NTT InterCommunication Center

NTT InterCommunication Center (NTTインターコミュニケーション・センター) is a free media, art and communications gallery in Shinjuku, Tokyo. NTT is Japan’s main telephone provider, and this museum was started to commemorate the 100th anniversary of telephones in Japan. The museum has an excellent and selection of innovative, fun and thought-provoking art and multimedia pieces, and shows off someContinue reading “NTT InterCommunication Center”

Meiji Jingu Gaien Autumn Leaves

One of the best places in Tokyo for autumn colours is Meiji Jingu Gaien. Located next to Gaienmae on the Metro Ginza line, this widely advertised street near leading to the Royal Palace and grounds is a spectacular sight. We went last week, and while the golden leaves were sometimes not in full bloom, most seemed toContinue reading “Meiji Jingu Gaien Autumn Leaves”

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”

Kichijoji

Kichijoji is a nice place to spend a cheap day, just walking around and doing an odd bit of shopping, eating or relaxing in the park.  It’s the most interesting suburban town outside central Tokyo, and has many things to keep all types of people occupied. Budget travel tips Make sure you have a printContinue reading “Kichijoji”

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”

Top Guesthouses and Hostels in Tokyo

There are plenty of cheap guesthouses and hostels in Tokyo, including right in the center.  They are also a great places to meet people and pick up some traveling tips or recommendations.  Here are some of the best: Khaosan Hostels This well-known guesthouse chain has a variety of cheap and clean guesthouses in central locations.Continue reading “Top Guesthouses and Hostels in Tokyo”