Himeji is located in between Hiroshima & Osaka. It approximately 1.5 hour train ride from Osaka and about 1 hour and 15 minutes train ride from Hiroshima. It is a city with rich history and vibrant culture. It is a place where you can step back in time and experience the legacy of Japan’s past.
Sakuramon Bashi Bridge
The Sakuramon-bashi Bridge stands as a testament to Himeji’s rich cultural heritage and architectural beauty. This historical bridge spans a tranquil waterway where visitors can take a leisurely stroll across its elegantly designed structure. The bridge also offers great spot for taking stunning of Himeji Castle.
Sakuramon Bashi bridge
Himeji Han Wasen
Himeji Han Wasen are restored Takaseboats using the construction methods & tools that were once used by Himeji clan. There are two restored Takaseboats, which are “Harima” and “Shirasagi (Eagle)”. Each of this boat has a total length of about 9.5 meters and a maximum width of about 2.3 meters. The boats are rowed by the boatmen, who twists a long oar slightly and moves it from side to side.
The boarding area for Takaseboats is located in between Sakuramon Bashi bridge & Koko-en garden (Map). You can make the reservation for the 30 minute boat ride on site from 9AM (no online/phone booking). During the boat ride, you will be lent a “sugegasa”, which is the traditional hat used as a shade from the sun or rain when working in the fields or going out.
The boat ride costs ¥1,500/Adult ($16) and ¥500/Children from 3 years to primary school age ($5.50). First boat ride is at 9:30 AM with approximately 40 minutes intervals. Last boat ride is 3:30 PM.
Takaseboat routeSakuramon BridgeRed bridge near the castle’s zoo
Himeji Castle
Himeji Castle dates back over 600 years. It is considered one of the most beautiful castle in Japan and had been designated as UNESCO World Heritage site. It is often referred as ‘White Heron Castle’ due to its elegant white facade.
The castle is open from 9 AM to 5 PM and visitors can enter via Otemon Gate to access Himeji Castle free of charge. Alternatively, you can also enter through the Hishi Gate is the paid portion of the castle. After buying a ticket ¥1,000/adult or ¥300/child from the ticket booth near the gate, visitors will be able to enter the narrow lanes of the inner castle and walk up to the six-story main keep.
While it is possible to climb the keep to the top floor. The floors get progressively smaller as you ascend. Within the paid area of the castle, it is also possible to visit the west bailey—the Nishi-no-maru—which has great views of the main keep.
Visitors will also need to bring thick socks or comfortable indoor shoes. The inside of the buildings (Main Keep etc.) is a wooden floor. Because it is slippery and dangerous, also there is a risk of damaging cultural properties with heels of shoes. As no outside shoes are allowed, visitors need to bring their own shoe bag.
Himeji Castle
Koko-en Garden
Koko-en Garden is open from 9AM to 5PM and is a short walk west of the castle’s main gate (Otemon Gate). It is about 20 minutes walk from Himeji Station or five minutes ride by bus.
Koko-en Garden consists of nine separate, walled gardens designed in various styles of the Edo period. Among the gardens are the garden of the lord’s residence which features a pond with a waterfall, a tea garden where visitors can enjoy green tea, a pine tree garden, a bamboo garden and a flower garden.
Himeji Central Park
Himeji Central Park is a family friendly destination that combines safari park, amusement park, waterpark, and ice rink. It is located about 1 hour 20 minutes train ride from central Himeji or about 30 minutes car ride. From Osaka, it is about 2.5 hours train ride, slightly faster from Hiroshima as it takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes train ride.
While the Safari Park & Amusement Park opens 6 days a week (except Wed) from 10 AM to 4.30 PM, their waterpark is only open during summer months & their ice rink is only open during winter months. Go to their park calendar page to check their opening dates.
General admission ticket to the park costs ¥3,800/adult (AUD$41) and ¥2,100/child (AUD$23). Child ticket is valid for those age 6-12 years old. For younger children (age between 3-5 years) is ¥1,300 (AUD $13.77). General admission ticket will also give you access to the ice rink (when they are open).
Taiyo Park is a theme park located at the base of Mt. Mineai. Its stone area features the reproductions of the Great Wall of China, the Arc de Triomphe, the Moai statues of Easter Island, pyramids, as well as the reproduction of the Terra Cotta Warriors & Horses of Qin Shi Huang, whose 1,000 unglazed terracotta warriors that were made using the same historical production methods as the originals, and transported here from China.
Taiyo park is open daily from 10 AM to 6 PM on weekdays or 9 AM to 6 PM on weekends. Admission to the park costs ¥1,500/Adult ($16) or ¥700/children in primary school to secondary school age ($7.50). The park is about 40 minutes bus ride from Himeji Station or between 2 to 2.5 hours by train.
Taiyo ParkReplica of the Terra Cotta warriorsReplica of Arc de TriompheReplica of Moai statues
Hiroshima was the first military target of a nuclear weapon in history. This occurred on August 6, 1945, when the US Army dropped the atomic bomb on the city.
Hiroshima is about 1.5 hour by train from Osaka or 3 hours by train from Nagasaki. Aside from memorial places, there are plenty of day trip options that you can take from Hiroshima.
Hello Kitty Shinkansen
JR west debuted its Hello Kitty bullet train on its Sanyo Shinkansen Line in 2018. At the moment, like other special shinkansen trains before, it seems that this train will run for a limited time but they are yet to announce the end date (maybe announce in either Nov/Dec 24). The train runs a Kodama service between Shin-Osaka and Hakata (Fukuoka stations). The Kodama service is basically a Shinkansen that stops at every station. It is also possible to buy a normal ticket for the Hello Kitty Shinkansen in case you do not have a JR Pass. This can be done at any JR Ticket Window.
There are also different regional passes by JR West that cover the Hello Kitty Shinkansen. However keep in mind that this will only be for the validity area of the pass. For example the Sanyo-San in Northern Kyushu 7 days pass, which cost $270/12 years – Adult and $135/children age 6-11, covers en entire route from Shin-Osaka to Hakata. Whereas JR Kansai-Hiroshima 5 days pass, which cost $177/12 years – Adult and $90/child age 6-11, would only cover the route as far as Hiroshima.
Hello Kitty Shinkansen
The first two train cars have been changed into two Hello Kitty worlds. Train Car 1 is named Hello Kitty Plaza with a special souvenir store and cafe. There are 8 exclusive Hello Kitty design products on sale, each specific for 1 of the 8 regions that the train travel through. For instance, there’s a Strawberry Hello Kitty from Fukuoka and an Orange Hello Kitty from Tottori, symbolising their local products. The complete set of regions is Osaka, Hyogo, Okayama,Tottori, Hiroshima, Shimane, Yamaguchi and Fukuoka.
Train Car 1
Train Car 2 is called the “Kawaii Room” or super cute room. It is completely covered with motifs from Hello Kitty and her Friends. There’s also a photo stand where you can take a picture together with Kitty-chan.
Atomic Bomb Dome was previously Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall. During WWII on August 6, 1945 at 8:15 a.m., the first atomic bomb in human history was dropped on Hiroshima.
At the moment of the explosion, the explosion applied a pressure of 35 tons per square meter, causing a violent wind speed of 440 meters per second. The building was engulfed in flames by a powerful explosion and absorbing heat. However, because the impact of the explosion came almost overhead, the outer wall and steel dome were not completely destroyed. Sadly though, the people inside at that time died immediately.
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park was built in the center of Hiroshima city. Its location is near the hypocenter of the atomic bombing during. To get there, walk along Motoyasu Bridge and you will arrive at the park.
At Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, you will find the Flame of Peace located nearby. The Flame of Peace burns continuously as a symbol of the hope for a world without nuclear weapons and will only be extinguished when the last nuclear weapon on Earth has been abolished.
Itsukushima Shrine
Itukushima Shrine is one of the most visited scenic spots in Japan, famous for its floating shrine & torii gate of Itukushima (often known as Miyajima). It was recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 2006. It is located about an hour from Hiroshima where you will need to take a 10 minutes ferry ride from Hiroshima’s Miyajimaguchi Station to Miyajima Ferry ferry terminal.
Go to JR Miyajima page to check on the ferry schedule for both to and from Miyajima. The page also has information on timetables for Great Torii ferry services which offers you front views of the Great Torii and Itsukushima Shrine from the sea as this ferry service takes you closest to the Great Torii gate. The ferry ride cost ¥400 yen/adult for a return trip & ¥200 yen for child age 6-12 round trip.
You don’t need to go to Nara to see the deers. As soon as you step on Miyajima Island, where as soon as you step off the dock, you will lots of deers. They are everywhere. They walk the streets like happy dogs, ignoring the throngs of tourists who surround them. There are more than 500 deer and by all accounts and records, they’ve been strolling this island for 800 years.
Itukushima Shrine is open daily from 6.30 AM to 6 PM. Entrance ticket to the shrine cost ¥300/Adult and ¥100 for children up to junior high or ¥500/Adult and ¥150 for children up to junior high if you buy a combine ticket that also covers entrace to their treasure hall.
Map of Itukushima shrine. The green shade shows the area that have been designated as National Treasures and the yellow shade are those that had been designated as Important Cultural properties.
You can visit Itukushima Shrine both during low and high tide. During low tide, you can walk towards the torri gate and get an up close look. During high tide, the shrine and torii gate will look like it is floating on water during high tide. You can check the tide schedule for Miyajima from tide time website.
After sunset, the shrine and the torii gate are illuminated daily until 23:00, providing a perfect backdrop even though visitors will not be able to enter the shrine after sunset, though. Alternatively, tourists can view the illuminated island from boat cruises. Cruises last thirty minutes, cost ¥1,600 and take passengers around the bay and to the torii gate. Reservation is required and can be made through the tourist information desk.
Mount Misen Observatory
Mount Misen has been a holy mountain for centuries. It is said that a Buddhist monk Kukai came here in the year of 806 after studying in China and practiced his religion on Mount Misen and established Daisho-in temple. Near the peak of Mount Misen is an ancient temple complex with multiple buildings.
The complex is part of Daisho-in temple. The Kiezo-no-Reikando Hall is used to keep a flame, which supposedly has been kept burning since Kukai first lit it 1200 years ago. It was also this flame which was used to light the eternal flame at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park.
Visitors can reach Mount Misen Observatory by taking a cables car ride from Miyajima Ropeway located at Momijidani Station, which is about 15 minutes walk from Itsukushima Shrine. The ropeway will take you to Kayatani Station, which is located closed to Shishiiwa Observatory.
Miyajima Ropeway RouteMiyajima RopewayThe view from Shishiiwa Observatory
There is a modern observatory at the very top of Mount Misen, which provides amazing views over Hiroshima bay and it’s many islands. Mount Misen Observatory is around 25 minutes walk from Shishiiwa Observatory.
Mount Misen Observatory
The ropeway is open from 9AM to 4PM going up, and 9:20 AM to 4:30 PM going down. The ropeway ride costs ¥1,100/Adult ($12) for one way trip of ¥2,000/Adult ($22) for a return trip. For children 6-12 years it costs ¥550 ($6) for a one way trip or ¥1,000 ($11) for a return trip.
Motonomi Inari Shrine
Motonomi Inari Shrine is located along the coast of the Sea of Japan in Yamaguchi Prefecture, which is about 3 hours drive from Hiroshima. This Shinto sanctuary is one of the most photogenic spots in all of Japan given the striking contrast between the red gates and the cobalt blue of the Sea of Japan.
Exploring Motonomi Inari Shrine will not take you the whole day, so if you are visiting the shrine, you can combine it with driving through Tsunoshima Bridge and the island it connects to.
Tsunoshima Bridge
Tsunoshima Bridge is one of the most frequently shared sights in Yamaguchi. It is about 1/2 hour drive from Motonomi Inari Shrine. Cross the bridge by car to explore the island of Tsunoshima, including the resort there, Cobalt Blue Beach, and one of the oldest Western-style lighthouses in Japan.
Before driving through the bridge, stop by at Amagase Park, right beside the bridge on the mainland side, is a great place to take a memorable photo. The drive along the bridge towards Tsunoshima island takes around 5 minutes.
Tsunoshima Lighthouse
Tsunoshima Lighthouse is about 30 m high stone lighthouse that was completed by the British engineer, R.H. Brunton, who is known as “the father of Japanese lighthouses” before his return to the UK. It is located only a short drive Tsunoshima Bridge.
Kintaikyo Bridge
Kintaikyo Bridge (sometimes shortened as Kintai Bridge) was built in 1673, is a historic wooden arch bridge in Iwakuni, Yamaguchi. The elegant, wooden bridge makes five bold arches onto massive stone pillars as it crosses over the Nishiki River.
The plan for building Kintaikyo was first drawn up when strong currents had once again destroyed a bridge crossing the Nishiki River. Kikkawa Hiroyoshi, the third feudal lord of Iwakuni, whose statue stands at the entrance to nearby, was the one who commissioned the task to build more durable bridge.
After the bridge’s completion in 1673, it kept standing until 1950, when Iwakuni was struck by a violent typhoon. The bridge that had stood for almost 300 years, collapsed as desperate townspeople looked on and futilely tried to divert the ferocious current. Shortly after, the residents began constructing a precise reconstruction of their cherished bridge. It was completed in 1953.
Visitors must pay a fee to walk across at a toll booth. The booth is not manned during the night, and pedestrians crossing the bridge at night are asked to deposit the fee into a toll box. The bridge is lit up during most of the year until 22:00.
Iwakuni Castle
After crossing Kintaikyo bridge, visitors would arrive at Kikko park. Walk along the park to go to Iwakuni Castle.
Iwakuni Castle was built in 1608, at the beginning of the Edo period. Built over the course of five years, the castle was torn down by decree of the Shogun a mere seven years after its completion.
The present reconstruction dates from 1962, and has already outlasted the original castle by considerable length.
A ropeway provides access to Iwakuni Castle. The ropeway’s lower station can be reached in a five minute walk from the Kintaikyo bridge, while the castle is another five minute walk from the ropeway’s upper station.
The castle is open daily from 9 AM to 4.45 PM. Admission to the castle cost ¥270/person (castle only or ¥560/person for castle admission or ¥970/person (castle, ropeway and Kintaikyo bridge).
Nagasaki was Japan’s early gateway to trade with the West, and this influence still shines through in its districts of stately European-style homes and a large Christian population.
It is an important port city on the island of Kyusu which is located about 4 hours train ride from Osaka, or 5 hours train ride from Kyoto, or 2.5 hours train ride from Hiroshima.
Alternatively you can fly out to Nagasaki either from Tokyo or Yokohama. It takes approximately 2 hours flight from Tokyo/Yokohama to Nagasaki.
If you are flying to Nagasaki, you can take a bus to Nagasaki CBD. To go to Nagasaki Station, it is faster to take the bus from Platform 5 as it has limited stop to Nagasaki Station. Bus ride costs ¥1,200/Adult ($13) and ¥600/Child. Refer to bus timetable for the route’s schedules.
Dejima Road (Limited Stops Bus route from platform 5)Location of Nagasaki Bus Stops at Nagasaki Airport.
Huis Ten Bosch
Huis Ten Bosch is Japan’s largest theme park which recreates Netherlands by displaying lufe size copy of old Ducth building, along with canals, windmills and amusement rides where you can enjoy seasonal events & fireworks displays throughout the season.
The theme park is located about 1.5 hour from JR Nagasaki Station. Upon arriving at JR Huis Ten Bosch station, visitors will need to do about 5 minutes walk to get to the entrace of Huis Ten Bosch theme park. The park generally opens daily from 9 AM to 10 PM but it is best to check their opening time from Huis Ten Bosch website as it will also give you indication on firework shows.
You can buy ticket to the park via Klook website. The one day passport for the park costs $73.70/Adult, $36.85/child age between 4-6, 47.80/child age between 7-11, and $63.75/youth age between 12-17.
Huis Ten Bosch is a huge park so you may want to consider hiring Fiets (bicycle in Dutch) from Rental Cycles Shop. There are two locations within the park where you can rent fiets: the entrance store in the Welcome area or the port store in Harbor Town. They have a wide selection of single, double and four-seater bicycles. For priced for the bike rental please refer to their pricing brochure.
At the park you can also get to ride a Classic Cruiser or Gondola. Classic cruiser slowly sails along the approximately 6km long canal. From the boat, you can enjoy a 360-degree view of beautiful Europe
It also has a splash field for kids to have fun which host the spectacular fountain show that combines sound and light at night time. When the area is surrounded by dusk, Huis Ten Bosch transforms into a “Kingdom of Lights” Illuminated European streets, seasonal illumination.
Nagasaki Penguin Aquarium
Nagasaki Penguin Aquarium is the home to 180 penguins from nine different species. Admission to the aquarium cost ¥260/Adult & ¥160/child (preschooler, elementry & high school). The aquarium opens daily from 9 AM to 5 PM. Visitors typically spend about 1-2 hours at the aquarium.
Sub-Antartic Penguin roomYou can observe penguins swimming in the natural sea and resting on the beach. Held only on Saturdays, Sundays and holidaysDisplay area of penguins who live in warm areas
Every weekend and on national holidays, the aquarium offers “Feed the Penguins” and “Petting Zoo”activities for visitors. In addition, the “Experience Nature Zone” inside the facility lets you get a close up look on some of the marine creatures that live in the nearby waters.
Sea Kayaking is also available at the man-made beach just outside of the aquarium. Sea Kayaking is only offered on weekends and holidays from late April to late September. An instructor will be with you, so even beginners can enjoy it with peace of mind. 2 seater kayak hire costs ¥780/hour. Children under 14 must ride with an accompanying adult. Your feet and other parts of your body will get wet during the kayaking experience. Please bring clothes that you don’t mind getting wet with splashes (seawater) or a change of clothes.
Izu Peninsula is a popular tourist area for its hot springs, beautiful coastlines, beaches, mild climate and scenic mountain views.
Izu Peninsula is located about 3.5 hours train ride from Tokyo or about 3 hours train ride/4 hours drive from Yokohama
Izu Panorama Park
Izu Panorama Park was recently renovated in 2021 and has become an attractive spot to enjoy spectacular scenic view of Mt. Fuji, Suruga Bay, and the mountains of Izu. It is located in Izunokuni City and is about 2 hours train ride from Yokohama using JR Odoriko line. It opens daily from 9 AM to 5.30 PM.
To access the summit from the mountain foot, you will need to board the Gondola ropeway ride (7 minutes ride one way) from the second floor. Cost for the return gondola ride is ¥2,500/Adult and ¥1,400 for children betwee 6-12 years old. You can find also the souvenir shop, selling items relating to Mt. Fuji, matcha (powdered green tea), and other various original items from all around Izu, which you cannot buy from other places. The souvenir shop is open from 9AM to 6PM.
If you are looking to get a bite before boarding your ropeway ride, on the base mountain it has Trattoria Izu Pardiso, an Italian restaurant which opens from 11 AM to 3 PM.
Ropeway Ride at Izu Panorama Park
Once you get off the gondola ride you will see the observation deck at the top of the mountain, called the “Ao Terrace”. Ao Terrace has a total of three water basins, each designed with the concept of “water reflecting the blue of Mt. Fuji, Suruga Bay, and the sky”. Depending on the intensity of the sunlight on the day, you may be able to see the reflection of upside-down Mt. Fuji on the surface of the water basin at the center of the deck. The observation deck at Ao Terrace is equipped with benches & sofas which visitors can use to relax and enjoy the great view under open air at the summit.
Ao TerraceReflection of Mt Fuji on the Water BasinAo Terrace
Heki Terrace are the private gazebo located at the back of the Cafe-Katsuragi Saryo. These booths, which are partitioned by wood panels, offer a private space like a wooden veranda where you can relax. Each booth can accommodate up to 5 people. Rental reservation for these booth can be made from 2 weeks in advance of your travel date via Heki Terrace Booking Link. To rent a Hekki Terrace, it cost ¥3,000 for 45 minutes use.
Heki Terrace
Alternatively, you can enjoy the view by sitting at the Water Lounge, which is located down the stairs on the right after getting off the ropeway. This 14-seat lounge offers sunshades to create a calm and relaxing atmosphere. It also faces one of the blue water basins, so you can see the beautiful shimmering water created by the sun’s rays on the surface of the water in front of you when sitting in a chair.
You can access the Water Lounge by purchasing one or more items at Katsuragi Coffee. (All users must purchase at least one item. The duration that the lounge can be used for is 30 minutes or less.)
The Water Lounge
Katsuragi Coffee is a cafe based on a modern Japanese-style concept. They offer drip coffee, cafe latte, bright color non alcholic drinks which has mixed review. Their coffee-flavored soft-serve ice cream however, is recommended as it offers a unique taste as it has a blend of bitterness from the coffee. Their seasonal soft-serve mango caramel & strawberry ice cream are also said to be good and worth a try.
Coffee soft serve ice cream and the seasonal Mango Caramel soft serve ice creamSeasonal soft-serve Strawberry Ice Cream
If you are looking for a spot to eat at the summit, you can go to Katsuragi Saryo, located at Ao Terrace. The restaurant has large windows, so you can gaze at Mt. Fuji and Suruga Bay from your seat inside the restaurant. There is also a seating area on the deck outside the restaurant for a more open-air experience. The restaurant offers Suruga Bay specialties such as the sakura shrimp kakiage (mixed tempura) udon and shirasu (whitebait) rice bowl, as well as Japanese sweets such as irodori dango (tricolor dumplings). Katsuragi Saryo opens from 9AM to 5.30 PM.
Sitting area at Katsuragi Saryo open deck
Walk past Katsuragi Saryo toward the mountain path, and you will soon see Fujimi no Ashiyu footbath, where you can see Mt. Fuji from a different angle from that of the Ao Terrace. Access to the footbath is free, towels are also sold here, so please ask the staff if you need one.
Just after the footbath, take the boardwalk paved with wooden planks, lined with trees on both sides and you will soon arrive at Saezuri no Oka Observatory which offers you scenic views of Nakaizu in the opposite direction of Mt. Fuji, including Shuzenji, Amagi Pass, Mt. Omuro, and Kano River.
Next to the observatory at the top of the mountain, you will find a photo spot where Mt. Fuji looks like it is framed. At the end of the observatory, you can also find the Bell of Happiness (Shiawase no Kane) which is a considered as a symbol of lover’s sanctuary.
Shuzenji Onsen Town
Shuzenji Onsen is one of the oldest and most famous hot springs resort towns on the Izu Peninsula. Shuzenji is like stepping back 50 years and is a good place for you to relax by strolling around the onsen town and enjoy the view. Shuzenji Onsen is about 1 hour by train from Izu Panaroma Park or 18 minutes drive.
Tokko-no-Yu is allows visitors to have a free foot bath while exploring the town of Shuzenji Onsen. From Tokko-no-Yu, take a 2 minutes walk towards Katsura Bridge which also known as a bridge for praying for a child, and is connected to “Bamboo Grove Lane,” a promenade surrounded by bamboo groves.
Tokko-no-Yu food bathKatsura Bridge
Katsura Bridge is also known as a bridge for praying for a child. It is a bridge that is connected to “Bamboo Grove Lane,” a promenade surrounded by bamboo groves.
Bamboo forest path
Enjoy strolling around the bamboo path and you will find Kaede Bridge which is also a bridge of marriage prayer.
Kaeda Bridge
Joren Falls
Joren falls is Izu’s number one famous clear water pours down a cliff, was selected one of “Japan’s top 100 waterfalls. It takes about 1 hour by train ridr from Shuzenji Onsen or 22 minutes drive. The waterfall has it’s own free car park, with space for 100 small cars.
The cascade was said to be formed at the backdrop of the lava that flowed from the Hachikuboyama Volcano, approximately 17,000 years ago when Mt. Hachikubo erupted.
Joren Falls
After descending the stairs from the parking lot, you will see a promenade that spans next to the clear river. This is the path leading to Joren falls and is a beautiful walkway surrounded by a lush forest. It takes approximately 30 minutes round trip to see the waterfall.
Once you get closer to the fall, you may be overwhelmed by its impact and force. Maybe it is because of the splashing water that disperses when the water flows straight into the plunge pool, it feels slightly chilly even in summer.
At the bottom of the falls, you will also find Takimi Chaya, a small tea house with a view of the falls where they sell soft serve wasabi ice cream (a specialty given areas around Joren Falls are good for growing wasabi plants) and soft serve strawberry ice cream for those who are not a big fan of wasabi.
Cape Osezaki
Cape Osezaki (or Cape Ose) is a one-kilometer spit of land that extends into the Suruga Bay. It is the great spot to see Mt. Fuji and Suruga Bay at the same time. Mt Fuji is known as a notoriously shy mountain especially during warm days. September has low visibility chance of Mt Fuji due to typhoon season. So during September the best chance to see Mt Fuji is either in early morning between 6-10 AM or at dusk, around 6 PM.
Cape Osezaki takes about 2 hours by train from Joren Falls or 1 hour drive. There is however, no train service to go to Cape Osezaki from Shuzenji Onsen/Izu Panorama Park. If you are going to Cape Osezaki from Shuzenji Onsen/Izu Panorama Park then the best option is to drive which roughly takes about 50 minutes from Shuzenji Onsen or 30 minutes from Izu Panorama Park.
View of Mount Fuji from Cape Osezaki
Ose Beach
Ose Beach is a popular, 360 meter long beach in western Izu. Beach huts, rental and dive shops line the beach and offer plenty of choices for activities. The waters are relatively clear, allowing opportunities if swimming in warmer months. Mount Fuji can also be seen from the beach when the weather is clear.
Official swimming period for Izu beaches are mid July to August but depending on the weather and water temperature, you may be allowed to swim earlier or later.
Takayama is about 2.5 hours from Nagoya. It is a good stop over area if you are planning to explore Shirakawa Go as it is only takes about an hour to get to Shirakawa Go.
Aside from Shirakawa Go, you can also explore other areas suchs as Shinotaka Ropeway (about 2 hours from Takayama) ans Kamikochi (also about 2 hours from Takayama).
Takayama’s Old Town
Takayama’s old town is a beautifully preserved area with many buildings and whole streets of houses dating back to the feudal age when the city thrived as a wealthy merchant town. The southern half of the old town, especially the Sannomachi Street, survives in a particularly pretty state with many old homes, shops, cafes and sake breweries. The shops around Takayama’s old town generally opens from 9 AM to 5 PM.
Streets at Takayama’s old townThe peaceful view of the streets at Takayama’s old town at Dusk
Takayama Showa Museum
Takayama Showa Museum is located within the Takayama’s old town complex and is open daily between 9AM to 5 PM. Inside the museum, you can see the replicated streets of Takayama around 1950, complete with the lifestyle and culture of that time period that are nostalgically revived. It has a doctor’s office, a classroom, an appliance store, a bicycle repair shop, a living room, a bedroom, a barber shop, and so on. Admission costs ¥1,000/Adult and ¥400 for children age 4 to elementary school age.
One of the Pokemon manhole lid is installed about 5 minutes walk from Takayama Showa Museum. Click here for the google map location. Can you spot it?
Hidagyu no Komori
We purchased Hida Beef skewers from this small local kiosk, and they proved to be well worth the price. The beef was exceptionally juicy and flavorful. The kiosk also offers a modest seating area, allowing guests to enjoy their food comfortably on-site.
Takayama Pudding Tei
While exploring the historic streets of Takayama, we discovered a charming pudding shop renowned for its top three signature puddings. Among them, the standout was their No. 1 best seller — the Snow Pudding. Its refreshing flavor strikes a delicate balance, avoiding the overly milky taste often found in similar desserts. To fully enjoy it, one must blend the vibrant blue layer with the creamy base, creating a harmonious texture and taste.
We also bought their Custard pudding (No 2 best seller) and their Snow White pudding (No 3 best seller). Though both were enjoyable, we found them slightly too rich and sweet for our personal preference.
Snow pudding, snow white pudding, and custard pudding
Ninja Cafe & Bar Takayama
At Ninja Experience Cafe Takayama, visitors can immerse themselves in a variety of ninja-themed activities, including shuriken throwing, blow gun (fukiya) practice, sword handling, and an engaging VR ninja game. We brought our children along, and they thoroughly enjoyed learning the proper techniques for throwing shuriken and operating a traditional ninja blow gun.
The instructors were exceptionally friendly and patient. They can provide instructions in English and offering enthusiastic encouragement throughout the experience. It was both educational and entertaining—a memorable highlight for the whole family.
Target area for Shuriken & Blow gun
Shinotaka Ropeway
Shinotaka Ropeway is open daily from 8.30 AM to 4.45 PM during April – November. The lower station of the Shinhotaka Ropeway, which is accessible via Shinotaka Onsen can be reach either by taking hourly buses from Hirayu Onsen (35-45 minutes, 910 yen one way) or taking bus from Takayama Noshi Bus Center (90 minutes, 2200 yen one way).
Once you arrived at Shinatoka Onsen, you will first need to take Ropeway No 1, which is a 4 minute journey, that will take you to Nabedaira Kogen Station. From there, you will need to do 3 minutes walk to Shirakabaira to get on Ropeway No 2, a 7 minutes ride, which will take you to Nishi Hotakaguchi where the viewing platform is located.
Ropeway no 1 leaves every 1/2 hour while Ropeway no 2 leaves every 15 and 45 minutes past the hour. The ride cost ¥3,800/Adult and ¥1,900/Child.
Ropeway No 2 is the only double-decker cable car in Japan which offers the grandeur view of the northern Japan Alps from an elevation of over 2,000 meters, above the clouds. As you climb ever-higher, you will be presented with breathtaking scenery. The difference in elevation is especially apparent in the fall, when you can enjoy the autumn colors for about one month from late September.
Aside from enjoying the breathtaking view you can also do a foot bath at Shirakabadaira Station. It’s a nice spot to relax just in front of the station with a view of the ropeway. Bread, soft serve ice cream, and Hida beef croquettes are available for takeout and you can eat them while soaking your feet. Shirakaba-daira Station Footbath is open between 8.30 AM to 5 PM.
Shirakaba-daira Station Footbath
Kamikochi
Kamikochi is located on the upland area at the altitude of 1,500 m surrounded by the Northern Alps mountains and is one of the best mountain resorts in Japan. A wide range of alpine flora can be viewed from May through October, with the best time being mid May through July.
Kappabashi (Kappa Bridge), is only a short walk from the bus terminal. The simplest way to enjoy a day in Kamikochi is by hiking the trails along Azusa River from Taisho Pond to Myojin Bridge. It is a mostly flat terrain and requires no hiking experience and only a few hours of time.
Kappa Bridge
There are several walking options you can take while in Kamikochi.
As shown on the map, you can opt to walk towards Taisho Pond which will take around 1 Hour to complete, walking past Tashiro Bridge within 20 minutes of your walk.
Taisho PondTaisho Pond
Alternatively, you can opt for walking towards Myojin Bridge will take you a total 1 hour walk, where you will walk past Dakesawa Marsh within 5-10 minutes of your walk, which is one of the most scenic area in Kamikochi.
Shirakawa Go is a historical village and recognized as UNESCO World heritage. It is located in Gifu Prefecture, which is about 3 hours train ride from Nagoya, or about 4 hours train ride from Osaka, or 5 hours train ride from Tokyo. If you are going to Shikarawa Go from Nagoya, you also have the option to use bus from Meitetsu Bus Centre in Nagoya. Bus trip from Nagoya to Shirakwago takes similar duration with Shinkansen train.
Autumn (September – November) is a very popular season to visit Shirakawa Go as it is one of the best viewing points of autumn leaves in Japan. Typically, you can enjoy the colorful autumn leaves in Shirakawa Go starting October.
Visitors generally spend approximately 3 to 4 hours exploring Shirakawa-go. As the village is home to a small population of around 1,500 residents, its waste management infrastructure is limited. To help preserve the area’s natural beauty and support local sustainability efforts, guests are kindly encouraged to bring a plastic bag for collecting their own waste and to take it with them upon departure.
Zensuke
We stopped by the Zensuke stall, conveniently located next to a souvenir shop, and sampled their Hida Beef skewers and Hida Beef sausage. Both offerings were impressively juicy and flavorful, reflecting the quality of the local ingredients. A small seating area adjacent to the stall allows visitors to enjoy their food comfortably, and used skewers and plates can be returned to the shop for disposal.
This quick and satisfying bite provided our group with a much-needed boost as we continued exploring Shirakawa-go, where dining options are limited and seating at restaurants can be scarce during peak hours.
Kita No Sho
Kita No Sho is a good place to stop by for lunch and try their Hida Beef dish which is Gifu’s specialty or Roasted Salted Fish. Kita No Sho is open daily from 11 AM to 3 PM.
Hida Beef Miso
Shirakawa-go Three Houses
Shirakawa-go Three Houses or often known as Gassho-zukuri Triplets is located about 10 minutes walk from Shirakawago Pudding House & Myozenji Temple Museum. It offers you a good photo background if you take it from the rice paddy field in front of the house (3065 Ogimachi, Shirakawago).
Photo of Shirakawa-go Three House from the rice paddy field in front of the house
Shirakawago Purin no Ie (Pudding House)
Shirakawago Pudding House is located about1-2 minutes from Myozenji Temple Museum, or 11 minutes walk from Shirakawa-go bus terminal, or 12 minutes walk from Ogimachi Castle Observation, or 6 minutes walk from Wada House. It is a well known and very popular shop in Shirakawago which opens daily (except Wed) from 10 AM to 4.30 PM. The shop is relatively small so there’s always a long queue at the shop but based on google review the puddings are worth the queue.
The shop sells various flavours of pudding. Water pudding is their specialty, which had won Japan pudding award. Despite the appearance it was said to be very tasty. Namareka Pudding (i.e. Custard pudding), Matcha pudding (only limited availability per day), Coffee pudding, and Gohei Mochi pudding (i.e. Sesame Pudding), and Persimmon pudding (Seasonal, only available from October – December) had received good reviews. You can either buy the pudding to eat at the nearby bench and return the jar to the shop, or take away which they will pack it up with a little ice pack to keep it cool.
Despite the shop being called a pudding house, it also sells pudding flavoured soft serve ice cream, which goes well with caramel sauce and matcha soft serve ice cream.
Gohei Mochi Pudding, Nameraka Pudding, Matcha Pudding & Water Pudding
Myozenji Temple Museum
The museum is located about 12 minutes walk from Shirakawa-go bus terminal. it is open from 8.30 AM to 5 PM during Apr – Nov and from 9 AM to 4 PM during Dec to Mar. Admission fee is ¥300/Adult & ¥100/Child.
Myozenji Temple Museum is the main Buddhist sanctuary in the village of Ogimachi since its founding in 1748. Myozenji has a distinctive thatched main hall that dates to 1827. This is now a museum where visitors can learn about traditional life in Shirakawa-go
Myozenji Temple Museum
The living quarters was built in 1817 includes a large living room with an irori fireplace at the center. Above the fireplace hangs a hiama, a wooden board used to extinguish sparks rising from the fire, to dissipate smoke, and to prevent heat from dispersing throughout the house. The living room was where the head priest and his family (kuri) which occupy one of the largest gassho-style houses in the village.
Living room with irori fireplace at the center
Kanda House
Kanda House is located around 7 minutes walk from Shirakawa-go Bus Terminal, owned by Kanda family, a branch of Wada family. It is open 6 days a week (closed on Wednesday) from 10 AM to 4 PM. Entry to Kanda house cost ¥300/Adult and ¥150/child.
The design of Kanda House, which was built around 1850, is said to be the best among all Gassho-zukuri houses.
Kanda HouseThe view from Kanda House
Yukiniko
Yukinko is the name of two sisters who grew up in Shirakawa and open this takeaway shop located in between Kanda & Wada House. It opens daily from 11 AM to 3.30 PM a good place to stop over and get either their Soft Serve Milky Ice Cream or Gohei Mochi for afternoon snacks.
Gohei Mochi was invented during Edo period (often referred as Tokugawa period) which spands between 1603 to 1868. Unlike regular mochi it is coated with a type of sweet and sour sauce, which is a combination of sugar, soy sauce and mirin. The mochi is then skewered and grilled.
Gohei Mochi
Wada House
Wada house is the largest Gassho-Zukuri (thatched roof) house in Shirakawa Go village. The Wada family had been one of the leading family in the village for generations. The Wada house became a national treasure in 1995 due to its size and age of around 300 years old.
During the Edo period, it played the role of the mayoral house, silk production facility and commerce office. It took four years to prepare for the house build as it was made using dirt, grass, silkworm feces and human urine! These were mixed together and eventually, after four years, the house could be constructed.
Wada house is about 3 minutes walk from Shirakawa Go and opens daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. On the way to Wada House from the Bus terminal, take the route off the main road, you will find a small wood broadwalk that crosses a lily pond (see the yellow highlight on the map below) you will be able to take beautiful picture of the Gassho styled houses and its background scenaries.
Wood walking path to Wada HouseView of the Gassho Styled houses from the wooden pathInside of Wada House
Ogimachi Castle Observation Tower
Ogimachi Castle Observation Tower offers visitor the landscape view of Shirakawa Go village. It is located about 15 minutes uphill walk from Wada House
View of the village from Ogimachi Castle Observation Tower
Ogimachi Suspension Bridge
The Ogimachi Suspension Bridge connects the village of Ogimachi with the main carpark across the Shō River (庄川, Shō-gawa). While the bridge itself is rather unremarkable, it’s still worth a quick stop to get some nice photos as the bridge boasts great views of the surrounding Japanese Alps, as well as great shots of the river that flows below it.
Tokyo, aside from being the capital city of Japan has a lot of entertainment for both kids & adults. There are also some great day trips that you can do while in Tokyo.
Museum of Aeronautical Sciences
Museum of Aeronautical Sciences is located close to Narita Airport and opens 6 days a week, Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 AM to 5 PM. It has an observation deck where you can watch planes from the airport take off and simulator that allows you to control a very detailed model of 744.
Godzilla Head
Tokyo Bay has long been the stomping ground of Godzilla, infamous God of Destruction, so it should come as no surprise there are plenty of great spots to snap a photo.
Godzila head can be found towering over the Toho Cinema in Shinjuku, is probably the most famous in Tokyo. On closer inspection, it’s actually just a head and claw, but it still cuts a pretty intimidating figure.
At the entrance of Shinjuku Toho building, there are two manhole/drain cover with Godzila design. Can you spot them?
Head to Shinjuku Tourist Information Center to get the manhole distribution card for these designs. Manhole distribution card is a collectible card featuring a picture of a manhole cover and the coordinates where the manhole can be found. On the reverse is a description of the manhole’s design. These cards have become hugely popular with locals and tourists alike.
Harry Potter Stairs & Time Turner
Tokyo has a plaza with Harry Potter themed in Akasaka. The stair that connects Asakasa Biz Tower & Asakasa ACT theatre (take exit 3A or 3B from Tokyo Metro Akasaka Station) was given a makeover, inspired by the moving staircase of Hogwarts, to celebrate the Asian stage production of Harry Potter: The Cursed Child. It is decorated with a sculpture of the Time-Turner from ‘Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban’ as well as 42 portraits of famous witches and wizards.
Harry Potter Gift Shop Akasaka
Harry Potter Gift Shop in Akasaka which is often called Harry Potter Mahudokoro store is the only official permanent Harry Potter shop in Japan. It is located at Akasaka Biz Tower, next to Harry Potter Cafe, and opens daily from 11 AM to 9 PM.
Harry Potter Cafe
Harry Potter Cafe located next to the Harry Potter Shop at Akasaka Biz tower offers wizard themed menu including four kinds of cheese toasties, each representing a Hogwarts house: Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and Slytherin. Each sandwich has a different filling, such as pork and onion for Gryffindor and smoked salmon and avocado for Slytherin. The popular dish from this cafe is the Hedwig owl dessert, where Hedwig is made out of cream & strawberries sitting on a tiramisu tree.
Warner Bros Studio Tour – The Making of Harry Potter is the largest indoor theme park in the world which allows fans to step behind the scenes and discover the film making magic.
It is recommended to book the tickets in advance and best to book for their morning session as it is said to be less crowded. It typically requires 4-5 hours to explore though there is no time limit for visitors. You can stay for as long as you want.
The best way to visit the studio is by taking the themed trains from Ikebukuro on Seibu Ikeburo & Toshima line to arrive at Toshimaen Station, the station closest to the Warner Bros Studio tour.
Platform 1 at Ikeburo Station is decorated to look like Kings’s Cross Station where Harry Potter character board the train to Hogwarts ExpressLuggage Cart Prop at Ikeburo StationToshimaen Station
The train stations have Harry Potter theming and little magical touches like a British red telephone box where you can listen to mystic messages or see.
Ticket to the studio cost ¥6,500/Adult, ¥5,400 for children age 12-17 years old, and ¥3,900 for children between age 4-7. Don’t wear green when you go there as there is a cool green screen broomstick photo towards the end.
Platform 9 3/4Diagon Alley
Ghibli Museum
Ghibli museum is a museum showcasing the work of Studio Ghibli, a Japanese animation studio. My Neighbour Totoro, Princess Monoke, Spirited Away, Howl’s Moving Castle, and Grave of the Fireflies are some the popular works produced by Studio Ghibli.
The museum combines features of a children’s museum, technology museum, and a fine arts museum. Features include a replica of the Catbus from My Neighbor Totoro (1988), a café, bookstore, rooftop garden, and a theater for exclusive short films by Studio Ghibli.
Ghibli Museum is 6 days a week (Wed-Mon) from 10 AM to 6 PM. Ticket to Ghibli Museum costs ¥1,000 for 19 YO +, ¥700 for children age 13 – 18 YO, ¥400 for children 7-12 YO, and ¥100 for children 4-6 YO. Tickets become available for purchase at 10 a.m. (JST) on the 10th of each month for the subsequent month.
For example, tickets for February 1st through February 28th go on sale at 10a.m.(JST) on January 10th. Tickets are valid only for the specified date and time of entry, with no set exit times.
Sanrio Puroland
Sanrio Puroland is an indoor theme park. You can purchase your ticket through authorised dealer including Klook. The theme park opens daily from 9 AM to 6 PM on Friday & Saturday, 8.30 AM – 6 M on Sunday & Monday, and 9.30 – 5 PM on Tuesday to Thursday.
Inside Sanrio PurolandMy Melody Ride
Team Lab Borderless
TeamLab Borderless is a permanent exhibition with unique, immersive experiences as it has projection mapping, music, lights and effects. It was moved to a bigger location in 2024 and opens daily from 9 AM to 10 PM. People typically spend about 2-3 hours to explore. Ticket to TeamLab Borderless (2024 price) cost ¥3,800/Adult, ¥1,500/child age 4-12. It is best to book your ticket 3 months in advance to avoid dissapointment.
TeamLab Planet
TeamLab Planet is a temporary exhibition which had been extended to end of 2027. It is located about 40 minues away from TeamLab Borderless. It opens 6 days a week, Friday to Wednesday from 9 AM to 10 PM. People typically spend up to 2 hours at TeamLab Planet. While TeamLab Planet is said to be smaller than TeamLab Borderless, it is said to be the more fun as it has water room where you walk through shallow water with projections on the surface. It’s a very unique experience. That also means you don’t wear shoes at TeamLab Planets. You have to remove them as soon as you enter (there are lockers).
TeamLab planet is getting a huge expansion in Spring 2025, with over 10 new installations which may make it more comparable size with TeamLab borderless. It is best to book your ticket 3 months in advance to avoid dissapointment.
Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa
Maxell Aqua Park at Shinagawa is located at North Tower of Shinagawa Prince Hotel, about 2 minutes walk from Shinagawa station. It opens daily from 10 am to 8 pm.
Maxell Aqua Park combines aquarium with digital technology. There are about 20,000 creatures of about 350 species live vibrantly at Maxell Aqua Park. Their dolphin performance is the highlight of the visit and best to book this in advance as it gets sold out quite quickly. Avoid sitting on the front row during the show if you don’t want to get wet.
Aside from aquariums, it also has 2 rides: Merry Go Round surrounded with music & LED (¥500/person above 5 years old) and Port of Pirates ride at a cost of ¥500/person and has a minimum height of 120 cm.
Doraemon Times Square
Doraemon Times Square is located about within DiverCity Tokyo Plaza. It has props for photos for Doraemon fans.
DiverCity Tokyo Plaza
DiverCity Tokyo Plaza is one of the popular shopping mall in Tokyo as it housed quite a number of interesting things/shops:
2F: Doraemon Mirai Department Store
2F: Hello Kitty Japan Store
2F: Hello Kitty Brown’s Grill
2F: One Piece Mugi Straw Store
2F: The Gundam Base Annex
Gundam Base Annex is located right next to the Life-Sized Unicorn Gundam Statue, which is a full-scale statue of the RX-0 Unicorn Gundam from the series Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn. It mainly has Gunpla and Gundam souvenir products, and it is a store that can be enjoyed not only by Gunpla fans but also by tourists from home and abroad.
Unicorn Gundam light up at night
2F: Unko Poop Museum
4F: Detective Conan Land
7F: Gundam Base Tokyo
Gundam Base Tokyo consists of 4 zones the factory zone, builder zone, shop zone, and event zone. It is a place where you can buy, make, see, learn and enjoy, and children and adults can fully enjoy gunpla.
The factory zone is a reproduction of the gunpla factory “Shizuoka Hobby Center”. It has real molds and design data, and mini injection molding machines for the production of gunpla are on display. You can learn the manufacturing process of gunpla!
The Factory Zone
The builder zone is a crafting space where you can assemble and paint purchased gunpla. Gun Prister will teach you how to make it and how to make it. Examples of Gunpla Builders World Cup winners are also on display!
The Builder Zone
The shop zone is the world’s best gunpla shop with 2,000 types of products and 1,500 types of exhibits. From the first Gunpla released in 1980 to the latest products are available for purchase. Gundam Base limited products are also available!
The Shop Zone
Tokyo Joypolis
Tokyo Joypolis is an indoor theme park runs by SEGA . It is located about 10 minutes walk from Tokyo DiversCity. You can choose between just buying admission ticket, which cost ¥1,200/Adult and ¥900 for children age 7-17 years (Children under 7 years free) or buy the Tokyo Joypolis Passport which include both Admissions & Rides. Tokyo Joypolis Passport costs ¥5,500/Adult and ¥4,500 for Children age 7-17.
Tokyo Joypolis is open daily from 10 AM to 7 PM Monday to Saturday and from 10 AM to 8 PM on Sunday.
Yomuri Land is a theme park that was built in the 60s yet is strikingly different. It is also reacheable via a gondola ride hence earning its nickname as “An amusement park you can reach from the sky”. It located about 35 minutes from Shinjuku Station where you will need to take the Keio Line and get off at Chofu station (4 stops from Shinjuku). At Chofu station, you will need to change to a local train heading to Hashimoto (Sagamihara Line) stopping at Keio Yomiuri Land Station.
After getting off at Keio Yomiuriland Station, take the “Sky Shuttle” gondola located by the station. This will get you to the amusement park via the sky in about 5-10 minutes. Price: Adults’ and children’s tickets are the same price; one-way ticket 300 yen, round-trip ticket 500 yen. Gondola trips may be suspended due to strong winds in which case you can take the “読01(Yomi01)” bus going to Yomiuri-Land-mae Station and Teraodai Apartments. When you get off at the “Yomiuriland” stop, the entrance gate will be directly ahead. Cost for the one way bus ride is Adults 210 yen / Children 110 yen.
Yomiuri Land is open from 10 AM to 6 PM and you. All day pass costs ¥5,800 ($55.10)/Adult and ¥4,000 ($38) for Children between 4-11 years old. Yomiuri Land also been added with Goodjoba which is made up of factories across 5 industries: the automobile, food, fashion, Health and space, and stationery industries. Play, learn, and have fun with the whole family. To find out more about Goodjoba please refer to https://www.yomiuriland.com/en/good-jo-ba/.
Custom Garage ActivityJapan’s First Spiral-Lift Indoor Roller CoasterLipovitan Rocket which includes seats that shake forwards, backwards and side to side
Tokyo Disneyland
Tokyo Disneyland attracts a large number of visitors throughout the year. Tickets for entry two months in advance are sold daily starting from 2 pm. You can purchase them from the Disney official website or app. For example, tickets for entry from May 1st to June 30th are available for purchase starting from April 30th at 2 pm.
Tokyo Disneyland, opens daily from 9 am to 9 pm (subject to change depending on the season). However, in reality, the park often opens earlier depending on the crowd and the day of the week. Typically, by around 8 am, there’s already a long queue forming for the park’s opening, and at the entrance, there’s time spent on baggage checks and security screening. If you want to enter exactly at 9 am, it’s best to arrive at the park early. Please refer to Tokyo Disneyland Crowd calendar which gives you an estimate of what wait times to help you plan the trip.
Happy Entry is a complimentary benefit for guests staying at Disney hotels, allowing them to enter the park 15 minutes before regular guests. Hotels that offers Happy Entry are Tokyo Disneyland Hotel, Disney Ambassador Hotel, Tokyo DisneySea Hotel MiraCosta, Tokyo Disney Resort Toy Story Hotel, Tokyo Disney Celebration Hotel, and Tokyo DisneySea Fantasy Springs Hotel.
The Tokyo Disney Resort App is the official Disney app designed to help you navigate the parks comfortably and efficiently. As listed, below, it offers convenient features that are essential for fully enjoying Tokyo Disneyland. It allows you to check wait times for attractions and restaurants, make reservations for restaurants and Disney hotels, and obtain Premier Access, Priority and Standby Passes.
Priority pass is a service that allows you to enjoy select attractions with shorter wait times than usual. You can obtain the pass for each attraction through the Tokyo Disney Resort App. After obtaining it, you’ll ride through a designated lane at the specified time. The service is free of charge and can be used multiple times in a day (with time restrictions), so those who want to enjoy many popular attractions should definitely use it.
Standby Pass is a pass that allows you to queue at designated times for specific facilities. Toy Station and Sweetheart Cafe are eligible restaurants for this pass.
Priority Seating is a service that provides priority seating at the following restaurants. Applications can be made one month before the date of use, and if there are vacancies, you can also apply online or at the restaurant on the day of use.
Submit entry for Character Greetings. It is a service where you can take photos with popular Disney characters. While chance encounters with characters during “Free Greetings” in the park are charming, if you want to ensure a photo opportunity, “Scheduled Greetings” are recommended.
Also, if you want to enjoy performances by Disney characters, be sure to submit entries to the shows. Jamboree Mickey! Let’s Dance!, Club Mouse Beat, and Mickey’s Magical Music World all require entry submission.
Disney Premier Access as a paid version of the Priority Pass, which allows you to specify the time for riding or viewing, making it easier to plan your day’s schedule. It’s a significant advantage for those with limited park time or who want to see parades or shows up close.
Rides eligible for Premier Access:
Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast (¥2,000/ $20)
The Happy Ride with Baymax (¥1,500/$15)
Splash Mountain (¥1,500/$15)
Parades & shows eligible for Premier Access (at a cost of ¥2,500/$25 per person per parade/show).
Disney Harmony in Color
Tokyo Disneyland Electrical Parade Dreamlights
Reach for the Stars
Mickey’s Magical Music World
Club Mouse Beat
Popular Rides that you should prioritzed:
Beauty and the Beast Ride (At Fantasy Land)
Pooh’s Honey Hunt (At Fantasy Land)
Splash Mountain (At Critter Country – Next to Westernland)
Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast ridePooh’s Hunny Pot
Tokyo Disneysea
Tokyo Disneysea offers more thrill rides in comparison to Disneyland. However, just like Disneyland, plan your trip ahead to avoid missing out. Book your ticket to Disneysea way in advance, refer to Tokyo Disney Sea Crowd Calendar (which gives you an estimate of what wait times) to help you plan the trip, use Disney Resort App to plan your day.
Popular rides that you will need to prioritize:
Raging Spirits
Sindbad’s Storybook Voyage
Journey to the Center of the Earth
Tower of Terror
Aquatopia
Nemo & Friends SeaRider
Indiana Jones Adventure: Temple of the Crystal Skull
As well as rides that are eligible for Premier Access below.
Rides that are eligible for Premier Access (at the cost ¥2,000/$20 per attraction per person)
Anna and Elsa’s Frozen Journey
Rapunzel’s Lantern Festival
Peter Pan’s Never Land Adventure
Soaring: Fantastic Flight, Toy Story Mania!
Rides that are eligible for Premier Access (at the cost ¥1,500/$15 per attraction per person):
Tower of Terror
Journey to the Center of the Earth
Parades that are eligible for Premier Access at a cost of ¥2,500/$25 per attractions per person:
Believe! Sea of Dreams
Big Band Beat: A Special Treat
List of shows that requires you to submit an entry request:
Jamboree Mickey! Lets’s Dance
Big Band Beat: A Special Treat show
Rapunzel’s Lantern FestivalJourney to the Center of the Earth
Tsukiji Outer Market (築地場外市場, Tsukiji Jōgai Shijō) is a district adjacent to the site of the former Tsukiji Wholesale Market. It is located a short walk from either Tsukiji Shijo Station on the Oedo Subway Line or Tsukiji Station on the Hibiya Subway Line. It consists of a few blocks of wholesale and retail shops, as well as restaurants crowded along narrow lanes.
Daifuku Mochi, one of the popular snacks sold at Tsukiji Outer MarketOnigiri options sold at Tsukiji Outer MarketSelections of Sashimi available
Eden is a coastal town located about 1 hour drive from Mallacoota, about 27 minutes from Beowa National Park, about 25 minutes from Merimbulla, and about 45 minutes drive from Tahtra.
Boyds Tower
Boyds tower was initially build as a lighthouse but the Tower failed to satisfy an official inspection and was never completed. It was only ever lit briefly three times and since then, it was only ever used as a whale watching lookout.
The 800 meter loop walk (which is about 15 to 45 minutes depending on your walking speed & number of stops) at Boyds tower is an easy walk with multiple lookouts to gaze over Twofold Bay. It is particularly enchanting during whale-watching season (June through November), when humpbacks perform ocean acrobatics in the company of resident dolphins.
Boyds Tower Ruin
Pinnacle Loop Walk
The Pinnacles walk is in the Pambula – Haycock part of the park and is about 10 minutes drive from Eden. It is well signed, at the end of the dirt road you finish at good sized car park that has toilets.
The loop walk starts at the main sign board or alternatively, you can walk further around the car park to where the loop finishes, and walk to the lookout from there. The Pinnacles in Beowa are 65 million years old eroded cliffs. It is showing a layer of bright white sand topped by a cap of orange clay. Pine trees grow in the gully beneath the cliffs.
Pinnacle at Beowa
Sunny’s Kiosk & Boat Hire
Sunny’s Kiosk & Boat Hire is open Thursday to Monday from 7.30 AM to 2 PM. It is located about 25 minutes drive from Eden or 21 Minutes drive from Pinnacles Loop Walk area.
Magic Mountain is small theme park located about 30 minutes drive from Eden or 23 minutes drive from Pinnacle Loop Walking Track, or less than 10 minutes drive from Sunny’s Kiosk & Boat Hire. Magic Mountain opens daily from 10 AM to 4 PM. It has Tube ride (at least 4 years old or 100 cm tall), Tobbogan Slide (at least 120 cm to ride alone), Grand Prix Racing Cars (at least 150 cm to drive alone), Roller Coaster, Mini golf, playground, maze, 2 water rides with no height requirements, and a Splash pool.
Entry to Magic Mountain is free for 4 years and under, $52 for 5-12 Years old, and $59 for 13 years and above. You can get cheaper ticket ($5 discount) if you booked online through https://magicmountain.aluvii.com/store/shop/categories?id=1
Magic Mountain Map
Lake Explorer Pathway
Merimbula’s elevated Lake Street Shared Path started from Rotary Park (Corner of Cliff Street & Main Street). The shared path which stretches up to Bar Beach, offers spectacular views across Merimbula Lake and to Main Beach.
Merimbula Bar Beach
Merimbula Bar Beach is one of the most picturesque spots in Merimbula, famous for its stunning turquoise channel and breathtaking views across Merimbula Bay and the rolling hinterland. Bar Beach is patrolled seven days a week in the summer months. Bar Beach is sheltered from summer’s northerly winds and has outdoor showers and amenities.
Merimbula Bar Beach
Merimbula Broadwalk
Merimbula broadwalk is a walking path around the lake shore, through mangrove forests and under the eucalyptus canopies. It is famous for its sunset views and takes about 1.5 hours to leisurely complete the walks. Merrimbulla broadwalk is located less than 10 minutes drive from Merimbula Bar Beach or about 30 minutes drive from Eden.
Merimbula Broadwalk
Dulcie’a Cottage
Dulcie’s Cottage is a white weatherboard cottage built in 1925, located on the main street of Merimbula. It is a cozy looking cottage, with massive jacaranda tree and backyard overlooking Merimbula Lake. It also has a 1950s caravan in the beer garden serving a concise menu of american burgers, oysters and fries. It is a good place to stop over for dinner to wind up your day.
Autumn in Japan typically starts in September and lasted until December. If you are travelling to Japan during Autumn season, depending on which month and which area, you can bask on the beautiful autumn sceneries in Japan. Autumn foliage peaked at different months for different region in Japan.
In Osaka & Kyoto area, the autumn foliage started on Mid October up to mid December. In Shirakawa Go area, the autumn foliage can be observed from Early to Mid October. In Yokohama area, the autumn foliage started mid November up to Mid December. And in Tokyo area, it started Mid October to Mid December.
While it offers beautiful sceneries of colourful autumn leaves, autumn in Japan is also known as the Typhoon season. Typhoon in Japan often brings torrential rain, strong winds, and damaging high tides.
Typhoon season in Japan typically starts from May all the way through October, with most activities happening between July to September but it is largely over by end of September. Extra preparations is required for travelling to Japan during Autumn.
In addition, you will most likely will also receive the warning message on your phone.
Sample warning received on tourist phone during the New Year Earthquake
Understanding Region, Prefecture & Ward
Knowing the region, prefecture & ward details of the city that you are visiting will help you in being able to check the weather warning from JMA website as well as in finding out the evacuation route/shelter where necessary.
Japan Regions & Its Prefectured
Osaka & Kyoto
Both Osaka & Kyoto ate located within Kansai Region, which is often known as Kinki Region. Kansai/Kinki region comprises of five prefectures: Hyogo prefecture, Nara prefecture, Mie prefecture, Shiga prefecture, and Wakayama prefecture. It also has two urban prefecture which are Osaka prefecture & Kyoto prefecture.
You can use google map to find out the ward for your location.
Example result from google map that shows the ward details for Universal Studio
Alternatively, ward information are also included in the address for the location you are in.
Sample of address shown in Google Search
Nagoya
Nagoya is located in Chubu region, or sometimes known as the Central region. It is also the capital of Aichi prefecture.
Shirakawa Go
Just like Nagoya, Shirakawa Go is located within Chubu Region that is often known as Central Region. It is part of Gifu prefecture
Tokyo
Tokyo is part of Kanto Region. It is part of Tokyo Metropolis, which is a metropolitan prefecture comprising administrative entities comprising of special wards and municipalities.
Yokohama
Just like Tokyo, Yokohama is also part of Kanto region and is within Kanagawa prefecture.
What to Prepare
Typhoon will have little impact to your travel plan to Japan, if you are well prepared.
Rainy Days Preparation
Consider bringing proper rain jacket (with wind breaker function) which are suitable for autumn weather as typhoon often involves strong winds. Wearing cheap disposable poncho may be troublesome as the material is easily effected by the wind. Pack enough umbrealla for your party to use in the event of heavier rain. Months during autumn season can also include hot days. So having umbrellas with UV protections is handy too.
As typhoon may also imvolve some level of flooded surface, it will be handy to wear waterproof shoes. Alternatively, you can look at bringing a waterproof shoe cover however they are not as comfortable to wear as it may not perfectly fit the way shoes are.
During typhoon season, it may not hurt to put bring along a waterproof pouch bag. It’s handy for you to put your travel document (which you most likely will bring with you on daily basis to be able to shop tax free/phone for easy access while having good protection against water damage.
While travelling in Japan, you are most likely will be bringing your travel document with you all the time as you’ll need your passport for duty free purchases or to purchase Shinkansen tickets.
Unless you are carrying a waterproof backpack, it’s probably worth to put your travel document in waterproof pouch to ensure they are not damaged if you are caught in heavy rain.
Slim style water proof pouch with waist strapOr you can opt for this bigger style which offers a bit more room
Have a small torchlight with you, or one of those mini LED light similar to the picture below which is rechargeable, can be easily attached to your backpack, has magnetic part & has emergency flashing light. It may come handy even if you are not in emergency situation due to the typhoon.
Example of the portable LED lightLook for something mini in size but can be easily attached to various things & waterproof
Hot Days Preparation
Depending on the month of your visit, you may still experience the tail end of the hot season. In addition to carrying UV‑protective umbrellas, a few items that proved particularly helpful for managing the heat during our trip were cooling towels and cooling wipes. Cooling towels are widely available in convenience stores and drugstores across Japan, and the cooling wipes—often infused with a minty formula—provide immediate relief after being out in the sun.
Cooling towelCooling Wipes
A handheld fan, which can be easily purchased from Don Quijote (Donki), is also extremely effective for keeping cool while on the go.
Prepare Non-Perishable Foods
In each of your accommodation, it’s always good to prepare some non perishable foods & water for emergency. During severe typhoon, you may be confined to your accomodation, and restaurants will be closed. Similarly, a lot of the convenience store will be closed too.
Japan has a wide range of non perishable foods you can choose from.
Be Flexible with Your Itinerary
For each city/area you are visiting, always prepare both outdoor & indoor itineraries. Having indoor itineraries will allow your group in being able to have activities in wet weather. In cities such as Tokyo, you will find that most businesses remain open.
However, do make sure you prioritise your safety. Apply general common sense. Do not travel into areas affected by flooding, and don’t enter the ocean. If a typhoon is predicted to make landfall in your area, ask about the location of shelters. When the weather gets bad, stay indoors and close all windows. Use common sense. If you are unsure as to whether you should go out, ask your hosts/hotel staff for their opinion.
Mount Baw Baw which is located around 2 hours 45 minutes drive from Melbourne CBD is the closest and considered best value downhill ski, board, and tobogan snow resort.
Mount Baw Baw
Every vehicle entering Mount Baw Baw resort during the declared snow season must pay the resort entry fee. The entry fee is $62 for the first day of entry or $55.80 if you book online before the day of your visit with the code “ENTRYDISCOUNT23” and $21 per additional day (capped at $167). Booking can be made through https://shop.mtbawbaw.com.au/en/resort-entry-chains.
Mount Baw Baw Ski Resort is generally open from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Visitors to Mount Baw Baw is required by law to carry diamond type snow chain which can be hired from several places including Erica Ski Hire & Chains that offers online booking through their website http://ericaskihire.com.au/.
At Mount Baw Baw you have the option to either book for a 2 hour family weekend session ($400 for weekend or $350 for weekdays). The price for family included up to 5 immediate family. Alternatively, kids can join 2 hours group lesson ($110/child). The prices for the ski lesson does not include the price for the lift pass which is $85/adult or $52 for child between 7-15 years old.
To access Mount Baw Baw Toboggan park, there is a cost of $12 per adult/child for 7 years old. Children age 6 and under is free with a fee paying adult. The admission fee allows you to use the ‘magic carpet’ which is highly recommended to avoid having to carry your toboggan everytime. For Toboggan rental you please refer to https://www.mountbawbaw.com.au/ski-hire-tickets/ski-hire-and-rentals/
There is no fuel available at the resort or surrounds, please ensure you fill your tank before departing Neerim South, Drouin, Moe, or the Yarra Valley.
Mount Baw Baw Route & Fuel Points
Guest Services offer locker storage for small to medium sized items (boots, wallets, keys etc). Prices start from $10. A $5 key deposit may apply, which is refunded upon the return of the locker key. Phone: (03) 5165 1136.
Mt Baw Baw’s Dingo Resource Center
Alpine dingos, descendent from south Asian wolves are apex predators and are believed to play a role in keeping natural systems in balance. They also hold a significant place in the spiritual and cultural practices of some Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
The alpine dingos are a threatened species in Victoria, almost wiped out due to wildlife and human conflict however, at Mt Baw Baw’s Dingo Resource Centre is where you can meet with the Alpine dingos Rowdy, Warragul (Gully) and Bunji.
Nooje which is one of the closest town ftom Mount Baw Baw is located about an hour drive from Mount Baw Baw. You will have to drive pass Nooje both on your way to and from Mount Baw Baw. If you need a stop over for early dinner before heading back to Melbourne, a good option would be Nooje Hotel.
Nooje Hotel is situated at the banks of Latrobe River. It is a family friendly pub which opens 7 days a week. Meals are served between 12 noon to 8.30 PM. If you are planning to have dinner here best to book as this place can get quite busy even in bad weather.
The Bank of LaTrobe River
About 5 minutes drive from Nooje Hotel, you can find Nooje Trestle Bridge, which is the tallest surviving wooden trestle bridge in Victoria. Parking at the base of the bridge allows a great opportunity for photography. If you are just coming to look at the bridge there is only a short walk up a set of stairs to get to the top. Alternatively, there is also a 3 km return walking trail that you can complete. The walk is a relatively easy one so it is suitable for all fitness level.
Nooje Trestle Bridge
Aksorn Thai Restaurant
Aksorn Thai Restaurant is located about 2.5 hours from Mount Baw Baw. It is another good alternative for a dinner stopover from Mount Baw Baw.
Aksorn Thai Restaurant is open every Monday to Sunday from 5:30 PM to 9:00 PM. Best to book ahead of time.
Mom of Two Boys 