Onsen, sushi, wagyu beef, and Mount Fuji are just a few of the reasons why we keep coming back to Japan. It may seem like we always do the same things, but each trip is unique. We usually prefer adventurous travel, roughing it without electricity, water, or easy transportation, where communication is a challenge. We're not particularly drawn to countries that are clean and convenient. However, Japan is an exception. We fell in love with it because of its:

  • Onsen (hot springs)
  • Sushi
  • Wagyu beef
  • Mount Fuji

And Japanese people are very, very cute. I think many people feel the same way. This is my third time in Japan, and I still have the same three things.

Preparing for a Trip to Japan

Flight Tickets

Traveling to Japan: More Affordable Than Ever

Contrary to popular belief, traveling to Japan is no longer as expensive as it once was. In fact, it can be surprisingly affordable, comparable to neighboring countries like Singapore, Hong Kong, or Vietnam. AirAsia frequently offers attractive promotions, and we have personally secured tickets for all three of our trips to Japan through them. With careful planning and advance booking, you can easily find great deals on flights.

This round trip to Japan, we only got tickets for 6,800 baht, excluding checked baggage. You can add more baggage as needed. If you shop a lot, just buy extra baggage weight. Japan can stimulate our shopping desires at any time. Trust us, buy extra weight in advance! It's cheaper to buy it with the ticket. Anyway, it's cheap! Sometimes it's even cheaper than flying back to my hometown Phatthalung during the festival season. Let's just say that whenever there's a big sale, keep an eye on it. Even if you have to stay up all night, know that the value is real. (Sign up for

Internet

Internet Access During Travel

Previously, I believed that disconnecting from social media and all forms of communication was crucial for fully immersing oneself in the travel experience. However, my tendency to change plans frequently necessitates internet access for checking train schedules on Hyperdia (http://www.hyperdia.com/en/). Therefore, I have embraced the benefits of internet connectivity during travel.

For group trips, renting a pocket Wi-Fi device in advance offers significant cost savings, often as low as 100 baht per day. For solo travel, I prefer SIM cards, particularly EB SIM JAPAN (https://www.facebook.com/ebsimbangkok/) and AIS SIM2FLY, which provide reliable and fast internet access. These services have significantly enhanced my travel experiences.

Train Tickets

Japan offers a wide variety of passes, making it crucial to choose the one that best suits your travel plans. For a relaxed trip, purchasing a pass upon arrival is a convenient option.

Note: For those with a clear goal, traveling to Japan for the first time, and wanting to visit multiple locations, it is recommended to prepare a pass in advance. This is because some passes can only be purchased outside of Japan. Otherwise, your budget may exceed your expectations and you may end up crying! (Japanese train tickets are expensive, even more expensive than international flight tickets. You have been warned!)

Money

Ultimately, prepare your finances, as money will fuel your every desire. From delectable cuisine like grilled meats, sushi, sashimi, and ice cream to endless shopping opportunities for shoes, clothes, and bags, this country has a knack for extracting every penny. It's relentless, a veritable leech of a nation! (We didn't opt for the most budget-friendly approach. Instead, we embraced the philosophy of going all out for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Therefore, we overestimated our expenses to avoid missing out on any opportunities. It's a matter of personal preference. Upon our return, a month of frugality wouldn't hurt.)

Check the weather conditions

For those visiting Mount Fuji, due to its shy nature, not everyone will be able to see it. Our simple technique is to check the weather forecast before planning your trip. Schedule your Mount Fuji visit on the day with the clearest skies, and then plan your other days around it. Japanese weather forecasts are highly reliable, significantly increasing your chances of seeing Mount Fuji. During our recent trip, we were fortunate enough to witness Mount Fuji in all its glory under a clear blue sky. (Sometimes, things don't happen by chance. Do your research, and life will be much better.)

THE BEST PLAN IS NO PLAN

NO PLAN IS PLAN , PLAN IS NO PLAN

This trip, we intended to see the cherry blossoms, but which one would be as we wished? The journey was like that, nothing is always as we expected, but we think that's the fun of traveling. The cherry blossoms we imagined, even though they were not the same as the ones we encountered, were still beautiful. And missing the cherry blossoms allowed us to discover other beautiful things that we didn't expect.





Our original plan to visit Sakura in Japan was disrupted by the unseasonably warm weather, prompting us to seek out cooler temperatures in the snow. We traveled from March 25th to 31st, during the late winter and early spring, when remnants of snow still lingered. As we were escaping the heat, we opted for a colder destination (despite Tokyo's already frigid temperatures). Since we had already booked our hotels, we decided to make Tokyo our base and take day trips to other locations. Our preferred mode of transportation was the JR Wide Pass, which is valid for 3 days and costs 10,000 JPY. Based on the places we wanted to visit, it was an incredibly cost-effective option.

** Note: JR Wide PASS is available for purchase at major JR train stations/airports, including Uneo, Shinjuku, Tokyo, and Shibuya. You can also purchase it in Japan. The staff will provide excellent recommendations. After purchasing, you can travel immediately. It is very convenient for traveling to popular tourist destinations, including Mt. Fuji, Izu, Karuizawa, Nikko, Gala Yuzawa. It can also be used on some Shinkansen lines, JR trains, and the Narita Express, which travels between Tokyo and Narita Airport.

For more information, please visit http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/tokyowidepass/.


Happy Holidays - Greetings from UNPLAN

Enjoy the festive season with Happy Fuji MT.

Mount Fuji is a must-visit destination in Japan. As avid mountain enthusiasts, we have scaled numerous peaks to witness their breathtaking beauty. However, Mount Fuji offers a unique experience that requires minimal effort while delivering stunning vistas. Even without the vibrant hues of autumn foliage or the delicate blossoms of cherry trees, Mount Fuji's splendor remains constant throughout the year. A visit to Japan is incomplete without witnessing the awe-inspiring presence of this iconic landmark.

Lake Kawaguchi

Yamanaka Lake

While Kawaguchiko Lake and Saiko Lake are popular destinations for viewing Mount Fuji, Yamanaka Lake offers a unique and serene experience. This stunning lake provides breathtaking views of the majestic mountain, with a tranquility that sets it apart from the other two lakes.

Yamanaka Lake is the largest of the five Fuji Five Lakes, and while it is the largest, it is also the calmest. It is the lake where you can see the most beautiful reflection of Mount Fuji on the water (although we woke up a little late and missed it). It is recommended to go in the morning, but even if you don't want to go too early, it is still very beautiful if you go at a convenient time like us. After all, every moment has its own beauty, and it's best to go when it's convenient for you.


This area is popular for outdoor activities such as boating, fishing, water skiing, windsurfing, and camping. There is also a tennis court by the lake, which is a great place to play tennis. The view is amazing, and it makes me want to exercise every day.


Our activities here are simple: we simply sit and admire the breathtaking view, filling our lungs with the beauty of the surroundings. The tranquility of the place is unparalleled, with only the occasional tourist passing by. We can enjoy a cup of excellent coffee while watching ducks and swans swim, and take pictures without the need to compete for the perfect Fuji shot.

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Travel

Take bus route 52 from Kawaguchiko Station. The journey takes approximately 30 minutes and costs around 800 JPY. You will be rewarded with stunning views of Mount Fuji. (Taxi fare is approximately 4,000 JPY.) If you are not in a hurry, we recommend taking the bus and enjoying the scenic route. The journey itself is as beautiful as the destination, as the saying goes.

Happy Holidays - GALA YUZAWA

The closest ski resort to Tokyo, easily accessible by a single Shinkansen ride from the city. In terms of ease of travel, it deserves a perfect score of 1,000.

For city dwellers like us, who need to shower after a quick walk to buy lunch, snow is always a thrilling experience. We love it (but please, no strong winds, it's cold!).

The resort is not yet overrun with visitors, allowing us to enjoy the slopes and restaurants without feeling crowded.

Those who are tired after playing in the snow are recommended to walk into the building. You will see a clear and beautiful view. Go up to the second floor, which is the restaurant area. The food is at a normal rate and there is no price increase. Sit and enjoy the food while enjoying the view. It's sooooooooo beautiful.


For first-time skiers, there is a separate zone where you can practice on a gentle slope before moving on to more challenging terrain.


Traveling to Gala Yuzawa



From Tokyo Station, take the Joetsu Shinkansen (Toki, Max Toki, Tanigawa, and Max Tanigawa) to GALA Yuzawa Station. The journey takes approximately 90 minutes (direct, no transfers). This train line only stops at GALA Yuzawa Station during the ski resort's operating season (December 20 - May 6). The round-trip reserved seat train ticket costs 14,180 yen per person. (But using the JR Wide Pass for just one day is already more than worth it!)



Additional Information



Upon exiting the Shinkansen, we will find ourselves in a 3-story building (the blue area in the image above) that serves as both the GALA Yuzawa Station and the Ski Center. Each floor offers the following amenities:



Floor 1: GALA Yuzawa Station (Joetsu Shinkansen), Bus Terminal



Floor 2:

  • Entrance to GALA Yuzawa Station
  • Information Center
  • Gift Shop
  • Restaurants
  • Ski Rental Shop
  • Lockers
  • Gondola Station (Gondola Diligence Station)



Level 3: SPA GALA-NO-YU, Locker room, Ski equipment rental shop



Note: Allow time to stroll around Echigo Yuzawa, a charming village. The station is located before GALA Yuzawa. After skiing, you can take a train back one station or take the lift down to the first floor and ride a bus for about 10 minutes to enjoy the changing scenery. (Free service)


Those who travel with the JR TOKYO Wide Pass will receive a discount. There are 3 options to choose from. We want to be comfortable, so we choose the first option, which includes the rental fee for shoes, gloves, and a gondola.

Steps to get to the ski slope:

1. Show your JR Wide Pass when purchasing a ticket to receive a discount.

2. We chose the second option and received 3 tickets: one for equipment rental and one for the Gondola lift.

3. Fill out the rental form for shoes, gloves, and a snowboard (the brown form for Thai people is in Thai). Please provide your personal information and shoe size (shoe size in cm). One form per group, please indicate the number of people.

4. Submit the completed form and your passport to the staff.

5. Receive your shoes, gloves, and a card for the snowboard rental (the snowboard card is received at the top).

With these 5 steps, you are ready to hit the slopes!

Note: Lockers are available for storing your belongings. If your shoes are too big, you can exchange them. If you don't have enough warm clothes, there is a rental service available.

We prioritize quality over quantity, focusing on experiences that truly resonate with us. We linger in places we cherish, savoring every moment. After utilizing our three-day wide pass, we recommend switching to metro tickets for the remainder of our trip. Ultimately, the ideal travel style is one that aligns with your preferences, budget, and overall enjoyment. Whether exploring familiar or uncharted territories, the journey itself is always enriching. We forge new connections, acquire fresh perspectives, and emerge from each adventure with a sense of growth. Sometimes, simply observing the falling rain can bring immense joy.



Additional Information: The Tokyo Subway Ticket allows for unlimited travel on all 13 lines of the Toei and Tokyo Metro subway systems for a period of 1-3 consecutive days (see expiration date on the ticket). This includes all 13 lines operated by Tokyo Metro and Toei.

We believe this ticket covers all major attractions in Tokyo, making it ideal for those who tend to get lost. You can take as many rides as you want within the validity period of the ticket, which is calculated in hours, making it a great value.

Note: At Haneda and Narita airports, the ticket is only available to foreign tourists with a tourist visa, who must present their passport before purchasing. At Yonago Airport, the ticket is only available to passengers of specific airlines. If the ticket is not activated, it can be returned for a small fee. If you forget to buy it, you can purchase it at Big Camera stores or major hotels.



**Everyone is encouraged to choose their own destinations and restaurants based on their preferences. Customize your trip to your own style and choose what suits you best. Feel free to sleep when you want and eat when you want. Fun and happiness will follow you on every journey. Remember, shopping for souvenirs less means more time for sightseeing. On this trip, we focused on sleeping, eating, and soaking up the atmosphere. We ate to our heart's content and are now ready to return to Thailand to work and save money.**

I might visit Japan for the fourth time.

The review page is empty. I will tell you about the food later. It's delicious!


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