nagoya

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”

Hida Furukawa

Hida Furukawa is a nice little day trip from Takayama. It is a compact town with some nice traditional streets showing off some rather beautiful, very Japanese architecture. It’s quieter and calmer than Takayama. Budget travel tips Download this useful town map or get one from the Tourist Information Center outside of Hidafurukawa Station south exit. It’s bestContinue reading “Hida Furukawa”

Takayama

Takayama is a beautiful town in the Japanese Alps. It is famous for it’s festivals, markets and old-fashioned atmosphere. It makes for a nice trip away from cities such as Kyoto or Nagoya. Budget travel tips Pick up a free map of the area at the Tourist Information Office (see map) opposite the station. CutContinue reading “Takayama”

Kintetsu Rail Pass

The Kintetsu Rail Pass is a great alternative to the Japan Rail Pass if you want to travel extensively around the Kansai region (Osaka, Kyoto, Nara and Ise). It offers unlimited use of Kintetsu trains (and buses depending on the pass type) for 5 days. What does it cost? Rail Pass Wide (with airport access and buses):Continue reading “Kintetsu Rail Pass”

Most people will just transfer trains here or continue past to Osaka and Kyoto, but there are a few things to do here if you have some free time. From Nagoya you can go north to Takayama in the Japanese Alps, or south to Ise (one of the top shrines areas). Things to do NagoyaContinue reading “Nagoya”