Himeji Castle, Hyogo Prefecture: One of the
few remaining original castles in Japan, a visit to Himeji Castle
is a must for any traveler interested in Japanese history. If
you go...there are free guided tours of Himeji Castle conducted
in English by volunteer tour guides. These tours are highly recommended
and last for about 2 1/2 hours (and well worth every minute of
your time!). No reservations are needed - just show up and ask
about the guided tour at the admissions gate.
Transportation:
Take the JR Shinkansen (Bullet Train) from JR Shin-Osaka train
station to JR Himeji train station Himeji
Accommodation
Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture: Situated on
the Japan seacoast, Kanazawa is a destination for those travelers
interested in Japanese history and culture.
Transportation:
Take the JR Thunderbird Limited Express from JR Kyoto train station
to JR Kanazawa train station. Kanazawa
Accommodation
Kurashiki, Okayama Prefecture: This is a great
town for photographers, full of traditional Japanese-style architecture
and ancient canals.
Transportation: Take the JR Shinkansen
(Bullet Train) to Okayama, and then take the JR Super Yakumo Express
train to JR Kurashiki train station. Kurashiki
Accommodation
Mount Fuji District: Mount Fuji is most beautiful from
October to May when the top of the mountain is covered with snow,
and for the more adventurous the climbing season runs from July to
September. Near Mount Fuji lies the Fuji Five Lakes district, and
this destination is popular with tourists from nearby Tokyo.
Transportation: Take the JR Chuo train line from Tokyo train
station or Shinjuku train station to Otsuki train station. At
Otsuki train station, transfer to the Fujikyu train line and go to
Fujiyoshida train station. This is about a 2 hour and 30 minute
train ride. Fujiyoshida train station is the starting point for
the climb up Mount Fuji. Mount Fuji Area
Accommodation
Mount Koya is one of Japan's holiest mountains
located in Wakayama Prefecture. The journey to Mount Koya takes
visitors a cedar-filled valley 800 meters above sea level, surrounded
by 8 mountain peaks. Mount Koya has grown to more than 100 monasteries
surrounding the head temple of Kongobuji.
Transportation: It is a 1 hour and 40 minute train ride on the Limited
Express train from Nankai train station
in Namba, Osaka to Gokurakubashi train station.
From this station, it is a 5 minute cable car ride to Mount Koya. Mount Koya Accommodation
(Read two articles on staying overnight at a Buddhist Temple on Mount Koya:
Japanese Buddhist Temple Overnight," by David Paget and A
Night on Mount Koya,".).
Takaragawa Onsen (Hot Springs), Gunma Prefecture: Japan is also
famous for its outdoor hot springs, and one of the most spectacular
is the river hot springs at Takaragawa Onsen in Gunma Prefecture.
Transportation: Take the JR Shinkansen (Bullet Train) from
Tokyo train station on the Joetsu Line to Jomokogen train station.
At the train station, take the Takaragawa Onsen bus to the last
stop. Takaragawa
Onsen Accommodation
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