Best itinerary for exploring Japan from Tokyo to Hokkaido, Okinawa and back

 Japan, Sapporo, Okinawa, Tokyo


Our 14-Day Itinerary in Japan

We love Japan and we travelled there before but as we came across another good flight deal from Vancouver to Tokyo with Zipair, we jumped at the opportunity and booked another vacation. Not counting the flying and connecting time between destinations, we had a total of 14 full days in Japan, four days in Sapporo, Hokkaido, four days in Naha, Okinawa and three days in Tokyo.

Getting from Sapporo Airport to Downtown

From Tokyo Narita Airport we flew with Jetstar to Sapporo (Shin-Chitose) Domestic Terminal. The easiest and cheapest way to go downtown from the airport is by New Chitose Limousine Bus which stops at various locations in the city. The bus can be taken from New Chitose Airport JAL side, Platform 14, the bus ride is 1 hour 6 minutes and costs 1,300 Yen per person.


Our Sapporo Accomodations

We stayed at Sapporo Travelodge Susukino Hotel, centrally located. The room was large enough for Japan standard, it was very clean and we had all the amenities we needed.


Transportation in Sapporo

Sapporo public transport includes three subway lines, a tram and many bus companies. The best way to pay for your rides is by using one of their prepaid IC cards. We purchased and used SAPICA cards, accepted on all public transport. Cards are sold for 2,000 Yen and this price includes a deposit of 500 Yen and leaves an initial usable balance of 1,500 Yen. When the SAPICA card is no longer needed, you can return it for a refund of the balance, the full deposit less a 200 Yen processing fee.

Discovering Sapporo and Its Stunning Surroundings in 4 Days

Okurayama Observatory Lift and Observation Deck

Knowing that Sapporo hosted the 1972 Winter Olympic Games we wanted to visit the Olympic grounds first. By taking the Okurayama Observatory Lift from the base where the Olympic Museum is located, we got to the observation deck which offers good views of the Mt. Okura Ski Jump Stadium and of the city. The ticket was 1,000 Yen and included the entrance to the museum.





Sapporo Olympic Museum

The museum displays exhibitions about the history of the Olympic Games, Japanese Gold wining medals but has also interactive simulators where you can experience the thrill of ski jumping, cross country skiing or bobsled running. The entry ticket is 670 Yen but when combined with the Observatory Lift you only pay 1,000 Yen for both attractions.





Hokkaido Jingu Shrine

Hiking down the hill from the Olympic Museum we went to Hokkaido Jingu Shrine, a beautiful Shinto shrine surrounded by Maruyama Park, and known to be one of the best places to view cherry blossom in northern Japan.



The Hokkaido University Museum

The museum showcases the rich academic and scientific history of Hokkaido University and features a wide range of exhibits, including fossils, research specimens, and interactive displays in such fields like archaeology, biology, chemistry, and engineering.




Hokkaidō Prefectural Government Office

Known by its nickname “red brick office”, the building is a famous Sapporo landmark created in the Meiji Period (a Japanese era between 1868 and 1912). Inside there are displays of Hokkaido’s history and you can also visit the former governor’s office restored rooms to get a sense of how administrative life was in earlier times. We had to pay 300 Yen each for the entry tickets.



Botanic Garden Hokkaidō University

Just behind the Prefectural Government Office, we visited the Botanic Garden, home to a collection of around 4,000 alpine and cool-temperate plants from Hokkaido and neighboring areas.



Odori Park and Sapporo Autumn Fest

Odori Park is a scenic, 1.5-kilometer-long green space running through the heart of Sapporo. Dividing the city’s north and south, it stretches from the iconic Sapporo TV Tower in the east to the Shiryokan (former Court of Appeals) in the west. The park is lined with flower beds, fountains, sculptures, and seasonal displays, and is best known as the main venue for various events like Sapporo Snow Festival, Summer Beer Garden, and Autumn Festival. The latter, which we enjoyed a lot, is annual food festival held for three weeks every late September. The festival features local seafood, meat, ramen, sake, craft beer, and wine, showcasing the best of Hokkaido's agricultural and gourmet offerings.






Susukino Crossing

Susukino Crossing area is considered “the heart of nightlife in Sapporo”. Being Japan’s largest entertainment district north of Tokyo, the area is famous for its bars, izakayas, pachinko parlours, game centers, host and hostess bars and late-night ramen shops. Our hotel was minutes away from it so we explored the neighbourhood every evening.


Sapporo TV Tower

The TV Tower is an iconic symbol of Sapporo located on the eastern side of Odori Park. The 147.2-metre-high tower has an observation deck at a height of about 90 metres offering panoramic vies of the city and the park. The ticket cost is 1,000 Yen per person.






Sapporo Factory Mall

On our way to visit Sapporo Beer Museum we stopped at Sapporo Factory Mall, housed in a renovated 19th-century red-brick beer brewery and blending modern stores with historic charm, all under a stunning glass atrium.



Sapporo Beer Museum

Here you can discover the history of one of Japan’s most iconic brews, learn about beer-making, explore vintage brewing equipment, and if you feel like it, enjoy tastings of classic and limited-edition Sapporo beers.



Tanukikoji Shopping Street

This lively, covered arcade in central Sapporo, stretching over 7 blocks is one of the best spots to shop, stroll or snack, regardless of the season.

Sapporo Clock Tower

Centrally located, Sapporo Clock Tower is one of the oldest and most iconic landmarks in Sapporo, dating back to 1878. Its original mechanical clock, imported from the U.S., still runs today, making it one of the few remaining weight-driven tower clocks in Japan.

Asahiyama Memorial Park

Located on a hillside in western Sapporo, this park with beautifully landscaped gardens, fountains, and seasonal flowers, it is also known for its panoramic views of the city and wildlife encounters.




Sapporo Fushimi Inari Shrine

Located in the quiet hills of Sapporo’s Chuo Ward, Sapporo Fushimi Inari Shrine is a serene Shinto shrine known for its vibrant red vermillion tori gates reminiscent of Kyoto’s famous Fushimi Inari Taisha, which we visited on our first trip to Japan.



Nakajima Park and Sapporo Gokoku Shrine

Just south of central Sapporo is a spacious urban oasis featuring tree-lined paths and ponds, perfect for walking, boating or just relaxing in nature. Tucked within Nakajima Park, Sapporo Gokoku Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Hokkaido’s war dead, which together with Nakajima Park offer a mix of natural beauty and cultural heritage.










Ganso Sapporo Ramen Alley

This narrow alleyway in Susukino, Sapporo, lined with small ramen shops, 17 restaurants in total. The alley is known especially for Sapporo’s miso ramen, one of the city’s signature dishes. Each shop has its own take on miso ramen with distinctive broths and toppings. Shops are often small and the seating is tight but this is what made our experience more enjoyable, the feeling of being in a family kitchen.



Sapporo Chi-Ka-Ho (Underground Passageway)

Known for its harsh winters, with powdery snow and low temperatures, Sapporo created this Underground Pedestrian Space, a vast network of underground shopping and walking tunnels located beneath the city’s downtown. The passageway is home to lots of shops, cafes, restaurants and services, offering a convenient, weatherproof way to explore the city.







Day tour to Cape Kamui, Shimamui Coast, Yoichi Distillery and Otaru Canal

Booking this excursion, we got to visit all these amazing places in one day and without the headache of planning how to get there and back.

Cape Kamui is a cape located on Shakotan Peninsula and one of Hokkaido’s most dramatic and awe-inspiring natural landmarks. Our adventure began at Kamui Misaki Walking Trail, a narrow, winding path that snakes for nearly 770 meters along the rugged cape ridge. As we walked, the turquoise waters of the Sea of Japan stretched endlessly on both sides. The trail ends at the tip of the cape, where a small observation platform offers 270-degree ocean views. It should take 20-30 minutes to walk the round trip but the same path is used by people going and people returning from the tip. The name “Kamui” means “god” or “spirit” in the indigenous Ainu language. According to local legend, the cape is associated with the tragic love story of Charenka, an Ainu maiden whose spirit is said to have turned into stone after she threw herself into the sea from the cape, heartbroken by lost love. Today, a statue commemorating her stands near the trail entrance. We had about 2 hours to spend here which was enough to walk and stop for pictures.







Shimamui Coast is one of Hokkaido’s most scenic spots, a serene, unspoiled cove framed by towering cliffs and crystal-clear waters. This coastline is officially recognized as one of Japan’s Top 100 Beaches, famous for the vivid blue water known as “Shakotan Blue”. A short walk from the parking lot, you must pass through a narrow stone tunnel, carved through the cliff taking you to an observation deck where you can have a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean.









Nikka Whisky Yoichi Distillery

We only had one hour allocated for this attraction so it was not enough to tour the distillery’s production process which required also an advance reservation. So we visited the Nikka Museum which displays exhibits about Nikka’s whisky production and history which was free and enjoyed tasting a variety of whiskies, for a fee. We visited the distillery shop as well but being restricted by travelling by plane with backpacks we could not buy anything, regardless the price.




Otaru Canal was originally used to transport goods between ships and warehouses during Otaru’s time as a major trading port. Today is one of Hokkaido’s most popular attractions, with a scenic stone promenade, gas lamps and restored warehouses now serving as café, shops and museums. After visiting the Canal, we strolled on the famous Sakaimachi Street, a historic merchant area known for its preserved Victorian style buildings, that house numerous shops, restaurants, cafes, and confectionery stores. It was also one of the best places in town for us to pick up souvenirs.




The cost of the trip was about 168 Canadian dollars for both of us which was well worth it considering we visited so many amazing places in one day.

Sappporo, the capital of the northernmost Japanese island Hokkaido, famous for its beer and its festivals, it is a vibrant city with a rich culture and irresistible cuisine which can be enjoyed regardless of the season.






How to get from Naha Airport to Downtown

We flew from Sapporo, Hokkaido to Naha, Okinawa, with Peach Airline. After arrival we followed the signs to the Monorail Station which is in walking distance of the airport. The Yui Rail Monorail is the cheapest and the most direct way of getting to downtown Naha. You can buy a ticket from the machine or you could just tap on and off with the credit card. The cost was 320 Yen for the ride per person and the ride to downtown was about half an hour.

Our accommodation in Naha, Okinawa

In Naha we stayed at Comfort Inn Naha Tomari Port Hotel, a very nice hotel in walking distance of the port and of the down. We had breakfast included and as in every Japanese hotel, all the amenities, including toiletries, coffee and even pajamas and slippers.



Naha public transportation useful information

Public transportation in the city includes Yui Rail monorail connecting Naha Airport and various city destinations, and an extensive bus network with Naha Bus Terminal being the major bus hub. On the monorail you can pay using IC prepaid cards, cash or by credit cards. While you can purchase a ticket before boarding the bus using a credit card you cannot pay by it on board. On the buses you can pay by IC prepaid cards and cash. Some buses accept major IC cards and some don’t. So the best is to carry small cash with you for paying for the bus. Also, depending on the bus number, you have to pay upfront upon boarding the bus or at the end of your trip when you get off. The information about how to ride the bus and the bus fares can be found at this website https://www.kotsu-okinawa.org/en/.

Best attractions and experiences in Okinawa

Shuri Castle

This historic castle was the royal palace of the Ryukyu Kingdom and symbolizes Okinawa’s unique heritage. Heavily damaged during World War II and again by fire in 2019, Shuri Castle is currently undergoing a major restoration. While we could not visit the actual castle building we did visit its iconic gates, Shurei-mon Gate, Sonohyan Utaki Ishimon Gate and Hoshinmon Gate and walked the castle grounds and the path to the hilltop location that gives panoramic views over Naha and surroundings. There are also stone walls, pathways and outer courtyards that remain accessible and are historically and architecturally interesting. The ticket price is 400 Yen.





Tomari Iyumachi Fish Market

This seafood market located at Tomari Fishing Port in Naha City is the perfect place to buy fresh food, watch the fish being processed or eat on site. The stalls selling sashimi, sushi, “donburi” (seafood rice bowls), and other prepared seafood dishes are all visually appealing so the only issue one will encounter is which dish(es) to buy and when to stop eating.




Heiwa Dori Shopping Street

Heiwa Dori is a covered shopping arcade, branching off from the much more famous Kokusai Dori, with about 200 small shops, stalls and eateries. It is a good place to buy souvenirs, Ryukyu glass, Shisa statues, traditional clothes and other goods often for lower prices.







Makishi Public Market

Located just off the Kokusai-Dori, this is another place where you can experience local culture and atmosphere, a place where you can buy fresh seafood, meat, or other ingredients on the first floor, then bring them up to restaurants on the second floor and have them cooked for you.



Naha Kokusai Dori Shopping Street

Kokusai‑Dori is the main shopping & entertainment street running through downtown Naha. It stretches about 1.6 km and it’s a place that have it all, souvenirs and sweets shops, restaurants, hotels, cafes. We wandered back and forth the street every day, either during the day or in the evening, hunting for best price souvenirs or just enjoying the lively atmosphere and the warm lighting from the neon signs, billboards, shop fronts, streetlamps, bathing the street in vivid colours.




Tsuboya Yachimun Pottery Street

Tsuboya Yachimun Street is a charming street in Naha, known for its historic pottery shops and kilns, where traditional Okinawan “yachimun” ceramics have been crafted for over 300 years. The area is also known for its quaint stone-paved paths and old-style houses, each displaying Shisa statues on their roofs to ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune.




Okinawa World

Okinawa World is a theme park with three distinct areas: Gyokusendo Cave, Ryukyu Kingdom Castle Town and Habu Museum Park. To get here from Naha we walked to Naha Bus Terminal where we took Bus 50. To return to Naha we used Bus 51. The bus ride was about 45 minutes and the ticket cost was 670 Yen one way per person.












Okinawa World - Gyokusendo Cave

This is Okinawa’s largest limestone cave famous for its stunning stalactites and stalagmites. The cave stretches over 5 kilometers, with 890 metres open to the public. Inside the cave is a well-lit, easy-to-walk path through beautiful underground formations, showcasing natural wonders formed over hundreds of thousands of years.









Okinawa World – Shows

While visiting Okinawa World you can experience two shows. One, Super Eisa is a dynamic live performance of traditional Okinawan drumming, dance and music. Eisa is a traditional Okinawan folk dance performed during the Obon season to honor ancestral spirits. The show is performed three times a day by a professional troupe called “Super Eisa” and each performance is around 20–30 minutes. The other show, Habu Snake Show, is a live educational performance featuring the venomous habu snake, along with other snakes like cobras, plus a mongoose. During the show there are demonstrations about how a snake senses heat, venom demonstrations and even a swimming race between a habu snake and a mongoose. This show is also performed three times a day and each is about 20 minutes.


Okinawa World – Ryukyu Kingdom Castle Town

In this distinct area of the park, you can see old-style houses, with traditional red‑tile roofs, you can dress up in traditional Ryukyu costumes and roam through the town or participate in various craft workshops in Okinawan dyeing, weaving, glass‑blowing.



Okinawa World – Tropical Gardens

Here you can walk among fruit‑trees and tropical plants (mango, papaya, pineapples etc.) grown outdoors and showing Okinawa’s subtropical flora. Being located in a sub tropical zone, Okinawa has many rare fruits that are not seen in other prefectures are cultivated. Some of these fruits are very unique. As explained on Okinawa World website, “flowers bloom directly on the trunk of the tree, and the fruit grows on the thick trunk. The shape of the fruit, the shape of the flower, and the aroma of the fruit are completely different from the fruit imaged by Japanese people”


Okinawa World – Habu Museum Park

Located near the exit from Okinawa World, this museum is dedicated to the habu, the venomous snake native to Okinawa, along with other reptiles and related creatures such as mongoose, sea snake, coconut crab and Okinawa tree lizard.

The whole experience inside Okinawa World took us about four hours but it could be longer if you participate into the other experiences, like crafts or dressing up in the traditional costumes.



Okinawa Prefectural Museum and Art Museum

This major cultural facility that combines natural history, archaeology, folk culture, and art, all in one building. Inside, there are natural history and general museum exhibits, folklore galleries, modern and contemporary art but also hands-on interactive rooms. The fee is 530 Yen.






The Former Japanese Navy Underground Headquarters

This site is where the Japanese Navy, led by the Japanese Admiral Minoru Ota, fought a desperate battle defending the island during the Battle of Okinawa. The visit includes walking through preserved tunnel sections: command room, staff officers’ room, medical room, petty officers’ quarters, and a museum displaying such items like artifacts, photographs, letters, uniforms, and Ota Minoru’s “final telegram” to the Navy leadership. The entry fee is 600 Yen.






Fukushūen Garden

Fukushūen Garden is a beautiful Chinese‑style garden with pavilions, bridges, gates, ponds, a waterfall and an artificial cave behind the waterfall where you can walk behind it. The quiet paths, flowing water, and lush greenery create a feeling of peace and tranquility making you forget the noise and heat of the city.









Naminoue Beach

This the only sandy public beach in Naha City where swimming is allowed. The beach is relatively small but very popular with locals and tourists and for a fee you can use the showers, lockers or rent chairs and umbrellas.

Naminoue Shrine

This Shinto shrine is located on a cliff overlooking the ocean and Naminoue Beach and it was once a sacred spot for worship of the sea and for prayers for safety of voyages. The shrine was destroyed during the Battle of Okinawa in1945 and rebuilt after the war, with some buildings restored after 1950.


Day trip by ferry to Zamami Island

Visiting Zamami Island needs a bit of advance planning. The ferry between Naha and Zamami Island requires an online reservation which can be made only at Okinawa Zamami Village website https://www.vill.zamami.okinawa.jp/. Once you complete the reservation form you receive a Notice of completion of boarding pass purchase. You can also purchase your ferry ticket on the day, at the ticket office but it is riskier as this is a popular attraction and there might not be any tickets available. There are two ferries doing the same route, Ferry Zamami, the regular ferry and Queen Zamami, the speed ferry. The regular ferry round trip ticket cost is 4,190 Yen, the ride is 2 hours and there is only 1 trip per day. Queen Zamami speed-ferry round trip cost is 6,180 Yen and the ride is 50-70 minutes. We travelled by the regular ferry, and the terminal is on the south shore of Tomari Port, just in front of the building. The ferry journey was very enjoyable, there is AC inside or if you want to stand outside there are two deck levels where you can either sit or stand to enjoy the beautiful ocean and islands landscape. The ferry trip has just one stop on Aka Island.











Exploring Zamami Island

We arrived at Zamami Island at 12:00 and our departure was at 15:00. Having only 3 hours to explore this beautiful island we tried to make the most of our time. We walked from the port up the hill to Mt Takatsuki First Observation Deck, then to Mt. Takatsuki Second Observation Deck and back to the Port. From here we walked to Furuzamami Beach and then back to the Port for our trip back. The views we got from the observation decks were some of the best we ever experienced. The “Kerama Blue” sea vivid turquoise‑to‑deep‑blue waters are especially striking from this high vantage and across the blue sea Tokashiki Island and other small islands around the Kerama Islands archipelago can be seen.










Okinawa Islands

This chain of subtropical islands where turquoise seas, white-sand beaches, and the distinct Ryukyuan heritage create a world apart from mainland Japan is a place to slow down, it is a place that invites you to return as you can never see it in one trip.













Travelling from Okinawa to Tokyo

From Naha Downtown to Naha Airport we travelled by Yui Rail Monorail and from Naha Airport we flew to Tokyo Narita by Jetstar, a Japanese low cost carrier. The flight was 2 hours 35 minutes. The easiest and cheapest way to get to Tokyo Station from Tokyo Narita Airport is by Airport Bus TYO-NRT, the ticket is 1,500 Yen per person and the ride is between one hour and 1 hour 10 minutes depending which terminal you are getting on.

Our accomodation in Tokyo-APA Hotel Kayabacho Hatchobori Ekimae

 

Even though the room size was smaller than the other hotels we stayed, expected in Tokyo, we really enjoyed our stay here. The hotel is only 2 years old, was very clean, more modern and with more amenities that we got to any other hotel.

 

A day trip from Tokyo to Yokohama

Yokohama is located just south of Tokyo, along the western coast of Tokyo Bay, on the main island of Honshu. It is the capital of Kanagawa Prefecture and is Japan’s second-largest city by population (after Tokyo). Yokohama is a charming historic port with waterfront promenades, vibrant Chinatown streets, and futuristic skyscrapers creating an unique escape just minutes from Tokyo.





Best places to visit in Yokohama

Minato Mirai 21 neighbourhood

Minato Mirai 21, meaning "Harbor of the Future" is a futuristic, waterfront urban district in Yokohama, known for its modern skyline, entertainment options, stunning views of Tokyo Bay and one of Yokohama’s signature attractions. A lot of famous attractions such as Rinko Park, Landmark Tower or the Red Brick House can be found here.









Yokohama Hammerhead Crane

This historic industrial structure located in the Shinko Pier area of Minato Mirai 21 is a symbol of the city’s port history and one of the last remaining examples of its kind in Japan. Although no longer in operation, it has been preserved as an industrial heritage monument.

Yokohama Cup Noodles Museum

The museum was established by Nissin Foods, the company founded by Momofuku Ando, and shows how instant noodles went from a creative idea to a global food phenomenon. The museum has static displays but also many interactive exhibits, workshops, immersive storytelling, and hands‑on activities that are part of the experience. Part of the museum includes My CUPNOODLES Factory, where you design your own Cup Noodles and choose the packaging, the flavor, toppings. At the end you even get a clear bag where you insert your cup in the center and inflate the bag like a balloon. It makes for a fun, quirky souvenir. The museum has other fun areas as well, such like Chicken Ramen Factory, the Noodles Bazaar or Momofuku Theater. We had lots of fun here and is definitely an attraction not to be missed. The ticket for the museum is 500 Yen and the ticket for the experience of making you own cup is a separate 500 Yen.








Yokohama Landmark Tower

Yokohama Landmark Tower is one of the tallest buildings in Japan. Its Sky Garden Observation deck height is 273 meter (896 feet) above ground and it is accessed by one of the world’s fastest elevators (takes about 40 seconds). From the top you get breathtaking 360 degrees’ views of Yokohama, Tokyo Bay, and even Mount Fuji on clear days. The admission is 1,000 Yen.





Sail Training Ship Nippon Maru

This beautifully preserved four-masted sailing ship, docked in Yokohama’s Minato Mirai, used to train cadets once and now is serving as a maritime museum open to the public. The ticket cost is 400 Yen.










Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse

This is a pair of historic early 20th-century brick buildings located on the Yokohama waterfront, originally used as customs warehouses. Today is a vibrant area, popular with locals and tourists for its boutique shops, selling artisan goods, fashion, and souvenirs, for its cafes and restaurants and as an event space for seasonal markets, art festivals, concerts, and outdoor skating rinks in winter.


Yokohama Chinatown

Known as the largest Chinatown in Japan and one of the biggest in the world this district is overflowing with color, flavor, and history. Here you can taste incredible street food, visit beautiful Chinese temples and enjoy a lively atmosphere in a walkable maze that stimulates all the senses.



Motomachi Shopping Street

Located near Yamashita Park, this stylish, historic shopping avenue is an ideal place for relaxing after walking around nearby Chinatown. The architecture and signage have an European feel and here you can shop upscale boutiques or enjoy the charming cafes, patisseries and bakeries.

Yamashita Park and World Square

Yamashita Park is one of Yokohama’s most famous waterfront parks, stretching along Tokyo Bay between Osanbashi Pier and Yokohama Marine Tower. The park has a great seaside promenade and many iconic spots like the Statue of the Girl with Red Shoes or Hikawa Maru, an historic ocean liner you can tour. On the east side of the park stands World Plaza, a landscape public plaza with stone steps, wide staircases, cascading water features, unusual benches, arches, concrete columns and a Grand Staircase which is reminiscent of structures like Park Guell in Barcelona.





Osanbashi Pier

This is the main cruise ship terminal in Yokohama, welcoming domestic and international vessels. The place became a tourist attraction because of its iconic architecture, the rooftop is a flowing, open-air space made of wooden decking and grassy slopes, designed to resemble ocean waves. It feels more like a public park than a pier and there are no fences or rails to block your view.




Day trip to Lake Kawaguchi

This trip was our second attempt to see Mt Fuji. Our first try was in 2023 when we visited Lake Ashi in Hakone but the weather was rainy and windy so we could not see it. To get to Lake Kawaguchi we booked tickets online at JapanBusOnline , 4,400 Yen for a return ticket. The bus departed from Tokyo Station Yaesu South Exit and we got off at Kawaguchiko Station. The ride was two hours. The bus stop is in the Fujikawaguchiko. This is a picturesque resort town, located on the northern side of Mount Fuji, part of the Fuji Five Lakes (Fujigoko) area and one of the most popular destinations for viewing, exploring, and photographing Mount Fuji.





Mt Fuji Panoramic Ropeway

The first thing we planned to do upon arrival was to get on top of Mt. Tenjo, the scenic mountain located on the shores of Lake Kawaguchi in Fujikawaguchiko, Yamanashi Prefecture. We read about its stunning views of Mount Fuji, especially from its summit and the ropeway station. The walk from the bus stop to the Mt Fuji Panoramic Ropeway was only a kilometer. Once there, we had three options: to take the ropeway up and down, to hike the trail up and down or to take the ropeway up and hike down. We decided upon the last option and later on, while hiking down, were very happy with our choice as we found out the trail to be very steep. The round trip ticket for the Panoramic Ropeway was 1,000 Yen, we paid 600 Yen for one-way trip. The summit area is themed around the tale of a clever rabbit and a raccoon, which is said to be set on Mount Tenjo. There are also plenty of iconic spots to take photos, like the Bell of Tenjo or the Super View Swing, but also cute photo frames, heart-shaped spots, and lookout platforms that make it a photographer’s dream. The weather was not ideal and at times, the clouds covered Mt Fuji completely but even so we were lucky enough to see it and take some amazing pictures of it from the top and then from various stops on our way down the trail.








Sightseeing Boat Appare

Happy about our Mt Fuji experience we got a picturesque ride on the scenic pleasure cruise Appare, on Lake Kawaguchi. The ride was a 20-minute round trip and we got more spectacular views of Mt Fuji and the lakeside landscape. The ticket cost was 1,000 Yen.




Our departure time by bus to Tokyo was 15:30 and we got to Tokyo around 6 pm, considering the traffic encountered on the way.

Discovering new attractions in Tokyo

Tokyo Hamarikyu Gardens

On our last day in Tokyo we visited Hamarikyu Gardens, a serene oasis of traditional Japanese landscaping nestled in central Tokyo. In this historic Edo-period garden you can see saltwater ponds, teahouses, and centuries-old pine trees that blend with a backdrop of skyscrapers. The entry ticket is 300 Yen.






Tokyo Water Cruise

Tokyo Water Cruise is perfect if you want a unique view of Tokyo. The tripis perfect for a fresh perspective of Tokyo’s skyline, waterfront and iconic spots like Asakusa, Odaiba, Hamarikyu Gardens and Rainbow Bridge. Our route was from Hinode Pier to Asakusa and was a 50 minutes ride. The ticket cost was 1,000 Yen.








Nakamise Shopping Street and Senso-ji Temple

We got off from the water cruise at Asakusa Pier. This was the perfect opportunity to revisit Nakamise Shopping Street and Senso-ji Temple. Visiting these iconic attractions is like stepping back into old Tokyo, where centuries of tradition meet vibrant street life, spiritual heritage, and irresistible local snacks. One of Japan’s oldest shopping streets is lined up with over 80 stalls selling traditional Japanese snacks and souvenirs. The 250-meter shopping street is leading from Kaminarimon to the temple’s gates. Tokyo’s oldest and most famous Buddhist temple, Senso-ji Temple is known for its massive Kaminarimon, “Thunder Gate”, which is a giant red lantern and for the beautifully adorned main hall.





Tokyo National Museum of Western art Tokyo

Located in Ueno Park, this museum is dedicated to European art and features works from the Renaissance to the 20th century. Masterpieces by Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh, Rubens, Goya, El Greco hang on the walls along with Impressionist works and Matsukata Collection. Outside the museum you can see Rodin bronze sculptures.






Ameyoko Shopping Street

This is one of Tokyo’s most vibrant, energetic, and colourful markets, located right next to Ueno Station and a place where we always like to return. Once a black-market area after WWII, it’s now a bargain-hunting paradise and an essential stop for tourists like us wanting a taste of authentic local street life.


Japan proved once again to be an unforgettable travel experience. Another trip, another reminder of how incredible Japan truly is and a place we want to explore even more.




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