hakone

Top 10 Cherry Blossom Spots in Japan

Here are the best places for cherry blossom viewing, also known as ‘hanami’, in Japan: Ueno Park A huge park with seemingly hundreds of cherry blossom trees. Very, very busy, but great atmosphere. Ueno travel guide More in Tokyo Himeji Castle Himeji Castle is breath-taking during the cherry blossom season. It’s free if you justContinue reading “Top 10 Cherry Blossom Spots in Japan”

The best cherry blossom spots in Tokyo

Here are some of the best places for Sakura in Tokyo: Ueno Park A huge park with seemingly hundreds of cherry blossom trees. Very, very busy, but great atmosphere. Ueno travel guide. Shinjuku Gyoen Garden A very easy to access park. Much quieter than the other main parks. Shinjuku Gyoen Garden travel guide Inokashira ParkContinue reading “The best cherry blossom spots in Tokyo”

Tokyo and Kanto in 1-2 Weeks

There is so much to do around Tokyo in a few weeks, it really is a city of cities. There is probably no need to buy a Japan Rail Pass or Japan Bus Pass, but make use of the special passes for most of the areas. If you have less than 2 weeks, just cut out the placesContinue reading “Tokyo and Kanto in 1-2 Weeks”

Japan Cherry Blossom Forecasts for 2014 (Updated)

Sakura (Cherry Blossoms) is fast approaching and the Japan Weather Association has just posted their updated forecasts for each area. They will probably blossom a little earlier than usual this year. The best time for seeing the cherry blossoms are usually about a week after the expected opening.

Hakone (箱根) is the most popular Tokyo side trip. There is something for everyone here, such as hiking, walking, volcano viewing and hot springs. Maps and signs are all in English as well, so it’s very easy to get around. Budget travel tips Get the Hakone Free Pass. This provides free travel to and around Hakone,Continue reading “Hakone”

Hakone Free Pass

The Hakone Free Pass from Odakyu Railway is the best and cheapest way to visit Hakone. It provides unlimited use of the cable car, ropeway, tourist boats, trains and buses in the area, plus the ride from Shinjuku station and back. It also provides discounts to around 50 places in Hakone. At the time of writing,Continue reading “Hakone Free Pass”