Best itinerary for exploring Japan Hokkaido, Okinawa from Tokyo
Japan, Hokkaido, Okinawa, Mt. Fuji, Tokyo
Our 14-Day Itinerary in Japan
Japan is one of our favorite destinations in the world, we travelled here before when we explored Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, Nara and more , once we even extended our Tokyo layover to two days when visited South Korea but as we came across another good flight deal with Zipair from Vancouver to Tokyo, we jumped at the opportunity and booked another Nippon 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.
We stayed at SapporoTravelodge Susukino Hotel, centrally located. The room was large enough for
Japan standard, it was very clean and we had all the amenities 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 great views of the Mt.
Okura Ski Jump Stadium and of the city. The ticket was 1,000 Yen and also included
the entrance to the 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.
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 including a Nobel Prize 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 an 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 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.
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.
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.
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. The visit for us had also a home component, our favorite Canadian beer Sleeman from Gulph, Ontario was recently acquired by Sapporo Beer Company.
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.
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.
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. We were actually surprised to see signs warning about bears presence in the area and we even seen wild deer (not like the friendly ones from Nara).
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.
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 enjoy 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, our choice was three different types of malt whiskey for 1000 Yen. We also enjoyed visiting the large distillery shop.
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 day trip was
about 168 Canadian dollars for both of us which was well worth it considering
we visited so many amazing places in only one day.
Sappporo,
the capital of the northernmost Japanese island Hokkaido, famous for its beer
and its festivals is a vibrant city with a rich culture and irresistible
cuisine which can be enjoyed regardless of the season. We are actually considering to return here in the future during spring for the cherry blossom or in the winter.
How to get from Naha Airport to Downtown
We flew from Sapporo,
Hokkaido to Naha, Okinawa, with low cost 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 machines or you could just tap on and off
with a 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 downtown. 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 (keep in mind there are more types of IC 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 prepaid 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.
Best attractions and experiences in Okinawa
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.
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 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.
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 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. During this shows no pictures or videos are allowed. 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 sea snake and a mongoose.
This show is also performed three times a day and each is about 20 minutes, videos and pictures are allowed.
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 entrance fee is 530 Yen.
The Former Japanese Navy UndergroundHeadquarters
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 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.
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.
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. 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, the terminal is on the south shore of
Tomari Port, just in front of the main 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. TakatsukiSecond 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, which is 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.
We travelled to Yokohama by
subway. First we took Hibiya Line metro from Kayabacho Station, which was near
our hotel, to Naka-Meguro Station. And from there we used Toyoko Line to Minatomirai
Station in Yokohama, where we got off. On Hibiya Line we purchased tickets from
the ticket machine because you cannot pay by credit card on this line and paid
by credit card on Toyoko Line. For this reason, we had to go out through the
gates at Naka-Meguro Station, with our subway ticket and then re-enter by
tapping on our credit cards. We used the same route on our way back to 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.
This historic industrial
structure manufactured in UK ( we actually visited its "sister" in Glasgow during our trip to Scotland) and 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.
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 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 and goes to a speed up to 750 meters per minute). 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.
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.
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. We tried here some delicious steamed buns.
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.
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 during our first Japan trip 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.
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 back.
Discovering new attractions in Tokyo
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 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, Picasso, El Greco hang on the walls along with Impressionist works and Matsukata
Collection. Outside and inside the museum you can see Rodin bronze sculptures.
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.
For sure this was not our last trip here.
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