of the garden, enjoying the serene atmosphere
and traditional landscaping
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Koyasan, Japan
Nara to Koyasan [ 3-4hours Travelling]
* Step 1: Nara to Osaka (by Train) - Take a local train: Head to Nara Station.
Board the JR Yamatoji Line: Take a JR Yamatoji Line train bound for Osaka.
The journey takes approximately 45-55 minutes.
* Step 2: Osaka to Koyasan (by Train and Cable Car) Transfer to the Nankai Koya
Line: At Osaka Station, transfer to the Nankai Koya Line Limited Express
train bound for Gokurakubashi. This journey takes about 80 minutes.
* Arrive at Gokurakubashi Station: This is the base station for Koyasan.
* Take the Nankai Cable Car: From Gokurakubashi, take the Nankai Cable Car to
* Koyasan Station. This cable car ride takes about 5 minutes.
Things to do:
* Eko in temple - 1 day here is probably enough
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Wakayama, Japan
Koyasan to Wakayam
* Step 1: Koyasan to Gokurakubashi Station - Take the Nankai Koyasan Cable
Car:From Koyasan, take the Nankai Koyasan Cable Car down to Gokurakubashi
Station.
* Step 2: Gokurakubashi Station to Hashimoto - Take the Nankai Koya Line: At
Gokurakubashi Station, transfer to the Nankai Koya Line heading toward
Hashimoto. Arrive at Hashimoto: Get off at Hashimoto Station. This part of
the journey takes approximately 30-40 minutes.
* Step 3: Hashimoto to Wakayama - Transfer to the JR Wakayama Line: At
Hashimoto Station, transfer to the JR Wakayama Line heading toward Wakayama.
Arrive at Wakayama Station: Get off at Wakayama Station. The journey from
Hashimoto to Wakayama takes approximately 30-40 minutes.
Note:
* If you have a Japan Rail Pass, you can use it for the JR Wakayama Line
portion of the journey. However, the Nankai Railway portions will require
separate tickets.
Things to do
* Nachi Waterfall - Info HERE
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Osaka, Japan
Wakayama to Osaka :
JR Kansai Line:
* Take the JR Kansai Line from Wakayama Station to Osaka Station. The journey
takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on the specific train type.
Arrival at Osaka Station:
* Arrive at Osaka Station, a major transportation hub in Osaka.
* Japan Rail Pass: If you have a Japan Rail Pass, you can use it for the JR
Kansai Line part of the journey.
Things to do:
* Namba Yasaka Shrine
* Dotonbori
* Den Den Town
* Harukas 300
* Taito Station
* Shinsekai
* Universal Studios
* Osaka Castle
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Hiroshima, Japan
Osaka to Hiroshime:
Shinkansen Option: [2hours]
* Take the Sanyo Shinkansen (Nozomi/Hikari/Mizuho):
* Head to Shin-Osaka Station, the main Shinkansen station in Osaka.Board the
Sanyo Shinkansen, which runs between Shin-Osaka and Hakata (Fukuoka). The
journey to Hiroshima takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the
specific type of Shinkansen you choose (Nozomi is the fastest).
* Arrive at Hiroshima Station: Disembark at Hiroshima Station. This station is
centrally located in Hiroshima City.
Things to do:
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Itsukushima, Japan
Hiroshima to Miyajima: Train and Ferry Option:
Take the JR Sanyo Line:
* From Hiroshima Station, take the JR Sanyo Line to Miyajimaguchi Station. The
journey takes about 25-30 minutes.
* Arrive at Miyajimaguchi: Get off at Miyajimaguchi Station. This is the
gateway to Miyajima.
* Take the JR Ferry: From Miyajimaguchi, take the JR Ferry to Miyajima. The
ferry ride takes about 10 minutes.
* Arrive at Miyajima (Itsukushima):
Notes:
* Japan Rail Pass: If you have a Japan Rail Pass, both the JR Sanyo Line and JR
Ferry to Miyajima are covered.
Things to do:
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Kanazawa, Japan
Miyajima to Kanazawa - Ferry and Train Option: [3-4hours]
* Take the JR Ferry from Miyajima to Miyajimaguchi: Board the JR Ferry from
Miyajima to Miyajimaguchi. The ferry ride takes about 10 minutes.
* JR Sanyo Line to Hiroshima: From Miyajimaguchi, take the JR Sanyo Line back
to Hiroshima Station. The journey takes about 25-30 minutes.
* Shinkansen to Okayama: At Hiroshima Station, take the Shinkansen (bullet
train) bound for Tokyo or Shin-Osaka. Get off at Okayama Station. The
Shinkansen ride takes about 35 minutes.
* Transfer to the Hokuriku Shinkansen: At Okayama Station, transfer to the
Hokuriku Shinkansen bound for Kanazawa. The journey takes approximately 1.5
to 2 hours, depending on the specific type of Shinkansen.
Japan Rail Pass:
* If you have a Japan Rail Pass, it covers the JR Ferry, JR Sanyo Line, and
Hokuriku Shinkansen.
Things to do:
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Shirakawa, Japan
Kanazawa to Shirakawa [2-3hours]
Bus Option:
* Take a Nohi Bus from Kanazawa Station: Head to the Kanazawa Station bus
terminal. Take a Nohi Bus bound for Shirakawa-go. The journey takes about 1.5
to 2 hours.
Things to do:
* shirakawa grassho village
* snow corridor
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Takayama, Japan
Shirakawa to Takayama [1hour- 1h 30]
* Bus Option: Take a Nohi Bus from Shirakawa-go: Head to the Shirakawa-go bus
terminal. Take a Nohi Bus bound for Takayama. The journey takes approximately
50 minutes to 1 hour.
Things to do:
* Hire a bike to explore the town
*
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Nagano, Japan
Takayama to Nagano - Train and Bus Option: [3h - 4h]
* Take the JR Hida Limited Express: From Takayama Station, take the JR Hida
Limited Express train to Toyama Station. The journey takes around 1.5 to 2
hours
* Transfer to the Hokuriku Shinkansen: At Toyama Station, transfer to the
Hokuriku Shinkansen bound for Nagano. The Shinkansen ride takes approximately
1.5 to 2 hours. Arrive at Nagano Station:
Things to do:
* kamikochi -
* jigokudani monkey park [800JPY]
* Togakushi shrine
* narai-juku [kiso valley]
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Tokyo, Japan
Nagano to Tokyo: Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen:
* Depart from Nagano Station. Board the Hokuriku Shinkansen bound for Tokyo.
The journey to Tokyo Station takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. Arrive at
Tokyo Station:
Things to do: