Assessing the Hakone Free Pass

Cruise ship on Lake Ashinoko

More than just a means to get you from point A to point B, the Hakone Loop is an extensive network of trains, funiculars, ropeways, buses, and cruise ships that take visitors on a sightseeing trip around the Hakone area. Designed to make the journey as scenic and enjoyable as possible, it offers stunning views of Hakone’s mountainous landscape, steaming volcanic vents, and, on clear days, the iconic silhouette of Mt Fuji.

This Way to Hakone

Ship cruising on Lake Ashinoko with Mt Fuji in the distance

Based on people’s reviews, most tourists seem to love Hakone, while a few others have called it overrated and overpriced. In this article, I hope to shed more light on exactly what Hakone is, and what you can expect from this popular resort town in Kanagawa Prefecture.

This Way to Tokyo

Beckoning cats at Gotokuji

Planning a trip to Tokyo can be daunting, and a lot of that has to do with its size. It isn’t just one city but a massive metropolis that’s home to 23 wards, 26 cities, 5 towns, and 8 villages. How can you possibly fit all that in four, five, even six days?

Assessing the JR Tokyo Wide Pass

Statues with red caps and robes in Nikko

There are a few rail passes you can use to explore the Kanto region and nearby areas but one of the most popular is the JR Tokyo Wide Pass. In this deep dive, we’ll talk about what the pass is and where it can take you. Most importantly, we’ll discuss whether the pass is worth the investment based on your personal travel plans.

Unexplored Tokyo

Inside Mayo Terrace

If you’re visiting Tokyo for the first time, then you’ll probably want to see the usual tourist attractions like Senso-ji, Meiji Shrine, Tsukiji Market, and teamLab Borderless. But what about on your second and third trips to Tokyo?

Tokyo’s Coolest Neighborhoods

Vintage store in Shimokitazawa

With its 23 wards, 26 cities, 5 towns, and 8 villages, the Greater Tokyo Area is home to dozens of interesting neighborhoods. You’ve probably heard of well-traveled areas like Shinjuku and Shibuya, but what about less-trodden neighborhoods like Jiyugaoka and Jimbocho Book Town?

Luxe Tokyo

Geisha serving green tea

What if I told you about a company that offers only private luxury experiences in Japan? Exclusive experiences like enjoying a private Noh performance or practicing pottery with a Michelin-starred chef? What if you and your partner can do something truly unique, something you can do only in Japan, to make your anniversary trip even more memorable?

Beyond Tokyo

Heiwa no Torii in Hakone

There’s always something going on in Tokyo, but if you’d like to go beyond the city’s limits, then there are many excellent destinations you can go to on day trips.