It’s important to start this blog by saying that at this time, travel to Japan for tourism purposes remains extremely difficult and for nationals of many countries, impossible. In total, as of Se...
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September 30, 2020
#TRAVELTOMORROW: Japan Set to Lower Travel Advisories for Certain Countries
It’s important to start this blog by saying that at this time, travel to Japan for tourism purposes remains extremely difficult and for nationals of many countries, impossible. In total, as of Se... -
September 16, 2020
#SNOWMONKEYRESORTSLOCAL: Nagano in Autumn – ‘Koyo’ Season Will Soon Be Here!
Over the past week, the temperature has certainly
begun to drop here in Nagano. The days remain pleasant and warm but the heat and
humidity of summer have gone, and nights are starting to feel cr... -
September 11, 2020
#SNOWMONKEYRESORTSLOCAL: ‘Go To Travel’ Extended to Tokyo as of October 1st 2020
As highlighted in our recent blog article – ‘#SNOWMONKEYRESORTS LOCAL: What is Japan’s ‘Go To Travel’ Campaign?’ – Japanese citizens and foreign residents of Japan are currently eligible for by s... -
August 31, 2020
#SNOWMONKEYRESORTSLOCAL: What is Japan’s ‘Go To Travel’ Campaign?
For our friends living in Japan, you have no doubt heard of the national 'Go To' campaign by now. Under that campaign, those living in Japan – including Japanese citizens and foreign residents – ... -
August 17, 2020
Explore Central Japan – Using the Tokaido Shinkansen to Reach Nagoya & Beyond!
Running from Tokyo to Osaka, the Tokaido Shinkasen is one Japan’s main shinkansen lines – connecting those to cities to other major destinations including Kyoto and Nagoya. Located in Aichi Prefe... -
July 22, 2020
How To Get To Mount Fuji
Located around 2.5 hours to the west of Tokyo, Mount Fuji is approachable from many directions and using different methods of transport. The following page provides information to reaching the ar... -
July 21, 2020
30 Things To Do Around Mount Fuji & Where To Stay
Standing 3776 metres in height, Fuji is Japan’s tallest and most iconic mountain. Lying around 2.5 hours from central Tokyo, Fuji attracts countless visitors each year. Many come to be simply cat... -
July 20, 2020
How To Get To Hakone
Located nearby Mount Fuji, Hakone is a popular hot spring area offering visitors plenty of fantastic attractions and activities, not to mention great views of the mountain. Many visitors heading ... -
July 1, 2020
10 Things To Do In Hakone & Where to Stay
Located within the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, the area broadly referred to as Hakone is known for its hot springs, traditional guesthouses, museums, autumn colours and outstanding views of Mo... -
June 6, 2020
Where To Stay Around Mount Fuji?
One of the most popular destinations in the country, Mount Fuji attracts visitors from all over the world who come to climb the mountain or simply enjoy views of the great volcano from surroundin... -
May 14, 2020
From Mount Fuji: How To Get To The Snow Monkey Park
Mount Fuji is Japan’s most recognisable and iconic landscape. Standing 3776 metres, it is the country’s tallest mountain and an active volcano. Strikingly beautiful, the mountain lies around 2.5 ... -
May 14, 2020
Limited Express Kaiji (Shinjuku–Otsuki–Kofu)
Running from Shinjuku Station to Kofu Station, the Limited Express Kaiji service operates on the Chuo Main Line between Shinjuku Station and Kofu Station. As such, the Limited Express Kaiji conne... -
May 14, 2020
Fujikyu Railway Line (Otsuki–Mt.Fuji–Kawaguchiko)
The Fujikyu Railway Line operates along the Otsuki and Kawaguchiko lines and in doing so, connects Otsuki Station to the nearest stations to Mount Fuji. On this page you will find the following i... -
May 14, 2020
Otsuki Station
Located on the Chuo Main line running from Tokyo into Central Japan, Otsuki Station is a small but convenient station through which visitors can explore Central Japan. Notably, this includes visi... -
May 14, 2020
Mt Fuji (Fujisan) Station
Also known as Fujisan Station, Mt Fuji Station is the third last stop on the Fujikyu Railway Line. Running from the terminals of Otsuki Station and nearby Kawaguchiko Station, the line is one of ... -
May 14, 2020
Kawaguchiko Station
Kawaguchiko Station is the terminus of the Fujikyu Railway Line and as such, one of the most convenient stations for accessing Mount Fuji and the surrounding area. On this page you will find the ... -
November 8, 2017
Best Views of Mount Fuji
Fuji is a beautiful and awe-inspiring sight. Given its tremendous size, it can be seen at great distance and from an endless array of angles meaning that there is no one place from which to view the ... -
November 8, 2017
Climbing Mount Fuji
Fuji’s official climbing season runs from early-July until mid-September, during which time, all trails and mountain facilities are open. Weather is typically mild and this time and all snow will be ... -
November 7, 2017
Kawaguchiko (Kawaguchi Lake)
Kawaguchiko or ‘Kawaguchi Lake’ is one of five large bodies of water making-up Fujigoko or the ‘Fuji Five Lakes’. Of the five, Kawaguchiko is the easiest to access and offers the most attractions aro... -
November 6, 2017
Chureito Pagoda
Relatively unknown until recent years, Chureito Pagoda is part of the small Arakura Sengen Shrine Complex located nearby Kawaguchiko. The pagoda sits above the main shrine, accessed via a long – near... -
November 5, 2017
Oshino Hakkai
Oshino Hakkai is a reconstructed traditional village centred around eight naturally occurring ponds, fed by the snowmelt each spring. Bridges and paths lead between the ponds and past traditional tha... -
November 4, 2017
Fujiyoshida Sengen Shrine
Fujiyoshida Sengen Shrine is one of many around Fuji dedicated to the Shinto goddess, Konohara-sakyua Hime. Translating as ‘Princess Blossom of the Trees’, the deity and this shrine have a strong ass... -
November 2, 2017
Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station
Located around 2300 metres above sea level, the Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station is the highest station on the popular Mount Fuji Yoshida Trail that can be easily reached using public transport. As such,... -
November 1, 2017
Itchiku Kubota Art Museum
The Itchiku Kubota Art Museum profiles the life and work of textile artist Itchiku Kubota. The museum consists of the main exhibition building and the Gaudi-esque ‘New Wing’ building. Itchiku Kubota ... -
October 31, 2017
Fuji-Q Highland
Located in the shadow of Mount Fuji, Fuji-Q Highland is one of Japan’s most popular amusement parks and home to its best rollercoasters. The park boasts four main rollercoasters: 1. Fujiyama – once t... -
October 30, 2017
Hot Springs of Hakone
Known as ‘onsen’ in Japanese, Hakone is one of Japan’s most famous hot spring areas. Set amongst the beautiful landscape of the national park and often enjoying outstanding views of Mount Fuji, the n... -
October 29, 2017
Hakone Open-Air Museum
The Hakone Open-Air Museum mixes traditional indoor galleries and exhibition spaces with outdoor installation of many artworks. Set among the beautifully manicured museum grounds, and set against the ... -
October 29, 2017
POLA Museum of Art
Another of Hakone’s engaging art spaces, the POLA Museum of Art houses around 9500 works acquired by the former head of the Pola cosmetics group, Tsuneshi Suzaki including notable artworks by Cezanne... -
October 29, 2017
Okada Museum of Art
Opened in 2013, the Okada Art Museum is another museum displaying a notable private collection, with pieces dating from antiquity to contemporary art. The museums extensive collection of East Asian c... -
October 28, 2017
Owakudani
Accessible via the Hakone Ropeway, Owakudani is a dramatic volcanic zone, characterized by boiling hot springs, hot rivers and sulfurous clouds drifting through the valley. The area was formed ar... -
October 27, 2017
Ashinoko (Ashi Lake)
Lying in the caldera above Hakone, 'Ashinoko' or Ashi Lake, is known for its tranquil view of Mount Fuji and tranquil atmosphere. The area around the lake is relatively undeveloped with only a couple... -
October 27, 2017
Hakone Shrine
While many if not most people would not recgonise an image of the main complex, the Hakone Shrine is well-known for the iconic sight of its large red ‘torii’ gate sitting in the waters of Ashinoko (A... -
October 27, 2017
Hakone Tokaido Checkpoint
Visitors interested in Japanese history are certain to have heard of the ‘Gokaido’ – five highways that connected Tokyo – then called Edo – and Kyoto during the Edo Period (1603-1868). Of those five,... -
October 26, 2017
Hakone Tozan Railway
Running from Hakone-Yumoto Station – in central Hakone – to Gora Station, the Hakone Tozan Railway is an enjoyable 35 minute ride on Japan’s oldest mountain train line. In doing so, the railway provi... -
October 25, 2017
Hakone Ropeway
Running from Sounzan Station to Togendai Station, the Hakone Ropeway connects visitors with some of Hakone’s most popular destinations including Owakudani, the Hakone Open-Air Museum and Ashinoko. Fo... -
October 24, 2017
Hakone Komagatake Ropeway
The Komagatake Ropeway is one of two in Hakone – along with the aptly named Hakone Ropeway – that provide access to and from Ashinoko (Ashi Lake). Running from Hakone-En Station to Komagatake Chojo S... -
October 23, 2017
Hakone Venetian Glass Museum
Also referred to as the ‘Hakone Glass no Mori’, the museum showcases Venetian glassware dating from the 15th to 18th centuries. Over one hundred pieces in total – including some more modern glassware... -
October 20, 2017
Suntory Hakushu Distillery
Established in 1973, the pristine water flowing from the mountains are ideal for producing whiskey and since its opening, Hakushu has won numerous international awards. The distillery is set within e... -
August 1, 2017
MOA Museum of Art
Located in a beautiful location in Atami, Shizouka – around two hours from Tokyo – the MOA Museum of Art holds around 3500 traditional Japanese works of art including three registered ‘National Treas... -
May 8, 2017
Kawaguchi Lake (Kawaguchiko) Onsen Area
Located along the shores of Kawaguchi Lake (Kawaguchiko), numerous guesthouses and hotels afford guests outstanding views of Mount Fuji. Many have their own in-house ‘onsen’ (hot springs), including ... -
May 8, 2017
Sai Lake (Saiko) Area
One of the ‘Fuji Five Lakes’, Sai Lake or ‘Saiko’ lies to the west of the larger Kawaguchiko and on the northern-side of Mount Fuji. Less developed than Kawaguchiko, Saiko offers visitors far fewer... -
May 8, 2017
Shoji Lake (Shojiko) Area
Sitting between Saiko and Motosuko, Shojiko or ‘Shoji Lake’ is the smallest of the ‘Fuji Five Lakes’. It is mostly undeveloped with only a couple of accommodation options however the views of the m... -
May 8, 2017
Motosu Lake (Motosuko) Area
Motosu Lake or ‘Motosuko’ is the most western of the Fuji Five Lakes and mostly undeveloped. Accommodation options are limited to a couple of campgrounds with most people heading there to enjoy cam... -
May 8, 2017
Yamanaka Lake (Yamanakako) Area
The largest of the ‘Fuji Five Lakes’, Yamanaka Lake or 'Yamanakako' offers the second most accommodation options behind Kawaguchiko. Though less developed than Kawaguchiko, hotels and guesthouses l... -
May 8, 2017
Mt Fuji (Fujisan) Station Area
As a stop on the Fujikyu Railway Line and sitting within close proximity of the eastern slopes of the mountain, the area around Mt Fuji (Fujisan) Station is a convenient place to base yourself, esp... -
May 8, 2017
Gotemba Station Area
Sitting to the south-east of Mount Fuji, Gotemba City is known for its views of Fuji and popular shopping outlets including the Gotemba Premium Outlets – a complex of more than 200 Japanese and int... -
May 8, 2017
Shin-Fuji Station Area
Lying to the south-west of Mount Fuji, Shin-Fuji Station is a stop on the Tokaido Shinkansen line running from Tokyo to Nagoya, Kyoto and onto Osaka. Enroute, many services stop at Shin-Fuji Statio... -
May 7, 2017
Hakone Onsen: Hakone-Yumoto Station Area
Easily accessible from Tokyo, Hakone is one of Japan’s most famous hot spring areas. Set amongst the beautiful landscape of the national park and often enjoying outstanding views of Mount Fuji, the... -
May 4, 2017
Hakone Onsen: Gora Station Area
Gora is a popular accommodation and museum area in Hakone, located to the north of the central town. Many if not most visitors to Hakone will venture into this area thanks to the the popular Hakone... -
May 1, 2017
Hakone Onsen: Ashinoko (Ashi Lake) Area
One of the most popular attractions in Hakone, Ashinoko or ‘Ashi Lake’ has a small number of hotels and guesthouses located on its shores. The lake itself is large and accommodation options are lar... -
April 28, 2017
Hakone Onsen: Sengokuhara Area
The Sengokuhara area of Hakone is located around 25-minutes north of the central town/Hakone-Yumoto Station and 15-minutes from the Gora Station area. This is the highest accommodation area in Hako...
