In our recent blog, ‘Explore Central Japan – Using the Tokaido Shinkansen to Reach Nagoya & Beyond!’ – we highlighted Nagoya as one of the region’s most attractive destinations and a convenient transport hub.
Serviced by the Tokaido Shinkansen, running from Tokyo to Kyoto and Osaka via Nagoya Station, moving to and from the area is quick and easy, and now, thanks to discounts of 50% it has never been cheaper!
From tomorrow onward – August 20th 2020 – shinkansen tickets will be discounted by 50% – an offer which also applies to the Hokuriku Shinkansen and Joetsu Shinkansen lines, and is expected to run until at least the end of March 2021. To take advantage of this offer, you simply need to register through Japan Rail East’s website and follow the directions to book and collect your tickets.
Visiting Nagoya opens-up the surrounding area including the Kii Peninsula – home to some of Japan’s most important spiritual destinations.
Within easy reach of Nagoya, Ise Shima is home to the Ise Grand Shrine, the most important Shinto complex in the country, while further along the peninsula, the broad area of the Kumano Kodo is slowing coming to the attention of international visitors.
One of only two – along with the Camino de Santiago in Spain – religious pilgrimage routes in the world to have been afforded World Heritage status, the trails of the Kumano Kodo lead to the Kumano Grand Shrines and into the very heart of Shinto Japan.
Visitors can choose to either walk the trails or visit sites including the main shrines directly using public transport.
Finally, the temple mountain of Koyasan (Mount Koya) is one of Japan’s most important Buddhist centres and home to some of the country’s most significant temples.
Most easily accessed via Osaka – also serviced by the Tokaido Shinkansen Line – visiting Koyasan in combination with the other religious sites of the Kii Peninsula reveals Japan’s balance to two contemporary and compatible faith systems – a unique and inspiring spiritual nexus.
For further information as to how to get there, our ‘How to Get to the Kii Peninsula’ page provides direction to each of the three areas.
So time to get planning! For our friends overseas, discounted shinkansen tickets are expected to continue until next year. While the borders remained closed at this time, we hope that you will also be able to take advantage of the discounted travel and return to Japan as soon as possible.
This information is provided as part of our ‘Clean Green & Healthy’ campaign, allowing you to plan and book your future travel to Japan with peace of mind.
Blessed with some of Japan’s most pristine and beautiful natural landscapes, Central Japan is the perfect place to escape the congestion of the city and the worries of daily life, and get back to your true nature.
Snow Monkey Resorts: Nagano’s No.1 tour and charter operator
When planning and booking your trip to Central Japan, it’s important that you can do so with confidence that your intended destinations will be both enjoyable and safe.
As Nagano’s No.1-rated tour and charter operator, we offer a range of services including group tours, private tours and private charters to help you get the most out of your time in the region.
We can arrange transport to and from any destination in the region, with a customised itinerary to suit your travel needs. Our drivers and vehicles are fully certified, allowing us to transport you to and from any destination.
Vehicles are fitted with a protective screen – separating the driver from passenger and luggage area – and our drivers wear protective masks, allowing you to move between your destinations in comfort and safety.
We can arrange both private tours with an English-speaking guide or a private charter, including a private vehicle and driver but without a guide. We’d love to be part of that experience and help you discover even more!
Why choose us?
Awarded a 2022 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award for our 1-Day Snow Monkeys, Zenko-ji Temple & Sake Tour – recognised as one of the Top 10 Experiences in Japan – we have the local knowledge and experience to help you get the most out of your time in Nagano and Central Japan.
Got a question about visiting Central Japan? Feel free to contact us and let’s get planning together!
