mountain – Super Cheap Japan

Mount Fuji

Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the view from the top of Mount Fuji has to be seen to be believed. While it can get very busy, this will probably be your most memorable experience in Japan. It’s not too pricy to get there and the route up is easy to understand but challenging. ItContinue reading “Mount Fuji”

Daigoji Temple

Daigoji Temple (醍醐寺) is a picturesque Buddhist temple in south Kyoto. While a bit run down in places, the main pagoda and red bridge are iconic sites that set Daigoji Temple apart from all the other countless temples in Kyoto. It is also quieter than the other ones, due to being about 30 minutes fromContinue reading “Daigoji Temple”

Mount Mitake

Mt. Mitake (御岳山) is considered a sacred mountain by many Japanese, who frequently make a pilgrimage from Tokyo to the shrines up the mountain and on top. The 929 metre tall summit is easily, and cheaply, accessible from the big city and provides great views of Kanto. Alongside Mount Takao, the best mountain for hiking inContinue reading “Mount Mitake”

Tokachi Onsen

Tokachi Onsen (十勝岳温泉) is a famous hot spring area in Hokkaido. Quieter than places such as Sounkyo Onsen and with a less touristy feel, it’s a great place to come for some hiking and relaxing. Budget travel tips Bring some food with you, as there is no big shop here and the restaurants can be aContinue reading “Tokachi Onsen”

Hakodate

Hakodate (函館), as one of the first cities in Japan to open up to international trade, provides visitors with something different from the rest of Hokkaido. Dutch, American, English and other traders came and settled here many years ago, creating a rich history and places to visit that feel like a fusion of east andContinue reading “Hakodate”

Sounkyo Onsen

Sounkyo Onsen (層雲峡温泉) is a famous hot spring town in the Daisetsuzan National Park in central Hokkaido. Better equipped for budget tourists than Asahidake, it’s also a great place to start a hike into the unspoiled mountains. Budget travel tips Stay at a mountain hut or camp site to save on costs. Ask at theContinue reading “Sounkyo Onsen”

Asahidake Mountain and Hot Spring

Asahidake (旭岳) is one of the most famous mountains in Japan, and often on tourists itineraries if coming in summer or autumns. Asahidake Onsen (旭岳温泉) is a small hot spring town at the bottom of Asahidake mountain, which provides a great place to start or relax at the end of a hike. Budget travel tips Stay at aContinue reading “Asahidake Mountain and Hot Spring”

Magical mountain of shrines – Mount Oyama

Mount Oyama is a really easy to access mountain from Tokyo. What makes this mountain so special is the countless shrines and temples that can be seem as you make the walk up. There are multiple routes to the top, but I took to longest, starting from the east, and taking the longest route up.Continue reading “Magical mountain of shrines – Mount Oyama”

Mount Oyama

Along with Mount Takao, Mount Oyama (大山) is one of the best, and cheapest mountains to access near Tokyo. There are multiple routes available, so this would suit any kind of hiker. There is also a cable car for those who just want to get to the top and check out the views. Trails takeContinue reading “Mount Oyama”

Hakone

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”