Tag Archives: kyoto

Japan Cherry Blossom Forecasts for 2015

Sakura (Cherry Blossoms) is fast approaching and so it’s time to check when it’s on in your area or travel destination!  It’s one of the best times to visit Japan. Please try to allow some flexibility in your holiday schedule, as the actual timings can change. Check our homepage for regular updates and reports City/Area,ForecastContinue reading “Japan Cherry Blossom Forecasts for 2015”

Top 5 Autumn Color Spots in Kyoto and Kansai

Just like Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto in the Kansai region have some great spots for viewing the colorful autumn leaves. Here are the best! Unless otherwise noted, the best time is usually Mid November to early December. 1. Kiyomizudera Temple (清水寺) In our opinion the best place in Kyoto for autumn colors, his temple becomes a hugeContinue reading “Top 5 Autumn Color Spots in Kyoto and Kansai”

10 Ways to Get Free Wifi Access in Japan

While Japan is far behind other developed counties in terms of free WiFi/internet access, things have got a lot better over the last few years.  It is now at the point where you really don’t need to take out an expensive roaming wifi plan or rent a Japanese smartphone at the airport.  Here are some placesContinue reading “10 Ways to Get Free Wifi Access in Japan”

Sakura has started! Shinjuku Gyoen Garden Cherry Blossoms

Shinjuku Gyoen Garden is one of the best places to enjoy the cherry blossoms in Tokyo.  I recently went there to see if ‘sakura‘ had already started.  Many of the trees were already in full bloom, while others were nearly, nearly there.  This tree greets you at the Okubo entrance. Some of the trees wereContinue reading “Sakura has started! Shinjuku Gyoen Garden Cherry Blossoms”

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”

Quick Japan – Main Tourist Spots in 1 Week

A guide to the main hot spots in Japan, all in just a week! Because of Japan’s excellent transportation, it is possible to see quite a lot in a week.  You could use either the Japan Rail Pass or Japan Bus Pass, but because your time is really tight, the Japan Rail Pass is probably best.  ThisContinue reading “Quick Japan – Main Tourist Spots in 1 Week”

Osaka and Around Kansai in 1-2 Weeks

While Tokyo and the surrounding areas are great, a holiday down south around Kyoto and Osaka has its own charm and delights. This itinerary uses a few bus/train passes for each tourist area, so you probably don’t need a  Japan Rail Pass or  Japan Bus Pass.  For long distances use a night bus. Cost: 120,000 yen – 140,000 yen per person DayContinue reading “Osaka and Around Kansai in 1-2 Weeks”

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”

Getting Away From The Big Cities – Japanese Alps in 1-2 Weeks

Want to get away from the big cities like Tokyo and Osaka? Try this itinerary!  It will take 1-2 weeks, depending on how much hiking and/or snowboarding or skiing you want to do.  This guide is therefore showing just our recommended route. As there are so many different bus companies and train companies, you probably don’t need a JapanContinue reading “Getting Away From The Big Cities – Japanese Alps in 1-2 Weeks”

Japan’s Main Spots in 2 Weeks

2 weeks is a good amount of time to see what Japan has to offer in terms of culture, tradition and history. This could be done with either the more expensive but faster Japan Rail Pass or the cheaper Japan Bus Pass.  Go for the Japan Bus Pass if you don’t mind a few night buses and slow trains. IfContinue reading “Japan’s Main Spots in 2 Weeks”