Free and easy
JAPAN, the Land of the Rising Sun, remains as one of the most popular holiday destinations for first- timers as well as repeat travellers. It is a fantastic destination for travellers hoping to experience a uniquely different way of life. It boasts of scenic landscapes, unique traditions, well- loved dishes, best- preserved heritage sites, soaring skyscrapers, vibrant cityscapes and modern attractions.
Combined with its efficient public transportation network, especially within metropolitan areas and between the large cities, it’s no wonder that travellers are keener than ever to get their own taste of this enchanting island country.
To make sure you get the most of your trip, Holiday Tours has packaged up a list of itineraries for you to explore the nooks and crannies of this amazing country on a rail pass. Choose from six itineraries complete with a rail pass, accommodation and suggested itineraries, from the north in Hokkaido to the evergreen Kanto prefecture ( Tokyo area), Kansai prefecture ( OsakaKyoto) and even Kyushu in the south.
Start off your journey in Japan’s capital city, Tokyo with the Five- Day Best of Chiba rail package where you will stay a night at Kawaguchi and three nights in Tokyo. Lake Kawaguchi is one of the five lakes of Mount Fuji and you can be ensured of magnificent views of this icon of Japan during your stay.
An included sightseeing bus at Kawaguchi lets you explore the many attractions here, including a museum, music forest and more.
Heading back to Tokyo, your package includes entrance to the Nikko Edo Wonderland, a theme park where you can
Free and easy Japan rail touring:
re- live life during the “Edo” period.
Another popular option with Malaysians is the Five- day Best of Hokkaido rail package with one night stay each in the hot spring town of Noboribetsu, in Hakodate, Hokkaido’s third largest city, and also in Niseko and Sapporo.
If your starting point is from Osaka, then check out the Five- day Dragon Route rail package. The journey starts with a short train ride to the historic city of Kyoto for a night’s stay. Aside from visiting Kyoto’s historic sites, one should also take the opportunity to visit Sagano Bamboo Forest, Shirakawa River, Kyoto Tower and Nishiki Market. You will also stay a night each at Kanazawa, Takayama and Gero.
From Takayama, one of the main attractions is the picturesque mountain village of Shirakawago with its thatched roofs Gasshostyle houses reminding us of ancient Japan.
If your intention is to discover Osaka city, which is known for its historic sites, shopping and culinary delights, then getting yourself a two- day Osaka
Cosmopolitan Osaka:
Amazing Pass at Holiday Tours is a must. A convenient sightseeing transportation ticket, the Osaka Amazing Pass not only lets you explore Osaka on its trains and buses but also provides free entrance to 28 attractions such as the Osaka Castle, the Umeda Sky Building, river and harbour cruises, zoo, museums and many more.
That’s not all, at he two- day pass at RM115 also includes discounts to other attractions, dining and shopping.
Another popular tourist attraction in Osaka is Universal Studios Japan; a theme park filled with world- class family entertainment for all ages. Each area is uniquely themed and offers extraordinary experiences that impress and inspire visitors. Enjoy a wide variety of entertainment offerings from the exciting themed attractions such as Harry Potter, Jurassic Park, Spiderman and more.
If you are travelling with a small group of family and friends, then check out the “Colours of Japan” option. Specially packaged for a minimum group of six person, options include the Five- day Exploring Hokkaido itinerary. Your journey begins with a meet and greet by a local guide at New Chitose Airport before heading off to Noboribetsu by train. Visit the Date Jidaimura historical theme park where you can experience city life in the “Edo” period.
You will also visit Noboribetsu Jigokudani, a valley just above the town of which displays hot steam vents, sulfurous streams
Small group travel:
and boiling ponds, the main source of Noboribetsu’s hot spring waters. Other interesting visits include the Tomita Farm, a year- round flower park where you can see all different kinds of colourful flowers.
There is also a one- day Otaru sightseeing tour where you can stroll along the Otaru Canal and take in the beautiful sights.
Another option is the Five- day Exploring Shiga itinerary. Shiga Prefecture is one of the most fun places to visit in Japan with everything from historic castles, temples and shrines to outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling and more. Starting at Kansai Airport, transfer by train to Hikone where the first stop is the Hikone- jo Castle; one of the few original castles left remaining in Japan showcasing an excellent example of Japanese castle architecture.
From Hikone, depart for Omihachima where you will take the Hachima- bori Canal cruise and walk around the canal which once flourished as a townscape of Omi merchants. The next stop is Koka, a famous Ninja Village where you can experience ninja culture. Other included sights are Moriyama where you can enjoy vegetable or fruit picking or buy fresh local vegetables at the Ja Omi- Fuji Farmers Markets.
From here, visit Kyoto and see one of the most famous temples in Kyoto, the Kiyomizu Temple built at the end of the eighth century.
For details, look out for Holiday Tours advertisement in this StarSpecial.