Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.
Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.
Wanderlog staff Updated • updatedApr 7, 2023
How long is the drive from Yokosuka to Toyama?
The direct drive from Yokosuka to Toyama is 235 mi (378 km), and should have a drive time of 4 hrs 44 mins in normal traffic.
If you’re going on a road trip from Yokosuka to Toyama, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way — with Tokyo, Yokohama, Taito, Hakone-machi, Takayama, Matsumoto, Fujikawaguchiko-machi, Chiyoda, Kamakura, and Nagano, as well as top places to visit like Tokyo Skytree and Yokohama Chinatown, or the ever-popular Tokyo Disneyland.
The top cities between Yokosuka and Toyama are Tokyo, Yokohama, Taito, Hakone-machi, Takayama, Matsumoto, Fujikawaguchiko-machi, Chiyoda, Kamakura, and Nagano. Tokyo is the most popular city on the route. It's less than an hour from Yokosuka and 4 hours from Toyama.
Kamakura, a coastal city in Japan, is often called "little Kyoto" due to its numerous historic temples and bamboo groves. It was the political center of medieval Japan and is now a popular resort town with many Buddhist Zen temples and Shinto shrines. The city's most famous landmark is the Great Buddha at Kotoku-in Temple, which has stood for centuries despite a 15th-century tsunami.
Yokohama, a historic Japanese port city, offers a blend of traditional and modern attractions. Its large Chinatown is home to numerous Chinese eateries and shops. The city boasts the Sankei-en Garden, featuring well-preserved Japanese residences from different periods, as well as the Minato Mirai district with the iconic Landmark Tower.
13% as popular as Tokyo
3 minutes off the main route, 7% of way to Toyama
Need a place to stay?
WhereWhere are you going
When
–
Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.
Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.
When
–
Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.
Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.
Tokyo, the bustling capital of Japan, is a vibrant blend of modernity and tradition. Visitors can explore iconic landmarks like the Meiji Shinto Shrine and the Imperial Palace set amidst expansive gardens. The city also boasts a diverse range of museums showcasing everything from classical art to traditional kabuki theater. Travelers looking for outdoor adventures should come prepared with food and water as many hiking spots lack amenities, while those seeking a more leisurely experience can take day trips from Tokyo.
Most popular city on this route
16 minutes off the main route, 16% of way to Toyama
Chiyoda City, located in Tokyo, is a vibrant area known for its historical landmarks and cultural attractions. The Imperial Palace East Gardens and Kokyo Gaien National Garden offer serene natural beauty, while the Nippon Budokan hosts various events from rock shows to martial arts tournaments. Visitors can also enjoy traditional Japanese performing arts at the National Theatre. The bustling commercial district around Tokyo Station features upscale boutiques and dining options.
11% as popular as Tokyo
17 minutes off the main route, 17% of way to Toyama
Taito City, also known as Taitō, is a special ward in Tokyo Metropolis, Japan. With an estimated population of 186,276 and a population density of 18,420 persons per km², it covers an area of 10.11 square kilometers. The city boasts the Tourist Information Center at Kaminarimon with multilingual support and various amenities like free WiFi and currency exchange services.
16% as popular as Tokyo
22 minutes off the main route, 17% of way to Toyama
I'll never travel to Toyama without this trip planner again
Hakone, located in Japan's Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, is a picturesque mountain town renowned for its hot spring resorts and stunning vistas of Mount Fuji. The area features the iconic Hakone Shrine with its striking red "torii" gate overlooking Lake Ashi, which can be explored by boat, as well as the sulfurous springs of Owakudani Valley.
7% as popular as Tokyo
26 minutes off the main route, 24% of way to Toyama
Fujikawaguchiko, located in the northern foothills of Mount Fuji, is a charming Japanese resort town that serves as a starting point for those looking to climb the iconic volcano via the Yoshida Trail. The town is situated around Lake Kawaguchi, one of the picturesque Fuji Five Lakes, and boasts numerous hot springs and golf courses.
3% as popular as Tokyo
11 minutes off the main route, 35% of way to Toyama
Nagano is a city located in the Nagano Basin in central Chūbu, Japan. It's the highest prefectural capital in Japan, sitting at an altitude of 371.4 meters. The Chubu Sangaku National Park, which spans across several prefectures including Nagano, boasts stunning natural scenery and diverse flora due to its varying altitudes. This park attracts around 10 million visitors annually who come to enjoy activities such as hot spring relaxation and mountain climbing.
1% as popular as Tokyo
24 minutes off the main route, 62% of way to Toyama
Matsumoto, a core city in Nagano Prefecture, Japan, is known for its picturesque landscapes and historical sites. With a population of 239,466 and an area of 978.47 square kilometers, the city offers a charming blend of urban and natural attractions. Visitors can revel in the beauty of cherry blossoms during spring, particularly from mid-April to early May when the locals also gather to enjoy this stunning spectacle with their families.
3% as popular as Tokyo
3 minutes off the main route, 66% of way to Toyama
Takayama, situated in the mountainous region of Gifu Prefecture in Japan, boasts its Sanmachi Suji historic district with narrow streets and wooden merchants' houses dating back to the Edo Period. This charming city is renowned for its biannual Takayama Festival that has been celebrated since the mid-1600s. The festival includes parades featuring extravagant gilded floats and puppet shows during spring and fall.
3% as popular as Tokyo
15 minutes off the main route, 78% of way to Toyama
Best stops along Yokosuka to Toyama drive
The top stops along the way from Yokosuka to Toyama (with short detours) are Sensō-ji, Tokyo Tower, and Yokohama Chinatown. Other popular stops include Matsumoto-jō Castle, Lake Ashi, and Lake Kawaguchi.
Tokyo Disneyland is a popular theme park featuring thrilling rides, live entertainment, and beloved characters. In addition to the park, visitors can explore nearby attractions such as the Tsukiji and Toyosu fish markets and Odaiba, an artificial island with various activities including shopping malls and the famous Gundam Statue. One of the standout rides at Tokyo Disneyland is a unique take on the Indiana Jones adventure, offering a similar exhilarating experience with some new twists in its storyline and show elements.
Wonderful! Even though It was rainy Sunday, there were full of stories and magical sighting seeings!
Not so long waiting time for each attraction. Food from Chinese restaurant, named by China voyager, so quite good.
Many of staff were welcoming and nice enough to enjoy all. No English voice guide, but it was easy to fully involved into with very well known Disney’s stories.
Kylie Jang — Google review
I went as a solo traveler and have never been to any Disney Park previously, so my experience is very unbiased and tailored towards other solo travelers as the experience would definitely be different with family and/or friends.
The atmosphere and park layout were great! The queues weren't too long, granted I did go on a Tuesday. There are plenty of water fountains and vending machines around if you get thirsty, as well as many food places too.
The rides (as a solo adult male) were only okay in my opinion though. There was really only one or two exciting rides and they were average. My favourite ride was surprisingly the Star Wars one, that had you immersed even in the queue and the mini space experience was memorable.
The staff are probably the friendliest staff I have ever encounter in my life. Every single one of them were enthusiastic and smiling constantly.
The price was more than reasonable for entry to the park, as well as the cost of food and vending machines.
As a solo traveler, I give it 4 stars thanks to the excellent effort of the staff and the atmosphere they've created, as well as the value of cost. It loses 1 star due to the lack of any exciting or memorable rides.
All of that being said, this park seems like a fantastic place to take your kids. There looked to be a ton of rides for children, which I guess is who the park is aimed at.
Neurion — Google review
We went in late March when it was raining a lot and the park doesn't provide much cover when getting around. I also got there around 7am on a Friday and it was already very busy even with the rain.
The rides where fantastic and the food was delicious though so it made up for it. It's really easy to get to by train and all the staff were so nice and helpful, it really made the experience more enjoyable.
LINKx12 — Google review
It's Tokyo Disneyland what more is there to say! Great atmosphere and entertainment for the entire family. You will feel like a kid inside and have a blast. Experience the nostalgia of seeing familiar themes and characters.
Things to be mindful of, check the schedule for events at such as the light show or fireworks. Look for updates of rides or themes that may be down due maintenance or renovations. Depending on the time of year bring blankets, umbrellas or a pair of sunglasses. Express passes are available for purchase for those who want to experience more of the theme park at a more reasonable time. (If you have electronic media devices I advise using them while you are waiting line, or have a friendly conversation with those around you who also came to visit, there are likely just as friendly and excited to be there. People from all around the world visit this theme park!) Parking is fair and decent considering that most people use the public railways to reach the theme park. So vehicle traffic is actually quite minimal at least when I visited on a Tuesday 😅)
Food at the theme park is decent nothing ground breaking but satisfying. The souvenir shops are one of the best places to visit. Budget accordingly and have a great time with either your friends or family. Take pictures and save memories that will last. You will enjoy your visit *Guaranteed 😊 (in my opinion)
Marvin Edwards — Google review
Tokyo Disneyland exceeded all expectations! The attractions were a blast, delivering thrills and excitement. The shows were enchanting, adding a magical touch to our visit. The diverse array of delicious foods satisfied every craving. Impeccable organization and friendly staff made our experience truly unforgettable. A five-star destination for all ages!
Leong Chee Fai — Google review
A fun attraction that is a must do if in Tokyo. The lines were not very long during this time of year but was still fairly busy. Small theme park compared to the states, but still worth the visit. If you stay at the resort hotels, it is easy to get to and from the parks with the monorail system, very convenient. It is also easily accessible via train if staying off site. Lots of places to eat.
Dan G — Google review
My recent visit to Tokyo Disneyland during the New Year was nothing short of magical. The park, adorned with festive decorations, truly captured the spirit of the season, making it a perfect destination to ring in the New Year.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Tokyo Disneyland is the exceptional service provided by the staff. Every staff member I encountered was not only friendly but also went out of their way to ensure that each guest had a memorable experience. Their attention to detail and dedication to guest satisfaction is commendable and added significantly to the overall enjoyment of my visit.
The New Year celebrations at Tokyo Disneyland are a unique blend of traditional Japanese customs and Disney magic. The special events and shows put together for the occasion were fantastic, with vibrant performances and stunning fireworks that lit up the night sky, creating an enchanting atmosphere.
Additionally, the rides and attractions were as enjoyable as ever, with each one meticulously maintained and operated. The cleanliness and organization throughout the park were impressive, even with the large holiday crowds.
The variety and quality of food available were also noteworthy, with a range of options catering to different tastes and preferences.
Overall, Tokyo Disneyland during the New Year is an experience I would highly recommend. The combination of friendly staff, festive atmosphere, thrilling rides, and cultural celebrations makes it a must-visit destination.
Kenneth Lai — Google review
(reviewed based on my experience visiting when the borders were still closed for tourists in august 2023)
if there's a chance, i highly recommend experiencing Disneyland as a solo traveler. while it may be challenging to capture pictures of yourself, even with a tripod, amidst the crowds, the perks include faster access to some of the rides, which is incredible. thanks to their app, which provides real-time waiting times and ride notices (for instance, the Beauty and the Beast ride had maintenance for about 1.5 hours before reopening), I was able to manage riding almost all of them.
bought my ticket at around 9,800yen and it think it's worth it.
rae__ne — Google review
This is such an amazing amusement park! It's a beautiful place, delicious food, friendly staff, etc. It's a great place for all ages. The park itself looks beautiful and there are so many things to do and this park is also very clean and efficient. Some days there are too many people, causing delays in playing the rides but every ride is really fun from children's rides to thrilling rides.
SIRIKARN AUEAMORNSUK — Google review
I spent the time travelling with my friend at Tokyo Disneyland in winter in october 2017. The services here were so excellently. there was a theme park map that described the landmarks, amusement park rides, restaurants, toilets, etc. that were very easy to understand. Or if you had some questions, you could ask the staff in every amusement park ride. For the cleanliness, It was very clean because there were bins in every area. That’s nice and comfortable!. The thing that made this place special was the tourists could wear the costume or accessories to match this place. It felt approachable and enjoyable to this amusement park. Of all of them, this place was one of my favourite amusement parks.
Ahmed phones — Google review
Amazing place that is worth the long flight from wherever in the world you've come from.
You have to buy tickets online then scan your QR code at the gate. Can get very busy and some rides were up to 90 mins wait. Takes a while to get food as well. However the staff are brilliant and you name it, they've thought of it.
The place will well exceed your expectations and is literally the happiest place on earth. Enjoy.
David Williams — Google review
Super enjoyable theme park, different spin on the classic Disney encountered in the us but very fun and exciting. Very impressed with the new beauty and the beast ride, such great decor and generally a fun experience. We used the priority pass a few times, which made waiting for the big queues very manageable but it was a little on the expensive side for it to be charged as a per person per ride cost. The park was very quiet on the weekday versus the weekend, almost a night and day difference. Overall, a great Disney park.
Max Callen — Google review
No matter how early you come, there will be a line to do something. The entry line was something I have not experienced since Aftershock Festival in Sacramento. After security it is pretty much smooth sailing through ticket check. Then you are at the mercy of the queues for rides. Food is good, popcorn is better. There is beer available and plenty of souvenirs. Rated a four due to length of queues for rides.
LoadedRidley — Google review
It was a great experience for sure! The line going in was long which is to be expected for any Disney park you go to in the world. The food was reasonably priced and very good! I suggest bringing your own food if you can. The train is the best option to get there! Tickets are not easy to buy online but try to buy the day of, that works for me.
Montoria Miller — Google review
I only wanted to visit to experience the Beauty and The Beast ride. We queued for 3.5+ hours, which almost broke me (on tired and swollen ankles from flying), with no places to sit/rest in the queue. The ride itself is a solid 5 magical stars, and I become quite emotional in the ballroom at the end as it was so enchanting. Didn't want to do anything else as the queues were endless - even for popcorn. Grabbed some food and some gifts and left.
Danielle “MrsCardone” Cardone — Google review
I spent the time traveling with my friend at Tokyo Disneyland in winter in January 2019. The services here were so excellent, there was a theme park map that described the landmarks, amusement park rides, restaurants, toilets, etc. that were very easy to understand. Or if you had some questions, you could ask the staff in every amusement park ride. For the cleanliness, It was very clean because there were bins in every area. That’s nice and comfortable! The food is delicious especially churros. The thing that made this place special was the tourists could wear the costume or accessories to match this place. It felt approachable and enjoyable to this amusement park. Of all of them, this place was one of my favorite amusement parks.
Ncp — Google review
Went during the 2023 40th anniversary event. The experience was as magical as ever! Thanks to some rain and rides shutdown/resuming operations we were able to get on all the major rides! The staff were as enthusiastic and attentive as ever and the new app worked pretty well, albeit slightly slow.
Scott Song — Google review
It was amazing to finally get to go to a Disney park as I had never been before. While it was all pretty magical, it was chaotic in terms of how many people were there with up to 2 hours waiting for any of the non-reserved restaurants (with the reserved ones being booked well before the day). Not a lot of choice for Mickey Ears, but every type you could imagine for Minnie. Didn't go on any rides, even with priority access there was over an hour wait per ride in the harsh sun. Snack foods from the stalls we lined up at were super cute and tasty!
K M — Google review
Such an amazing place! Everyone is very friendly and the park is extremely clean. We arrived 45 minutes before they opened and we rode every major ride and were done by around 3. You could spend more time but we felt like we saw everything.
Elliot Hosch — Google review
Amazing Day at Tokyo Disneyland... I love every moment at here. So nice made me turn to kids again by Disney world.
I like beauty and the beast so much. If u don't want to wait the long queue, u can buy fast pass.
Don't forget to try ice-cream at here. The parade is the best.
There are so much souvenirs and so cute.
Lelee Huang — Google review
Prepare to wait in line for pretty much everything 😅 Plus, all the parades and the fireworks were cancelled due to the weather. However, I can understand this because it was a pretty windy day.
I do feel like they let way too many people in. It ruins the fun especially as you pay a lot to get in just to spend half the day waiting in line.
I highly recommend booking restaurants, attractions and anything else you can reserve!
Kathryn S. — Google review
Incredible place! Make sure you get there up to and hour before opening as everyone is queuing before. Once the queue gets going it’s quick.
Secondly be prepared to buy fast passes unless you want to wait 100-200 minutes to get on a ride.
The was passes were 1500 yen per person per ride. You need to do this as soon as you get in the park. There is also a time delay until you can buy another one.
At the time we went there was some 40 year priority pass which was free to book per ride but had a 120 minute wait before you could book another one.
Between those two things we managed to book 4 main rides whilst waiting for the smaller less busy rides 30-40 minute waits.
If you don’t do that you will wait the 100-200 minutes as from the first minute it opens until close the times do not change much.
Jacob Stockton — Google review
it's a magical wonderland that deserves every bit of its five-star rating! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
From the moment we stepped foot into the park, we were transported to a world of enchantment and excitement. The attention to detail, the vibrant colors, and the whimsical atmosphere made us feel like we were living in a fairytale.
But it wasn't just about the rides and attractions – although they were absolutely incredible. It was the smiles on everyone's faces, the laughter echoing through the streets, and the sense of pure joy that filled the air. It's the kind of place where you can't help but feel like a kid again, no matter how old you are.
And let's not forget about the food! From delicious Mickey-shaped treats to mouthwatering snacks from around the world, every bite was a culinary adventure in itself.
Overall, Tokyo Disney exceeded all our expectations and then some. It's a place where dreams come true, memories are made, and the magic never fades. If you ever find yourself in Tokyo, do yourself a favor and experience the wonder of Tokyo Disney – you won't regret it! 🏰✨
Paul Edward Casem — Google review
Tokyo Disneyland is a fantastic destination, especially during New Year's. Despite its close proximity (just 90 minutes from home), we opted to visit early and stay until night, creating a magical experience. The park was bustling with crowds, and we had to utilize lockers (900 yen/24hrs) for our large bags located a bit far from the main entrance. With a 5-year-old in tow, navigating the various attractions proved challenging due to varying wait times (ranging from 180 to 30 minutes). Despite this, the evening electrical parade left us with unforgettable memories. Tokyo Disneyland is a must-visit, offering a unique and enchanting experience for families.
designerdas — Google review
It’s a great Disney park with loads to do. With the 40th anniversary fast passes, I managed to do 10 rides. The wait times were usually pretty okay and most restaurants weren’t as busy so you had no wait.
The one thing that bothered me was the opening time. It’s advertised to open at 8am, by 8:45am thousands of people were cramped between security screening and entry gates. No communication what’s happening until suddenly the tv screens show they open at 9am, however at the same time, the gates open on the west side and visitors are let through, while the people waiting on the east gates had to wait until 9am.
Tata — Google review
Cute, fun place for all ages but definitely has more appeals for couples and families. The app is actually pretty good as it shows live wait times at each ride and location of each ride/show. Also let's you book in timed entries and pay for premier/express access.
The popular rides have long wait times throughout the day, so it may be worth paying for premier access (around 1500 yen per ride) if you're keen to save time.
Not the place to come for rollercoasters, but perfect if you enjoy seeing the characters and themed areas.
Tokyo Skytree is the world's tallest freestanding broadcasting tower, offering a 360-degree view from its observation deck. It provides stunning views of Tokyo Tower, Odaiba, and itself illuminated at night. Additionally, visitors can enjoy a dinner cruise along Sumida River with Japanese and Western-style dishes.
Tokyo Skytree is a must go place if you are visiting Tokyo! Really cool area lot of cool stuff to see and do around sky tree lots of gift shops and a mall too. The Skytree itself is awesome usually there is a little bit of a wait 30-60 minutes to go up but it is worth the wait. Maybe if you go on a weekday it might be better I’ve always gone on weekends. Very fun trip and thing to do. Awesome view of Tokyo and on a clear day Yokohama as well. Very awesome pictures and shows how big Tokyo really is which is very impressive, it seems like buildings keep going as far as you can see. Very cool definitely go to the top of you ever get a chance very fun and awesome views of Tokyo.
Anthony Michalski — Google review
Great overall experience and I would place this above the Tokyo tower for many reasons. The line to get in does take a while, and can be a little tricky to find the start of, so plan to arrive at the general area a few minutes in advance. The views are great and there are countless spots to eat in and around the tower. It will take a little longer than you would like to leave the tower from either floor. The second floor was nice, but not much different from a view perspective than the first floor. You can easily spend a few hours in this area and I'd suggest planning on no less than 90 minutes.
Brock Bell — Google review
We arrived here about an hour before our ticketed time and had early bird tickets and scan the code and went in, such an easy process. I had used the official Skytree website as the travel websites didn't have the right time slots available. The views at the first stop, 350m, were spectacular. And then we went up to 450m and wow! We got to see MT Fuji in the distance against the sunset.a lot of people crowding for photos but we managed to get a decent view and it was well worth it.
Brodie Wilson — Google review
My visit to the Tokyo Skytree was nothing short of mesmerizing. Rising elegantly against the Tokyo skyline, it stands as a symbol of innovation and modernity.
During the day, the panoramic views from the observation decks were simply breathtaking. I could see Tokyo stretching out endlessly in every direction, with its maze of streets and towering buildings creating a vibrant tapestry below.
As night fell, the Skytree transformed into a dazzling spectacle of lights. The cityscape sparkled and shimmered, and I was captivated by the beauty of Tokyo illuminated against the dark sky. The Skytree itself was adorned with colorful lights, adding to the magical ambiance of the evening.
One of the highlights of my visit was staying in a nearby hotel, which offered unparalleled views of the Skytree. Witnessing its majestic presence both during the day and at night allowed me to appreciate its architectural brilliance from different perspectives.
Overall, my experience at the Tokyo Skytree was unforgettable. It's not just a towering structure but a symbol of Tokyo's dynamism and spirit. Whether day or night, the Skytree offers an enchanting glimpse into the heart of this bustling metropolis.
WanderLensBiker “WanderLensBiker” — Google review
One of the tallest structures in the world.
You can go to two different platforms the higher one costing slightly more. I definitely recommend the combo ticket.
Waiting for the elevators was not too bad at 2:30 on a Thursday but would expect it to be incredibly busy at the weekends.
All the staff were friendly and helpful.
The shop had a number of souvenirs.
There is a cafe but this will need booking in advance.
Oh, and there is the view. On a good day you can see parts of Yokohama and if you are lucky, Mount Fuji is visible too.
Would recommend buying tickets in advance but you will need to specify a date and a time for your visit.
One of the best places to spend a couple of hours in Tokyo.
Gary Jelks — Google review
Expensive, but so worth it! Perfect for families and dates with loved ones. There are plenty of photo opportunities to be had here and the views are simply marvelous. Sunset is the best time to be here. Children under 5 are admitted free. There is a sky bar with snacks, ice creams and yummy cocktails. The Tropical cocktail was quite nice at 634 meters up!
Mitch C — Google review
Expensive, but so worth it! Perfect for families and dates with loved ones. There are plenty of photo opportunities to be had here and the views are simply marvelous. Sunset is the best time to be here. Children under 5 are admitted free. There is a sky bar with snacks, ice creams and yummy cocktails. The Tropical cocktail was quite nice at 634 meters up!
Rohatash Chaudhary — Google review
Tokyo Skytree is a must-visit attraction for anyone visiting Tokyo. Standing at 634 meters, it is the tallest tower in Japan and offers breathtaking views of the city from its two observation decks. The tower is located in Sumida, Tokyo and is easily accessible by train.
One of the highlights of my visit to Tokyo Skytree was watching the sunset from the observation deck. The 360-degree views of the city and its surroundings were truly stunning. I was also lucky enough to witness the rare phenomenon known as ‘Diamond Fuji’, where the sunset and sunrise align perfectly with the peak of Mount Fuji, creating a spectacular, jewel-like image.
Overall, I highly recommend a visit to Tokyo Skytree for its stunning views and unique experiences.
ken koukun — Google review
It was crowded, but the queue went fast until you get to the elevators to go upstairs. When you get up, it's very crowded. The food and drink is relatively expensive but also not too expensive. The view is phenomenal but it will be difficult to take photos of you. Unfortunately, I wasn't at the top because the tickets were all already sold out, so if you want to go to the top, book the tickets in advance, but even if you don't want to go to the top, I would recommend reserving the ticket!
Sophie — Google review
Amazing views of the city at the top, it's worth buying both tickets for the 2 top floors.
Nice cafe at the top too selling corn dogs, I bought 3 for myself 😋, your ears start to pop the closer to the top as elevators are quick.
Massive shopping centre downstairs with a pokemon centre and other shops for traditional Japanese items, we also got a caricature done which was really fun and everything was reasonably priced.
Outside was a Christmas market with lots of warm food to try.
Smoking area outside.
Scott — Google review
As a tourist this was well worth the time and money. Amazing views of Tokyo/Yokohama. Can even faintly see Mount Fuji in the distance. Mind boggling that the city stretches from horizon to horizon. The viewing decks have many interesting things to see, and the tower base complex has several other attractions. I recommend it.
J. Tegen — Google review
Visiting Tokyo Skytree was an unforgettable experience! The panoramic views from the observation decks were absolutely breathtaking, offering a stunning glimpse of Tokyo's vast urban landscape. The structure itself is a marvel of modern architecture, with its sleek design and impressive height. The Skytree Town below also provided plenty of shopping and dining options, adding to the overall experience. The only reason I'm not giving it 5 stars is that the queues can be quite long, especially during peak hours, but the views are definitely worth the wait. A must-visit attraction for anyone exploring Tokyo!
Dhananjay Patil — Google review
Visiting Tokyo Skytree was really fun and exciting, but also very busy. It’s a super tall tower in Tokyo that lots of people want to see. When I got there, I saw a long line of people waiting to buy tickets. But, I found out that buying tickets online is smarter because you don’t have to wait as long. You still have to get your tickets from a machine when you arrive, but it saves you about half an hour of standing in line.
The place was packed with people, but they have a good system for getting everyone up to the top. There are several elevators that take you up to where you can see the views. And wow, the views are amazing! You can see all over Tokyo from up there. There’s even a higher spot you can go to for even better views.
For those who like taking photos, this is a great place. You can get some really nice shots of the city. They also have a special elevator for people in wheelchairs, which is really thoughtful. Plus, there’s a place to grab some food and even a service where professionals can take your photo.
The only not-so-great part is how crowded it gets. But other than that, going to Tokyo Skytree is a lot of fun and something I think everyone should do if they visit Tokyo.
Mateusz Ostropolski — Google review
We got tickets online (same day) for just at dusk. It was perfect. While it was super busy, everything flows like a well oiled machine. The views were exceptional. It was really nice having snacks available at the top and an extensive souvenir shop downstairs. It was neat walking down a couple floors to a glass bottom floor and getting to see Tokyo underneath you. It was definitely worth the admission!
Mariska Calabrese — Google review
Highly recommend spending the 3100¥ on the combo ticket to go all the way up! The views are stunning! I recommend going before sunset ti get daytime views and watch the sun set in Mt. Fuji! Being able to see the other mountains were stunning backdrops to the vast Tokyo city!
There are maps in English and Japanese so you can join what areas you're looking on.
We paid using a machine with credit card the day of, no wait onna Friday afternoon. Plenty of bathrooms on each floor. There are 2 cafes, I recommend the one where you can have a seat and enjoy the view on the lowest floor before you exit.
Yuuki AsunaYui — Google review
It's was a good visit for weekend, it takes 3-4 hours to visit the top of sky tree. It's was very crowded and each times for using elevator need to spend minimum 20 minutes in line. If you visit it close to evening you can see a beautiful evening and also you can see the city on night mode with lots of lights.
Place is clean and beautiful. The price for adults is 3400 yen. The elevator speed is 600m per minute. It was good feeling use fast elevator.
Mehdi Sadeghian — Google review
An advice : don’t pay the extra price to go to the upper deck, it’s exactly the same view you get at the lower deck (only 50m difference), no difference at all except the price.
You have a nice 360° view of the city but that’s pretty much it, crowded with groups and kids running around.
For the price there is so much more interesting to do and see in Tokyo than this, save your money !!
Louis L. — Google review
For those seeking a stunning 360-degree perspective of Tokyo City up to Mount Fuji, Tokyo Skytree is the place to be, especially in a clear sky day. Just be aware that the attraction tends to draw a significant number of tourists, leading to notable crowds. The day I visited in Nov 2023 it was full with foreign tourists. So plan accordingly, as you may encounter extended queues and wait times during your visit.
Sandeepa Palipana — Google review
Worth a visit on a clear day! We could easily buy tickets on klook and saved 200yen per adult and only bought the tickets just an hour before we went up. Kids had fun up there too! Need to buy tickets above the age of 6.
Efficient and no lines at the entrance. You can buy at the door immediately even at 6pm (weekday)
Stunning view at night. We didn't try during the day. We paid extra to go higher to 450m. It's not a must
The view was good enough from the 350m actually. Possibly better? There is a little cafe and toilet facilities on each floor. Although it was busy at the top, it didn't affect the view at all. Don't miss the area where we can stand on the glass floor. Souvenir shop is cute too!
Family Chan — Google review
Visiting Tokyo Skytree was an absolute delight! Compared to Tokyo Tower, I found Tokyo Skytree to be superior in terms of both view and facilities. However, Tokyo Tower has its own unique charm that shouldn't be overlooked.
If I had to pick just one, Tokyo Skytree would win hands down, especially for its breathtaking nighttime views of Tokyo city. The experience was truly unforgettable, making Tokyo Skytree a must-visit attraction in Tokyo!
Rahim Uddin — Google review
Amazing 360 views of the entire city. You’ll get a different experience depending on the time of day you go. May get a bit crowded but for the most part easy to walk around and take some great pictures. Easy to purchase tickets right on site, nice souvenir shop inside and located next to the mall. Great place to visit while in Tokyo.
Dan G — Google review
There are many Skytree and Towers across the Japan. This one is one of them. We visited around late afternoon. It was still crowded due to Weekend. There is almost nil waiting despite of heavy crowd. We didn’t go all the way top and took the tickets for 65th floor, reached there in super quick elevator. Very well management, you can enjoy the beautiful view of the city, you can also enjoy night view since it gets dark early during the winter. We enjoyed the sunset and Fuji San view from the top. Good experience.
Vishal Mevawala — Google review
Typical tourist attraction. You can really see how big Tokyo is from the observation deck. I like that the 4 elevators are decorated for each season. Purchased same day tickets for the last available time 7:30 p.m. or 19:30 p.m. and it was packed. Plus it was super hot in there because of the amount of people. Only had about 30 seconds on the glass floor.
Alma Aguirre — Google review
Visited the Tokyo Skytree as part of a package tour organized by Japan Panoramic Tours. The best part of the tour was that we could go straight up without any wait, when there were endless long queue otherwise. If you are visiting independently be prepared to wait in queue 1 to 2 hours. Visited the Tembo deck floor 350 meter, then 345 and 340, which has the glass floor. There are a lot of restaurants and shopping options at the Skytree. The 360 degree view of the Tokyo city was nice. I guess it would be better in the evenings to see the city lights. But if someone is not able to visit it, don't worry, you are not missing much.
Soudamini Mohapatra — Google review
Love Observation decks, the higher the better!
Missed out on the skytree on my last visit so super happy I made it this time.
Booked tickets online and staff were great at navigating so many people while remaining friendly and professional.
The views were outstanding and worth going to the highest level.
Got a few shots of Fuji too!
There was also panorama shots with labels as to what was in the direction you're looking which is cool!
It was mind blowing and could have spent all morning here.
Alicia Low — Google review
It is a magnificent structure. The elevators are very fast so get ready to feel the pressure in your ears. It is very well organised when you enter and the queue goes relatively fast despite all the crowds. You will have 360 degrees view of greater Tokyo are. The views are breathtaking. There is a restaurant up top. We had lunch there but you need a prior reservation. There is a cafe as well without any need to reserve. I recommend going up there
Mazen Saber — Google review
The effort to build this tallest observation deck is to be praised.
Big crowd even on a weekday. Crowd management is excellent.
Even though you buy tickets online and hot the online voucher, you still line up to get physical tickets. It doesn't take long though.
Go to the entrance 5-10 minutes before the time slot you pick.
Selvi SF — Google review
The place is good for shopping cute things for children and kids at heart. The place has an amazing view up there. We had our photos taken for a souvenir. We got a cute stamp for the brochure and we contributed to the growing tree of cherry blossoms all over the world. It was a wonderful experience.
Whenn Pena — Google review
You need to get tickets for this beforehand or you will be waiting around. There is plenty to do while you wait, if you are into shopping around. It is difficult to get good pictures or videos because of all of the window panes and not being able to get right up against the glass in a lot of places. There are tons of people here. Still worth it to go up to the 450 m.
Troy — Google review
4.4
(86102)
•
4.0
(8210)
1 Chome-1-2 Oshiage, Sumida City, Tokyo 131-0045, Japan
Yokohama Chinatown is the largest of its kind in Japan, boasting around 250 Chinese-owned shops and restaurants, as well as a vibrant entry gate. Located near Shin-Yokohama Station on the Tokaido Shinkansen line, it serves as a major transportation hub for travelers. While not centrally located, the area offers convenient access to popular attractions via train services to Yokohama Station and other nearby stations.
It was so huge compared with Kobe China town. There are so many people, food, languages, culture and energy to enjoy. I got juicy dumplings from 鵬天閣 and steamed dumpling from 江戸清. I didn't expect much about tastes because usually most of the tourist spots are just expensive but it wasn't at all! Both tastes SO good! I am very satisfied. Also, I got an egg turt 紅綿 which is mild sweetness. You can enjoy different types of Chinese take out menu almost all day!
Ryoko — Google review
Cool place with so many eateries and so many shops. Enjoyed walking today and wasn’t crowded. If looking for gifts and Chinese food this is the place. Found massage place that’s as reasonable but only opened at noon and sadly was booked. Fun tourist area
Barbara Lindner (Travelling Wife) — Google review
The dirtiest place in Japan. I wonder what makes this place different… either way, this is a very large Chinatown - impressive! Much of the same thing over and over. It was nice to see once but I wouldn’t go back unless it were in the evening, where it seems it might look nicer due to the lights.
M Z — Google review
If you are looking for an amazing food experience, look no further than this place. The variety of food options available will leave you spoilt for choice. But that's not all, there are also stores selling lucky charms that you can explore. Additionally, you can indulge in a relaxing massage or have your fortune told. As you walk around this area, you will be captivated by the many interesting sights and sounds. The beautiful scenery and the mouth-watering food will satisfy not only your taste buds but also your eyes. You won't regret visiting this place, that's for sure!
プンサランクリス — Google review
You can’t miss visiting Chinatown in Yokohama. It has many food options and street food vendors to choose from. They have a couple colorful temples to visit and also souvenir shops. It is very vibrant and clean. We went on a Saturday and it was packed, they have parking lots all around or take the train.
Annie Sobol — Google review
Went there Saturday night 11-19-2022 after Japan opened to tourist. It was crowded with tourist and locals. Many Chinese restaurant offering cuisines and foods from all over China. It was an enjoyable evening since this was my first time visiting Yokohama Chinatown. Recommend to come at night since all the neon lights add sparkles and charm, and increase the festive mood.
an pang Chieng — Google review
I went here on a weekday and it's not crowded. There are lots of restaurant to choose from. Almost every corner have food stalls or restaurants, some are fortune teller shops (which I haven't tried)
Japan is so clean and this certain Chinatown is soooo nice that I had a pleasant time strolling around.
jinnie bee — Google review
I stayed in Hyatt hotel in Yokohama. From hotel you can walk around 5 minutes to China Town. It more beautiful at night, but you should visit there from 5pm to 7pm for dinner, last time I visited there little bit late so couldn’t enjoy much 😅
MY LE HONG — Google review
the place to look for the best snacks that must be visited, here there are many shops selling Chinese-style street food that must be tried. the price is also cheap in my opinion. The typical Chinese buildings lined up together also make an aesthetic impression in every photo you take. You can also find shops that sell typical Chinese medicine and spices, if you wish, there are also many fortune telling booths that you can visit at varying prices. There are many souvenir shops there too.
Mabda Novalia — Google review
China Town offers an enchanting experience that brings together an array of delectable cuisines and an energetic atmosphere. As a food enthusiast, I was thrilled to explore the diverse range of restaurants that this vibrant neighborhood had to offer.
One of the standout aspects of China Town is the sheer variety of dining options available. Whether you're craving mouthwatering dim sum, fragrant noodles, or flavorful stir-fried dishes, you'll find it all here.
I highly recommend visiting China Town at 10:30am, just before the crowds start to flock in. This time of the day allows you to beat the rush and enjoy a more relaxed dining experience. It's the perfect opportunity to savor your meal without feeling rushed, while also having the chance to engage with the friendly staff who are always ready to assist.
Exploring China Town's labyrinthine streets, adorned with vibrant lanterns and captivating decorations, adds an extra layer of charm to the overall experience. The hustle and bustle of the area create a lively atmosphere that truly immerses you in the rich cultural tapestry of the neighborhood.
While the restaurants themselves vary in size and ambiance, each one exudes its own unique charm. Whether you prefer cozy and intimate spaces or grand and bustling establishments, you'll find a restaurant that suits your preferences perfectly.
Overall, my visit to China Town was a delightful culinary journey. The abundance of dining options, coupled with the inviting ambiance and friendly service, made it an experience to remember. I highly recommend starting your day at 10:30am to beat the crowds and fully immerse yourself in the flavors and culture of this lively neighborhood.
JR Suda — Google review
"This location offers a delightful experience for enthusiasts of Chinese and Japanese street food combinations. The ambiance is pleasantly uncrowded, allowing you to explore and uncover fantastic deals on both food and souvenirs at reasonable prices.
Cremia, priced at just 600+ yen, is a delectable soft-serve ice cream that strikes the perfect balance between creaminess and sweetness, complemented by a delightful crunchy and sweet cone. Highly recommended.
The savory Panda and Pig buns are freshly cooked, with a note to have water or milk on hand for the spicy bun, which packs a notable heat."
cherry berry — Google review
I normally don’t write a bad review unless I truly feel that way. I visited Yokohama China Town all the way from the United States cause I heard this is the biggest China Town in Japan. I love Chinese food and cook a lot of Chinese dish at home as well. I watched a lot of YouTube videos before I visited this location so knew what to try. If you keep snacking it will add up ¥3,000 easily per person and not even full cause the potion size is so small. I decided to go one of the restaurants offered all you can eat and that was an absolute disaster….I can cook better than them level…if you decided to visit China Town and decide to eat at restaurant, please read review and pick wisely.
Naomi — Google review
Another must-do spots in Yokohama.
Amazing, and decently priced Chinese Street food that won't get you sick *(unlike in America or mainland Asia)
Peking duck wraps and stuffed dumplings are epic here.
Paul Simonik — Google review
The largest Chinatown in Japan; it’s such an interesting location with loads of foreigners, foreigner-friendly services and liveliness typical of the Chinese. My favorite attraction here would have to be the food, all you can eat buffets are definitely what make the Chinese culinary culture probably the most generous(in terms of cost efficiency and size) in the world and tasty! I will definitely head back to Yokohama again just to visit this Chinatown.
Kingston Obike — Google review
Great place to visit when you are in Yokohama. Food isn’t that jaw dropping compare to all the nice Japanese inspired Chinese food you can find in town. The streets itself are clean and worth visiting, after chinatown you can also take a bus to other nearby attractions.
Julia Lai Yan Li — Google review
Just follow the people after exiting the trains a long underground tunnel.
It was surprisingly huge from hundreds of restaurants, fortune telling, gift shops and health practices. There's a temple further back and a somewhat mall to dress cosplay and even fish pedicures. It would definitely take more than a weekend to explore the many alleys to sample dim sums, snacks, buns and cuisines. There's many entrance gates so you can remember your favourite shops.The largest Chinatown in the world.
Bill Lee — Google review
A very colorful street with plenty of amazing food options. Smaller than you would think but very packed. Actually has a distinct atmosphere to it as compared to other "nation" towns.
Tobias Lass — Google review
I'm already Chinese and why bother seeing Chinatown right? Wrong.. that's precisely the point. To see how our race fare in other countries and why Yokohama Chinatown is the biggest in Japan. This trip was made in the morning to see businesses opening up and selling their wares and food. Was a busy and bustling atmosphere and evenings will be even more packed I believe. Thoroughly enjoyed the street food and talking to the people there but I would advise against buying the strawberry sugar coated sticks early in the morning as they are frozen, and avoid the pearls in the milk tea they sell as the texture isn't right, not chewy enough and too soft. Everything else is great.
Tze Shyang Foo — Google review
Good food and all you can eat and drink spots! We coincidentally got to see a parade. Will definitely go again to buy some of the street foods!!!
P Dub — Google review
A large, lively area with so much great food on every corner. Coming here on a weekend, this place was unsurprisingly packed with people with long lines in all of the popular snack shops and restaurants. It's just great to walk around this area and find some of the best Chinese food outside of China. Highly recommend for food trips and definitely worth a detour if you're visiting Yokohama.
Soda Brewer — Google review
I got here early at around 10:30am with a few stalls open and majority opening by 11am. The food overall was just okay. Since the portions here were small, I got to try out a lot of diff kinds of food. You’ll also see that many of the stalls here sell the same item so make sure to do your research in which stall sells the best.
Reanne Mangahas — Google review
We visited the China Town on a Sunday. It was very crowded. The street food was great and inexpensive. Even though there were lineups at most stores, but the waiting time was quite short. We tried a few kinds of food and drinks, they were all delicious and the sellers were nice and pleasant. It is worth to pay a visit.
Helen Wong — Google review
Did not get the hype at all!
Especially on the weekends when it's super crowded.
Not that much to see. Just different food stalls trying to sell the same type of street food.
Tourist trap deluxe!
Natsu Gaara — Google review
Yokohama Chinatown is worth a visit for first timer visiting Yokohama. Mainly restaurants and street foods . I came with no expectation, but not sure what will I see. If you are into China food and from different provinces you will definitely enjoyed. If you came for art and culture, interest sight visit you will be disappointed. There is a temple in Chinatown dedicated to Kwan Kung and there is admission charge.
Alan Lee — Google review
It is the biggest #Chinatown in Japan, and it is full of food & souvenirs. Very colourful during Christmas. It was very crowded. You won't leave this place as hungry! Lots of options are available. You can either dine-in or take-out either you can stand in front of the shop or go to the closest park and sit and enjoy the weather and eat.
B. A. — Google review
Very vibrant, neat and colourful with lots of food around. It gets quite crowded over the weekend so you may have to queue up at a few places. However, if you walk further, you’ll end up finding quieter and less crowded places to eat. Most restaurants sell
the same food so unless you have done some research, it’s hard to tell which is the best place to eat. I did not find the meat buns all that different from the convenience store ones, just a bit more expensive for the same size.
Pallab Pain — Google review
4.0
(42664)
•
4.0
(3840)
Yamashitacho, Naka Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 231-0023, Japan
Sensō-ji, Tokyo's oldest temple, was constructed in 645 to honor Kannon, the goddess of mercy. It is located in Asakusa, a spiritual and historical center of the city. The temple features a 3.3-meter-high red paper lantern and incense believed to have healing properties. Surrounding the temple is a vibrant street market offering various traditional items for sale.
Beautiful temple
The shopping street and district around it are full of life. There are plenty of restaurants to dine at, cafes to eat at, shops to buy souvenirs from.. if you like Shiba, I'd recommend checking out one of the Shiba Cafe nearby
Note, it's extremely crowded on New Years, and entering the temple to pray can easily take an hour or more.
Enjoy!
Asim Husain — Google review
Awesome place to go see. A must go destination in Tokyo. It does get very busy so I recommend taking the train but there is parking available nearby too. So many cool thing to see here and do. A great day trip location. So many shops and restaurants and neat things to take pictures of.
Anthony Michalski — Google review
Absolutely one of my favorite spots in Tokyo. Yes, very touristy but if you want iconic photos I'd argue this is THE spot for them. Lots of food and trinket vendors in the area and if you time it well, you may catch a local celebration which brings even more energy and food vendors to the area! As a bonus, you can purchase a range of blessings inside the temple. There are a range of Wonderful and historical items to view in this general area as well.
Brock Bell — Google review
We went there at 8am as it is a stone away from our accommodation. It was raining that morning so maybe that is the reason why only a few tourists are there, and we pass by the stores that mostly close at that time. Lovely to see the intricate connection details, the big lantern, pagoda, and the main temple. After a short tour, we decided to buy some snacks that are filled with red beans and it was delicious. When we are heading outside the temple at 9am, we were greeted by the big influx of tourist.
Czarina — Google review
The place was crowded but it was well worth it. Many stone carvings and statues around the grounds. There were lots of stands selling things or all types statues, mask, food and other souvenir worthy things. The temple itself was beautiful. A whole lotta red. You can pray or give thanks and they sell charms inside too.
Don Carrion — Google review
The temple buildings and grounds are beautiful. The architecture is stunning, grounds immaculate, and vibe amazing for Tokyo.
Coming from the main gate, you go through many vendors selling food, drinks, and souvenirs before you get to the temple itself. It's an extremely touristy in that area, and after early morning, it gets extremely busy and crowded. After you pass the crowds in the street market, it gets quieter so you can enjoy the temple itself more. So whether you go for the street vendor atmosphere or the temple itself, it's definitely worth a visit.
Adrian M — Google review
Visited before during the day in the past, felt like I was drifting in a sea of people, ha ha. This time I visited at night on a weekday and it was awesome; fewer people and the structures were far more vivid at night under both spotlight and moonlight.
Surrounded by markets and restaurants, cool place for a late night stroll. Pagoda was my favourite structure overall, seemed like fewer people were interested in it for some reason.
Mo — Google review
Sensoji is a very famous temple in Tokyo. Everyone knows this place. I often go to this place to shop at the shops around the temple or to take pictures with the beautiful scenery here. This place is always crowded with visitors especially on holidays. Many Japanese people come to pray at the shrine here. But for a foreigner like me, this place has become a favorite tourist spot in Tokyo.
Aditya Harin Nugroho — Google review
This temple is a good start for new tourist to Japan. A long shopping street leading to the temple is nice for photos or souvenirs. sellers are nice, can speak English, offer Japanese stuff. The surrounding is full of restaurant and all kinds of Japanese food and desserts. Tourists are crowded in the front of the temple but getting inside will give you more air and better photos. You can also see Tokyo Tower from here.
Phuong Nguyen — Google review
One of the famous places must go in Tokyo, Japan. The shrine is crowded all the time; along the way to the main shrine, you will find souvenir shops where people shops for snacks and window shopping. Also, Japanese wears by travelers are also popular there. The shrine inside is less crowded and travelers are pay respect and meditation pray there for happiness and etc.
Prid Apichaiwattanawiboon — Google review
Very crowded and popular tourist attraction. I went on the weekend and I am sure it was much busier than on a weekday. I came by train and the station was very close and convenient and very crowded.
Many tourists were dressed in traditional Japanese kimonos which made the experience particularly nice. The temple itself is very beautiful. There were a lot of people burning incense which I assume has some religious significance. Also there are these boxes that have fortune telling papers. You shake a container and randomly pull a stick out of it which has a number which tells you which drawer to get your fortune.
The adjacent shopping area has a huge selection of shops selling traditional Japanese souvenirs and products. Also many restaurants offering primarily Japanese cuisine including Sushi restaurants.
This tourist attraction is well worth a visit for the ambience alone but also for shopping and eating.
John C — Google review
It was my first time at this beautiful temple. I was super busy, lots of people came to visit and definitely could see why. There were lots of small shops and food stalls. When you made it to the temple it was stunning. There was also lots of shine and a beautiful little garden you can walk through. I would definitely recommend coming to see this temple. Five out of five
Devine Prasad — Google review
You guys probably already know that this is an amazing great tourist attraction to visit.
Even though the vendors are closed in the evening or at night, I recommend coming here at night as the shrine and temples are nicely lit and it is just different vibe compared to during the day. It is also less crowded for all the introverts who just want to enjoy a stroll.
If you come at night when the shops are closed, you can see the mural paintings depicting the festivities that occur in the shrine throughout time. It is pretty cool.
GANGIS — Google review
This beautiful temple is not just a cultural marvel but also a hub for local businesses.
Street like Food stalls to charming souvenir shops, it's a delightful marketplace.
Consider renting a kimono for an immersive experience.
We explored day and night; the crowd was manageable, and lines were short. The temple grounds are free, with stunning landscaping. While there's a fee for full temple access, the partial view is beautiful.
A must-visit iconic spot for tourists in Tokyo, blending tradition with commerce.
Brodie lee (GMrF) — Google review
It’s one of the main tourist attractions in Tokyo.
Beautifully constructed temple in Tokyo. Lots of shops are available on both sides of the lane in the temple.
It’s also called as Asakusa temple.
Night view is really awesome. During Sakura season it’s a delight to see the beauty.
It’s of the picturesque spots in Tokyo.
Every photographer in Tokyo will atleast have 50-100 pics of Sensoji temple.
It’s the first temple I visited in Tokyo. So I personally like this place.
A must visit temple to any foreigner in Tokyo who believes in god.
prapulla B — Google review
It’s even more amazing at night. A definite must see for any traveler/tourist when visiting Tokyo. So many cool shops around the temple as well. Great place for photo opportunities and enjoying the whole Japanese experience.
Matthew Pascual — Google review
Beautiful Buddhist temple, centrally located and easily accessible by public transport.
Get there early in the day for a less crowded experience, however before 10/10.30AM you’ll likely find most of the shops still closed.
You’ll find public restrooms and some food stalls. Food isn’t great but not bad either.
Ricardo Santos — Google review
We came here ourselves and not with a tour group. This temple and the whole complex is bigger than we realised, and it was definitely worth coming to see and so remarkable. There were just far too many people at the main gate and along the main street leading to the main great.
With the benefit of hindsight, we should have come here early in the day, and not mid afternoon. Absolutely stunning and definitely worth seeing, but be prepared for all the people.
Anantha Krishnan — Google review
During my visit to Tokyo, Japan in 2019.
I had a wonderful time visiting and exploring the various cultural opportunities the country provided. Ranging from historical landmarks, to temples, to delicious food stalls and souvenir shops that offer a variety of goodies to take back home.
Karim — Google review
This place was bigger than I expected. We visited here on a National Holiday. It was crowded but we managed to move around easily. You can visit this place in 30 minutes or longer depending on the time you have. We spent about an hour here and I felt it was plenty of time. It's worth the visit, and there is no entry fee.
Judy McConnell — Google review
I love this place. It’s so relaxing and peaceful. There’s also many stores surrounding the temple where you can enjoy buying food, souvenirs, or just walking around. It remind me of a anime and feels unreal. We went late at night and there was still a lot of people and the surrounding of this temple have so much late lights restaurants. I love the atmosphere and highly recommend coming here.
My Lam — Google review
Cool place, but it's a tourist trap. You need a paid guide to tell you where you can buy things at cheaper prices.
The gates and overall market is cool, but not alike any other "Chinese town" (obviously this is japanese) from anywhere. Well on that point, I wish we had "Japanese towns" everywhere.
Cesar Alejandro Arias Canto — Google review
The must visit place in Tokyo in my opinion. This whole area is worth spending a day in. A perfect mix of old, and new. You will be amazed at the age and beauty here. This is what I thought Japan would be like. It is a little crowded but everyone was so nice and helpful. Shops everywhere with awesome souvenirs at every price range. You are missing out if you don't go here. Enjoy and best wishes.
Christopher Harris — Google review
The temple is truly majestic! Its grand, solid architecture and vibrant colors stand out. Particularly famous for its colossal lanterns at the entrance, guiding visitors into the magnificent hall.
Surrounding the temple are numerous shops offering food and various trinkets. An enjoyable activity is dressing up in a Kimono and strolling toward the temple for picturesque moments. You'll find several excellent rental shops near the entrance.
Located just a 10-minute walk from the rail station, plan for 1-2 hours to explore the temple and its surroundings. If you're opting for the Kimono experience, allocate a generous 3-4 hours for a leisurely stroll. They also offer handwritten goshuin, making it a definite must-visit.
Shirin Montebare — Google review
Very busy with lots of families. But honestly, it just gave off a lively experience. There are market shops and little food stalls along the main walkway. The temple is simply impressive. Beautiful architecture. I loved reading the signs about the history. Finding out that I had a “regular fortune” for ¥100 was honestly hilarious and nothing short of expected. Overall, it was a great experience and I definitely recommend.
Kevin Jiles — Google review
Came in the morning and night, and was surprised at how different the vibes are. Hands down I liked night better as it’s more tranquil and more temple vibes compared to morning where there are so many tour groups even though we came at 9am. The temple looks nice when lit up too. Maybe it’s nicer if the sky is clear as we went on a cloudy day. See pictures for comparison. Can go there both morning and night to see the difference for yourself.
Seah Jia Hui — Google review
4.5
(73164)
•
4.5
(9530)
2 Chome-3-1 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0032, Japan
Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse, also known as Aka Renga in Japanese, is a historic brick warehouse that has been transformed into a vibrant shopping and cultural center. Located in the Minato Mirai 21 district of Yokohama, it is surrounded by popular attractions such as the Yokohama Museum of Art, Cosmo World, and the Cup Noodle Museum.
One of the top 5 highlights to visit in Yokohama.
Venues and vendors *(including an ice skating park at winter) outside to enjoy.
Inside the old customs house features many great restaurants, cafés, and shops.
Great place to eat, drink, and pick up a few gifts.
Paul Simonik — Google review
I visited this place many times and specially when there is some special event going on around here. There are many food shops inside and the surrounding view of Yokohama bay is also very beautiful and relaxing. I must say it a good place to visit.
Thanks.
Aleena Saleem — Google review
I think whoever visits Yokohama should visit Red Brick Warehouse because it is the origin of Yokohama. Not talking about the ground floor of shopping and restaurant, the 2nd and 3rd floors are more remarkable in term of artistic value and decoration. Highly recommend to take a seat in the balcony at night to experience the night view of Yokohama, which is absolutly chill and memorable.
I will upload some such night photos for everyone's reference.
Hideo Kuze — Google review
Only saw the night version (so maybe there’s more merit to this place if seen during the daytime) but when I was there it was just a place for shopping. Unless you’re into shopping then maybe this place would mean more to you. When we were at the food stalls area, it was very crowded that it was hard to move and you start thinking that it’s as if there was no covid anymore but there is so that makes it a bit worrisome.
Bernadette Estepa (Gaijin Guide) — Google review
Great historical structure that's been converted into shopping/leisure venue. Great food options and many unique shops.
Cris Kelley — Google review
Honestly very surprised of the variety of food and clothes and souvenirs from this place. They are of superb quality and also cater to a wide variety of audiences.
They organise events and carnivals nearby to give locals a different side of the world in their experience here, e.g. Oktoberfest
Javier Tan — Google review
Truly a lovely place to go with family. I’ve been there in winter 2017 & 2018, in the morning & in the night, and it’s all beautiful moment there. Very enjoyable place & surroundings.
Mikha YH — Google review
Visited area for the holiday market and lights display. Nice are well organized. Nice clear night but this time of year it does get cold so bundle up.
904 Texan — Google review
I decided to walk from Yokohama Station to Chinatown, and along the way, I stumbled upon the Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse. It appears to be a venue for organizing events, as there was a music concert taking place on that day. The atmosphere was brimming with energy and excitement, and I thoroughly enjoyed myself.
The video posted is not the main event. These were activities held outside.
Ken Murao — Google review
Salute the creativity of Japanese citizens who turn historical buildings into attractive restaurant buildings. This place has an interesting view, especially from the balcony. The sea and city sides can be clearly seen. The place is clean. The food served is very varied, and delicious. Must try omurice here. For those who bring children, it is mandatory to cheer them up at the Disney Harvest Market, which although the price is a little expensive, but it suits the atmosphere given. Must-see places to go to Yokohama
Hendrick Stevanus — Google review
This is an old customs warehouse(?) that has been adaptively reused as a shopping space and event center (upper floors). It also seems quite trendy with a predominantly young local crowd when I visited on a weekday.
However, I felt that most things were quite expensive for a budget tourist like me. Unless you specifically want a photo of the warehouses, the harbor, or want to visit a specific store located, I would not recommend a visit.
Jet Koo — Google review
Beautiful place with a western feeling but very Japanese at the same time. You can find good food and Japanese made products like clothes, leather wallets and toiletries.
peterlow01 — Google review
I went to this event 1 week before Christmas. There were lots of people. There were many beautiful things to see. There were around 15 food stands. My friends loved to drink hot wine.
Hanh Nhung Nguyen — Google review
Charming Christmas market going on in December. Crowds are relatively controlled compared to the Tokyo Christmas Market, and the red brick warehouse plus coast gives it a nice backdrop.
Although still very crowded, the paved areas are easy to walk around compared to the muddy mess at the Tokyo Xmas market.
Food and drinks are quite expensive, but that is typical with these festive events, the main draw is the festive spirit and mood.
There is also an ice skating rink set up outdoors, it was delightful watching the ice skaters having a great time.
Ribeye — Google review
4.1
(37220)
•
4.0
(2387)
1 Chome-1 Shinko, Naka Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 231-0001, Japan
Minatomirai is a bustling seaside area in Yokohama, Japan, known for its striking skyline and vibrant attractions. The landmark Minato Mirai 21 district features the iconic Landmark Tower, offering panoramic views of famous landmarks like Mt. Fuji and the Queens Square buildings from its observation deck on the 69th floor. Visitors can explore nearby attractions such as Yokohama Chinatown and the historic Red Brick Warehouse, along with numerous museums, parks, shops, and dining options.
Tokyo Tower, reminiscent of the Eiffel Tower, is a significant landmark in Tokyo and Japan. It was opened in 1958 and celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2018. Standing at 333m tall, it offers observation areas at 150m and 250m high, providing stunning views of Mt. Fuji, Mt. Tsukuba, and the entire Tokyo metropolis.
Tokyo Tower was one of the main attractions I wanted to visit whilst in Japan and it did not disappoint!
Tokyo Tower is located not to far from the train station so if you are comfortable with trains you will be able to get here easily. From the bottom of the town you don't really get a true scale of how high the tower actually goes.
When we entered we were easily able to buy tickets, the staff were very friendly and tried to help with everything we needed. There was also an anime even going on in the tower for One Piece, they have multiple events on through the year and they only last for a limited time.
From the top of the town you are able to see some beautiful view of the buildings around. We were also able to find somewhere new to travel too from the top of the tower. There are also glass panels in the floor so you are able to see all the way down to the floor below.
At the top of the tower there are other things to see such as a shrine that is beautifully presented and sometimes people will stop to prey. There is also a wishing board were people write and leave wishes on a wooden hanger. Also another interesting thing to see is the Mystery Ball located in a glass case. This ball was found near the top of the tower but no one knows how it got there.
It is all very interesting to see and I would highly recommend a visit
Rebecca Ungi — Google review
Very friendly staff. Good gift shop. Light shows/effects inside the observation deck. Reasonably priced. Fantastic food available outside: desert crepes, Japanese street food. Good restaurants on the inside. Know that your ticket allows you up and down once.
Joseph Harkleroad — Google review
Absolutely worth the trip: the staff is very friendly, they make for an atmosphere of learning, and if you pay the extra visit you get a bit of history, a higher deck view and cellphone to hold for audio and view references in different languages.
I wanted originally to go via stairs and then further up, but the stairs closed at 16:00. They offer you a photo and something to drink, which is a bit cumbersome among the small crowded place, but well intentioned.
The views along explanations and general will and sentiment of the tower make the experience lovely in my opinion: many buildings were planned with the tower in mind, and the view is not as high as other observatories, but certainly clearer, which was a big advantage in my opinion.
As I wanted to do the stairs I came back the next day, was disappointed I had to pay again the full ticket, and you only get a small card now right at the beginning.
The open air is not fully open air, but understandable since there is no staff in between.
I would’ve given a full 5 stars were it not for the fact that you have to pay the full price for stairs and especially if it’s not your first visit.
Cafe staff much friendlier and I could keep the cup as mentioned on the menu. I would recommend more vegan choices and making it clear for those that left the cup in the tray.
I would recommend the organizers to give a smaller price for stair choices. It will make people want to be healthy, and too tired to not buy drinks and food to replenish themselves after a sport act. It’s a win-win situation!
Dan C — Google review
One of the most iconic landmarks in Tokyo (and Japan). This tower has over 60 years of history and has appeared in many media.
It's easily accessible via Tokyo Metro and a few minutes of walk after that.
You can come here during day or night and it is still a great place for photo.
You'll have to pay to go up the deck, but if you're content with taking pictures outside, it's still a good experience.
There are several hidden spots to taking a good photo of the tower. One of it is near the slope to the tower, but you'll have to queue for about 15~30 mins to get to your turn.
Tze Yang — Google review
It is no longer the biggest building in Japan but I believe it is still one of the greatest landmarks which represents Tokyo! Even it is totally worthy to visit especially during Christmas season! Can enjoy Christmas market and yummy street food! Can feel Christmas vibe! Night view is awesome and beautiful!
Jungwook Peter Choi — Google review
The views are absolutely amazing! We went at sunset on a clear day and had spectacular views of Mount Fuji and the Tokyo skyline. We paid extra to go to the upper deck, which I would not do again. The views weren't any better and the wait time for the elevators was a bit much.
Randy Wollf — Google review
My hubby and I booked tickets on the day (same day tickets) and we were able to get a spot on the first Top Deck Tour of the day.
There's a discount if you book in advance but booking on the day is still affordable for the experience.
If you're okay with heights, I'd recommend the top deck tour as you get to go to the top observation deck and the views are phenomenal (plus, less crowded).
Worth the money and if you opt to get the photo taken by the photographer, it's only 1500 yen which is reasonably priced.
The gift shop has some great souvenirs and overall, I'd recommend for adults and kids alike.
Tash Leam — Google review
Wow, what a great place to see all of Tokyo and it’s great for any occasion. A date night, teaching your kids about Tokyo or just to have a fun adventure. I recommend this as a Must see for everyone in Tokyo. Go all the way to the top at least once.
Sarah and Chris Elder — Google review
One of the best places you can visit in Tokyo. It is taller than the Eiffel tower, but weights less. It is hard to believe they built it by hand. There is a paying parking near by. It is even better if you can go during a day when they have Taiwanese festival behind the tower. Ki two birds with the same stone. Also, there is a possibility to take the stairs. You have the kiss can at the top when you get to the top.
Mahamadou Diallo — Google review
We visited the Tokyo tower yesterday and it was amazing. The place is open for long so we went in around 9pm and avoided the rush. We only went to the main deck 150m above but you can also go into the upper deck 300m above the city. The views were fantastic and we were able to enjoy it better as the city lights come on fully in the night. The ticket were reasonable, we paid ¥1200 per person and the top deck costs ¥3000 per person. You can buy tickets at the venue without booking through 3rd parties.
Sanka Illangakoon — Google review
Went to the main deck, beautiful views of Tokyo and a nice gift shop. On the lower main deck there's a cafe and some cool light fixtures. The top deck ticket seems expensive but is quite a bit higher up than the main deck, although the main deck is very nice itself. I recommend going at sunset to see both daytime and nighttime views, both are beautiful.
Hahn Li — Google review
Tokyo Tower is a beautiful and large tower. You can get a great view from the main observation deck and pay a little more to go even higher up. The tower offers a 360 view of the Tokyo skyline. It is a must see when visiting Tokyo, Japan. The tower gets light-up at night and it's am extremely beautiful sight to see. Anyone going to Japan must visit this tower. Many good food options inside along with many, many great shops and stalls to get good souvenirs at.
Carx 13 — Google review
It's not the highest building in Tokyo, but it is the most iconic. And the views are great, with some of the cleanest, least reflective windows of them all. Wonderful experience too. It felt like being taken back fifty years with all the service staff. Seemed like there was a guide every few meters helping you to the top.
Tim P — Google review
I haven't had the chance to go inside Tokyo Tower. But the view outside is already astonishing! This is one of the oldest tourist attraction in Tokyo. There is quite an average walk to Tokyo Tower but the hill view is definitely worth it! There is also a parking lot stairs near the side of it that is great for taking pictures! This area also glows really nice at night! If you are planning to enter the tower, I recommend buying tickets in advance if possible.
Bryan James Ilaga (Bryan James) — Google review
Visiting the Tokyo Tower was definitely one of the highlights of my trip to Tokyo. Go up and enjoy the view, try to go during the day then at night if possible. The first few floors has a food court that are easily accessible by stairs to the right upon entering.
Jerome Bartolome — Google review
A must go place in Tokyo! Awesome views of the Tokyo skyline and city. Also a historic landmark in Tokyo. Parking nearby available too. Not as busy as Tokyo Skytree which is nice. There is a lot of gift shops nearby with cool stuff. Some restaurants in the area too. Very cool place to visit. If it is your first time going I would go all the way to the top of the tower it is a very cool tour and great views you can get some really nice pictures of Tokyo.
Anthony Michalski — Google review
On such a nice day, I had to get an aerial view of Tokyo. I went on a Sunday and while it was busy, it wasn't crowded busy. I queued for an adult ticket which cost me 1200 yen for an adult. You then are directed around to see some history and pictures of the tower before moving to the area for the elevator. There was an different line for those who paid 3000 yen for the upper deck tour. The elevator to the main deck was pretty fast so I didn't wait more than few minutes. Once up on the deck, I was able to move very freely around and take photos
Anantha Krishnan — Google review
I visited the Tokyo Tower In the morning and at night. I got to say going at night is a lot better then going in the morning. I took the top deck tour which includes main deck as well. Incredible 360 view from all decks. You will want to spend extra for the top deck tour! Tour includes a elevator stop at every deck and includes tea or lemon juice at one of the levels and throughout talks about the history of the tower. Such a great experience would recommend anyone visiting Tokyo! As I do not know the Japanese language they have an English version of the tour. It is cheaper if you get the tickets online only takes a minute at most. The top deck tour includes a free photo at the end which was a plus.
Michael Escudero — Google review
Very nice observation deck, the world famous Tokyo Tower. Overall, it's a nice attraction to visit while in Minato City. It's a great place to view the skyline of Tokyo due to its enormous height. It's also one of the many remarkable landmarks in all of Japan, mainly around the Tokyo Metropolitan Area. It has many shops inside and it also has a food court, overall I had a great visit there.
Jorovie Muñoz — Google review
It was a thrilling moment when I got to visit Tokyo Tower, an iconic landmark standing tall in the heart of Japan's bustling capital during my visit to Japan for a conference. I think it won’t be an exaggeration to say that it is a testament to both architectural brilliance and cultural significance. As I experienced, as one of Tokyo's most recognizable symbols, this towers offers visitors a captivating blend of modernity and tradition. Beyond its scenic allure, Tokyo Tower serves as a cultural touchstone reflecting Japan and its people’s resilience, innovation, and peaceful nature. Within its walls, visitors can delve into the tower's rich history through interactive exhibits, showcasing its national identity. A visit to Tokyo Tower has been an unforgettable experience that undoubtedly encapsulates the essence of Japan's vibrant capital.
Surj — Google review
Tickets are 1200 yen for the 150 meter tall section and 2800 yen for the 250 meter tall section. I went for the 150 meter cheaper section and didn't feel like I was missing out by not going higher. The views are stunning and it is a very big observation deck so even when it's crowded there is still plenty of room to see the city.
Mike VA — Google review
One of the highly recommended places to go to, I found this place just alright. It is especially beautiful when illuminated so I recommend going at night time.
On the ground there is a museum of the tower as well as various shops and eateries that reach up to five floors, so visitors could spend a good chunk of time here if they want.
The observation deck itself is divided into the main deck (150m) and top deck (250m). Wasn't really a fan of being crammed into an elevator with a lot of people, but the staff were nice enough and gave a decent monologue on the way up. We only went to the main deck as we felt that the top deck prices were not worth it and had very long wait times when we arrived there. As for the main deck, it was a bit claustrophobic since there were so much people in a relatively small space which hindered my viewing experience. At the times that I could get a peak through the window, I found it quite beautiful but a bit lacking. The space again was an issue and some of the lights inside the main deck reflected on the viewing windows, making the viewing experience a bit ugly.
Perhaps the Top Deck would have been a better experience, just be prepared to spend more time and money if you're going to do so.
Soda Brewer — Google review
Didn't get a chance to go up the tower since it closes at 10. Very pretty sight regardless, must visit when in Tokyo.
The train stations are relatively far. About 12-15 minutes walk.
Definitely worth it.
Ahmed Javaid — Google review
My experience at Tokyo Tower on October 13, 2023, was truly remarkable. The night view of the city from both the main deck and top deck was spectacular. The queue was relatively short, making the visit even more enjoyable. Opting for the combo ticket, which granted access to both decks, proved to be a great choice. The pricing was reasonable, offering excellent value for money. Additionally, the option to purchase photos as an add-on from both decks added a nice touch to the overall experience. Highly recommended!
Rahim Uddin — Google review
Visiting Tokyo Tower was high on my list and didn't disappoint with the Top Deck Tour (¥3000 - Adult ticket).
The queues were not too bad but lifts were VERY cramped. Staff do squeeze guests in like sardines. Good information and details were provided via the Audio Guides provided.
Compared to the Tokyo SkyTree I would recommend to try that after this or instead of Tokyo Tower if you can only see and visit one due to the views and overall experience.
Red Barker — Google review
4.5
(72679)
•
4.0
(8373)
4 Chome-2-8 Shibakoen, Minato City, Tokyo 105-0011, Japan
Kotoku-in, a serene temple in Kamakura, is famous for its monumental outdoor bronze statue of the Buddha. The 14-meter-tall Great Buddha is the symbolic image of Kamakura and one of the most popular attractions in the area. Originally housed inside a wooden structure, it now stands proudly in the open air after being swept away by a tsunami in 1495.
Beautiful old temple site, 300 yen per adult, kids under 6 were free, only cash. Parking available in multiple small lots on the Main Street through town, minimum 600 yen per hour, some lots more expensive. You probably only need an hour or less to see the Buddha but many small shops and eateries through the town. Worth seeing.
Nadia Taylor — Google review
Awesome Shrine site to visit, plenty of walking and photography. we enjoyed the solemnity of the ancient place. Definitely a must visit Shrine. Walking around is safe and there are plenty of amenities and people are friendly. We discovered hidden shrines and old Japanese houses.
the weather was warm and no rain or wind very pleasant time to visit in December - less tourists haha!
W very pleased we visited Kotoku-in
A very memorable authentic Japanese adventure.
MW Digital Storytelling — Google review
I am glad I went to see the Great Buddha in Kamakura. It was a beautiful day to walk around the site and take photos. We bought some cute souvenirs at the gifts shops on site. They sell stamp books and issue stamps for a small fee, which make a great keepsake. There are beautiful flowers and stone tablets around to view and have a nice stroll. The area isn't very big, so it can get crowded on weekends.
Elise Smith — Google review
It was raining so it wasn’t as crowded as I have heard it gets. The Buddha is huge and the place is peaceful. The garden around it turned into monuments by the Thai government, these surroundings have gone through many changes given that this Buddha has been there since the 1200, it used to be an “indoor” space but many disasters tore everything down and they just left it as is and turned into an outdoor space.
Apparently it is possible to climb up from inside but when I was there it was closed.
The town is interesting and underrated.
Entrance was about $300 yen’s.
PAULINA TORRESNAVARRETE — Google review
5/5
My visit to the Buddhist temple was a truly eye-opening experience. It had a peaceful and welcoming atmosphere. The temple's design was quite something, showcasing the skill and dedication of its creators. However, it was pretty crowded, and this was a drawback. It's great to see so many people showing an interest, but it did make it somewhat challenging to fully enjoy the quiet and contemplative aspects. You might want to consider visiting during a quieter time if you prefer a more solitary experience.
In a nutshell, my trip to the Buddhist temple was a memorable one. It's a spot that encourages reflection and understanding. Despite the crowds, the friendly atmosphere and the people's warmth made it a worthwhile visit. If you're looking to learn about Buddhism and have some time for self-reflection, this temple is a solid choice.
Micah Ashton — Google review
Beautiful sight to see in Kamakura. 200 yen to enter the temple grounds and 50 yen to enter the Buddha statue itself. Large crowds on the weekends especially in the spring when the cherry blossoms are starting to bloom. Overall a must see experience.
Jesse Bowlen — Google review
One of the best Buddha statue in Japan.
It takes about 10-15min by walk from the station.
You can enjoy many local street foods there.
Saw the photos of this monument several times in travel magazine, internet and tv so I was very excited about to experience it live.
Really its worth to travel and enjoy.
The Buddha Statue is really huge and always crowded by tourists.
Beyond the statue there is also a garden,caves etc.
The main attraction is really worth to watch.
And during the spring season, the beauty of the Sakura overwhelm its beauty.
Really every one must go and visit.
Recommended to all the travel lover.
Santosh Shrestha — Google review
Highly recommended stop for all the visitors of Kamakura. The Great Buddha is magnificent and also offers great picture opportunities.
If you like old folks tales, they say that if you enter the Buddha, you can never really leave Japan, you must be coming back!
You can buy nice souvenirs as well. Highly recommended
Blanka Kobayashi — Google review
Quick visit, I liked it. I had never seen a giant Buddha before but friends that had seen one in other destinations did not find the visit was super worth the time.
Also, it's quick if you just want to see it from the outside. There was a big big line to go inside the Buddha.
Luc?a Zamora Pinto — Google review
We visited around noon on a weekday. It was very quiet and not much foot traffic. We walked there instead of taking a bus. The quiet walk through the small town was very tranquil.
Vivienne Johnson — Google review
So yes, if you get there, please visit the big buddha. This is a very nice place.
However, it's more than that, we loved how we intentionally got lost in the city and by the sea. The calmness, the typical houses, the sea and the mountains offer great landscapes.
Glowned - — Google review
Visiting Tokyo's Kotoku-in during the New Year was a remarkable experience. The site, enveloped in a serene forest, exuded a tranquil and spiritual atmosphere. As a historical landmark, it offered a deep connection to Japan's rich heritage. The availability of a friendly English guide made the visit more insightful. Additionally, the nearby restaurants served exquisite cuisine, complementing the day's experience. Kotoku-in is a captivating blend of history, spirituality, and natural beauty.
Kenneth Lai — Google review
Nice view.
Beautiful statue.
Overcrowded.
Free parking not available.
Even paid parkings are hard to find since all the spots are already packed.
Loved walking on the streets.
Delicious foods available.
Varieties of shops.
Actual park is not so very spacious.
You just enter the gate and there is a big statue and that’s all. It took almost 3 hours to reach there for us and it all ended in like less than 15 minutes.
Not bad for first timers.
Lovable environment and streets but personally,I am not so very satisfied.
Rishi Adhikari — Google review
The big Buddha here makes me so peaceful. We can go inside the Buddha and learn that the core is "nothing". Hase dera is close from here and is good place too. There is a souvenir shop nearby where you can get replica swords and other cool souvenirs.
Jeremiah Stanley — Google review
Took our family here on New Years Eve to offer our blessings & wishes for good fortune into 2023. You can arrive by train and have a 10 min walk up the main road, littered with cottage style food stops, souvenirs, etc … the road is drivable and there are MANY small paid parking lots before or just past the Buddhist Temple site (around 800 yen) … if you don’t plan to sit & dine … you’ll only need 1 hour to see the grounds and maybe walk around quickly to some shops. Beautiful feel to the small town & the shrine itself. The area around offers much more with beaches, eateries and more sight seeing so don’t get stuck there too long! You must pay to enter & unfortunately still overly stringent COVID rules don’t allow you to walk inside the bronze Buddha statue (comes at extra cost)
Sean — Google review
Very nice place to visit, it is worth it 👌 even a long train ride from Tokyo. There is no place to get in there. As we know, Japan is open to tourists and there were many people by the time we got there. There are many shops and local stores to get what is needed from souvenirs, food and other stuff.
Ricardo Moreno — Google review
Worth doing a day trip from Tokyo to this serene temple. The temple complex isn’t too big and can be covered in 30 mins. Although it gets super busy sometimes so you may need to wait for getting the perfect click. You can go inside the statue for a small fee but it may get claustrophobic.
Ripul Jain — Google review
Not as big as I thought it would be. Not a five star experience as the big statue is the only sight to see.
It does have a small building apparently "donated" by a Japanese from Korea during their reign. It houses a famous buddah sculpture inside, but it is not even open for viewing.
Three stars at best.
jumsimbab87 — Google review
Visited in September. Place feels spacious and relaxing, near the green hills.
Many benches available. There is a souvenir shop and toilets.
You can relax for some time here.
The statue can be entered for 100 yen.
Entrance to the area is ~500 yen.
Nicolasu Moimasu — Google review
This is the famous "sitting buddha" that can be found here in Kanagawa. It is called "The Great Buddha Kamakura" consideres as a national treasure. You can see it in Kotoku-in. Many tourists are coming over especially during the spring season cause we can also see some cherry blossom trees in full-bloom.
Ardith Telewik — Google review
It’s a peaceful and historical place. Washroom and accessibility is good. Buddha statute was so big with beautiful cherry blossoms.
Tomoki Tazawa — Google review
Must visit place if you come Kamakura as this is the heritage site
Entrance fee is 300 yen per person
Worth to go inside the Buddha to see the interior design
Vic HP — Google review
Very pleasurable experience! Not that long of a wait and not too many people there. We got our stamp in our book and also bought some fortunes!
It was fun to know that this Buddha is in a German book for religion taught in schools :)
This place is definitely worth a visit!
Stefan Hiebl — Google review
30 Dec 2023 Arrived at 1054AM
Ticket Purchase Experience:
No queue for the ticket, got the ticket very fast and could enter immediately with no queue
Restriction:
Please refrain from bringing your pets in with you.
Attraction Experience
Only key attraction is the HUGE Bronze Statue of Great Buddha cast in 1252 A.D. It is formidable how long it lasted, withstanding the damage from nature and how much care they took to maintain the statue.
You are able to purchase incense for 100 yen. Goshuin is available for those who are interested, with a waiting time of 10 mins. There is a scenic garden behind that is pretty as well.
Crowd
Quite a lot of people but not crowded to the extent it is so packed you need to squeeze through.
Min HL — Google review
This is undoubtedly a very famous park and usually very crowded. The Buddha structure can be visited from the inside, but only in a small part (not at the top). There are many souvenir shops and a beautiful garden in the courtyard behind the Buddha. There are also some well-kept public toilets with sound controls too, crazy!
Alessandra Bellini — Google review
4.3
(23038)
•
4.5
(3085)
4 Chome-2-28 Hase, Kamakura, Kanagawa 248-0016, Japan
Meiji Jingu is a revered Shinto shrine nestled in a lush forest, offering a serene escape from the bustling city. The annual spring festival during Golden Week pays homage to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken with traditional performances like Bugaku, Noh, Kyogen, and Kyudo tournaments. Visitors can also explore the expansive gardens adorned with seasonal blooms. Adjacent to the shrine lies Yoyogi Park, where one can enjoy picnics amidst cherry blossoms during hanami season.
Really enjoyed visiting Meiji Jingu while I was visiting Tokyo. I was fortunate enough to go a little bit after it had rained, so it was much less busy than it typically is. If you can go during less popular hours, it really helps to make this place even more of a serene little getaway within Tokyo. It's a great place for a nice walk, and if you're in Tokyo I would definitely recommend checking this place out.
Chris Down — Google review
Friends took us for a visit here. A beautiful walk into the temple… about 10 minutes or so from main gate.
Lots of activity going on including wedding photos in traditional dress. If in the area definitely make a stop by. It was also lovely to walk through the park it sits with in.
Andrea DiCastro — Google review
Lovely, serene walk beneath the shade of the trees before you get to the shrine. A relief to get away from the bustle of the city and the lure of shopping. Hear your soul speak to you as you pace through the paths. The grounds and the buildings of the Shrine themselves are also beautiful. Beware of rule about photography, particularly where at the sites where devotees are worshipping. I would say not to be missed when you're in Tokyo.
Chi Hong Hwang — Google review
This is a really beautiful shrine. I appreciated the story behind it and walking up to it through the forest is so peaceful. There was also an impressive display of painted sake barrels and it was interesting to read about them. There were many people and the day was hot but the trees kept us cool. It's quite a magical place. When I learned that the trees were donated from all over Japan and now it's a natural forest I was really surprised. It's so beautiful and I'm thankful that such an incredible place is right here in Tokyo.
Amanda Weilenmann — Google review
Set in the midst of Tokyo's forest lies this serene shrine. Despite the bustling crowds, the atmosphere remains tranquil with pleasant weather. The shrine and its surroundings exude a simple yet stunning beauty. Nestled within the garden, there's a delightful restaurant and café, offering a peaceful escape to savor the beauty around. This is a place not to be overlooked.
Shirin Montebare — Google review
A gorgeous shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shōken. My visit was particularly interesting, as it happened to be raining at the time, which I think further enhanced it's beauty. I approached the shrine through a forested path, leading into the main courtyard, which is quite open and features a stone tile floor.
The highlight of my visit was witnessing an entourage of the shrine's priests passing through the courtyard. While it's not permitted to take photos or videos of the priests, just being able to see them was a very exciting experience. I wholeheartedly recommend visiting if you're able to!
Aidan Wright — Google review
Amazing, and beautiful shrine located in the middle of a gorgeous park. Don't miss a visit while in Tokyo. I went twice, tossed a couple of coins, witnessed a wedding procession, and explored the park at leisure.
Ma. Vie — Google review
It’s definitely not your typical shrine in terms of size. However, and due to its location near Harajuku and being actually in Shibuya, even if it can get tiring exploring the whole complex, there are many people who come, foreigners and locals alike. I’ve come here for a total of 3 times in the last 8 years and the volume of people seem to be almost the same, whether it’s winter or spring. There are many parts of the shrine that’s either paid, or freely accessible but you cannot take photos of. Also, you’d definitely wait to take turns to pray at the main shrine, or get your stamp, or buy your food, or use the toilet…you get the picture.
Bernadette Estepa (Gaijin Guide) — Google review
First Shrine I visited while I was in Japan in Nov. It was a long walk in till you reach the Shrine. You can throw a coin and make a prayer at the main sanctuary (do note you can't take photos/videos of the main sanctuary where people pray as well as the souvenir stalls.) You can also purchase a hanging tablet at ¥500 & write your wishes or gratitude on it to hang near the tree.
There's a divine tree that represents good relations of husband and wife. I happened to witness a wedding procession during my visit there, was eye-opening!
On your way out, do try the savory Dango sold at Forest Terrace! It's delicious!
Sheryl — Google review
This shrine was stunning and very peaceful. The area has a museum and gardens that can also be visited. These have to be paid for, though the shrine is free.
Inside the shrine are two trees, known as the husband and wife trees. They are huge and quite wonderful.
Photos are not allowed of the actual shrine or the amulet selling areas, but you can take pictures in the courtyard.
The area of the shrine is large, and there is only one disability accessible toilet near the Sake display. It is a distance away from the actual shrine, so do not leave things too late. The path is gravel in areas, so it can be difficult for manual wheelchairs or for people with walking disabilities. It is possible to hire wheelchairs but there is a long walk to the hiring area.
The actual shrine and the museum are accessible. The gardens are not accessible as there are steps throughout.
Jenny Clate — Google review
Une très belle balade en forêt au cœur de Tokyo jusqu’à un magnifique temple. Je conseille d’y aller tôt le matin, il y a beaucoup moins de monde et c’est bien plus agréable.
Nous avons eu la chance d’assister à une cérémonie (je pense?). C’était magnifique ! Je recommande !
Accessible très facilement en métro.
(Translated by Google)
A very beautiful walk in the forest in the heart of Tokyo to a magnificent temple. I recommend going early in the morning, there are a lot fewer people and it’s much more pleasant.
We were lucky enough to attend a ceremony (I think?). It was wonderful ! I recommend !
Very easily accessible by metro.
Gllrd Nede — Google review
Stunning shrine and park area. It's amazing to walk from the busy streets into this park which really feels like entering the woods. The walkway is extremely broad and impressive, the Tori you walk by/through are enormous. You will also walk by a display of sake and wine barrels.
There is also the opportunity to walk to a well for a small entrance fee. The scenery there is beautiful and really worth it.
The shrine is really amazing and features impressive camphor trees.
Johannes Eiglsperger — Google review
An infamous Temple and garden in the middle of Tokyo, Japan. It is a 5 Min walk from Harajuku station. It is beautiful in any season due to their wide variety of trees and meticulous grounds maintenance. It is extremely accessible and free. Consider for a visit whether you live here or visiting.
Tom Funakoshi — Google review
It was a very scenic walk into the shrine - you can really feel at peace and zen here, with the occasionally ruffling sounds of the trees along the path.
That’s a train station right outside the shrine so it’s pretty convenient to get to as well! I recommend adding this to your bucket list if you’re ever coming to Japan!
Alicia Ho — Google review
Rich history and culture at this shrine. Very very popular tourist spot, so expect tons of people in your pictures or video. Still didn’t feel overcrowded where I couldn’t get around. It’s no wonder why it’s one of the top spots to see while in Tokyo. It’s a 10 minute walk through the park to get to the actual shrine, but worth crossing off the bucket list! Pictures shown are from a visit on a Sunday.
Art Map — Google review
Meiji Jingu is a truly serene and spiritual place. The fact that it's open every day from 5:20 AM is remarkable, allowing visitors to find solace in its peaceful surroundings. If you're seeking a tranquil atmosphere for prayer and reflection, the morning hours are the perfect time to visit when there are fewer people around. This temple offers a beautiful and quiet escape to nourish your soul. 🌅🙏
Luba Kulishova — Google review
Couldn’t capture its beauty as we came on a cloudy and rainy day. At 9am, the crowd still wasn’t there but are on the way in when we are leaving. Would come again when it’s sunnier but loved the tranquility. There is a whole park around the shrine for you to stroll and the trees are very tall.
Seah Jia Hui — Google review
This Meiji Shrine is a must-see! It's a gorgeous place to visit throughout the year. However, please remember to be respectful when you visit. This shrine is a sacred place of worship that is open to the public. So, while you enjoy the sightseeing, please be mindful that others may be actively praying around you.
Dustin Stumbo — Google review
One of my favorite places to visit whenever I'm visiting Tokyo. A great way to get away from it all, although the number of people and tourists seem to increase every time I come here. The Meiji Jingu is really huge, and more like a park than a temple, with a walk from any entrance requiring at least 10 minutes to get to the temple proper. But that is part of the mystique and beauty of it, with the very large and very old trees offering a covered and serene view, and the Japanese crows calling to each other in the distance or possibly right overhead.
Once at the temple, follow the posted instructions to keep quiet and respectful. Also, as taken from JAL's website: "When entering the grounds of a temple, it’s important not to step directly on the threshold of the main gate. Women should enter with their right foot first, while men enter with their left—a practice that only a few people remember." "If you wish to pray in the main hall of the temple, throw a few coins into the offering box. There is no suggested amount or specific lucky coin to consider. There is also no need to clap before you pray. Simply bow at a slight angle (some suggest 45 degrees as the ideal angle), put your hands together, and offer up your prayers. Bow once more when leaving the main hall and also as you exit the temple grounds."
A visit is highly recommended, just be respectful when you do.
Paul Lein — Google review
It's a Shinto Shrine in Tokyo, established in 1920 by Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken who were responsible to establish the modern Japan. It's a nice, peaceful place with a garden surrounding it. It's worth visiting the Shrine.
Soudamini Mohapatra — Google review
This shrine, set within 70 hectares of forest, feels so far away from the busy city, but there are train stations just a short walk from here. Buying "Votive Tablets" and/or "Goshuins" are both popular amongst visitors. It makes a really nice day out to combine this with the Yoyogi Park/Gardens which have Cherry Blossoms in full bloom just now.
Miles Macdonald — Google review
A very beautiful shrine! There are a lot of nice areas to walk around and the main area to pay your respects. There are multiple ways to engage with the shrine and it is a nice experience no matter who you go with. Everyone’s very respectful. It’s a bit busy, understandably so.
Lexy McCauley — Google review
In the vicinity of JR station (Harajuku) throngs of visitors naturally will walk into this majestic place to appreciate its historical significance. In fact, Meiji Shrine and the adjacent Yoyogi Park make up a large forested area within the densely built-up city and offer walking paths for a relaxing stroll away from the concrete.
Reiko H — Google review
Very cool and busy place on a Sunday afternoon. Managed to arrive in time for a very fancy wedding ceremony. Great escape from the rush and hurry of Tokyo.
Steve Christian — Google review
4.6
(36577)
•
4.5
(8315)
1-1 Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuya City, Tokyo 151-8557, Japan
Wonderful and adventurous island to explore and spend time with friends and family on weekends. Enoshima island offers lot of stuff for tourist at one place, we can take a great ride in train from Fujisawa or through Enoden line train or by mono rail. We can go for a long walk and enjoy the beach or go for mountain hiking and boat ride.
Must place to visit in Japan for tourist. Its nicely maintained and easy to reach Enoshima by train or bus.
Sakthi Narayanan — Google review
Enoshima is a must visit if you are traveling anywhere close by in Japan! The views from the cliffs, the rocky beach, the buildings, plant life, and bustling streets create an unforgettable experience and a unique atmosphere. There are many delicious food options, street performers, events at different times of year, and the cave and observation areas are also fantastic to see.
Jeremy Tolbert — Google review
Despite of the rainy weather, I still get the chance to visit this island. From the Enoshima Train station, you have to walk on the bridge connecting to the island. It was really nice thou. You can see different seafood restaurants, souvenir shops and snacks below. Then, you will see stairs going to the shrine and to the Sea Candle Observatory. You can have a guide or brochure to help you explore the whole island. I had so much fun.
Ardith Telewik — Google review
Good place to walk around and enjoy the scenery
Sawanya Boonrawd — Google review
I love this place. In the summer the beach is great and in the other seasons a walk around the island looking at the ocean with a view of Mt. Fuji is an amazing choice for a sunny day.
Mari Yos — Google review
Enoshima Island is so cool! There are some escalators but to get to the caves you will have to climb stairs. By the caves there are rocks you can sit on and get an amazing view of Fuji.
Morgan Bayrasli — Google review
Nice place for sightseeing. Reach Enoshima Island just nice to see sun set. Here you can see nice views of mountains and cave. You can also visit Enoshima Shrine. Nice adventure and good exercise where there are stairs to climb up and downs.
Julie Ho — Google review
Very enjoyable place the night view from the tower the temple and you can enjoy coffee at the top
Eito?s Time — Google review
Amazing place with some great folklore. It's a little far from Tokyo city but taking a day trip here is worth it. It's not a big tourist destination but it can get quite busy at times. Beautiful old island with lots to see and enjoy.
Johnathan Lui — Google review
Great experience and walk. I enjoyed the sea view from atop the island and trying tako senbei. I looked out for hovering hawks. The walking street lined with shops was cute too. I highly recommend using elevators if over 45yo. Be kind to your knees.
Kimi Lucy — Google review
We arrived late afternoon at Enoshima . Took a long walk on the bridge towards the island. We were able to witness the sunset but a bit late to enjoy the whole place around the sea candle. But happy that the weather was nice - cool air. *Japan
Travel Tan — Google review
Loved it! A must see island in Japan, only 2h from Tokyo city!
You can get to Kamakura station, then you take the train to get Enoshima station. Walk down the bridge and you’ll be at the Island!
You’ll see lots of temples, shops, restaurants.. and amazing sunset!
PS. If you are lucky, this is a good spot to see Mount Fuji!
Giulia Zamuner — Google review
Enoshima is a place that took my breath away, beautiful place and surroundings.
Everything about this island is just so cool and gorgeous.
You can enjoy the hawks flying right above you
I only went there for a day trip from tokyo! I will definitely return sooner or later.
Make sure you bring your swimmers too, you can go for a dip on the beach
Highly recommended!
Jorge Taconelli Saito (Jimi Loudie) — Google review
New Years Day 2024 at Enoshima Island was not a bad trip on a holiday in the Shonan area. I expected it to be way more crowded, most restaurants and shops to be closed and for the parking lots to be completely full / inflated in price which none of that was the case. Highly recommended over going to Kamakura for New Years.
Sean G — Google review
Beautiful island to explore, many seaside places to get beautiful pictures and lots of street food to try!!
Kaustubh Jadhav — Google review
4.6
(455)
•
4.5
(1107)
1-chōme-9 Enoshima, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 251-0036, Japan
I'll never travel to Toyama without this trip planner again
The Ghibli Museum is a whimsical and enchanting facility celebrating the history and works of Studio Ghibli, the renowned animation studio behind beloved films like Totoro, Spirited Away, and Princess Mononoke.
Loved every bit of this museum. I recommend going during a weekday as it's much less crowded, buy tickets in advance using the Lawson Ticket app online! Admission includes an exclusive short film and the museum is filled with stunning original drawings from Miyazaki. Very much worth the ¥1,000 price. The cafe is pretty average and doesn't have anything special. The gift shop is on the top floor as well as the big cat bus that only small children are allowed to play in. The garden on the roof is the best part cause you can take photos here (no photos allowed inside but anywhere outside is fine)! This place is a must see for any Ghibli fan!
Amy Yuka Vogenthaler — Google review
It’s an experience for all those who love Ghibli. You MUST buy tickets in advance, either online (which then show up in an app that you have to download, requiring a Japanese phone number, or you can choose to pick up the ticket at a Lawson) or through a Lawson convenience store.
The main building is whimsical inside, but no photos are allowed, which is a massive shame. You’re only allowed to take photos outside. Upon entry, you’re provided with one ticket (per person) that features a random clip of a scene from a Ghibli movie (see photo), which you use as a ticket for the mini film theatre inside the main building. The short films are rotated throughout the year, and currently they have 10 short films. There is also a small exhibit that rotates their display. This ensures people return.
There is a small cafe to the side of the main building, with a limited menu to satisfy hunger, along with an ice cream stand to one side. There’s nothing on the menu to cater for those with dietary restrictions, so make sure you bring your own food if you do have concerns in this area.
Cat M — Google review
Photos inside not being allowed was the most annoying part, but overall an amazing experience. Definitely worth it. Need to buy tickets in advance they are available at the beginning of the month and sell out quickly. Almost all info about exhibitions was in Japanese so I’d suggest prior research to anticipate any questions. Staff was very nice and helpful.
Elektra — Google review
Very nice museum but not as big as the ghibli park but still it's a nice place to explore. With a nice short movie and a wall to wall sketches and drawings from the artist, it's something to see. Worth getting your hands on the tickets even if you have to wait online. Overall, very exciting.
I Chen (AngelsofGod) — Google review
You have to get your tickets in advanced and they’re priced reasonably. I do recommend going in the morning as it was less packed. They don’t allow photography inside as it takes away the experience for others. They give you a piece of film upon entry which is cool and inside you’ll experience little features of inspirations for the films and how things come together. There isn’t a lot of things here that’ll make you stay too long but if you’re a fan, it’s quite a magical place to see. They also have a short film you can watch which was cute but honestly isn’t too important.
Phil Li — Google review
The Ghibli Museum is a small but intriguing museum showcasing two permanent exhibitions about Ghibli movies that show stylized scenes from their most well known movies. The second exhibition is a series of rooms designed to show the creation process of Ghibli movies. There are hundreds of images of movie scenes as drawn by the artists plastered on the walls. The theater shows a short animation three times per hour. There is also a cafe serving small food items and drinks, however the food options are not Ghibli styled.
You can expect to spend around 1 to 2 hours in the museum.
Photography inside the museum is strictly prohibited. You can only take pictures outside which essentially only applies to the iron giant on the roof.
Entry into the museum requires buying a ticket in advance. Ticket sales open on the 10th of every month shortly before 10am Japan time.
Felix M — Google review
If you are a fan of Ghibli, you must come visit here. It is really hard to get the ticket. However, it is totally worth trying hard to get one. It is not a big place to enjoy. Small but overwhelming. You can watch a special Ghibli video for around 15 minutes. You can buy a limited version of Ghibli goods. Also, learning about how anime is being made. Things to learn, things to buy, things to eat, and things to be memorable.
Jeon San — Google review
A wonderful place to visit.
The museum focuses on how the films are put together rather than the characters of the films.
Sadly, there are no photos of the inside as they are not allowed.
The Restaurant had a long queue and the food was good.
The staff were friendly and helpful.
The cinema showed a short film which was enjoyable.
The museum is a 25 minute walk from the station or a short bus ride.
You must buy tickets in advance as there are none on the door. It is best to book these as early as you can as there are a limited number.
Definitely recommended and worth the grief of booking (1am UK time).
Gary Jelks — Google review
Ghibli Museum was a great experience.
You can see how the films were made. We went on the weekend so it was extremely crowded. You will have to buy the tickets a week in advance, and they sold out quickly.
You are not allowed to take photos in the museum. The only part I didn't enjoy was it was too crowded with many children running around and screaming, which makes it exhausting to navigate. You can only buy drinks from a cafe if you are thirsty, so I recommend bringing your water bottle with you to the museum.
Coco Peng — Google review
So glad I was able to get tickets to come here. It was very challenging getting tickets here as a foreigner, but there are ways to do it. Tickets must be purchased at least 1-2 months in advance. Pictures are only allowed outside, but I feel that gives you the opportunity to really enjoy the exhibits inside without being on your phone. They have English translations of the exhibits you can ask for as well. The cafe here was good too. I highly recommend doing your research and planning to come here. Also, make sure you walk around the park the museum is in afterwards!
Avalon Nielsen — Google review
It was such a treat to visit this place! Oh God, I don't know where to begin.. There is something magical about anything related to Ghibli. The fact that we had the opportunity to book the tickets was amazingly and made the experience extra special! As you know, you need to book tickets 3 months in advance! And we were able to buy them only 2 months before, which was extremely hard.
We couldn't take photos inside the exhibitions as it wasn't allowed, but that made it even magical because you can't expect what you'll see..
The museum is 3 floors, 3 exhibitions, 2 shops, a cafe, and a roof that has the robot from the movie Castle in the Sky, which you can reach when climbing a ladder inside a tower covered with plants.
There is also a unique, peaceful garden downstairs.
You can't enter the museum before your booked time, so make sure to give yourself 3 -4 hours to enjoy all details without rushing it as the museum will close at 5 pm.
It was super easy to get to the museum from Mitaka Station. You'll find a bus stop for Ghibli and a themed bus as well (Stop #9).
When you're done, don't leave! Explore the peaceful park around the museum, it's has a lake with swan boats, cafes, and more. There is also a near street with vintage clothing shops.
Dema Obeid Ayasra — Google review
A must visit for ghibli fans.
The museum itself is the main attraction. It is playful. Childish. Fun. Colourful. Everything is made from the eyes of children. I loved it.
The exhibitions were a little lackluster, but I guess it is because I love the more mainstream movies.
Either way we ended up spending 2 hours and just had a fun time.
Emil Smith Nielsen — Google review
A must for any fan of Ghibli! The exhibitis in the museum are wonderful and brings back memories of the various Ghibli creations. The building itself is quite stunning inside.
There is also an iron to view a short Ghibli animation in the onsite theatre which was quite a great and highly recommended. As a bonus, the ticket stub is also a slide of a Ghibli, which makes for a nice souvenir.
The only downside is that photography is not permitted inside the building. A real disappointment given the unique photography opportunities.
Louis Chemont — Google review
As a child, I thought of Ghibli's studio as a place of freedom, adventure, and exploration.
Today, that pretty much hasn’t changed.
Ghibli Studio was made to put guests in another world. Guests can step away from reality for a while and become immersed in a playground of storytelling and fantasy, which is why Ghibli Studio is so popular and no other company has been able to compete with it.
This was my first time in the Ghibli museum and the staff was so kind and helpful . I came from Saudi Arabia to see my childhood dream and I’m so happy.
There are two staff outside the museum for chick in, I’ll never forget them in my life. Thank you so much.
Rs. Atheer — Google review
This is my seventh time here and it is invariably wonderful. The experience of watching the short film is terrific; it would be worth coming just for that.
The only thing I didn't like this time is the Cafe: the quality of the food, especially sweets, has dramatically declined, and that's a real shame.
Still, 5 stars well deserved!
WARNING. This place is a real Museum, it's not Disneyland, so all you people who say "there's not much to do, there's not much to see...", well, take a walk!
Mario Carta — Google review
There’s not much to do, also photos aren’t allowed inside the museum. But maybe some fans would really enjoy the place.
It’s a bit hard to appreciate the museum especially with the number of tourists inside since the building itself is a bit smaller than expected.
Wish they would add in more character decorated food on their menu as well.
Overall, it was an ok experience. But not sure if I can recommend.
RCH CYS — Google review
Tickets sell out fast and are only released once a month (10th I think). They are pretty inexpensive but the number of people who want tickets is huge so the virtual waiting room is large. It was a lovely experience, full of whimsy and incredibly rich artwork. I didn't even know Ghibli and I was completely in awe. Highly recommend
Shruti — Google review
Late post. I visited Ghibli Museum in April 2018, it’s a must go place for Ghibli fans! And even if you only watch a few of their works, it’s still a great place to visit.
There’s a short animation screening that changes every few months and I heard it’s only shown in the museum. There’s also souvenir shop and cafe within the vicinity. There’s also yellow Ghibli bus going to the museum from Mitaka station.
Though getting the tickets to the museum were not easy and straightforward for foreigners, but it’s worth it! You need to pick a time slot so I think they limit the number of visitors per time slot to avoid over crowding the place. During my visit, there were a lot of people but there was comfortable space between people.
Evelyn B — Google review
It's good for kids and adults too. You can see old Ghibli movies shots. There is a cafe inside with a limited menu. Recommended to take your own food and drinks. You are allowed to eat and drink only in designated place. You can't take pics inside but you are allowed to click pics outside. It's crowded as we visited on weekends. IMP: they check your ID card and name on your tickets. You can get a bus to mitaka station just outside the play area.
Sunetra Sabnis — Google review
You would love this place if you are a fan of Ghibli movies. A lot of original drawings and screenplays of movie scenes can be found here. The process of carton movie making is quite interesting. A short movie session is included.
Even the museum restricts the numbers of people visiting per day, it’s still quite crowded. And the museum is small but has very unique layout. No photos inside.
Leon Zhang — Google review
This was simply an amazing experience. They don’t let you take pictures inside, so you need to pay a visit to see the content. There are several sections inside: a movie theater that plays a short film (that you can only see here) every 20 minutes, there is a section where you can see original hand drawings of the team, a permanent exhibition room, a whole room dedicated to the cat bus (play area for kids) and a nice cafe. This is a great visit if you have young kids, or if you’re adults. One of the most calming and wholesome experiences we have had. You just need to book the tickets a month in advance. If you have someone in Japan that can pick up a ticket with your name (you need to show an ID that matches the name on the ticket, otherwise they deny entry) that is the best option. Otherwise you need to use the website and try your luck.
Haluk — Google review
Really cute museum! It’s quite small but the exhibits are so well thought out and detailed. As a Ghibli fan it was so awesome to see so many intricate references and objects placed throughout - even the building itself if so quaintly Ghibli themed; the non-Ghibli fans I went with also found it just as cool.
Make sure to catch the exclusive film they show in the theatre, they are currently showing ‘Looking for a Home’ and it’s such a lovely little film. The gift shops are also great with many Ghibli themed souvenirs to take home. All the staff were so lovely and helpful and the overall atmosphere was impeccable. The cafe was also themed in a nice subtle way and the food was good and not overly overpriced! If you have more time do have a walk around the surrounding park, it’s great for a picnic.
Buy tickets in advance!! And do note you cannot take pictures inside.
Poppy — Google review
I visited the Ghibli museum with my husband, and it was somewhat enjoyable. It's better to visit in the morning, because our afternoon was reservation was extremely crowded and humid, where the stairs and elevators were usually backed up. There was one exhibit that had a full line-up where we waited over 20 minutes just to see a unique film display. We ended up leaving the line to skip that, along with several other visitors too. I love studio Ghibli and grew up watching a lot of their movies. But overall, the museum catered more towards youths and families. My husband thinks it's a tourist trap, and I think that I would have enjoyed it when I was 15 or more years younger.
The museum is 3 floors (4 if you count the rooftop with the robot), and we covered all of it plus, the straw hat cafe within an hour. This included the one time short-film you can watch at the theatre which is a Ghibli museum original. Overall, the museum is cute and there's a gift shop that sells original Ghibli products. The film ticket souvenirs are cute, too. Besides that, I would not visit again unless kids are involved. Definitely a good place for families and die-hard Ghibli studio fans though!
E T — Google review
The museum is exciting to explore, but is perhaps catered solely towards hardcore Ghibli fans, which is unfortunate for everyone else. Most rooms are decorated simply with sketches and drawings. All text is exclusively Japanese, making it difficult for foreigners to traverse the exhibitions. The food is delicious, but will require a prolonged wait before ordering. I recommend watching the movie, screened only at the museum.
Lachie S. — Google review
No walk-ins, only reserved for ticket holders. A great place to visit even if you’re not a Ghibli fan. Get to see behind the scenes of an animation film which was pretty cool. The museum is indoor and we only spent about 3 hours to see the whole museum (including a short 15 mins film).
Frosting — Google review
What an amazing museum! Everything here is themed, from the stained glass windows to the tickets made with pieces of actual 35mm film. Each of the exhibits is interesting and child-friendly, with interactive elements. There aren't English translations, but everything felt pretty self-explanatory and I didn't feel like I missed out on too much. Photos aren't allowed indoors, but there are plenty of photo opportunities outside and with the Laputa robot on the roof.
Make sure you get tickets for right when the museum opens at 10am, on a weekday if possible. We were 15 minutes late and just had about an eight-minute wait, but the line looked pretty long when we left around 11:45am.
Lydia Clinkscales Pierce — Google review
The Ghibli Museum was a beautiful work of art! This museum was full of references to the amazing Ghibli movies, and it was filled with amazing exhibits. Unfortunately, photography was not allowed inside, but all of the displays were truly out of this world. One of the best parts was watching a random short film. We watched A Sumo Wrestler’s Tail, which I highly recommend for its beautiful animation and fun story. Just seeing a glimpse into the filmography of these pieces was incredible. We were also fortunate enough to see some of the emerging cherry blossoms in the neighboring park. Do not miss out on this fabulous museum!
Jonathan Lee — Google review
A small museum for what it’s Ghibli in general. It’s good. We like it. Just we would love more experiences to have them at the museum. Buy your tickets in advance. Everyday tickets are sold out! So if you were thinking to get the tickets on the spot. Think it twice.
Neto Treviño — Google review
I would give this museum five stars if there was more to do however, for the price of ¥1000 of entry I find that it was a good value. I would pay more to have more activities more rooms, more character representation in the café. Other than that, it’s very cute and if you are a fan of Studio Ghibli you will definitely enjoy this. There’s no photos allowed to be taken inside so all I have are images from outside. You must book this in advance. There are no reservations that are made at the door. There is a wait online, so make sure you sign on as soon as the reservations start or you might miss it. Also, make sure that you watch the free film that comes with your ticket. It is so adorable. You will not regret it.
Rae — Google review
A nice museum for Ghibli fans and those who appreciate the behind the scenes of animation! I especially enjoyed the short film they show, the architecture (great for pictures), and the souvenir shop. I will say the cafe was overpriced for some mediocre food and this museum is a place you only need to go to once since it’s small.
Valerie Nestor — Google review
There is no ticket sale at the venue, so you must book tickets beforehand.
For only around $10-$12 this is a super worthwhile experience. There's a book shop and gift store that you can buy souvenirs from.
The exhibitions are so fun and educational, this is a Ghibli lover's heaven. They have a small theatre which plays a short film every 15 minutes.
There's also a cafe outside to relax and enjoy some food.
Joy Fu — Google review
This museum is absolutely amazing especially if you are a fan of Ghibli! The exhibits go over the early beginnings of film and show the inspiration and early forms of various Studio Ghibli movies as well as including a theater for a short film. Pictures are not allowed inside the building, you have to go to experience just how great it is!
Tickets must be bought in advance, you cannot purchase at the museum itself.
Robert Knight — Google review
4.6
(14660)
•
4.5
(1949)
1 Chome-1-83 Shimorenjaku, Mitaka, Tokyo 181-0013, Japan
The Railway Museum, situated in Omiya, Saitama City, is a modern and interactive museum that delves into the history of railway development in Japan and beyond. Visitors can explore exhibits featuring old train cars and simulators that provide insight into train operation and technology evolution over time. The extensive collection includes steam and diesel locomotives, passenger and freight cars, as well as retired shinkansen.
An amazing museum! Full size, authentic trains you can see up close. You can even practice driving a train on a couple of simulators. A very fun and educational place to learn about trains and the evolution or rail transportation in Japan.
Angelo Vigil — Google review
Excellent for train enthusiasts. Plenty of trains on display. There are also bento displays, science areas etc. As an overseas tourist I did find the ticketing a little confusing, as far as I could tell, you must book in advance and select a time and cannot get tickets at the museum. I managed to book on the day I went at 9am for an 11am slot at a Lawsons Convenience store near my hotel which can be a little hard with a language barrier. It is also about 45 minutes from central Tokyo. I do prefer the Kyoto Museum also.
Paul R — Google review
Buying tickets a day in advance can save you about 100 yen.
I think the price is a bit on the higher side given the experience.
I really liked the science section of the museum where they have displayed and explained a number of technical concepts used in railways is such an intuitive manner.
The place gets really crowded with the children. It would be so nice if the English support could be improved for some of the activities.
Lastly, the food gets over at most stalls so either get your stuff or pick the stuff within time.
Saurabh — Google review
It was an amazing place I enjoyed myself my son enjoyed himself. You do have to prepurchase tickets you can do it at any 7 eleven. I think everyone should go
Kevrel Kennedy — Google review
A very extensive railroad museum. Many real trains are on display. There are also many attractions such as driving experience. Both adults and children can enjoy the whole day and learn a lot.
Rintaro — Google review
Very much recommended if you have a slight interest in trains. The place is very big and offers all kinds of exhibitions related to trains. Some of them are interactive and there are kids everywhere (specially if you visit on a weekend). I suggest to buy tickets in advance (can be easily bought in 7-Eleven). Also, there’s a museum’s app that allows you to reserve (some are for free) some train-driving simulators.
There are only few signs and readings in English, so unless you master Japanese, you may not be able to understand much of it.
Juan Tomas Rodriguez — Google review
Super fun place to go! Just barely missed the turntable demo at 3 but getting to see all the trains was pretty awesome. I especially loved the interactive elements to some of the exhibits like when you can operate the pantograph of a train while standing at its level or work the airbrakes and throttle of an old shinkansen train! The train terrace was also pretty nice since you could see active shinkansen, new shuttle, JR East, and JR freight tracks.
Amazingdragon 27 — Google review
A museum that traces the history of Japan's railroads. There's an array of beautiful collectibles, some of which have been cut out and/or opened up so you can admire the engineering of the period.
Pros:
- Lots of activities for children.
- Several simulators where we can be totally immersed in the skin of a train driver, or whatever.
Cons:
- Very little content for adults, which meant that we quickly ran out of time.
- The adult entrance fee is disproportionate to the previous point.
The presence of an audioguide would be a plus for non-Japanese speakers, as I encountered several difficulties with the app.
Pierre Degrootte (Pierre Le Grand) — Google review
Probably the best place in Japan to see and learn about Japanese trains. They have several rolling stock from the beginnings of railway history in Japan to the current bullet trains, on top of that they seem to have a whole area dedicated to the train simulators, though a raffle is required if you want to get a chance to try it out. On top of that you can head to the upper floors of the museum to eat food, or alternatively take your own food and eat at one of the lunch cars outside (yes they do allow for some of the trains outside).
Timothy George Cana — Google review
Cool place to visit and visualize the history of Japan's train system. They have the first shinkansen here too. Not really any explanations available in English however.
Johnathan Garcia — Google review
Absolutely full of incredible exhibits and a wealth of historical knowledge for any train nerd or any person looking for a lovely day at a high quality museum. The entire museum is actually a train yard with a turntable in the middle. It's clean, modern, and there is a free audio tour in English and Japanese. There are also two cafes, one of which overlooks some shinkansen tracks for amazing trainspotting. I have been to several train museums in Japan and this is probably my favorite.
Josh Perlstein — Google review
The museum may be a far from downtown Tokyo but it’s well worth it. It’s modern and beautiful. I’m a grown man and I loved it. But it’s all the little boys running around with their train theme clothes or shoes excited what’s around the corner that really tells you how special this place is.
Bruce Poon — Google review
Definitely a must-see for railway enthusiasts big and small! My boys had a blast exploring in, over, and even under all the trains. The mini Hayabusa ride was a bit of a rip-off requiring children below a certain age to be accompanied by an adult (unlike Keio Rail Land which offers cheaper rides and children can ride alone). Other than that, it’s a great place and we’re looking forward to coming back!
Gabriel D. — Google review
“The Railway Museum” is a modern museum dedicated to trains and railways, managed by the Japan Railways Group (JR Group). The museum aims to showcase the rich history, technology, and culture of Japanese railway transportation and highlight the significance of railways in Japanese society.
The museum features a diverse range of exhibitions and interactive activities, including:
1. History Zone: Introducing the development of Japanese railways, from early steam locomotives to the evolution of modern high-speed trains.
2. Technology Zone: Displaying the technical principles and workings of various trains and railway equipment.
3. Train Models: Exhibiting various train models, including historical steam locomotives and modern high-speed trains.
4. Interactive Experiences: Visitors can enjoy driving simulators, learn about signal systems, and experience braking operations.
5. Children’s Play Area: A specially designed playground for kids to learn about railways while having fun.
In addition to the exhibition areas, the museum provides facilities such as a shop, restaurant, and rest areas, ensuring a convenient and comfortable visiting experience for guests.
“The Railway Museum” is a unique destination that attracts tourists and railway enthusiasts alike. By showcasing the traditions and innovations of Japanese railways, it offers insights into the significant contributions of railways to Japan’s modernization process. It is also an excellent place to learn about Japanese culture and technological advancements. If you plan to visit Japan, consider stopping by “The Railway Museum” to experience the charm and history of railways.
Eric Z — Google review
Went here on a holiday so it was packed and a lot of kids were going around but the place was so big that it didn't feel crammed. There's a lot of exhibits to experience and the diorama of the train lines was a fun watch. You can go in the trains so definitely go early so you have time to explore all of them.
Jeff Pascual — Google review
The museum is really great, there are some really cool pieces including Shinkansen 0, E5 and 400 series. You can sing up (via app) for simulators or other activities, there’s a lot of things to do. There restaurants and stores where you can buy Ekiben bento box which you can eat in designated trains.
Unfortunately, lots of expositions do not have English translations (It seemed to me that only 20% have). Nevertheless, I enjoyed it a lot and kids will definitely do as well - lots of things there are specifically designed for kids.
Timotej Zaťko — Google review
This is how a transport museum should be. Really easy to move around the exhibits and plenty of them are open. Lots of space to get back for a photo although getting a moment without people isn't easy. There's a large number of static exhibits. A playground for the kids with a miniature train. There are small trains you can drive and four full size cab simulators with actual control desks. Three of these are free. Several of the more popular experiences must be raffled/balloted. There's an app that only works inside the museum for this purpose.
Paul Pavlinovich — Google review
Huge Railway Museum in Omiya, just a few minutes of train ride from Tokyo. Definitely a must visit if you're a rail fan like me. Come on weekdays for less crowd, you also get discounts if you purchase the ticket in advance on their website , there are many rolling stock and locomotives on display, train simulator and train driving classes are also available here.
Tanapon Permyao — Google review
It's an absolute must visit place for train lovers. Not only do they have the finest trains inside, but also there's a great view to the JR and Shinkansen trains. After watching trains for hours, you can knock yourself out and spend that hard earned cash in the gift shop!
Jan Yamaguchi — Google review
Visited on a Monday where there is not much crowd. The kids who were around seem to be mainly preschoolers.
There is sufficient rest place all around the Museum. Food is also easily available. Washrooms and baby rooms are very clean and hygienic.
Raffle is conducted for certain kids' activities and although the Museum wasn't crowded, it wasn't easy to get them the tickets. Nonetheless, I think they upgraded raffle app is easier to navigate than the previous version.
Ling Tan — Google review
4.4
(15172)
•
4.5
(739)
3 Chome-47 Onaricho, Omiya Ward, Saitama, 330-0852, Japan
The Kurazukuri no Machinami, also known as Little Edo Warehouse District, features well-preserved warehouse buildings from the Edo Period. It offers visitors a glimpse into the past with its streets that have been stripped of modern technology and restored to their original appearance. The district is home to artisan shops and restaurants, along with temples and historical landmarks such as the wooden bell tower.
One of my favorite places to visit in the Tokyo surrounds - 'Ko Edo' as it is affectionately called is like a time slip that takes you back to the streets of Edo. They have done a remarkable job or hiding all the telegraph and electricity wiring so the streets look just like they would have hundreds of years ago. The restored warehouse are now home to numerous artisan shops and restaurants, and the abundant temples and historical landmarks like the iconic wooden bell tower set this area apart from other sightseeing spots in and around Tokyo - Well worth a visit. Limited express train with reserved seats available from Tokyo and about a twenty minute walk from Kawagoe Station.
kris esplin — Google review
I had a fantastic day exploring the historic district located in the city of Kawagoe. The area is a "warehouse-style street," which refers to the unique architecture of the buildings in the district.
The buildings are mostly traditional Japanese-style warehouses and merchant homes, which were built in the late Edo period and Meiji era.
The district is a popular tourist destination, known for its well-preserved historic buildings and traditional atmosphere. I explored the narrow streets and alleyways, and browsed the many shops and restaurants. Some of the notable landmarks in Kurazukuri no Machinami include the Kita-in Temple and the Toki no Kane bell tower, which still rings out the time every hour.
The area is located about a 1km walk from the train station. It took me around 1 hour to get to Kawagoe from Shibuya with a direct local train.
Anthony Trovato — Google review
More or less hidden gem. Delicious, mainly sweet potato themed street food in a super chill atmosphere with all of the old Edo houses. Going there takes less than an hour and is fully covered by the JR pass. Definitely worth checking out if you want to escape the crowds of Tokyo for a little day trip.
Matthias Wendel — Google review
If you want to enjoy some of the past moments of Japan by time travel, then definitely come here. The city is less than an hour away from Tokyo, which holds the history of the Edo period.
Boho Travelogue — Google review
I came here with my family during the Kawagoe Matsuri on Oct 15 (Saturday). It was extremely crowded! Unforgettable experience. Lots of Edo-period style architecture. You can authentically experience Japanese culture here. Tons of different shops and eateries to visit! I highly recommend going here!
Pauline — Google review
Recommended place to hang one day. Tons of stores and restaurants in old Edo style buildings. Some of the buildings have original parts while some are rebuilt in the same style. Very cool. We ate at a tonkotsu restaurant, which was delicious. I saw at least one good looking sushi restaurant and a few unagidon places. There was a German style sausage place run by a Japanese family that was fantastic. There is a Studio Ghibli store with many cute items. Could be crowded on a holiday such as spring equinox or one of their larger matsuri, but in general isn't crazy crowded like the city. It's out in Kawagoe in Saitama prefecture, about a 30 min Express train + 10 min bus ride.
Joey FLORIDA — Google review
Kawagoe or Little Edo as it's frequently called is a small tourist town north of Tokyo.
If your looking to travel back in time and get a feel of older Japan than Kamakura or Kyoto would be better options.
However, being so close to Tokyo, Kawagoe is a great day trip to experience some historic buildings as long as you don't mind them mixed in with new ones.
There isn't much in terms of entertainment outside of restaurants but you can visit the nearby shrine which is supposed to we good for finding love or saving children. You can also try your hand at making clay pottery but space is limited.
4 stars for being a relaxing day trip very close to Tokyo.
Daniel Walsh — Google review
There are some many various shops here with their own specialty that it’s hard to decide on what to try or do! Great experience and even better wonderful city residents.
Anthony Traylor — Google review
Such nice place to visit with plenty of thing to see. Very nice options for shopping. The only thing that I think is bad is the traffic of cars that is way to heavy for the amount of people walking here.
Rafael Ito — Google review
Kura no Machi (Old Warehouse District)
What is Kawagoe known for? Its preserved old town! From Naritasan Temple, make your way towards the Kura no Machi 造 の町並 area. With its streets lined with
traditional wooden buildings and aura of old-world charm, it will quickly become obvious why this area is referred to as Ko-edo or Little Edo, and is a must for your
Kawagoe itinerary.
Usamah Alhamad — Google review
Old Town (Koedo in Japanese, literally “Little Edo”) is an area of Kawagoe City that maintains its historic traditions dating back to the Edo Period (17th to 19th centuries). During that time, Kawagoe was built around the (no long existing) Kawagoe Castle, and played a key role in business transactions with Tokyo (then called Edo). Old Town is both a functioning city as well as a tourist town, and attracts many visitors to walk down its streets, enjoy the old time architectural styles, visit the local shops, and get a taste of life from a bygone era.
PJ, SMJ & DNJ — Google review
A nice Edo themed area that would probably take an hour or two to explore.
Oscar Chung — Google review
This is my second time visited this historical street , my first time was at least 18 years ago when it was newly opened to public. Now I could see the street street has turned into a business area , more shops and buildings are added . I best way is to but a one day pass at the Tourist Information Centre, it is next to the station. The staff are very friendly and helpful.
If you like historical Japanese buildings, this is a place that you should visit. The street is so crowded , many visitors from different countries.
Helen HL Leung — Google review
Nice traditional feel for this place that is within 30mins of Tokyo. Great finger food all over the place and a few good restaurants
Nicolas weng kan — Google review
Arrived here by public transport from Ikebukuro. It was about an hour to an hour and a half to arrive here. There were many local and international tourists here. You can see queues for local treats everywhere. There's even a gigantic pudding cafe (if you roam the area far enough to find it).
Lea L — Google review
A nice area where you can stroll around, enjoy old building and do some shopping. Located not too far from Kawagoe Station and there are a lot of bus line so you can easily get here. Loved the vibe here, it’s giving old town vibe just like Kyoto. Very recommended if you have some spare time in Tokyo. Just remember that the shops here closed around 5 pm, so it’s better if you come here for a day trip.
daily eat & wanderlust — Google review
It’s a very nice place with old houses. This area is very old . There are many small shops with souvenirs and traditional Japanese food.
Sabine Saito — Google review
A good place for a day trip. You will see the town preserved in Edo period with many traditional buildings. Main highlights : The Bell Tower, Starbucks, Candy Street, Hikawa Shrine, etc. You can easily walk around to explore the town.
The Hakone Open-Air Museum, established in 1966, aims to blend nature and art seamlessly. It spans across 77,000 acres of Japanese countryside and showcases an extensive collection from renowned international and local artists such as Miro, Rodin, and Yoshitatsu Yanagihara. The museum features outdoor sculptures by notable artists like Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth set against the backdrop of Hakone's lush hills.
Beautiful open air museum set in an incredible mountain backdrop. Lots of awesome sculptures including some interactive ones that kids can play on. There’s also an awesome indoor Picasso exhibit with 300 works (no photos allowed). Quite a bit of walking, so something to keep in mind if you’re differently able, although there are ramps which is good. Worth noting is the gift store - one of the most unique I’ve seen, so bring some spending money for that!
Ashli S — Google review
Definitely a must see in the autumn. The beautiful fall colors really make this museum magical. I’m additional to the grounds and various statues and exhibits, there is also a Picasso exhibit. We waited in line for 15-20 minutes in the morning on a weekend, which is not too bad. If you can buy tickets in advance, go for it, but still worth the wait. The grounds are spacious, so we did not feel crowded although it was pretty busy. Love the art!
Mary — Google review
A really nice place to visit while you're in Hakone. There are a lot of interesting pieces of art and we enjoyed walking around on our last morning in the area. I wouldn't say to go out of your way to visit here, but if you have time and you're nearby, it's worth it. The Picasso gallery was very interesting, I was surprised to see that they had so many original pieces in such a remote museum in Japan.
There are quite a few interactive sections for kids. And there is a lot of English.
Ryan Palmer — Google review
Place is vast. We went during August, so it's summer. It was very hot so we have to go around the place quickly. Here you can see different arts and architecture coming from various artist from different parts of the world.
They also showcase some of Picasso's best work together with brief stories about it.
Nice place to visit if you love art, but the place itself has a nice ambience and a good place to just relax and enjoy the view.
Arlhie Rose Razon-Magabo — Google review
Really enjoyable, especially if you have a nice weather day. It was extremely windy today but sunny so it was manageable. It’s a beautiful space and the art is interesting. It reminds me of Louisiana Art Museum in Denmark with a less-impressive indoor collection (Hakone’s) although they have a Picasso ceramic exhibit which was cool to see. I’d love to have had coffee/a snack here but it just wasn’t the day for us for that.
If you’re in the area it’s worth it to come here. I don’t know if I’d take a special trip just for this place but to each ‘er own.
The architecture is awesome, too. I was kinda sad that adults aren’t allowed to play in the net installation.
Kate Carr — Google review
Great place, totally worth the ticket price. I genuinely didn't expect it to be so good. Adults loved it and so did kids. Spent about 90 minutes there but you could spend longer. The views are also incredible.
Free stroller rental for kids too.
Didn't use the cafe.
Would go back again. Defo recommend.
Ruth Smith — Google review
Great exhibition of different artists that fits perfectly into the landscape. Very varied and entertaining. Many exhibits can be experienced directly, they may be touched or walked through. Especially suitable for children of all ages. At different times of the year you get different impressions.
Torsten Kliem — Google review
This museum for me is beautiful! It's a mixture of art appreciation and relaxation. They have a museum for some of Picasso's work . The kids have areas to have fun too! They have a maze, an activity area and craft area. There were families with small children when we visited. And after a long walk around the meandering green, one can relax at a foot bath beside the cafe.
Travel Tan — Google review
Very unique museum that's expansive and beautiful to walk through, with special exhibit as well like the Picasso museum. Went on a weekend and the weather was beautiful. We were able to buy tickets day of, and there are coin lockers available to store backpacks. We stayed for a few hours as we looked around at a leisurely pace.
Min Sun Kim — Google review
Among my favourite museums, wish all museums were open air concepts, refreshing and not stuffy that way. Surrounding mountains were a nice touch, can’t imagine those were easy to install. Even in the winter, the yellowing grass contrasted well with all the exhibits, will absolutely be coming back again soon.
Favourite piece was the metallic wedge of charred humans limbs; very heavy metal. And in contrast to that absolute darkness, my second favourite was the light bending glass tower that to my surprise, was decorated in pictures almost hidden if you don’t look carefully enough. I made it to the top but my battery died, so no picture but I will return in the spring and bring either a phone charger or a briefcase full of batteries to avoid the humiliation I faced carrying around a dead phone.
Mo — Google review
I visited at the end of February and was lucky enough to witness some snow on the ground. It definitely had a magical feeling and I enjoyed most of the artwork on display. The indoor exhibits were a bit crowded but I guess that can't be helped! The gift shop had a nice range of souvenirs and knick knacks.
Rachel Evans — Google review
My family had fun! It's a place where visitors of all ages can enjoy! Art and nature combined, plus facilities where kids can play, there's something for any family member to experience.
Daniel Manganip — Google review
This is a stunning art museum with many interesting and aesthetically pleasing art installations. There are many large-scale art design projects nearby, and inside the museum, there is a Picasso art museum for enthusiasts to visit. The indoor design of the spiral tower is particularly impressive and not to be missed. This is definitely a must-visit art museum.
Rafael — Google review
The reason this place is really nice is because you can take your kids to museum but you don't have to be too worried about making them quiet.
As long as it's a nice weather, you can basically spend the whole day slowly walking around, and let your kids run around.
All the sculptures and the art is also dynamic and is in harmony with the nature.
You cannot get proper food there as there's only hot dog that can be counted as food. He brought small sandwiches for our kids.
X R — Google review
It’s a sculpture museum featuring lots of open space and interactive pieces. There are several facilities designed for children, and many visitors, mostly Japanese people, take their children with them. It’s a nice refreshing stop that can add some fresh air into your trip. I recommend paying attention to the weather forecast as the region is very prone to fog and rain.
Steve Pei — Google review
It was an absolute delight exploring the vast collection of outdoor sculptures and the captivating works of Pablo Picasso. 🏞️💫
The museum's picturesque setting amidst the stunning Hakone mountains created a serene atmosphere that perfectly complemented the art on display. From the moment we stepped foot into the museum, we were greeted by a world of beauty and creativity. The open-air concept allowed us to appreciate the sculptures in their natural surroundings, and it felt like walking through an artistic wonderland. 🌿🗿
The Picasso Pavilion was a true highlight of our visit. We were mesmerized by the diverse range of Picasso's masterpieces, showcasing his innovative and ever-evolving style. The museum did an excellent job of curating the exhibition, providing insight into the artist's life and artistic journey. It was fascinating to see iconic paintings, ceramics, and sculptures up close, and to witness the depth of Picasso's creativity. 🎭🖌️
What made the experience even more enjoyable was the museum's interactive features. We were able to participate in various art installations and even create our own masterpieces at the workshop. 🎨 The knowledgeable staff were friendly and provided valuable information about the artworks, enhancing our understanding and appreciation of Picasso's genius.
Ben Lau — Google review
There’s a nice area for kids only (see second photo) but that’s about it for kids. The sculptures are dotted around the compound. It is a nice walk if the weather is good. Perhaps budget 90mins if you wish to do it at a leisurely pace. I was not that impressed by the Picasso exhibit. Adult ticket costs 1600yen.
Kee Ping Ting — Google review
It’s a sculpture museum featuring lots of open space in a beautiful location that surrounds mountains. superbly maintained landscaped gardens, walkways and well-curated pieces. They have some of Picasso's work. The kids below 12 have areas to have fun too. A brief visit will definitely take a couple of hours. Keep in mind the weather before planning to visit.
Sunil Murali — Google review
Hakone Open air museum
No need to get your tickets in advance for this museum. You can get your tickets at the entrance and even if there is a q it moves pretty fast.
More than anything this place is worth visiting as it is a the space is so beautifully designed that it is easy to walk around and gives the impression of vastness.
There space is big yet cleverly integrates art with nature so that even though there are loads of statues and structures, you never feel stifled or overwhelmed. In fact you will want to walk a lot more to take in all of them.
There are loads of outdoor sculptures by various artists and some are rather interesting. Although i think the word art might be a bit stretched here on occasions when you look at the sculptures or when you read the inspiration of these artists behind their work.
Loads of outdoor exhibits and in general 2 big spaces that allow for more interaction.
One is the Woods of Net which has a net structure within a wooden dome structure that allows for children to use it as a sort of net playground that they can climb on and swing on.
The other is a flower petal like maze that you can walk in and try to find your way out, albeit confusing i must say. In the end i walked the same way back out the way i entered instead of finding the other exit.
As for indoor exhibits, there are 3 (Hakone master piece collection, multi hall that is at the exit, and Picasso Pavilion).
I think the one that people generally spend the most time, is at the Picasso Pavillion. Interestingly instead of chronologically displaying his works or capturing it according to his life:
“This latest exhibit deconstructs the artist himself, presenting perspectives from different angles, such as subject matter and technique, and different points in time, by date of the artwork, so that the viewer may then reconstruct their image of Picasso.
For this exhibit, works from the Picasso Collection have been divided into 17 themes, creating a free and natural exhibition space unbound by chronology.
The Picasso of this exhibit is one who defies definition by a single perspective or specific point in time—Picasso as a continuum transcending time and space.”
The one i enjoyed the most was the symphonic structure. There a circular tower captures the four seasons through stained glass that leads you to an open air space on top with a great view of the museum and the trees and mountains beyond.
Aiyoh MJ — Google review
Absolutely wonderful! Majestic location in the mountains, with an amazing setting of beautifully landscaped gardens, walkways, forest paths, and well-curated pieces of world-renowned artists and sculptors. The mood is serene and calming, and the experience is one of awe and beauty. My family and I spent a few hours, before it closed for the day, and there was still a good bit of exhibition to which we did not get. But, it was a delightful experience, and we will return.
Victor Hernandez — Google review
It was worth a visit. It’s a huge area. We spent a little over an hour here. Lots of sculptures. Our favorite was the stained glass tower. It’s tall, beautiful and very instagram worthy. This open air museum is great for the whole family. There is even an interesting playground structure for kids only. There’s also building with Picasso’s work in it but they don’t allow any photographs or video.
Hi I Am — Google review
We had an incredible time at the Hakone Open-Air Museum. We went on a weekend and there was no waiting at all. The museum is spread out and gives you a lot of space to wonder around. The art pieces are really cool and vary across the site, the Picasso Pavilion was pretty cool as well and the tower with glass cover was incredible to see and experience.
Adam Shoshani — Google review
4.5
(11702)
•
4.5
(2788)
1121 Ninotaira, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0407, Japan
Mount Takao, also known as Takaosan, is a 599-meter-tall peak located within an hour of Shinjuku station in Tokyo. It has been a pilgrimage site for over 1,200 years and offers a mix of traditional Japanese culture and natural beauty. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, a funicular railway, and the opportunity to visit the Yakuo-in temple. The summit provides stunning views of Tokyo and Mount Fuji on clear days.
There is a cable car or ski lift that takes you near the summit. In addition, there is a beautiful, paved path from the cable car station to the summit. The path to the summit is easy for everyone. And of course, you get to enjoy the unpaved mountain trails! Religious facilities create a solemn atmosphere near the summit. With a good selection of restaurants, this is the perfect place for a casual hike up the mountain!
Rintaro — Google review
We went for a casual hike to Takao-san. Super easy to get to via the Keio line from Shinjuku station. Make sure to grab the special/limited express train to get to Takaosanguchi station a little faster. After that it's a short (but super crowded) walk, starting at the right of the station, and up to the cable car station at the base of the mountain.
We went up the Inariyama trail which starts to the left of the cable car station entrance. A little steep here and there but a very enjoyable walk up. The summit was very crowded and views were so-so, would advise taking a quick look and then spending more time on the trails. We took the Summit loop (trail 5) around the top and descended via Suspension bridge trail (trail 4), did the Kasumidai loop (trail 2) and then switched to Biwa waterfall (trail 6) for the rest of the way down.
These trails avoid the crowds on trails 1 (Omotesando) and 3 (Katsura forest), and are really enjoyable to walk. Going much earlier in the morning is the best way to avoid crowds but there are certainly ways to minimize it by taking some of the 'harder' or 'steeper' routes which shouldn't be a challenge for most people at an average fitness level. Would recommend outdoor/hiking shoes, sneakers are fine as long as you don't mind them getting dirty.
At the cable car station at the foot of the mountain, there are a lot of Japanese food stalls, worth trying and to support the local economy. With a nice clean park nearby, it's worth enjoying a small bite to eat and a local beer after a nice day out on the trails.
Julian Toedter — Google review
This mountain is great for moderate hiking. There are both safe trails and dangerous trails for adventurous people. The scene at the top of the mountain is picturesque. There are some food stores and drink vending machines along the way so you do not have to worry about those. For those who wanted to use the cable lift here, it gets crowded at times so be prepared to wait.
An Trần Hà — Google review
Visited to try out the lift chair and found the experience enjoyable. Despite the cold rain, the view was still delightful. A serene and peaceful spot.
00Y — Google review
Only 45min by train from Shinjuku Station, Takao Mountain is a great option for a hike in the nature. I suggest to get to Takaosan-guchi station of Keio Line (there is also JR line, but it is far form the start of the hiking trail). There are different routes to get to the top, but I suggest to take the alternative routes and not the pain, paved one, since is its very crowded and steep. You can get to the top in around 2 hours. I also suggest the sento (hot public bath) at the Takaosan-guchi Station. I also enjoyed the monkey zoo and the Tengu temple. In summertimes, there is also a beer garden but it was way too crowded.
Yoshi Mirai — Google review
Great place to spend a day in nature, just an hour away from Tokyo. Several different trails to get to the summit. I found trail 6 to be quite pleasant, and easy, with the exception of the last stretch before the summit, which has a lot of steps.
Trail 1 might seem the easiest one, as it’s paved and half the path can be done on the cable car or chair lift. However, the path is quite steep, and in my opinion there is too many people going up and down all the time, which in my opinion, doesn’t allow to experience the beautiful nature of the mountain.
Javier G. Visiedo — Google review
Moderate hike, aside from the summit, some highlights were the beautiful hydrangeas in bloom, the giant ancient cedar trees and the visit to the shrine.
Recommend getting the round trip discounted tickets and cable car/chair lift package from Shinjuku station !
Reuben Chan — Google review
A classic hike in Tokyo. There are better places to hike if you're willing to travel further from the city, but this is a great spot considering access from the city center. There are a lot of shrines and other things to see. There are multiple hiking routes, or the cable car to the top.
N M — Google review
One of the best sunsets during our trips though Japan. But see for yourself.
Of course don‘t go there while the weather is cloudy. Then you can‘t see Mt. Fuji. The way up itself is not very entertaining.
Jakob — Google review
First half of trail 1 is basically hiking up extreme slopes. Gets more scenic after reaching the halfway point. Grab a beer at the top to reward yourself! Nice getaway from the busy Tokyo city center
Aloysius Thng — Google review
I decided to climb Mount Takao this past weekend. I had brought a backpack with my overnight gear, camera, laptop, snacks, and a couple of bottles of water. My intention was to put everything except the water in a locker at the train station but all of the lockers were taken. I had no choice but to carry my heavy load with me.
You can probably guess what happened. With each ascending step, the backpack felt heavier and heavier. After about an hour, I was sweating profusely and breathing hard. When I stopped to rest and drink some water, I noticed that the lift station for the ropeway was close by.
I felt a bit of shame taking the lift down the mountain but I told myself it was better than potentially coming down in an ambulance.
There’s a nice onsen next to the Keio station. I relaxed there while waiting for my group to finish the climb.
Harry — Google review
Very scenic hike. I took trail 6 up and it gets a bit challenging near the top. Then walk down trail 1 to pass through the temples and buy a souvenir. Would definitely come again in warmer weather to hike the other trails.
Nolan Hu — Google review
It is one of the best day trips from Tokyo I did!
We got there by train which is easily accessible. We decided for the chair lift up (a cable car is available as well) and walked the remaining way up to the summit. Prices for both are low. It is easy to walk though it might be still exausting, when your body isn't used to much activity. We intended to walk down.
The summit offers such an awesome view of the mountainous nature around and even free view of Fuji-san as long as the weather is good enough. We didn't know about Fuji views and were so overwhelmed by it! What a luck we had.
Way down we choose Trail 6. It seemed to be a nice walk through the woods at first. Then a staircase down the steepest parts and down the dale we reached the beginnings of the small stream that results in Biwa Falls. The trail is not easy even desending when you're no trained person. The trail within the dale leads directly through the water. You'll have to walk through it or have to walk from stone to stone keeping shoes dry. This continues some time and offers an awesome view like going through rainforest. I loved it. Around half the way the trail continues as a small path so walking gets easier. White sneaker won't stay white here.
Totally worth the hike. Restaurants at the starting point offer you food to get your energy levels (re)filled.
Takao-san is more crowded than e.g. Mitake-san, but definitely offers the better view.
Sabrina Wulf — Google review
One of the most scenic climbs in Tokyo. We went on a weekday and it was not as busy as advertised. Highly recommend going early in the morning as you and nature will be the only ones there.
Get to the top to enjoy the views of Mt Fuji on a clear day and take the open chair lift down for a unique and picturesque experience.
Lex Xiao — Google review
A offbeat hike in Tokyo. The journey through the suburbs to Mount Takao is very scening and this is a great spot considering access from the city center. There are a lot of shrines and various trails with the encompassing views. The access to the trails are via cable car or open chair, the open chair being more enthralling and adrenaline rushing.
Arnab Pal — Google review
My friend and I embarked on an incredible hiking adventure, starting from the base of the mountain and ascending all the way to its summit. This journey proved to be an absolute gem, undoubtedly one of the most memorable hikes of my life. The vistas along the way were absolutely breathtaking, offering expansive views of the majestic mountain landscape and the sprawling metropolis of Tokyo below.
As we reached the pinnacle, I was pleasantly surprised to discover a fantastic restaurant perched at the summit. It was an unexpected treat that added a touch of luxury to our outdoor escapade. On the descent, we meandered through a myriad of enchanting shrines, each one a testament to Tokyo's rich cultural heritage.
I wholeheartedly recommend this hike to anyone visiting Tokyo. It's a must-do experience that combines natural beauty, cultural exploration, and a delightful culinary surprise at the mountain's zenith.
Noah — Google review
Trail 1 is fancy for all ages. There are lots of attractions, foods and snacks on the trail. Trail 6 is a bit dangerous. Only recommend to with someone who has experience (not need profession).
Azreal Wang — Google review
Mount Takao, used as a sacred site for over 1000 years, is 599 meters tall and especially popular among couples, families, and the elderly. For those who want to shorten the journey, there is a cable car available. It is located about an hour away by train from Shinjuku Station. Along the path to the summit, there is a Buddhist temple and numerous food and rest areas. If you take the Keiō Line Semi Special Express from Shinjuku to Takaosanguchi, you can reach Takaosanguchi station directly without transferring at Kitano.
Cihan Çavuş — Google review
A really enjoyable walk, the chair lift is also a good time if you don't want to walk the whole way.
Very enjoyable in winter and a nice get away from the very noisy and busy city.
On a nice day you can even see Fuji!
Nadeshiko Kagamihara — Google review
Fantastic view at the top and quite the experience to get there. Easy hike, recommend for anyone with a love for the outdoors, plus you get to see My. Fuji at the top ;)
Adam Catterall — Google review
Great day trip from Tokyo. Around 2 hours each way from Yokohama & back.
Taking Trail 1 takes between 90mins to 2 hours depending on athleticism.
Final view of My Fuji at the summit well worth the hike. Best time of the year to go is Winter where the weather likely allows for Mt Fuji to be visible.
Other trails can be more difficult as the paths would not be paved
AdriiW1355 — Google review
Enjoyable, family friendly, paved road availablity hiking road but not to easily underestimated due to its length.
🚶♂️ walking distance from end of chair lift to top of Mt. Takao around 4 KM one way (included stair).
🍲 There are many stall selling hot meal and drinks.
💴 Payment is only for chair lift or train. Return price is JPY900.
🗻 Mt Fuji view is at the top viewing deck, at early stage you got Tokyo City view.
zulhilmi kodir — Google review
4.5
(3904)
•
4.5
(1216)
Takaomachi, Hachioji, Tokyo 193-0844, Japan
I'll never travel to Toyama without this trip planner again
Lake Ashi, also known as Ashinoko, is a picturesque crater lake located in Hakone, west of Tokyo. Visitors can enjoy sightseeing cruises on the lake and explore nearby hiking trails and campsites. The area offers various ways to take in the stunning scenery, including onboard Hakone Sightseeing Cruises or from the shores of Lake Ashi. Additionally, visitors can experience breathtaking views from the Hakone Ropeway gondola or while relaxing in hot springs.
Amazing place , good scenic view. Cruise around the place and view of Mountains is breathtaking.
Swathi — Google review
Lovely atmosphere. Nice place to enjoy the nature. When no clouds around Mount Fuji cam be clearly viewed.
Lot of free parkings. Lot of restaurants around.
Chaminda Madugalle — Google review
Cool place. Very calm and tranquil. Plenty of things to see all around the lake. Bring comfortable shoes! Theres some nice restaurants and cafes spotted all along the shore.
A C — Google review
Serene place to spent a romantic evening.
Parking place available all round lake.
Does have peddle boat facility for around 1500yen.
There is a toilet across the road.
Good place to spent 2~3hr.
durgesh mandwale — Google review
Beautiful place to visit (as is Hakone in general). Especially worth visiting for the packed Ashinoko Summer Festival which goes from July 31st to August 5th. Various performances, fireworks, torii burning on the lake and more. Hopefully the festival will be held as normal this year.
George Zhou — Google review
Arriving at the 5th lake of our Mt Fuji + 5 Lakes Helicopter Tour. After circling the mountain & its surrounding terrain, returning to Tokyo Heliport. We’ve been in the sky for 1 hour 15 minutes
L Chan — Google review
Lake Ashi also referred to as Hakone Lake or Ashinoko Lake, is a scenic lake in the Hakone area of Kanagawa Prefecture in Honshū, Japan. It is a crater lake that lies along the southwest wall of the caldera of Mount Hakone, a complex volcano that last erupted in 1170 CE at Ōwakudani. The lake is known for its views of Mount Fuji, its numerous hot springs, historical sites, and ryokan. The lake is located on the Tōkaidō road, the main link between Kyoto and Tokyo.
Porsche Tan — Google review
We took the short boat ride from one side of the lake to the other and It was an experience like no other. I haven't see a lake to beautiful until now.
There is a need to preserve these natural wonders as they serve to refresh the human mind. It cleanses the soul for even a moment.
Although I did not see Fuji-san, I was able to take some pretty swell pics of the shore-side torii.
Benjamin de Leon — Google review
A beautiful lake and lovely for a stroll with plenty of cafes and restaurants nearby to suit all tastebuds
Jon Bower — Google review
Beautiful and peaceful view of the Lake Ashi. It was a breezy and sunny day to enjoy.
Tadd Pham — Google review
An incredibly picturesque and beautiful place to visit and immerse yourself in. The amount of green around you is unreal!
Daria Sk — Google review
Lake ashi is absolutely beautiful! We arrived to togendai after a short bus ride from our hotel. There at the base, lake ashi had the lovely pirate ships coming back into port. Shout out to the Evangelion characters everywhere & the cool human sized figure in the station! Definitely a fan favorite, fun fact the anime is set in Hakone and lake ashi & Owakudani appear in the series 👏🏼
After a short walk enjoying the water front we caught the Hakone Ropeway for a scenic ride up the mountain side, it was Picturesque to say the least. As we got higher in elevation we could see Mt. Fuji with it's donut cloud hats lol As well as plumes of white smoke emerging and bursting out from the area up ahead. When you arrive at the top of Owakudani if your an egg fan you must try the "Kuro-Tamago" as called by locals, aka black eggs or sulfur eggs. There's a legend about life expectancy around them. Check out my review of Owakudani for more! Of follow me on IG @ loverboy_lb420 ty!
Robert Cota — Google review
Lake Ashi in Japan is a tranquil and picturesque destination. The serene waters, surrounded by lush greenery and with a backdrop of Mount Fuji, create a stunning natural setting. Whether you're taking a boat cruise or enjoying a lakeside walk, it offers a peaceful escape.
Leonardo Arango — Google review
You get a really nice view of Mt Fuji from here on a clear day. We were super lucky to have visited during a clear day and couldn't stop looking at the majestic view of Mt Fuji!
Jian Wei Chuah — Google review
Hakone Ashi Lake is also known for its stunning autumn foliage, which transforms the entire area into a vibrant palette of reds, oranges, and yellows. The scene is nothing short of breathtaking and truly makes for a photographer's paradise.
You can enjoy by having boat ride and walk around the lake
Sadesh Chandrasekera — Google review
Stunning views of Mt. Fuji from Hakone's Ashinoko Lake. Serene, beautiful, and a must-visit for nature lovers.
クリス栗村 — Google review
It’s amazing and beautiful. In the evening it becomes cool and the breeze is super cool….. I wanted to stay there but I had to return….
Abu Hasan Mohammad Khaled — Google review
Beautiful, the pirate ship boat will give you a nice scenic ride through out the whole lake from which you'll be able to spot the shrines and some of the must see places. Don't miss it out!
Pablo Jose Carreño Balcazar — Google review
4.4
(1155)
•
4.0
(2813)
Motohakone, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0522, Japan
Owakudani, also known as Hell Valley, is a geothermic site in Hakone that offers stunning views of Mt. Fuji and the surrounding area. Visitors can take the Hakone Tozan Railway or local buses from Hakone-Yumoto Station to reach this forested and mountainous area. One of the main attractions here is the opportunity to eat black eggs boiled in hot springs, which are said to add seven years to your life for each egg consumed.
Beautiful area with many touristy shops and a museum detailing the local geology which is very fascinating (tix: 100 yen)! There is a nature trail connected to the main complex that requires reservations that provides a look at the local wildlife. Make sure to try the black eggs while you are here as they are delicious!
Max Davis — Google review
Black eggs! This oozing, green scar was caused by an eruption thousands of years ago and then there was a horrible mud slide that killed many people 100 years ago. Now they are working really hard to terrace the place. It truly feels like another planet and it smells like hell. I recall a time when you could walk out further to see where they cook the eggs but it’s all blocked off now. I suppose there may have been people who got sick from the noxious gas. I wish more areas were accessible for exploration. Still, I understand that is probably not safe. The ropeway is a great experience especially on a sunny day. We were lucky to catch it at a nice time in February. Looking forward to visiting again whenever we have a chance. Thanks for all the delicious hard boiled eggs over the years 🙏🎉😄
Vince Prep — Google review
Beautiful view! Strong smell. Special experience.
The guided tour into the volcano area is very limited access and has to be reserved several days in advance, which is quite inconvenient.
The black egg is interesting and tasty.
Tasty Banana — Google review
In the Owakudani area near the Hakone volcano there are places where hot smoke comes out of the ground (it's not a geyser) the smell of sulfur which scorches the ground in a yellow color. View of Lake Ashinoko and Mount Fujiyama in Japan. It is amazing, don't miss the cable car ride, boating on the lake and visiting the open museum. It is said that the Japanese cook eggs in the hot springs which gives them a black color. A belief holds that eating one egg adds 7 years to life. The place also has a restaurant and sells ice cream, which is also black in color.
YAKI YAK — Google review
Beautiful place to visit.
The peak is about 1044 meter high and you can see the inactive volcanoes and smokes coming out from the volcano.
However the smoke is very stingy because of its sulphuric property.
You have to take a Cable car in order to get to the top.
One of the most famous food is Black Egg or 黒卵.
The rumor about the black egg is that if you have one black egg then your life expectancy will increase to extra 7 years.
Its really very interesting rumor that almost 95% tourists buy Black eggs.
Really must visit once.
Santosh Shrestha — Google review
Easy to find, lovely atmosphere (not counting the dreadful smell of sulphur of course😆) . The ride on the gondola was nice and provided a lovely view on approaching the lake. The weather tho obscured Mt. Fuji ☹️
I liked that I could buy a one way or return ticket and use it anytime throughout the day. I do think that ¥2250 (return) is a rather pricey ride tho but I guess it's a tourist attraction.
I didn't like that the minimum number of eggs I could purchase was 5 - felt like a waste of resources since I couldn't eat that many and 3 ended up in the trash.
All round nice experience - I recommend it.
Daniele Willie — Google review
Beautiful place. Went there when it was cloudy, wind was really strong and you could see the clouds pass through. It's a pretty cool experience. I do wonder if mount Fuji is visible from this area or not.
russell maharlika — Google review
This place looks so great especially while you're inside the ropeway where you can actually see the smokes coming from the mountains on a great angle.
Once you go down, you'll see shops selling souvenirs and some black egg that they believe will add more years to your life if you eat it.
We decided not to stay too long due to the sulfur smell coming from the smokes.
It is a place with a breath taking view that's why it's a must visit site when you go to Hakone.
Arlhie Rose Razon-Magabo — Google review
Beautiful place, access through ropeway recommended, or by car. Enjoy the view, the volcanic mountain, Fuji-san and have your meal here with the legendary black egg. Must visit. Smell of sulphur to be expected as usual, not so strong with the wind.
kazuk360 shadows — Google review
This place is so beautiful, really wish we would have done a little bit more research on things to do especially that you can walk to the area where the eggs are boiled. However, even without doing all this we still wouldn’t have had time to do anything else given that the ropeway closes relatively early. Definitely worth checking out though.
Candelario Saldana — Google review
Fantastic experience! You can see the sulfur escaping the ground from the last eruption in 2015. The black eggs are supposed to extend your life by 7 years. And they have all kinds of food to try!
Ashley Johnson — Google review
There's nothing really to see here, it's cool to see the geothermal activity but it's not exactly pretty and the views are mediocre at best. The cable car was awesome though.
Mike VA — Google review
Not to be missed if you are in Hakone. You get to smell the sulfur and experience the black eggs and ice cream. Great experience! Highly recommend to book a tour in advance if you are looking for further exploration of the place.
Javier Tan — Google review
Potentially the single best reason to purchase a Hakone transportation pass. This mountain top has some incredible views of Mt. Fuji and the mine on the back side. It’s accessible by cable car system, and serves a black egg that apparently extends your life - which I had no interest in trying.
Matty B — Google review
Impressive spot!! Must go there while u are in hakone.
Part of the ropeway was under maintenance when we visited, so we laid 2500 yen round trip per person but only took a short ride.
Sky was clear, could see the huge Fuji!
Melisa Woo — Google review
Good place to visit. Bit expensive for cable car like round trip for 2.5 TJPY but still nice place to go. As Pic attached, you can also see the view of Fuji Mountain. In the shop here you can buy black egg and some souvenirs. Not recommend to buy black egg dumpling bread which tastes ... umm bread itself is really dry and rather propose to buy just black tamago
James S — Google review
4.2
(19102)
•
4.0
(2217)
1251 Sengokuhara, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0631, Japan
The Hakone Ropeway offers a breathtaking aerial gondola ride above a valley of volcanic craters. This 4km route from Tougendai station to Sounzan station passes through the Hakone mountains, providing ever-changing views of nature throughout the seasons. From cherry blossoms to red and yellow leaves, the scenery is stunning. On clear days, Mount Fuji can be seen in the distance.
Mount Fuji, the iconic snow-capped peak and volcano, is the highest in Japan and the 7th highest island peak on earth. Yamanashi Prefecture, home to Mount Fuji, offers a serene escape from Tokyo's hustle and bustle. Visitors can explore the picturesque Fuji Five Lakes, Kiyosato highland resort, historical temples like Erinji and Kuonji, rejuvenating hot springs, and renowned wineries.
Mount Fuji (富士山, Fuji-san) is the highest mountain in Japan which rises to 12,388 feet (3,776 metres) near the Pacific Ocean coast in Yamanashi and Shizuoka prefectures of central Honshu, about 60 miles (100 km) west of the Tokyo-Yokohama metropolitan area and can be seen from those cities on clear days.
It is a volcano that has been dormant since its last eruption, in 1707, but is still generally classified as active by geologists. The mountain is the major feature of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park (1936), and it is at the centre of a UNESCO World Heritage site designated in 2013.
The mountain, with its graceful conical form, has become famous throughout the world and is considered the sacred symbol of Japan. Among Japanese there is a sense of personal identification with the mountain, and each summer thousands of Japanese climb to the shrine on its peak. Its image has been reproduced countless times in Japanese art.
Mount Fuji attracts more than a million tourists each year to the mountain and surrounding towns, approximately 300,000 of whom will make the climb to the Fuji top.
* Photos courtesy of Internet. Thanks!
Dinh Tuan — Google review
No matter where you see this mountain from, there's something captivating about the size and shape. It's almost symmetrical and rises out of fairly flat surroundings so it stands out. Apparently it's still an active volcano but fairly docile. Great views from the bullet train that runs from Tokyo to Osaka, as well as the many lakes and campgrounds around it: Kawaguchiko lake has some of the best views.
Abbie Girl — Google review
On a freezing December 2018 morning, while we were coasting Japan, the majestic Mount Fuji came to view. We were passing from quite far, but due to clear sky, it was visible - a breathtaking view.
Somnath Paul — Google review
Beautiful Mount Fuji but sometimes very shy and hiding behind the clouds. If you are lucky you will see the stunning Mount Fuji.
K. S. — Google review
Fantastic Hike up from 2.305m to 3.715m. I did the “daytime bullet climb” which is not recommended by the officials, but my time was limited. Took me up 4.10h and down 2.10h. It is definitely a tough way up.
Please consider your fitness level, resilience, weather conditions and your equipment.
A. S. — Google review
It was a majestic sight! There's also poor horses locked up to ropes, waiting for tourist to ride them :(
Wish I could visit again and trek up next time, instead of going by tour bus.
Bosco Lim Hearted Moments — Google review
Really fun hike with barriers all around. You can easily do this in half a day if there's no traffic. Equipment is not necessary but I would recommend good shoes because you go up and down a gravel road. The trip is free but you can donate 10 euro and get a free keychain. Sadly the bus to the carpark is very expensive.
Damian D — Google review
Iconic Japan. Just need to be lucky with the weather. The queue of traffic to the car park stretched for miles. The queue for the cable car was just as bad to go down. Plan ahead.
Mike Hall — Google review
Even though it may not be the prettiest mountain to climb in Japan (check japanese northern alps or Kamikochi), it is indeed the most famous one. A long medium-hard climb, occasionally with rocks and steep areas. Anybody in good conditions can reach the top, but bring warm clothes, flashlight and rainwear since the weather at the top is unpredictable and extremely cold and windy (if you want to see the sunrise, then prepare to feel the cold). Also the line of people can become very long, so be extra patient. The view is beautiful, you will be walking above clouds. But the mountain itself is a volcanic rock, so don't expect interesting vegetation or wildlife. There are a lot of huts that sell water, oxygen and food at a premium price. To come to the start of the hiking area, I took the bus from Shinjuku Station. Note that the huts are open only during the hiking season in summer, so check the dates. You can stay overnight at these hut or reach the top departing at night, depending on your hiking plan. Recently they improved the WiFi at the top of the mountain.
How can you not love this absolutely beautiful creation from this world. It was a perfect time to visit while it was not too cold, but there is still snow on the mountain.
You can stare at the mountain every day to look at this beautiful creation. There are several lake around the mountain. You can look at different perspective so you can enjoy different aspect of the view.
Make sure to go during the sunny day, because during rainy time, you could probably not be able to see the mountain thank God for the amazing mother
Chi Wang — Google review
Visited Japan Hakone in May 23. Love chasing mount Fiji everywhere. Will come back to visit different place and appreciate other sides of the mountain.
Daling Sheng — Google review
Simply breathtaking!!! An ez 10000000/10.
Ok so on klook my friend and I managed to find quite a value for money tour which was led by an originally Taiwanese guide who had been living in Japan for 10 years, so as you could tell she was quite conversant in both languages. Immediately presented herself as very knowledgeable and gave ample time for us to take photos of many attractions at the foot of the mountain. Btw we went in the dead of winter so climbing wasn’t allowed, but we were so lucky cos there weren’t many clouds in the sky that day and we had a very clear view of the peak. If you really want to climb Fuji, I would recommend firstly getting a router cos the signal near the mountain is super weak and secondly you can only do so during the summer months. Nevertheless, we could still visit the first checkpoint and get to play with snow! The food at 忍野八海 is super fresh oso wth especially the street takoyaki and the sweet fruit cakes!!! Will definitely take you about at least 6-8 hours to thoroughly explore the area 👍👍👍, can really just take your time, OTOT, and soak in the fresh air…
P.S. there are hotels nearby on the mountain face where you can really experience a panoramic view of Fuji-san
Byzmark — Google review
Mountain Fuji area has great views.
Went in the summer, so there was no ice perk, as they are melted.
The Mount Fuji top looks a little plain, however, when climbed up to the Pagoda, the full city view, with the mountain and Pagoda is amazing.
At the green ground before climbing up, that is a very good photo taking spot.
Skye Cai — Google review
Wow what a magnificent site to see the iconic snow capped Mt Fuji, the highest mountain peak in Japan and the 7th highest island peak on earth. First time to visit Japan and definitely one of the highlights of my trip. Highly recommend to visit this place if you’re in Japan..
Manny Alonzo — Google review
So beautiful! We went on a sunny day, and it was an amazing view. There are multiple places that you could go from the color bus system to see beautiful mountain from different locations and perspectives. The actual logistics of getting around were chaotic. They had an unclear system of lines and what type of tickets to get. The station workers were helpful even though it took a long time to get to the front to talk to them. It was worth it though!
Lexy McCauley — Google review
Mount Fuji (富士山, Fujisan, Japanese: [ɸɯꜜ(d)ʑisaɴ] (About this soundlisten)), located on the island of Honshū (the "mainland"), is the highest mountain in Japan, standing 3,776.24 m (12,389.2 ft). It is the second-highest volcano located on an island in Asia (after Mount Kerinci on the island of Sumatra), and seventh-highest peak of an island on Earth. Mount Fuji is an active stratovolcano that last erupted from 1707 to 1708. The mountain is located about 100 km (62 mi) southwest of Tokyo and is visible from there on clear days. Mount Fuji's exceptionally symmetrical cone, which is covered in snow for about five months of the year, is commonly used as a cultural icon of Japan and it is frequently depicted in art and photography, as well as visited by sightseers and climbers.
WORLDWIDE INFO GUIDE — Google review
Even though it may not be the prettiest mountain to climb in Japan (check japanese northern alps or Kamikochi), it is indeed the most famous one. A long medium-hard climb, occasionally with rocks and steep areas. Anybody in good conditions can reach the top, but bring warm clothes, flashlight and rainwear since the weather at the top is unpredictable and extremely cold and windy (if you want to see the sunrise, then prepare to feel the cold).
Also the line of people can become very long, so be extra patient. The view is beautiful, you will be walking above clouds. But the mountain itself is a volcanic rock, so don't expect interesting vegetation or wildlife. There are a lot of huts that sell water, oxygen and food at a premium price. To come to the start of the hiking area, I took the bus from Shinjuku Station. Note that the huts are open only during the hiking season in summer, so check the dates. There are in total 10 stops, and you start the climb from the stop Nr. 5, where the bus stop is located.
You can stay overnight at these hut (reserve in advance, I suggest to book the huts at highest stops, 8 or better 9. Otherwise, the walk to the top will be very long) or reach the top departing at night, depending on your hiking plan. Recently they improved the WiFi at the top of the mountain.
After the hike my legs were exhausted and I felt so tired, but the effort was absolutely worth it.
Rohatash Chaudhary — Google review
A must while visiting Japan! It is quite tricky to actually see the top cause of the climate and significant humidity but it is definitely possible! A lot of souvenir shops around the 5th station (the last place where you can commute to by car). Cute little shrine with amazing views! Worth seeing!
Weronika Skoczek — Google review
Went there on the weekday and there’s not that many people there, and the weather is nice and not too hot. Overall the mountain are really clear and be able to see it reflected on the water. The traffic there are okay since it’s a commercial place it’s alright. You can live in the hotel right in front of it like I did which is pretty soothing, and most of them does have hot spring too. Highly recommended.
Tracy H — Google review
This has been my lifelong dream to see this beautiful volcano. If you are going to Japan, this place is a must visit. You will be surrounded by beautiful lakes, parks and ofcourse scenic Mt Fuji. We have taken a pass for Mt Fuji but it is not worth it unless you reach this place by 9am. You should try Appare boat ride and Ropeway to see Mt. Fuji properly.
bhanu priya Sisodia — Google review
One of my dreams has come true. Just amazing view to holy mountain. I wish I was there from I was a child and now, Fuji Mountain in my eye. Sure, I will be back one day…
Tan Minh Nguyen — Google review
One of the highlights of our visit was exploring the iconic Mount Fuji, whose shimmering facade reflected the beauty of its surroundings with an ethereal glow. Walking through the meticulously landscaped gardens of Silver Pavilion, was a meditative experience, as we marveled at the harmony between man-made structures and the natural world.
Mofazzel Morshed — Google review
If you have the chance to do it, don’t hesitate and climb it! We started to climb at 3:30pm and arrive at the last station to sleep around 7:30, we slept until 2am and finish to climb during the night to reach the top in 1:30h (it could be way faster but there’s a lot of people and a lot of old people) I recommend !
Younes Benbousselham — Google review
most beautiful mountain I've ever climbed. Despite what you may read online, it's NOT an easy hike. Oxygen will be depleted by the 8th station. Do your research, check the weather, and make sure you can climb it and back before the last bus, or you will sleep on the mountain. Bring lots of water, snacks, and oxygen. It will take 4-7 hours to climb ONE WAY, depending on your ability.
Singularity Approved — Google review
Took the bus from Shinjuku which took us about two hours. Graced with clear skies had some amazing views of Fuji on arrival. We Rented bikes for three hours which cost us 1000 yen at a place right next to the bus station. Went for a ride around the area and had fantastic views. Would definitely recommend a trip to Fuji for anyone visiting Japan!
Rin Shima — Google review
This mountain is the reason this entire area is known. We couldn't travel up it due to the weather, but there are trails leading to it from various neighboring sites like small market towns, temples, and shrines. You can catch glimpses of its majestic beauty from everywhere. Seeing it at an angle where the sun glistens off its snow-capped peak is a real treat.
Leon Hady — Google review
Absolutely awesome! Great views, fun challenge, nice people and overall a very unique experience.
I would say that you have to be fairly fit to make it to the top and you need at least decent hiking boots/shoes.
The hut we stayed at was nice and cosy. Make sure you bring most of the snacks/drinks you need because it is pretty expensive already at the 6th station.
But if you like nature and a physical challenge then Mt. Fuji is definitely worth it!
I will be back! ❤️
Fuji-Q Highland is an amusement park located near the base of Mount Fuji in Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi. It's a popular destination for thrill-seekers with its impressive collection of rides, including Takabisha, the world's steepest roller coaster, and other famous coasters like Eejanaika, Do-Dodonpa, and Fujiyama. The park also offers two haunted attractions - Hopeless Fortress and the Haunted Hospital.
The best place to enjoy extreme roller coasters, and the only amusement park that can match Tokyo Disney Land in Japan.
Those roller coasters are so thrilling and I’ve never seen such fast-speed, enormous ones even outside of Japan.
This time I’m here with little kids but we enjoyed Thomas land and Lisa and Gaspard area enough.
We loved Fujiyama lookout, we could get a beautiful picture there.
If you are registered to FujiQ free e-newsletter then preschool kids’ free passes are free until next May!
Ayaka Ioki — Google review
My trip was very pleasant. The only thing I didn't like is the waiting time for rides with very short time duration. You wait 30 minutes for 3 minutes ride. I recommend going on weekdays. We bought all day pass but we couldn't ride them all (working hours were 10:00-18:00). Overall, I recommend!
Yi?it Can ?enbahar — Google review
Definitely worth a visit, some kick a$$ roller-coasters here. You can pay 2000 per ride or take a day pass for 7500. Entry to the park is otherwise free. No rides, no pay. Don't go there on weekends/holidays. On a friday morning less than 30 minutes waiting
Patrick — Google review
Had an amazing time. Definitely worth a visit. If you can afford it get the express pass for the big 4. Unfortunately two of the big 4 were down for maintenance on the Friday we visited. Wait times were around 30 mins max for the other rides. Magical location at the base of Mt Fuji if the sky is clear you can see the whole mountain.
Grant Baldock — Google review
I bought the afternoon ticket and can enter the park after 2PM. You can exchange the voucher with the ticket at the ticket machine, and when you enter they will take a photo of your face which will be used when you take any ride. The queue were very long, over 1 hour for the popular rides. Only managed to take 3 rollercoaster before the closing time.
Jeffrey Tanujaya — Google review
The entry is free but all rides are chargeable like every other place.
This is a french small town like setting. This contains, french shop, bakery, fountain, street, cafes, and one very pretty french car with lots of flowers.
The colour tone is very pretty. Walls are creamy and pink mostly. This gives awesome look exactly like a french town.
There is french library, wine shop and restaurant. But every thing is managed by Japanese so we should expect Japanese food better than french cuisine.
There is 6200 yen ride for whole day. This is worth if you really like rides. Most of the rides are for adults specially the roller coaster which has recorded max number of turns. This was fun time but I had to move to another attraction nearby so I didn't take ride. You as a guest must take it
Rahul Gupta — Google review
I would definitely recommend people to buy One day pass which is comparatively cheaper than other courses.
I visited during weekend at night time, we have to stand in queue for each ride,where the Guinness world Record will take more time.
All the ride were awesome and thrilling, they also have App to check the waiting time for each ride and would possibly try the Asylum next time which would be much scary as it looks.
Nippon Bōken — Google review
Best Amusement Park in Japan. Four different roller coasters would give you damn thrilling experience. Till now it has been the best roller coaster ride. Sometimes waiting time can be longer but don't quit. The rides are amazing, one must try all of these rides. I am surely coming back here soon.
Sanjeev Kumar Mall — Google review
We had a really good day at Fuji Q! It wasn't too busy which meant we could ride the bigger rides more than once. Staff are all happy and enthusiastic! Our favourite ride was Fujiyama - King of Coasters it may be one if the best I've ever been on!
The only downsides were that the park was a bit of a maze and there were no maps, only an app which isn't available on the Play store If from out of Japan! It was also sad to see it was a bit run down in places, they are building a new ride but there are also forgotten parts of the park that haven't been looked after (below the view point)
We would love to go again and ride the big rides
John Knight — Google review
Highly recommended for those who love scary rides.
You will find endless of such rides here, to satisfy your emotional craving.
No fancy theme, no cartoon characters, just exactly how an amusement should be.
Very enjoyable get away with friends.
Carol Tan — Google review
Combined an evening trip here with a day trip from Tokyo to the Aokigahara forest. We just happened to stumble across this place on maps while having a late lunch near kawaguchiko station. We found out it was free entry so we decided we had to at least check it out before we head back to Tokyo. We were captivated with every bit of the park when we walked in. The rides were massive and the park wasn’t busy. We walked around and checked out all the rides until we decided we had to try the Fujiyama coaster despite not being able to tell how long the line was. The ticket was ¥2000 each but it was well worth it. The line was only 20 minutes and coaster was over 3 mins long. We would love to come back and try a day pass so we can get the full experience of the park. Lots of food and snack options available. Large assortment of high octane rides and slower smoother “kid” rides. The view of Mt. Fuji was unbelievable from the park and rides.
Benjamin Shand — Google review
This place has truly earned its nickname of "Fuji Queue". Despite being far from any major city, the lines were easily 60-90 minutes for the more exciting rides and at minimum 20 minutes for the slow, child-friendly ones.
If you are going here, go early (before 12pm) as most visitors get here around 2pm. Buy your highway bus/train/express train tickets at least a few days in advance and stay the night in the area if you can. We did this as a day trip and the stress was not worth it.
The few rides we made it onto were amazing though, felt like we were going to die.
Ting ting — Google review
This might be the best theme park I have ever visited. I’ve been to Disney Sea and it was full of people and everything was quite expensive.
FujiQ was the opposite of Disney and it makes it so enjoyable.
All the rides are more fun and adrenaline generating. It does lack in atmosphere but who cares about characters and sets when you’re having fun actually riding the rides instead of waiting in line for 2 hours.
The fast pass system is easy, just find a station near the desired ride and pay ¥2300 yen per person and select the time you will be using it.
Some lines for the very popular rides took about 45 minutes but I can tell during weekends and busy periods they can be well over an hour.
Just come during the weekday and wait times are more 20mins to 10mins.
JimJam — Google review
You can either purchase a day-pass or buy tickets for each ride. Some rides have fast passes and while they cost around 15€ per person, they are well worth the investment and usually cut down the waiting time from 45-90 min to 0-10 min!!
The rides are also extremely unique! This park boasts 3 world records!
A very enjoyable amusement park with a beautiful view to Mount Fuji!
Stefan Hiebl — Google review
Definitely would be a 5 star experience if more rides were open. I negated a star because there were only a few rides open. We purchased fast passes (10,000¥ for 5 of us/2000¥ each) for Eejanaika, stood in line, then were told that it was closing for repairs. We went and ate lunch then headed back to the coaster again since it had reopened. Since it was the only chance on our trip to visit Fuji-Q, we chose to pay for fast passes for the only 2 coasters that were open. We will definitely go back, but next time we will more than likely pay per ride rather than purchase the unlimited ride pass unless more rides are open.
Rebecca Palmer — Google review
It was a craaaaazzzyyy experience. We took the King of Coasters ride. That explains why it was crazy. 😆 but we had so much fun after. And I wanna try other rides also next time.
???Ruru — Google review
Nice amusement park right next to mount Fuji. If the clouds clear a bit you'll see Fuji more closely than I expected. The attractions in the park had som confusing opening hours. Some closed early in the afternoon and done opened only in the afternoon. A couple of attractions we're also closed, disappointingly one of the most spectacular ones which wasn't really advertised which would have been nice to know in advance. Overall a nice day-trip from our stay in Tokyo.
Björn Lindahl — Google review
I was thrown in every direction and spun in every axis all while having a beautiful Mt Fuji view. Incredible. The best roller coasters in Japan, and possibly in the world. Each is unique and hold some kind of record. It’s quite pricey but it’s worth buying the priority passes to skip the monstrous queues for the major attractions. Eejyanaika broke my brain but like in a good way. A little bit of planning is necessary to hit all the major rides within a day. Definite 10/10 experience with my friends.
Jumi — Google review
The all day pass was so worth it! Go early and try all of the rides. Their hyper 5th dimension rollercoasters hold world records. The food selection here was also really good. There’s a Lawson just outside and you have in/out privileges so you could also eat there and save some money. If you love amusement parks this Truly cannot be missed. This was one of the highlights of our trip. WAY better than Universal Studios!
K H — Google review
I was there yesterday Thursday, April 4 with my wife, since we were in a rush we were using priority tickets almost everywhere due to that there was no waiting time for almost all attractions. Also due to cloudy weather there were not so many people, however waiting queues were ~30-60min without a priority pass.
Worth visiting all attractive if you have enough time and bravery, best day in our trip.
Vladimir CrazyJ0e Novosilov — Google review
Fuji-Q Highland offers a thrilling blend of amusement park excitement and breathtaking views of Mount Fuji. The park boasts world-class roller coasters like the infamous Fujiyama and the heart-pounding Takabisha. While exhilarating, be prepared for long queues, especially on weekends. The park's atmosphere is lively, featuring diverse attractions for all ages, including Thomas Land for younger visitors. However, some facilities might benefit from updates. Food options range from traditional Japanese to familiar favorites. Overall, Fuji-Q Highland delivers an adrenaline-packed experience with the iconic backdrop of Mount Fuji, making it a must-visit for thrill-seekers and nature enthusiasts alike.
ajleeblog — Google review
If you are looking to have a day trip from Tokyo with thrills and gorgeous scenery then I heavily recommend Fuji-q. Went on a Sunday in April and the lines were short at max 30 minutes and we rode every major rollercoaster which there are 5 big ones within 3 hours. The rides are legitimately top notch! The video I uploaded is by far the best ride there! The entire staff in the whole park is very nice and you can pay for all your food and tickets with your suica card as well, which is very convenient!
Dustin Johnson — Google review
If you’re NOT a thrill seeker; this is not for you! That’s your disclaimer. Fuji Q has been one of the best amusement parks in the world that I have been to. I did not have high expectations but I left speechless and on an adrenaline rush. Yes the lines were long, I went on a Saturday but if you’re willing to splurge; you can buy a priority pass to skip the wait. One for each ride though. Sometimes I did wait in line because I didn’t mind if it was a 50 min wait. Absolutely the time of my life! 12 mins away from Mt. Fuji!
Miss Coleman — Google review
They have absolutely crazy rides, I recommend if you love thrill rides, there's also some more chill rides to enjoy in the park and they have a great Naruto park! I recommend going the whole day, don't go just for the afternoon, unless you buy skip queue tickets, because the queues are long even in February!
McFudge 3578 — Google review
You can enjoy here if you like extreme rides. Its better to try to visit fuji Q because you can enter inside for free. But if you want to ride you need to pay the ride ticket using there vending machine ticket it cost ¥2000 per head. But you can go there if you want site seeing or food trip. Because they have lots of food cart inside.
海老原あゆみ — Google review
4.3
(20799)
•
4.0
(1321)
5 Chome-6-1 Shinnishihara, Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi 403-0017, Japan
Nagatoro Iwadatami is a picturesque location situated in the mountains of Saitama Prefecture, northwest of Tokyo. The area has been designated as a prefecture nature park and preserve, featuring a forested river canyon that is lined by layered rock formations. Visitors can enjoy wooden-boat cruises along the river, as well as rafting and hiking activities. This stunning natural spot is best visited during spring or summer, but not recommended during winters.
Saitama is quite far, but definitely a unique experience! Its beauty and simplicity makes the place even better. It’s also a great place for adventure, as there are many different things to explore.
Larissa Garcia — Google review
Nice and the view is wonderful especially if it is not crowded. It is not allowed to dip in the waters though.
JIELENE SATO — Google review
very cool place.
didn’t go for boat trip due to cold weather, but walking around the river was worthwhile enough!
not raining season so waterfall was rather tiny, tho the patterned rocks are absolutely stunning.
Gladys Lee (Lemontea_gladys) — Google review
The river and the view are so beautiful. It's autumn so you can see colorful trees. Love it.
Susi Susanti — Google review
A very nice and peaceful place, suitable for family outings in Saitama. In addition, there are many services there such as boating, kayaking, etc. The food in that area seems to be famous for Soba because there are quite a few Soba shops nearby. The most beautiful season is Spring and Fall so make sure you come here around that time.
LONG PHAM HAI — Google review
Very cool place to go for a cheeky swim with friends. The water is nice and fresh. Strong current but great to be carried away alone with your thoughts. Also there are a couple of tall rocks to jump off of.
Maksim Farkas — Google review
Beautiful Boat ride cost is 2000 yen per person. Well worth the price. At the end of the boat ride. There is a free shuttle bus taking you back to the train station. We went there late am on weekdays so was not too busy....
sornwit nitayaprapha — Google review
A breathtaking river boat ride that lasts about 20 minutes. It starts around the Nagatoro train station and drops you off about 100m away from the starting location. The ride itself has calm and turbulent portions. The scenery at the end of the boat ride is majestic.
Victor — Google review
Going down the river was thrilling and I was able to see beautiful scenery.
Yuko Koda — Google review
It is an unusual terrain with a series of huge rock formations. There are many people near the boat pier, but as you move away from that area, the number of people decreases. It is a very relaxing place rich in nature. The kids enjoyed their rocky adventure. We can find many tadpoles and frogs here. The view of the boats on the river is also beautiful. The boats are very popular and you may have to wait in line for quite a while to get tickets.
Rintaro — Google review
Beautiful place to enjoy the nature. But not really recommended to visit in winters (of course you can just mark it off on the checklist). Preferably go in spring/summer. DON'T do the boat ride. It's so useless. 1000 yen for a 20 minutes ride. They may shorten the ride according to them but will not change the price. NOT WORTH. Other than that, great place to enjoy nature and good food.
Rahul Garg — Google review
Fun, beautiful place to visit if you're in town.
ELBACHIR BELBACHIR — Google review
4.2
(4472)
•
4.0
(285)
Nagatoro, Chichibu District, Saitama 369-1300, Japan
Lake Kawaguchi, the second-largest of the Fuji Five Lakes, is a picturesque destination renowned for fishing, camping, and hiking. Nestled amidst mountains and lakes, it offers stunning views of Mount Fuji and features the famous Red Rock Wall with its breathtaking waterfalls and canyons. Visitors can partake in various water activities such as rowing and sailing or explore museums, galleries, theme parks, and hot springs for a diverse travel experience.
Lake Kawaguchi locates in southeastern Yamanashi near the border with Shizuoka. It’s the easiest to access from Tokyo of the five lakes near Mt. Fuji (including Lake Kawaguchi, Lake Motosu, Lake Sai, Lake Shōji and Lake Yamanaka).
Lake Kawaguchi is situated at an altitude of approximately 833 m (2,733 ft). It has the total surface area of 6.13 km2 (2.37 sq mi), maximum depth of 15.2 m (50 ft) and shore length of 19.08 km (11.86 mi).
On a still, clear day, visitors can see a perfect mirror image of Mt. Fuji reflected in the lake. With hot springs, good fishing, museums and plenty of attractions, the lake makes for a relaxing getaway from Tokyo or Yokohama. It's easy to see why Kawaguchiko has attracted outdoors enthusiasts for centuries.
Visitors can take a train or a highway bus from Tokyo to the Lake Kawaguchi. Take a train from JR Shinjuku Station to JR Otsuki Station on the JR Chuo Line (about an hour) then change to the Fuji Kyuko Line for Kawaguchiko Station (JR Rail Pass not accepted). Or can also get to Kawaguchiko Station by bus from Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal in just under 2 hours.
In spring, the lake is ringed with cherry blossom trees, and the trees on the northern shore are illuminated at night for the Fuji-Kawaguchiko Cherry Blossom Festival in mid-April. In summer, the Kawaguchiko Herb Festival at Yagizaki Park is awash in purple lavender from late June to the middle of July. The Fuji-Kawaguchiko Autumn Leaves Festival also held on the northern shore of the lake, takes place during the first two weeks of November, with classic views of Mt Fuji framed by maple leaves. Winter is the best time to see Mt. Fuji clearly.
In 2013 the lake was added to the World Heritage List as part of the Fujisan Cultural Site.
* Photos courtesy of Internet. Thanks!
Dinh Tuan — Google review
I’ve been there in 2019. The lake is very beautiful it’s blue and clear you can take a beautiful lake pictures here. You can see mountain Fuji and this lake together when you been here. The environment around there are wonderful around this lake has many of trees and plants you can breathe in the fresh air there it’s very good for your respiratory health. The weather when I was there is very comfy in daytime ,but chilly at night. At night it was very dark around there my advice is careful when you are driving. Japanese people are nice you can ask local people when you get lost ( It would be great if you learn some basic Japanese word for traveling in Japan). When I was there some local people can talk English a little bit if you want to be comfortable in Japan Japanese language is quite important. The Japanese food around there are amazing it’s very delicious and fair price the quality of the ingredients in food are very good. If you have a chance to go to Japan this place should be added to your trip. Hope you guys have a nice time in Japan. Thanks for reading this review.
Bank Peerawich — Google review
この写真は12月上旬の写真です。
春も美しいですが富士山を見るにはオススメな時期です。今からなら旅行の予約に最適!!
素晴らしい湖です!美しい!
富士山を眺める事ができます!
車での移動ですが、近くには富士急ハイランド、富士世界遺産センター(山梨)浅間山神社、北口本宮富士浅間神社、忍野八海、山中湖など!富士五湖を巡る事ができます!
弾丸で山頂を目指すより!ゆったりした気分で旅行を楽しみ綺麗な富士山を見て見てください!
温度差、急な悪天候
富士山登山
弾丸でのご来光は非常に危険です。
富士山を登りご来光をご覧になりたい方は山小屋予約の宿泊をし1泊2日が必要になります。
(Translated by Google)
This photo was taken in early December.
Spring is also beautiful, but it is a recommended time to see Mt. Fuji. Perfect for booking your trip now! !
Great lake! beautiful!
You can see Mt.Fuji!
Although it is a car trip, nearby Fuji-Q Highland, Fuji World Heritage Center (Yamanashi) Sengenyama Shrine, Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine, Oshino Hakkai, Lake Yamanaka, etc.! You can go around Fuji Five Lakes!
Rather than aiming for the summit with a bullet! Enjoy your trip in a relaxed mood and see the beautiful Mt. Fuji!
Temperature difference, sudden bad weather
Mount Fuji Climbing
It is very dangerous to arrive with bullets.
If you want to climb Mt. Fuji and see the sunrise, you will need to reserve a mountain hut and stay for 1 night and 2 days.
Ao — Google review
A beautiful lake with a stunning view of Mount Fuji. A path leads around the lake, with access points to the beach via steps.
There are shrines around the edge.
There were people fishing and boating on the lake.
There were, also, some hotel restaurants around the edge.
I did not find any toilets at the lakeside.
There are access points for people who use a wheelchair to get onto the pathway around the lake.
Jenny Clate — Google review
An autumn made perfect with beautiful symphony of golden yellow and vibrant red leaves dotting the lake. And a perfectly clear sky with majestic Fujisan is an icing on the cake.
Foong Yee Loh — Google review
Experiencing the best view of Mount Fuji often requires a stroke of good luck. Whether it's the weather cooperating, the skies being clear, or finding the perfect vantage point, catching a glimpse of Japan's iconic peak in all its majesty can feel like a fortunate moment indeed.
00Y — Google review
You can get a great view of Fuji-san from here (pray it doesn't get cloudy on the day of your visit). Serenity achieved.
Kate Rys — Google review
Beautiful lake at the heel of Mt Fuji. Reminiscent of Switzerland with the lake houses and establishments congesting the perimeter of the lake. Great view of Mt Fuji from the north side of the lake.
Jason Chuei — Google review
This was a fun late-autumn to early winter trip. Lake Kawaguchi and the surrounding neighborhood is a sleepy little getaway right smack in view of the famous Mt. Fuji. There are many different hotels that you can stay at, many of which offer the traditional Japanese experience (with tea), and you can get around the lake easily by rented bicycle. It's a nice spot for a weekend trip if you live in Japan or if you just want to not do the traditional route of Kyoto, Tokyo, or Osaka, like most tourists do.
Mark Cogan — Google review
富士山が目の前に見れて綺麗ですが、観光地で大変混んでいるのと、全て観光地の値段設定なので⭐︎3です。
駐車場が無料なので、河口湖と富士山を観に短時間立ち寄るには良い場所かと思います。
(Translated by Google)
Mt. Fuji can be seen in front of you and it is beautiful, but it is very crowded in tourist spots, and all prices are set in tourist spots, so ⭐︎3.
The parking lot is free, so I think it's a good place to stop by for a short time to see Lake Kawaguchiko and Mt. Fuji.
osaka lover — Google review
Came October 12, 2023. It is walking distance from Kawaguchiko station. A nice relaxing place where you can stroll and hangout. Lots of restaurants, cafe, activities nearby. Too bad wasnt able to see Mt Fuji's peak as it was cloudy, but it is still beautiful.
Kay de la Cruz — Google review
If you stay any hotels in the hot spring street, you can go out in early morning to see the reflection of the mountain on the lake. Go out early to take photos and back to hotel for breakfast, follow to other attractions nearby.
Mic Mic (little_micmic) — Google review
2nd week of November seems to be best in my opinion. These photos are from November 11th 2021 from various locations while walking along the lake.
Kevin Kwok — Google review
fter I had done climbing Mt Fuji, I continued to explore Mount Fuji Prefecture by visiting Lake Kawaguchi, the second largest of Fuji Five Lakes and the popular place to see the iconic Mount Fuji.
Lake Kawaguchi is surrounding by many popular resorts and lakeside hotel, is a popular destination for outdoor adventure activities, such as boating, skiing, kayaking, windsurfing, swimming, camping, and fishing.
I managed to go up the hill to Tenjoyama Park, a popular park to view Mt Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi. Tenjoyama Gokoku Shrine is located on this park. There are toilets, benches and an observation deck, a perfect place to take a break.
JoonBond — Google review
Visiting Oishi Park and viewing Mt. Fuji from the shore of Kawaguchi Lake is truly an unforgettable experience. As you make your way through the park, you'll notice the tranquil and picturesque surroundings, with lush greenery and flowers blooming all around you.
kido — Google review
Stunning views of Mt Fuji! Would definitely want to come back in spring or autumn. It’s a really nice walk around the lake or you can ride a swan boat or an electric boat
Jingyi Chen — Google review
Too sad i just came here for a day trip. Would love to come back here some day and spend 2-3 days here. This city was so beautiful, serene, made my heart flutter just to see the mountain and the lake and the street here
daily eat & wanderlust — Google review
Chasing Autumn,Japan November 2023
My first stop from my five destinations for my trip. I visited Fujikawaguchiko for the third time and never got bored. You will never miss the.majestic Mount Fuji. Lot of places to visit, and restaurants are all easy access.
Rohanna Ibrahim — Google review
What a gorgeous viewing point for Mount Fuji! We’re so lucky that the skies are clear and we get a clear view of the mountain. Coupled with the red and yellow leaves all over, it really sets the scene for a breathtaking sight. Definitely recommended for everyone!
Pei Rong — Google review
Lake Kawaguchiko
It is the second largest of the Fuji Five Lakes in terms of surface area, and is located at the lowest elevation.
It also has the longest shoreline of any of the Fuji Five Lakes. Which in my opinion has the best view of Mount Fuji. that is also why this lake has the most number of people.
I suppose this area is crowded as there are a couple of varying accommodation facilities in the area. There are many lakeside hotels, windsurfing facilities, camp sites, and excursion boats etc.
Definitely worth a visit, i also think Mount Fuji has a view that i would never get tired of. We took a very long stroll along the coastline and this is one of the natural attractions that i stopped to take a photo of every few steps.
I think its cuz the view although very much similar, is a bit different at different view points. This especially more so where the sun is setting and every minute that passes, the sun rays strike the mountain at a different angle.
Definitely stay till after the golden hour till the blue hour. Well worth your time. Although do come dressed warmly. Maybe it is just me but i had on heat tech and a scarf and at times had to pull up my hoodie so the wind doesn't get to me.
I visited on 2 April 2024.
Aiyoh MJ — Google review
Beautiful unimpeded view of Mt Fuji. There was a crafts market by the lake. I think it would be nice to ride a bike along the lake if the weather is good. I’d recommend checking the weather forecast beforehand to check visibility because when we were in Fuji on the following day the fog completely masked the view of Mt Fuji. On the 4/4/24 the cherry blossoms had not bloomed yet.
Kat D — Google review
Beautiful spot for Fuji viewing and relaxing. The lake is very big and around it, offers many spots for sightseeing and enjoyment. Best time to go is of course when it’s a good weather and clear sky
Blanka Kobayashi — Google review
Lake Kawaguchiko, one of the best place for stress relieve since the weather is fresh, quite breezy in mid October but one layer or long sleeves is enough. I think one the most convenience transport in the area is by bicycle. You can enjoy every view, feel the fresh air and wind, and it's quite flexible to go anywhere. Bicycle is WORTH IT.
Destin Benyamin — Google review
Stunning view of nature - Mt Fuji. One of the must visit places when in Japan! Visited during December 2023 period and was blessed with clear blue sky & great weather. Also helped that we reached early at around 10am.
E F — Google review
Beautiful place to view the majestic view of Fuji-san. A must visit place in Japan, especially if you are in Japan during autumn. There are multiple photoshoot locations around the area. Mid November is the best time to visit. Weather is a bit cold during the time and is a bit far away from central Tokyo. But, it's worth all the efforts.
Abhijith Sasikumar — Google review
4.6
(2533)
•
4.5
(2344)
Fujikawaguchiko, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi, Japan
Shiraito Falls is a wide and unique waterfall located in the picturesque Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Despite being only 20 meters high, it is incredibly captivating due to its hundreds of individual streams that span across a 150-meter-wide rockface, resembling flowing white threads. Visitors can also enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Fuji and Suruga Bay from the daring Mishima Skywalk, which is the longest footbridge in Japan.
Beautiful Waterfall.
Remind me of my motherland Nepal.
The scene is really awesome and worth to watch.
I was very lucky that i saw a rainbow coming out from the waterfall.
The souvenir shop were also very unique.
Very beautiful waterfall on the lap of Mt fuji.
We were too lucky , after enjoying the beautiful nature we were also about to flew in the sky i.e paragliding.
Santosh Shrestha — Google review
Very beautiful 🤩! Perfect timing too, just before the fog rolled in. Take a look for yourself! I like that they have observation areas to take pic for the perfect shot. Restrooms are neat and clean. The small shops have a lot to offer for souvenir prices of course. A neat little fruit stand with fresh tasty samples to try.
Ken V — Google review
Beautiful spot to drop by and watch the falls for a while. Parking at the main lot is ¥500, but I think there were cheaper options a bit further away. The wall to the falls is an easy one, but has a lot of stairs so it isn't wheelchair friendly.
Cari Rivers — Google review
Very nice Waterfalls with a good view on mount Fuji. Can be quite crowded on weekends in peak season but a nice experience during weekdays.
Dominique Aubert — Google review
Stopped by this along the way to other attractions. Not a big crowd here.
Dont make this the highlight of your day.
2 small waterfalls (Shiraito and otodome waterfall) that happen to be in the vicinity of each other.
We popped by in and out very quickly, didn't go all the way down for a picture
Aiyoh MJ — Google review
Fantastic waterfall which is very beautiful and relatively easy access. It is also dog friendly which is a big plus if you have one. I visited in the winter and it was still accessible. Highly recommended if you are in the area and looking for a natural beauty spot.
Christopher Mills — Google review
Beautiful! Really worth a visit!! Amazing multiple large waterfalls.
Parking is really easy, we paid 500 yen, then a short walk (arround 5 minutes) on a paved walkway to get to the falls.
Tomer Gandler — Google review
Date visited: July 2023
This is one of my top favorite waterfalls in Shizuoka prefecture located in Fujinomiya. The waterfall is so magical, once you arrive here it's like you wanna stay for long that's how I felt. The falls rushing down, the clear water, the greenery..the beauty of nature at its best. This is just a few walks from the parking area which costs ¥500, but the falls itself has no entrance fee. One of the best thing on this place is that you can get a beautiful view of the majestic Mount Fuji and there is also another falls on the other side, the Otodome Falls. There are also cafes, souvenir shops and a fruit stand along the way. The place is well constructed that makes it easy to walk to have a closer look to the waterfall. Will surely visit again soon and this must be included on your must to go places here in Japan.
Joy Inocencio — Google review
Being able to walk along the waterfall and stream.
Let’s take a deep breath with negative ion abundant air and enjoy fresh strawberry and tangerine from roadshop.
https://youtu.be/oNhFoEP1ICQ?si=QatzBmV4pZ_aR1tm
Benjamine Ha — Google review
One of the Japan’s most beautiful waterfalls, located at the foot of Mt Fuji at the Shizuoka Prefecture side. This is a well maintained tourist sport and connected to Fujinomiya station by local buses. There are cafes and souvenir shops around the fall. This is a must visit place for nature lovers in the Fuji area.
Tanima Biswas — Google review
I visited Shiraito Falls on a misty evening and this place was magical. I am sure it is beautiful no matter when you come. And also amazing place to see a real beautiful view of Fuji. There might be bigger more beautiful falls in the world. But the falls coupled with the Fuji views in the background (from one of the platforms) makes it a truly amazing sight to behold.
Al-Amin Ahmad Olik — Google review
One of Japan's leading waterfalls, visited by many foreigners as well. It is beautiful, magnificent, and never fails to captivate its viewers.
There is a paid parking lot, and it is relatively easy to find a parking spot even if you come by car.
Additionally, there are restrooms, eateries, and souvenir shops available. Personally, I felt that the waterfall with the sound-blocking effect had a greater volume of water and a more impressive presence.
There is a souvenir shop that sells Akita Inu merchandise, and luckily, I was able to witness adorable Akita Inu puppies playing there.
Nd4 Neda4 — Google review
One of the best free things to do in this area although there are parking charges. However if you drive a little further up the parking charges in cheaper 200. The walk around the park is not too difficult.
Julian Wong — Google review
Beautiful waterfall that is very very wide.
We got lucky to show up and watch a special event of the whole waterfall get litup at night. Great atmosphere.
Niz Jay — Google review
Perfect clear view of Fuji-San. On the drive to the waterfall, you get your first view of how great the mountain. However, when I saw the waterfall and climbed down to the water's edge, it was so beautiful and hard to take in. Honestly between Fuji-San and Shiraito no Taki, i wouldn't be able to confidently choose which one was the better, as they compliment eachother. On another note, as I went in winter and public transport is not that straightforward to the falls, there were only 1 foreign tourist family and a few Japanese families that made the experience very nice
Julian Wong — Google review
Beautiful falls. It is actually shorter walk to access the big falls If you park and the far parking beyond the big obvious parking lot
T R — Google review
Awesome place! So nice the water falls and the surrounding so peaceful. We can view Mt Fuji clearly. Easy to locate and the place maintained so well and clean. Ample parking. The informations centre also provide fantastic infos. Must come to visit.
Eddie Tan — Google review
Nice park. If you want to see Fuji there are better places with more disability to Fuji, but this place has waterfalls. It also has a cafe and some stores
Dylan Hall — Google review
I've lived in Japan for a while now, so if something can still take my breath away, it's truly amazing. I recommend going from the shiraito falls entrance rather than the one nearer to the other falls. The landscape slowly and majestically reveals itself from behind the trees, compared to the "instant gratification" reveal you get coming from the other side.
Shalom Alexandra — Google review
Especially beautiful before noon, when the Sun still lights up the valley. There are 3 observation plattforms with excellent view on the waterfalls. Entrance is free.
Pay attention to the Bus schedule. Luggage can be locked in boxes at the tourist information for 500¥.
BeWater — Google review
4.4
(12676)
•
4.5
(518)
273-1 Kamiide, Fujinomiya, Shizuoka 418-0103, Japan
Nestled at an elevation above 1,000m, Mitsumine Shrine is a historical and powerful site that has gained popularity as one of the leading "power spots" in Kanto. The shrine boasts must-see attractions including large trees along the entrance path, a majestic shrine, and an ancient sacred tree. Visitors can also witness breathtaking views of sea of clouds during spring and autumn.
Beautiful place and unique architecture as compared to the other Japanese temples/shrines.
Viraf Patrawala — Google review
Beautiful shrine with a great hike up to it, if you want. Very serene and peaceful. The architecture of the buildings is gorgeous and well kept.
Houston Jay — Google review
This is a bit of a slog but a very beautiful shrine, with great hiking nearby. There is water and snacks for sale at the shrine, but very little on the trails. It's best to go early, as the bus from Mitsumineguchi to the shrine takes almost an hour, and we were packed in like cattle. In the winter! Lots of wolf statues and torii gates. The shrine itself has services, and is flanked by two sacred trees that you walk out on a walkway to worship/appreciate. Worth the trip, but be prepared to stand up for a while to get there.
Laura Light — Google review
It takes a while to get here but it was worth it. For the adventurous, there are a couple of trails you can take to get there and also to the back temple. It was so quiet and serene, being surrounded by all the trees. Would definitely come back here again.
Kathy Wan — Google review
For me, shrines in Japan have always been something I tried to avoid due to them being so similar and not really offering anything unique. And this still stands for shrines in Tokyo. Outside of Tokyo though, the shrines are beautifully surrounded by nature.
Mitsumine shrine in Chichibu, Saitama is up ontop of a mountain with a superb view (if the weather is nice). Its not too crowded and if you're brave enough you can even hike up. It must be really worth it.
Neil Eichenberger — Google review
It is located in the Okuchichibu Mountains in Saitama Prefecture. It is said to be the strongest power spot in the Kanto area, overflowing with the power of nature. The "enmusubi tree" is said to be 800 years old, and the "chi" from the sacred tree is said to be 800 years old. The "Haruhai-den" (far hall of worship) is also popular for its spectacular view of the sea of clouds, if you are lucky.
9ineberry — Google review
The parking fee for this shrine's sedan is 520 yen. It's pleasant for a stroll, and the shrine grounds aren't very large. You can enjoy a nice view of the distant Chichibu landscape.
Ambrose Song — Google review
I come to pray every year. I will continue to visit every year.
HIROKI NOZAWA (???) — Google review
Wonderful place to relax and enjoy the oak trees that you won't notice time. Just be careful with the bus time schedule because there's only limited ride.
Allenar — Google review
Mitsumin Temple is the oldest temple in Saitama Prefecture. It was built by Yamato Takeru in 712. The temple is located 6617 feet up the mountain. (1603-1868) Many residents of present-day Tokyo used to trek to Chichibu on foot to pray for protection.
Saiful Islam — Google review
Very similar layout to Nikko. Deep in the mountain forest. The road is windy and a little far from the Chichibu itself. Very restful and large.
Mark Williams — Google review
A beautiful shrine and well worth the trip. If you're in the Chichibu area, this place is a must.
If you decide to drive, be sure to pack some snacks and to be careful on the road. The hour drive from chichibu is completely uphill on a very narrow road. There's two rest stops along the way, but there's no way to stop once you're at the base of the road leading to the shrine.
来灵水 — Google review
Beautiful shrine in the mountains. Options to include a mountain hike.
Mitsumine is a beautiful shrine high on the mountains outside of Chichibu (a little under an hour's drive). It is a great experience that is highly recommended. If you are feeling particularly energetic, you can hike from the temple (there's a good parking lot where you can leave your car) to several nearby mountain tops (between three and ten kilometres hiking away).
Even if you're feeling less energetic, the temple offers great views of the area around. One tip would be to explore the temple before lunch and eat at the little restaurant on the temple grounds which has a balcony overlooking the mountains.
marc prosser — Google review
So nice especially during autumn season! I Recommend when you’re around chichubu area!
Mae A — Google review
A wonderful temple to visit in Chichibu region. I took the bus from Seibu Chichibu Station and it took about 80min to come to this stop. The shrine is large and magnificent, with lots of areas and shops to explore. This area is also a hub for the hiking trail to Kumotori Mountain. I felt refreshed spiritually after visiting this temple.
Yoshi Mirai — Google review
recommended place when you visit Chichibu. Very peaceful sacred shrine .we went on saturday in April so a bit crowded . Don't forget to check the bus schedule at the bus information center(near seibu chichibu st.)
Ratsara Boonyaporn — Google review
4.6
(8567)
•
4.5
(441)
298-1 Mitsumine, Chichibu, Saitama 369-1902, Japan
Shosenkyo Gorge, located in Yamanashi, Japan, is a must-visit destination in autumn. This 1,250-square-kilometer area is part of the Chichibu Tama Kai National Park and offers stunning valleys, forested mountains, and charming rural towns. The gorge is famous for its breathtaking autumn foliage that explodes in vibrant shades of yellow, brown, orange, and red from early to mid-November.
Shōsenkyō Gorge as a whole is a beautiful and serene destination, easily accessed from Kofu. We arrived at Shōsenkyō Taki Ue on the local bus (IC card accepted) and commenced our adventure, starting with the ropeway, having lunch at a local soba shop and descending on foot through the gorge itself to the Greenline Shōsenkyō bus stop. The gorge hosts amazing scenery including Senga (Sengataki) Falls and a rushing river which runs parallel to the stone walkway. There is no entry fee required here, simply follow the path until you wish to exit. The route we took is fairly easy, and being downhill would be suitable for younger children.
Life's Abroad — Google review
Very beautiful nature area with Mountain views, a waterfall, and a river full of rocks. It’s also spotted with the occasional shrine/ temple and lots of little shops to eat. Easily one of the best places to visit in Yamanashi
Jacob Newcomb — Google review
Such a beautiful rock landscape plus the red leaves around you. It was a spectacular experience.
Anny's Travel Stories — Google review
●Parking fee ¥0(2022.11.11)
●Parking fee ¥0(2023.07.15)
●shuttle bus(middle parking→Ropeway) ¥300/person(2023.07.15)
※There is a free parking lot near the ropeway station, so we might not need to teke a shuttle bus.
もりもり — Google review
Came for photos in early Nov. There's enough red and yellow foliage for good pictures but it's probably more colorful in mid November I'd think.
There are several hiking options depending on how much time you have. We went with the faster route and also took the cable car to the summit. It was a pretty easy walk with lots of opportunities for photos. Hiking shoes are not necessary (maybe in the winter though).
There are also several food shops, souvenir shops and vending machines along the way, so you don't need to take a bunch of food and drink with you if you don't want to.
For our group of 4, it was roughly the same price taking the bus vs taxi. The taxi is slightly less rough than the bus if someone is prone to car sickness.
Mewslie — Google review
Really nice hiking area with multiple lots of free parking. All of the main paths are paved so it is more like a walk rather than a hike. Their are also vending machines, restrooms and food stalls along the path. Best to arrive in the morning to beat most of the crowds.
Also, there is a lot of construction on the way up and down the mountain, just be prepared.
I went on a rainy day in mid November, which is the perfect time to go because the autumn maple leaves look amazing! The hike could have been marked better with more English assistance, but otherwise it was pretty easy. The green line bus is reasonably priced, but comes about once an hour, so be careful about your return. I would highly recommend this hike!
Stuart Auld — Google review
Shosenkyo is a nice place for hiking because its mountain view is awesome. I recommend people who are planning to go to Kofu area to go Shosenkyo. For people who are planning to go, I recommended them to check which bus lines are available because some bus lines are closed during the winter time.
Kelvin Wong — Google review
Shosenkyo Gorge, best place to see foliage on November. Not far from Tokyo, only 2.5 hours by Highway Bus.
Agus Sainjati — Google review
A quite and beautiful place, interesting rocks and streams, around the waterfalls there are many good shops and restaurant. A worthy and relaxing experience.
If you're a whiskey enthusiast visiting Yamanashi, the Suntory Hakushu Distillery is a must-visit destination. Here, you can delve into the rich history and craftsmanship behind Hakushu Single Malt Whiskey while immersing yourself in its cultural significance. Expert staff will guide you through the distillery, allowing you to experience the sights, smells, and sounds of whiskey production.
Did a remote tour of the distillery and it was great! The attached photos are the remote tour “kit” that they deliver shortly before the Zoom tour. The tour is entirely in Japanese, so some language ability is required. Very informative and very good! Looking forward to visit in person.
Zachary Hubbell — Google review
A nice whiskey distillery tour. The tour of manufacturing process is good, probably there is somewhere better but this tour is good enough if I’m really honest. If you don’t speak Japanese, you will have a headset with different languages recordings.
What makes this tour different is the fact that they spends quite a lot of time in the tasting sessions. It explains the whiskey flavour profile in a lots more details compared to all of my previous tours in different distilleries/ château. Also the tasting session was done in a nicely decorated room which make the whole experience better! And one of the highlights is the paid whiskey tasting in the bar! You can try those rare/ old whiskey in a reasonable price such 30 years Hibiki at ¥5000. On top, you can purchase 1 bottle of Hakushu at retail which is a must buy! Definitely worth visiting!
Jason Fung — Google review
Being a huge whisky fan, it is an honour to be able to visit the distillery. Do book in advance to get a tour (where a guide will share about the distillery in Japanese, they have a phone which English translation is provided). If you can't get a tour, you can book to visit the distillery on your own.
The best part is to try out their whisky and unfortunately only 3 types are served per pax. I wish I could drink more as I love their whisky a lot.
This distillery is simply amazing whereby we got to see the malting, mashing, fermentation, distillation and maturation processes.
Song Yong Low — Google review
Really neat distillery, highly recommend visiting if you can, just make sure you make reservations online as far in advance as possible. The tasting afterwards was fun. Get to the store before the tour if planning to buy whiskey since they will sell out of the daily quota quickly.
Bryan Harris — Google review
This is by far one of the best Japanese single malts I have ever tasted, it’s got the light colour and distinct island taste. Perfectly paired with Japanese foods especially teppanyaki.
Sathish Umapathy — Google review
Good experience go on the tour of the Distillery. It is in Japanese but foreigners are given a hand held device in their selected language. The bar has many Suntory brand whisky to offer and at amazing prices, many not found even in bars in Tokyo. The water they offer at the bar is directly from the mountain and it was delicious, best tasting water ever!
Only disappointment is there is no whisky to be bought at their shop. Many other souvenirs though. Have to go early as the bar and shop close at 4:30pm. We were rushed.
Carnivore HK — Google review
I gotta say, this distillery is one of the Best distilleries I’ve visited in Japan! Its set in a serene and beautiful forest and the dram it produces is one of most sought after in the world!
I highly recommend the ¥1000 whisky tour as they take you on a beautiful journey around the distillery plus the free tasting and highball making class at the end is well worth it.
Downside is it’s a bit of a trek to get here, as the free shuttle is not as frequent as you’d expect!
Tip: cost efficient way to get to get here is to buy a 5 day Flexi JR East pass. this pass will cover you for travel for all Tokyo JR lines, won’t cover you travelling west to Osaka or Kyoto.
Fastest way to get here is a train from Shinjuku to Kobuchizawa and take the free shuttle. If you miss the shuttle the taxi is the best bet price estimate - ¥1500-¥2000.
PS: there’s no aged whisky or any hakushu at this distillery. They only have the Chita for ¥3500 or so.
Ed Li — Google review
I was fortunate enough to snag a tasting and factory tour spot while I was in Japan. Pretty easy to get to. Learning about their history and their process of making whisky was inspiring. I’ve enjoyed every bit of it. We went in a storage building and the first thing that hits you is the smell of the aging whisky. It’s not a smell for everyone, but it smelt good to me. In the end we got to make our own highballs. The best part was their bar. You can select 3 glasses at a time from their bar selection. I’ve picked some really good ones and then treated myself for another round. I would most likely go back.
Chris Payne — Google review
Totally worth the trip out here. The tour was very well presented and educational. After the tasting you get to check out the taste bar and try some of the best whiskeys in the world for a very reasonable price. Only negative was there weren't any bottles of whiskey for sale. Overall, still an amazing experience!!
Yee Lu — Google review
The tour is educational but the real treat is being able to purchase tastes of their rare whisky. I got to try 25 year whiskies for a little over $100 USD. Incredible! See my photos for the details of the flight
Mary N — Google review
Very nice visit of suntory natural mineral water and whisky distillery. Unfortunately due to Covid-19 we were not able to visit the whole distillery as the number of people was limited. But we were able to taste very rare and limited versions of suntory whiskies at a very affordable price. I recommend this visit, it was very pleasant.
Olivier Ory — Google review
4.3
(984)
•
4.5
(367)
2913-1 Hakushucho Torihara, Hokuto, Yamanashi 408-0316, Japan
The Suwa Taisha Upper Main Shrine (Kamisha Honmiya) is a vast complex comprising wooden Shinto shrines, worship halls, and sculptures located in the serene forest of mountain foothills. The site is well-maintained by staff dressed in traditional attire who perform blessings such as safe travels for visitors. The shrine stamps are available here, adding to the experience. The sumo shrines are also worth visiting.
Visited this famous shrine in Nagano every new year these years. Love the atmosphere and you can eat and shop along the way to the shrine. Parking area is too busy during new year holiday but lucky enough to fine some vacancy a bit far from the spot.
Cecilia Chen — Google review
We enjoyed this shrine very much, tranquilly located on the edge of a forest and seemingly in harmony with the grand, towering trees that surround it. It is hard to appreciate Shinto shrines if you are not Japanese, or don't have a cultural and aesthetic understanding of their meaning, architecture and significance. But this one is just naturally attractive even if, like us, you have little understanding of what you are looking at. So much beautiful wood in the construction, and a pleasing absence of the signage that seems ubiquitous at many such places and that so badly mars the aesthetics.
Easy to get to by car, with free parking available nearby. Not sure how to go about getting here by public transport.
Howard Banwell — Google review
This was a huge complex. I liked how everyone was dressed in traditional clothes and taking care of the site. It was cool to see a blessing being performed for safe travels for a truck driver and his companion. I was able to get the shrine stamps here. Everything was so well kept. I liked the sumo shrines that where as well which was cool. After visiting here I ate some nice jelly like noodles at a nearby shop which was perfect for the very hot day.
Scott Combs — Google review
This is the biggest of the four Suwa Taisha shrines.
Lmts of interesting buildings and stuff. I enjoyed much here.
The main god is famous for Sumo wrestling.
星野浩 — Google review
30 mins from Suwa Akimiya and the parking is free.
Recommend to vist the 4 Jinjia at one time.
peifeng zhang — Google review
Beautiful shrine in the forest. I really liked it. A bit of a struggle to reach as buses were very infrequent.
Sophie Solioz — Google review
I visited in late January. One one hand it appears run-down—some structures were off-limits due to renovation, but on the other, it just feels really ancient. I did a little bit of research on this place prior to visiting (as we should, to appreciate the place more), and I knew this shrine is very culturally significant and one of the main ones in the country. It’s considered a power spot by many, but the only power I felt was the cold fingers of winter tucking themselves down behind my neck. It was cold. This shrine is one of the Suwa shrines that house the sacred logs that some brave, brave people ride down a mountainside during a festival that’s held every 6 years or so. I forget the name. I’m writing this on my phone half-dizzy after a strenuous hike.
Adrian Santos — Google review
This area has many beautiful shrines. The Shrines are all next to the mountains, so you feel connected to nature. It is a really peaceful here.
Alexie Mobley — Google review
Suwa Grand Shrine (Japanese: 諏訪大社 Hepburn: Suwa taisha), historically also known as Suwa Shrine (諏訪神社 Suwa Jinja) or Suwa Daimyōjin (諏訪大明神), is a Shinto shrine in Nagano Prefecture, Japan. It is considered to be one of the oldest shrines in existence, being implied by the Nihon Shoki to already stand in the late 7th century. It certainly carries a pride of place and there are thousand year old trees around the shrine. Set in a peaceful tranquil forest. A Shinto ceremony was held as we passed by for a large Japanese company and its staff.
The Ueda Castle Ninomaru ruin, which dates back to 1583, has been reconstructed atop a hill. The site includes two Shinto shrines and a museum that showcases the area's local history. Despite being relatively small in size, the place is quite pleasant. Although I did not have the opportunity to explore the castle itself, I was impressed by the abundance of flowers in the surrounding park and a delightful traditional event taking place nearby.
Huge park with museums, a shrine, and much more. You can spend so much time appreciating the history and beauty here. The whole month of April is a cherry blossom festival and it becomes very lively with street food stalls and people.
Nicholas Murphy — Google review
Really lovely castle with a very rich history of one of the coolest samurai clan in all of Japan, the Sanada clan, famous for their samurai uniform with antlers and red color (you've probably seen in movies). Ueda castle also had legendary defense battles against many sieges, the subject of a popular Japanese tv show "sanadamaru". The castle is also featured in other works such as "Summer Wars". While the castle gates aren't as big as Matsumoto castle, I think they are definitely worth visiting if you are in the area..they have amazing armor on display and a rich cultural center and museum nearby.
Baruch Tabanpour — Google review
A magnificent place to visit
Ben Goodman — Google review
The place overall is nice, even though rather small. We did not check out the castle but the park around it was full of flowers and there was a nice traditional event taking place
José Augusto — Google review
Well the old castle is basically destroyed, but the river around the castle, the Earth and the historic atomosphere is still there, telling people the stories in old days
redphone pink — Google review
Came here 4/10/2022 and the sakura were all in full bloom. Depending on the year, the time of the bloom will change so check before you go. There were many food stalls selling your standard Japanese snack foods. I walked around the moat about 3 times just to admire the beautiful sakura trees on both sides.
TIP: In the middle of the moat is this small park that everyone just tends to overlook so it's not that crowded. Bring or buy food from the food stalls and eat it here. If you have a tarp, you can spread it out on the grass. There are also benches you can sit on as well. I climbed up the stairs and got a seat under a gazebo, right in front of a GORGEOUS pink sakura tree.
Highly recommend this place during cherry blossom season. I personally wouldn't plan a trip here off-season though since there's not much of a castle to see (but I'm just not a castle person in the first place...)
Thoa Nguyen — Google review
just been here last Sunday 5/28/2023
yoshabel75 — Google review
Fun walking around the ruins. Great place for Pokemon go.
Matsumoto-jō Castle, located in Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture, Japan, is a 16th-century national treasure with striking black walls. Visitors can explore historical weapons exhibits and climb to the top for panoramic views of the city and snow-capped mountains. The castle grounds are adorned with maple and cherry trees, making it a popular spot for viewing red leaves and cherry blossoms in early November. The castle offers evening lighting events until 22:00.
Absolutely stunning castle.
You can get inside and see a lot of historical things including ancient guns and costumes. Photograph is prohibited inside the castle and you have to take shoes off.
A polythene bag is provided for carrying the shoes.
You can walk or get a bus from Matsumoto station.
Normally it doesn't take one hour to cover inside.
Staircases can be narrow and high angle(~70). So it makes nervous sometimes. but safe.
I suggest you to visit there around 3pm. so you see everything in daylight and have enough time to wait 6pm until Illumination starts.
I visited there 2022 Jan 5th and no snow that day
Narthana Sathsara — Google review
To see a national treasure treasure , was truly breathtaking. I have see places of ancient times before but this one definitely makes you feel like your in a past time. I recommend the tour of the castle inside to everyone.
Troy Eckhart — Google review
One of the few preserved original castles in Japan.
Along with an impressive firearm collection on display.
Not as big as Himeji, but that means you can take your time to look at the details, and still be able to do it within 2hrs.
Guests are required to take off their shoes and since there are only really steep stairs to walk up, make sure your socks are not too slippery.
Arthur Tam — Google review
Really amazing castle! I didn't go inside but it looks great with the park around. It's a really nice spot to just have a little drink and rest because of the great view! And it's also a bit cooler here in the summer than inside of the city.
Bram esendam — Google review
A good collection of ancient rifles. Good view through windows on the 6 floor. Not ideal for seniors with knee issues or weak legs as staircases are narrow, high, slippery and steep as much as 61°. Space within castle especially at upper levels are small and squeezy. Not recommended for families with toddlers as climbing up or down stairs carrying them is challenging and dangerous.
Ricky Lee — Google review
A castle nestled in the Japanese Alps that competes with Himeji for its beauty.
Nice to see from the outside which is free , or you can enter the castle itself for 700 yen or less ( pending on group size, kids pay, less etc ).
I went on a snowy day and it was freezing inside, so have extra warm socks and bring your gloves if you want to make the most of it like I did.
There's also a gun museum within the castle itself.
Nathan f — Google review
Such a beautiful castle! I've visited a few different castles during my time in Japan, including bigger ones like Himeji, but I think this one might be my favourite. The area around the castle is lovely, and the castle itself is unique for its black exterior.
When visiting, be sure to give yourself plenty of time as there is quite a bit of waiting around. You first have to queue to enter the castle, and then you queue again to go up the stairs to the higher levels.
Make sure you wear warm socks as you are asked to take your shoes off before entering. Even on a fairly temperate, sunny day my feet were freezing.
The stairs in the castle are incredibly steep and so are not suitable for those with mobility issues.
Ellie H — Google review
It's the main attraction in Matsumoto. The entrance ticket to castle is 700 JPY. The surrounding area is very nice and good to spend some time. We also able to see the night light show during our visit. It started at 6 pm and continues till 9 pm (This is during January)
Chamal Perera — Google review
I LOVE old castles. This is one of the top and most picturesque castles in Japan. But I will see 50 of the if I get the chance to see them in my lifetime. The Castle is in excellent shape and one of the very few that is virtually intact throughout its life.
Himeji Castle being the other that made it through the years. The History of the castle is heard through their intercoms system, there are guided tours as well. The location opens at 9am to 5pm but recommend coming at 9-11am before the crowds.
If you have not been in a Japanese Castle, be prepared for some very steep steps , some very high steps and some slippery steps. Leave what you can in the lockers by the gift shop as the steps are narrow and not made for tall people, the more hands you have available to make the climb and decent, the better.
Richard E — Google review
I may be a bit biased, seeing as this is my favorite castle, but I absolutely loved this visit. 松本城 has been my favorite castle for over a decade now, yet this was my first time visiting.
I highly recommend imagining what it was like to walk the halls some 450+ years ago when it was first built. Guaranteed a must-see if you have the time.
Ryk (RykGoodDesu) — Google review
A unique "black" castle with 6 levels. A walk around the park outside of the castle is a must especially in good weather! Do read the story while you are on the 6th level, about the beautiful deity. That was quite interesting. It is fairly busy with tourists hence the top 2 levels usually require queue to access.
Rtexal Tan — Google review
It's big, it's beautiful, it's famous - what more could you want? Well, I wish they wouldn't make one carry their shoes. I didn't say we should wear them in the castle. I just think it's dangerous carrying them with how steep the rake (angle, pitch) of the staircases are. And some of the steps have some pretty high rises (vertical distance between the steps) as well. I'm 63 and scared to death of falling and getting hurt. If a bug flies into me, I bruise. Shoes should be kept downstairs while visiting inside the castle. Hey, today you learned some staircase terminology, didn't you? You owe me.
無名 — Google review
The castle is so iconic with wooden interior, equip with the showroom of the ancient gun and other equipment. You can see the city and garden view from the top of the castle.
However, it was so crowded, that I can not spend longer time there. Moreover, the stair in the castle is quite steep, at some point, my leg was shaking. But it was a good experience tho.
The entrance fee is 700 yen for adult. You also can take a look at the souvenir shop near there.
Gemini Woman — Google review
An absolutely stunning castle. If you are looking for a Japanese castle experience, this is where you need to go. You can take a limited express train from Shinjuku. If you are staying in Tokyo, take day to visit this place. The view is stunning, there are swans in the water around the castle, there's a scenic bridge, there's a beautiful garden, and there's lights when it's dark.
The inside viewing is super crammed but still worth it. Bring thick socks in autumn and winter as you will have to take off your shoes. The stairs are extremely steep and narrow so you have to be in an appropriate physical shape. It's basically a long conga line that goes all the way up and then down again, you dont get to go at your own pace. The view from the top is nice, the museum is mostly about historic guns, and the building just feels very historic. I like that is has side buildings in addition to the main tower. Good pictures at sunset from outside the grounds and at sunrise from the garden inside.
Tobias Lass — Google review
Put this on your list if you want to see castles in Japan. You can get a free tour in English . See kiosk near entry . Walk around moat is free but entry fee for castle . Best photos are in afternoon. The red bridge on the north west corner is a good photo spot. Walk directly south on the Main Street to get great local noodles. You can walk it from the train station and easy flat route. In the late Fall you can see the snow capped mountains in the distance.
World Traveling — Google review
Great castle. A lot of castles are empty inside, but this castle used some floors as a museum to show off some artifacts. The staff were kind and did their best to speak English. Highly recommended if you find yourself in Nagano.
Joshua Hodges — Google review
I absolutely love this castle. The park around it is so good to take a walk, to have a meal, or just appreciate the castle. Inside the castle, you can see a little bit of the history behind it, you can go to the top of the castle and get 360 view of the city and the mountains. It’s beautiful all seasons.
Sadami Yoshida — Google review
Beautiful black castle. Pictures simply do not capture how nice it actually looks in real life. It gets crowded very quickly and that makes visiting a bit hard, since the stairs inside are so small. But definitely worth visiting. Pictures outside are much nicer though compared to the inside. Be careful with the stairs as there are many big drops that make my legs sore after climbing.
Jing Wu — Google review
We went there in the hot summer day. It was super hot.
When we was there, it took us 20-30 mins until we can get into the castle. Inside the castle was a little bit cooler.
The stairs inside the castle were very steep, I would recommend waring something suitable for climbing the stairs.
Inside the castle is a war museum that you can learn not only about the castle but also the war and history of the guns and weapon used in that period.
Worth visiting despite long waiting and so many kids there when we visit since it was Saturday during Summer vacation for Japanese students.
First name Last name — Google review
Beautifully Castle and worth the visit but I don't like the way you go through it. Always in line with million other people and not much time to see it at your own pace.
But overall, worth a visit.
Marta Kozak — Google review
I was greeted by an English speaking tour guide as soon I stepped into the gate and he was incredibly friendly and knowledgeable about the castle.
Getting into the castle itself was a long wait, followed by many more long waits inside as you move up and the down floors. The stairs are incredibly steep so that’s fun.
Would def recommend going first thing in the morning.
Elizabeth Ganak — Google review
Visited the castle on a weekend end of November , but wait time was still one hour. Consider another hour to hour and a half to get slowly through the castle. Steps are very steep so be careful. But for sure worth the wait since it is one of the most preserved castles in Japan. Entrance fee 700 ¥
Walter — Google review
We could enjoy the amazing scenery from the top of the castle! It’s worth to visit once in a lifetime!! Its a little bit cold in the end of March because of the strong wind😅
Ma S — Google review
Quite a large castle in comparison to the others in Japan, though may not be of same scale in other countries like China or Europe. You can complete the tour within 2 hours. You do need to take off your shoes when entering the castle to preserve its flooring, and you will be greeted by the staffs at every stairs.
This castle definitely still preserved the unique Japanese architecture designs from the 1600s. Along the way of your self-tour to the top level, you get to see the various weapons and explanation boards (in Japanese and English) to learn more of the history.
I would think a Japanese Castle is a must for first-time tourist to Japan.
Ad Chua — Google review
Lovely castle with a garden around. A lot of stairs and some very steep! Get the Sneaker Bus one day ticket if you want to get a discount for the castle ticket 😀
Monika Bednarczyk — Google review
The castle and grounds are beautiful... from the outside. Definitely come during the day and especially the evening when the castle is lit.
The tower tour was really awful. You are moved through in a line that goes too fast to read about the weapons, but so slowly as a non-breaking line tries to move up and down the narrow stairs. Really no need to go through the tower, there isn't much up there and it takes an hour to get through start to finish. I'm not sure why people recommend this.
Michael Wilson — Google review
The most beautiful and elegant Japanese castle and my most favorite castle. Going inside the castle is whole new experience. It takes you to the samurai era and old time in Japan. Highly recommend to go visit this amazing castle if you go to Matsumoto, Nagano.
DAISUKE OKAMOTO (OKAINA IMAGE) — Google review
Beautiful castle and surroundings. Be aware you will have to remove your shoes and that there are a few very step ladders to the upper floors. Don’t let this discourage you however as it’s worth every step.
The Zenkō-ji Temple, established in the 7th century, boasts a beautiful garden and treasure house. Its most cherished possession is the Ikko-Sanzon statue, considered Japan's first Buddhist image. Despite being unseen by even 37 generations of emperors, Zenkō-ji welcomes an influx of visitors every seven years during Gokaicho Matsuri to view a copy.
A beautiful 7th century temple and surrounding grounds with a long shopping street leading to it from the city centre. You can find lots of delicious treats on the way up the hill and some good gifts to take back home.
This temple is said to hold the first Buddhist statue to ever come to Japan and it is considered to be the birthplace of Buddhism in the country. Nagano Town was built around the temple and it continues to be a major point of interest in the modern city.
I love the two giant Nio Guardians at the outer gate south of the main gate. It is the first structure you pass as you walk up the hill from the city
Maher Itani — Google review
Visited on the first day of 2023 for the good luck new year blessing. Very crowded, but everyone was in polite manner. There's a special loop bus to digest the mass directly from Nagano Bus Terminal. It's my second visit at the temple, still as divine. The new year atmosphere is something I never experienced before. It was quite a journey!
Jason Hung — Google review
Not my favourite temple in Japan, but its size is undeniable and the architecture is praiseworthy. The straight path to the main hall reminded me a bit of Kaminarimon. My favourite part was the underground walk in the darkness (don't cheat by turning on your phone)
Éamon M — Google review
Very beautiful and picturesque old temple.
It is a national heritage site and the largest wooden structure in japan.
The pagoda at the back of the temple complex holds the ashes of those that died during WW2.
Very sacred place and worth this visit especially in winter.
Mitchell Hoeboer — Google review
This is an iconic location in Nagano. The temple area is so big and there are many shrines inside the temple area. During winter it's very attractive. It was highly crowded during weekend.
Chamal Perera — Google review
I went there to visit as a group visit during a Lamborghini event. A Beautiful temple in the heart of Nagano with different complexes. You can go up the temple to enjoy the views from the top. The temple where Kuukai the monk got raised. Very I interesting experience walking in the dark by touching the wall! The only tricky part is that you have to pay at every place you go… would be nice if there was one ticket for all. and it’s not too cheap if it adds up. But it’s I understandable as you need to maintain the temple to be visited by so many tourists !
Clara BODIN- Official — Google review
Have visited this temple at night time, around 9PM 🫣
all the stores around are already closed.
It was majestic at night because there was no crowd. Only the temple and the very silent sound of the area.
You should try to visit it and stroll around the area!
Jay-ar — Google review
Very cool temple in Nagano with a large complex of important buildings with interesting history! The temple itself is a very iconic building that has been the favorite temple I’ve visited so far in Japan. I’d recommend buying the combination pass (1200 yen) which allows you to enter to enter all the ticketed areas of the Temple grounds. Each is quite unique and worth a look. The Main Hall includes an underground passage which is quite dark and a fun experience to walk through! The Main Gate provides great views of the temple itself and the surrounding scenery. The museum offers many pieces of art related to the museum and the deities relevant to the temple. It also has a cool section with artifacts from when the 14th Dalai Lama visited Zenkoji. The last ticketed building has a large revolving storage for scripture that if you push it one full revolution will give you the same status as if you had recited all the scripture itself! Visiting Zenkoji is a must-do activity when visiting Nagano and the transportation is very easy from the city center! Also, the temple is surrounded by great small shops with souvenirs and some excellent food!
Max Davis — Google review
This is a beautiful and culturally important Buddhist temple. On the day we visited, there were hundreds of people. Many tourists were enjoying the beauty of the buildings, gardens, and statues. The locals were going about their rituals of prayer or celebration. Family groups celebrate their children's coming of age, dressed in their traditional kimonos. Worshippers receiving blessings from the priest or praying for good health. A great experience.
Master English — Google review
Main highlight to visit in Nagano. This gigantic buddhism temple has a long history over 1400 years.
Before getting to the main temple, there is a shopping street where you can enjoy buying souvenirs or snack or food.
The main temple offers an interesting activity that is, walking into a pitch black tunnel. You wont see a thing. What you do is to put your right hand on the walk and use it to guide your direction. There are a few turns there. As long as you hav your right hand on the wall it will be fine. It is believed that once you walk you are purified and then can go to get blessings with several places in the temple. There is also 'a key' in the tunnel ( I feel like a door handle) it is believed that if toy find the key in the tunnel, yoy will be blessed. It is about a waist level on the right and I reckon its about 2/3 of the journey.
There are some other activities also like meditation (called zazen) and calligraphy.
Tony Chote — Google review
30 min walk from Nagano station thru the main street to get there, with interesting shops/buildings along the way. Nice temple grounds.
Norris C — Google review
It's the better asakusa in every way. Way bigger temple, nicer area, beautiful garden. More food stalls, better quality food and souvenirs, cheaper too. It's never crowded, almost no foreign tourists. It's one of the best places I've been to.
Prady — Google review
Personally had a decent time walking around all aspects of the temple and admiring its beauty and significance.
Just sadly found the place a bit too over commercialised with the main hall of the temple with the Buddha for prayer costing people 700 Yen to pray. A bit too far from my perspective.
Nixon Tan — Google review
Stunningly beautiful location in the lovely city of Nagano. Would advise going early in the day as it gets a little busier later on. Well worth a trip into the main temple itself for a look around (no pictures, so take it all in!) and a talk to the staff there who are welcoming & explained to us (in very good English) the meaning of the temple & various adornments within.
The rest of the grounds are picturesque with a mountainous backdrop against various temple buildings. We also left a Gankake-Kitsune as an offering at a small shrine & made a wish.
Take your time to soak it all in & enjoy the serenity of this amazing place :)
Julius Anson — Google review
One of the most beautiful temples to visit while in Japan. The complex is surrounded by multiple structures, sculptures and gardens.
The entrance to the complex is free except for the main temple.
There are many stores at the side of the road leading to Zenko-ji temple.
Ilan Kader — Google review
Beautiful temple! Highly recommend visiting this place if you’re fortunate enough to visit Nagano. We visited on the 1.1.2024. Lots of lovely colourful shops with lots of souvenirs to purchase. The only thing I don’t recommend was the earthquake that we experienced! Very scary but all part and parcel of a fantastic experience at Zenkoji Temple.
Annette Scott — Google review
Great experience. At 7 am is the ceremony and it worth it to be there so early in the morning. The surroundings are beautiful and you can find statues of Buddha. You can also make your Goshuin for 500 yen.
Leonardo — Google review
It is an amazing place to feel the spirit and history of ancient times. The temple and the surrounding buildings are of a grandeur scale. There is a sense of serenity. We walked up from Nagoya Station in what was a very flat sand easy walk. Lots of souvenir shops, coffee shops, and restaurants on the way up to the temple.We got there around 3:30 in the afternoon, and there were very few signs of crowds. There was lots of information about Zenko-ji on display for those curious. Lots and lots of photo opportunities. Definitely put it on your must do list if in or near Nagano.
Was lucky enough to head back there a few days later but went at about 6 pm. Totally different vibe at night and lovely picture opportunities. Very few people, just a few locals walking through the grounds. Zenkoji is well lit up, as are the gates. If you have tome, a night walk up there is recommended.
Harro — Google review
This is a must if you are visiting Nagano, especially for the first time. The area can be quite crowded especially in the afternoon. For people who prefer walking, you can also walk from Nagano station to Zenkoji temple. There are also busses you can take from Nagano station to Zenkoji temple. The place is really nice and quiet!
Bryan James Ilaga (Bryan James) — Google review
Great temple complex in Nagano.
Especially nice to walk up to this temple from the Station as there's a big shoppong street leading towards the temple.
Matthijs — Google review
We loved this place. It payed by itself the travel to Japan. Nagano is a beautiful town, completely different to Tokyo. Architecture is amazing and whole vibe.
Zeko-ji it's a complete town itself, surrounded by several other minor temples, gardens and amazing landscapes.
There're options to stay in small temples and houses around the temple and live the spiritual lifestyle, that has to be an unforgettable experience.
Woodwork, wood sculptures are like nothing you've seen before. The giant warriors keeping the gigantic gates seems like they're alive.
A must visit in Japan, don't miss this place and please reserve at least half day in the area.
If you're ok with walking, it is just 30 mins from Nagano Station in a straight direction to the temple. The avenue is packed with nice design stores and astonishing design houses.
juan arbelaez — Google review
Exploring the temple grounds revealed beautifully manicured gardens, serene ponds, and various smaller shrines, each with its unique charm. In the heart of Nagano City, Zenkoji Temple stands as a testament to the enduring power of spirituality and the beauty of cultural heritage.