Cherry Blossom Kyoto Japan: 2026 Season And The Top Viewing Spots 

BY  Sibashree Mar 26, 2026

Planning a day trip from Tokyo? Mount Fuji is the most obvious destination for such a trip.  But do you know how to travel for a Mt Fuji day trip from Tokyo and why it is so special?  Let’s find all the details in this blog.  Why Is A Mt Fuji Day Trip From Tokyo Special? Is It Overhyped? The volcanic mountain, Mount Fuji, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Furthermore, the Fuji Five Lakes area in Kawaguchiko offers amazing scenic views.  Though a rewarding day trip, these days it is often overhyped by Instagram and other social media platforms.  In most of the pictures, you will find a half-snowy Mount Fuji with its stunning landscape.  However, you have to remember that Mount Fuji is also called the “Shy Mountain.” True to its name, it is only visible around 70-80 days in a year.  That is why it is very important to plan the Mt Fuji day trip from Tokyo at the right time.  Do you think the summer months are the best for visiting Mount Fuji? You are making a mistake.  In fact, the summer months are the most humid and the rainiest in Japan.  So, clouds and mist make Mount Fuji rarely visible. Thus, winter months, which are also drier, are the best for a Mt Fuji day trip from Tokyo.  Climbing And Touring Mt Fuji: Which One Is Better?  If you are planning to climb Mount Fuji, you will need at least 2 days for the trip from Tokyo.  However, if you want to take a tour of the mountain from the surroundings, it can be completed comfortably in a day.  So, here is a comparison of climbing Mt Fuji vs. taking a tour of Mount Fuji.  1. Climbing Up Mount Fuji  A sunrise trek to Mount Fuji is very popular, and you will find multiple stations on the trek route.  Furthermore, climbing up the mountain is no easy task, and it takes 5 to 10 hours to complete this high-altitude trek.  Though the Yoshida Trail, among the four trails leading to the summit, is beginner-friendly, you still need training, proper gear, and preparation to complete the trek.  2. Taking A Tour Of Mount Fuji  This is the usual option for regular tourists. You will visit the Fuji Five Lakes and beautiful villages on the way.  Also, if the weather conditions are good, you will get a good view of Mount Fuji.  How To Travel For A Mt Fuji Day Trip From Tokyo?  Yes, you can take a car on rent for a Mt Fuji day trip from Tokyo. However, Japan is famous for its trains.  It also has a well-managed bus network.  So, for a local experience and budget-friendly travel, these are the best options you can opt for.  1. Mt Fuji Day Trip From Tokyo By Train Japan Railway (JR) has a limited express train service called the Fuji Excursion Train. The train runs between the Shinjuku Station and the Kawaguchiko stations and the Mount Fuji Station is between them. The Shinjuku Station is at a distance of about 5 km from Tokyo City.  The train ride takes about 1 hour and 54 minutes, and the ticket price is ￥600 for adults and 400 for children.  Check out the timings of trains from Shinjuku Station and Kawaguchiko, and when they reach the Mount Fuji Station.  I have enlisted the timings for the weekdays. Train timings differ on weekends and holidays (Source: Fujikyu Railway).  Table 1: Train From Shinjuku Railway Station To Mt Fuji  DepartureArrival 7:30 AM9:23 AM8:30 AM10:21 AM9:30 AM11:23 AM10:30 AM12:19 PM11:34 AM1:25 PM Table 2: Train From Kawaguchiko Railway Station To Mt Fuji DepartureArrival 2:08 PM2:16 PM2:58 PM3:06 PM3:39 PM3:47 PM4:48 PM4:56 PM5:41 PM5:49 PM You can directly book the train ticket from the online reservation service of the Japan East Railway. You can also buy a Japan Railway Pass for similar excursions.  Mt Fuji Day Trip From Tokyo By Bus You can also plan a Mt Fuji day trip from Tokyo by bus. Take the Mt. Fuji Highway Bus from the Shinjuku bus stop and get off at the Mount Fuji 5th Station.  Also, the travel time is about 2 hours and 25 minutes.  Furthermore, the ticket price is 3800 JPY for adults and 1900 JPY.  Moreover, you can book the ticket online from Highway-buses.jp.  How To Explore Mount Fuji? You can explore Mount Fuji in a car. However, it is super expensive and costs up to JPY 15000-20000 JPY a day.  Furthermore, if you are planning to drive in Japan, you will need a 1949 International Driving Permit (IDP) as an international tourist.  Overall, it is a lot of hassle.  So, you can choose the bus services available in Mount Fuji to travel in and around the area.  1. Fujikyu Or Omnibuses You can book the Fujikyu Omnibus sightseeing pass for 1 day or 2 days. The pass for 1 day costs 1500 JPY, and for two days, it costs 2000 JPY.  Moreover, these bus services operate in three lines: the Red Line, Blue Line, and Green Line.  So, check your itinerary first and the places you want to explore before boarding a bus.  2. Climbers Bus Are you planning to climb up Mount Fuji? Then, you can plan to take this bus service. However, many of these services are seasonal, and here are the details.  Moreover, these buses depart from the 5th Station and circle the mountain.  Climber Bus RouteLineSeasonal Availability Fuji Subaru Line 5th StationM-LineEverydaySubhasiri 5th Station Q-LineSummer SeasonGotemba New 5th StationZ-LineSummer SeasonFujinomiya 5th StationL-LineSummer Season 3. Bus-Boat Kaba This is a special bus service on water. You can board the bus-boat Kaba and cruise through Lake Yamanaka.  Furthermore, in usual seasons, the ticket price is 3800 JPY for adults, 1900 JPY for children, and 500 JPY for infants. Prices can further go up in the peak tourist season.  Moreover, on weekdays, the bus boat services will run from 11:30 AM, 1:10 PM, 14:00 PM, and 15:40 PM from 1st April, 2026.  On weekends, there are additional services (along with the usual times) at 9:50 AM, 12:20 PM, 2:50 PM, and 4:30 PM.  Moreover, from April to September, there is a bus service at 5:20 PM on weekends.  5. Local Route Bus  You will get buses departing from Mt Fuji and Kawaguchiko Stations to Fujinomiya, Shin-Fuji Station, Kofu, Isawa Onsen, Mishima, and Gotemba.  What Is The Best Time To Plan A Mt Fuji Day Trip From Tokyo? The winter months are ideal for visiting Mount Fuji. Dry weather conditions and a lack of humidity in the air make it ideal for visiting Mount Fuji. Furthermore, spring and autumn months are ideal for a Mt Fuji day trip from Tokyo. These months coincide with the cherry blossom season in Japan and the autumn foliage. Read Also: Tokyo To Hokkaido Distance: Know About Various Modes Of Transportation Are You Planning A Trip To Osaka? This Is Your Quintessential Guide Best Places To Travel Around The World And To See Flowers

BY  Sibashree Sep 24, 2021

I have been to Japan many times, and the cultural richness and the sensory delights the country offers make the experience worth it!  However, these days, I see a lot of people asking, “Is Japan expensive to visit?”  Another question in this regard is why Japan is witnessing a major boost in travel booking.  Now, first, let me answer that Japan is not as expensive as people are projecting it. Be it the day trips from Tokyo or exploring the cherry blossom season in Kyoto, if you plan an itinerary and the modes of transport well, you can complete the trip within a decent budget.  Furthermore, thanks to smart tools such as the Japan Rail Pass, you can now make transport more convenient and flexible.  Also, whether Japan is expensive or not will depend on the country you are traveling from and how the currency of your country fares against the Japanese Yen.  On the other hand, Japan is enjoying a massive surge in popularity among Gen Z tourists due to many reasons. However, sushi, manga, and anime are the three major factors driving this rise.  While Japan can be managed on a moderate budget, and I have shared the three main reasons behind the rising popularity of Japan, let’s delve deeper into how much a trip to Japan costs and the other factors causing a rise in Japanese tourism.  Why Is Japan Expensive To Visit? Is It The Growing Craze?  Do you know that American Express Travel data shows a 1300% hike in the number of Americans visiting Japan since 2019?  Furthermore, Netflix has confirmed that Anime viewership has gone 3 times up in 2025.  Now, these pieces of information show how young Americans, especially the Gen Z travelers, are passionate about Japan.  The country is now a cultural superpower with its “Soft Power” that it has used to build the global landscape of entertainment, aesthetics, and ideas.  Joseph Nye, a political scientist at Harvard University, has highlighted the strength of Japan’s soft power.  Overall, Japan is not just a new country to visit for these young travelers. It is an escape to the land of rich culture, great food, and soaking in the spirit of slow tourism.  However, the rising craze among young travelers is not the reason behind Japan being labelled as an expensive destination.  In fact, it is amazing to see tourism in Japan growing despite the high travel expenses being  high.  Key Reasons For Japan Being An Expensive Destination To Visit  Japan is expensive as a destination primarily for three reasons. First of all, the Shinkansen bullet trains, extensively used for transportation, are very expensive.  Also, while I found Osaka food from the street stalls quite affordable, trying Sushi, Ramen, or other Japanese staples in a fine dining restaurant can be very expensive.  Furthermore, Japan almost entirely depends on imported energy.  Despite an improvement of 22.4% in the net energy import during the period of 2020 to 2024, the net energy import of Japan in 2024 was 87.4% of the total energy supply, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA).  Thus, the fuel cost is always high in Japan, impacting the transportation expenses, the cost of essential commodities, and every other sector in a direct or indirect manner. Is Japan Expensive To Visit? A Breakdown Of Tourist Costs  So, Japan is expensive to visit. However, what can be the overall expense tentatively?  What will be the expenses on food, transportation, and accommodation? Here is a detailed breakdown.  1. Tourist Accommodation Cost In Japan Japan is very sincere about the hospitality it offers. So, even if you are staying at a budget hotel or hostel, you will find good hygiene and the basic amenities.  Furthermore, along with hostels, Japan has unique accommodation provisions such as the capsule hotels.  These are basically sleeping pods, and the cost is similar to staying in hostels.  On the other hand, you will find a minshuku, which is like a Japanese version of homestays. You will get bed and breakfast facilities at these accommodations run by local families.  Nevertheless, have a look at the table below to understand the different types of accommodation for tourists in Japan and their average costs.  Types of Tourist Accommodation in JapanTentative Cost Hostels and Capsule Hotels2000-4500 JPYBudget Hotels5000-10000 JPYBread and Breakfast 5000-8500 JPYStandard Hotels10000 JPY Onward Moreover, if you’re looking to move to Japan after your trip there, check out reliable websites to know the best places for foreigners where you can call home. 2. The Cost Of General Public Transport In Japan  The Japanese Bullet Train or Shinkansen is the most preferred mode of transport in the country.  The Cost Of Traveling In A Bullet Train And The JR Pass However, the travel cost is very high if you are traveling by these bullet trains.  On average, and based on the departing station or the destination, the cost will be around 16000-20000 JPY per ride (the ticket price can go much higher).  For example, if you take a bullet train from Tokyo to Shin Amori, the price for a reserved seat will be 21340 JPY.  On the other hand, for the Green Seat and the GranClass Seats, the ticket prices will be 27410 JPY and 34410 JPY, respectively.  On the other hand, a Tokyo to Kyoto bullet train ticket starts from 16550 JPY.  Now, this is where a Japan Rail Pass becomes handy. As a tourist, you can buy a Japan Rail Pass for 7 days, and the cost starts from 50,000 JPY for an adult. For a child, it is 25000 JPY.  You can even buy passes for 14 days or 21 days. With this pass, you can enjoy unlimited rides during the validity period.  Moreover, if you want to focus on Tokyo and its nearby areas, the Regional Pass will be a more budget-friendly option.   Also, cabs are pretty expensive in Japan. For a ride of 1 to 2 kilometers, you will have to pay around 500 to 700 JPY.  After that, a fee of 80-100 JPY will be added for traveling every 250 to 300 meters.  3. The Cost Of Hiring A Tour Guide In Japan  The cost of hiring a tour guide in Japan is between 25000 and 60000 JPY per month. However, the cost of the travel guide will depend on the services you opt for.  You can choose a guide for a full day, and the cost can be up to 80000 JPY, and for a half day guide, it will be around 25000-47000 JPY.  Furthermore, if you are traveling in small groups or vans, the cost of hiring a guide will be around 24000 JPY.  So, hiring a personal travel guide is expensive in Japan. However, you can save the cost of hiring a guide by seeking help from the local tourist centers or the national tourist departments.  4. Food And Drink Cost In Japan Food is one of the most important factors for Gen Z travelers visiting Japan. A survey said that around 50% of the visitors planned a trip just because they wanted to visit a restaurant or try some specific food.  Also, food and drinks are available in various cost ranges. So if you are planning to take the authentic taste of sushi, you will get plenty of options available there.  From the expensive designer boutiques to Kaiten-zushi style shops everywhere, the multiple authentic sushi dishes are valuable.  You can select the place according to your requirements.  In the boutique’s style restaurant, you have to spend nearly 51000 JPY for sushi, but if you prefer the sushi in a low-cost range, you have to spend only 1593 JPY for sushi.  If you want to explore Japan on a budget. You can quickly shift your choices to Japanese cuisine and cut your travel budget by cutting the foreign food items. How To Plan Budget-Friendly Travel In Japan? Do you want to travel in Japan on a budget? Here are the tips you can follow.  1. Make A Tour Plan In The Off Season  Off-season tour plans are always budget-friendly. The Autumn season is an off-season to travel in Japan, and this time the tourist rush is not very high. 2. Take The Railroad  Take the railroad to explore the city and buy the railway card to see the tourist places in the country. 3. Focus On Local Cuisine  Focus on the local, authentic, fresh Japanese dishes. If you’re looking for cheap food in Japan, you can buy it in small restaurants, street food stalls, and even vending machine cafes.  However, if you stay in the country for an extended period, you can save money on your travel by preparing and cooking most of your meals from scratch. 4. Find An Accomodation Far From The Main Crowded Cities  Try to find accommodation that is a little bit far from the main crowded cities. Make sure to book your accommodation ahead of time to save a lot of money. Hostels and the local guest houses are also charming, clean places to stay. However, when planning a Japan tour, it is better to keep away from the expensive luxury boutique-type accommodations. 5. Look For Free Attractions  Look for free attractions and events to save money.  Whether you want to spend a fun day in a national park or visit a museum, there are incredible activities that allow you to enjoy Japan without paying anything.

BY  Sibashree May 27, 2026

From the beaches of Jaffna to Weligama, Sri Lanka has so many places that can teach you the art of slow traveling and the TravelDownUnder philosophy.  The southern coast of Sri Lanka, especially, has a distinct magic. Furthermore, the Hiriketiya Beach and Mirissa Beach often steal the social media limelight.  However, Weligama is an exception even in this age of Instagram craze. The region has a legendary surf culture and a salty heart.  So, surfing is the most popular answer when you ask what to do in Weligama.  It has a massive, shallow crescent bay that transforms everyday ocean swells into beautifully consistent, beginner-friendly rollers. However, surfing is not the only activity you will love in Weligama. Even if you never plan on waxing a surfboard, the laid-back beach town pulls you in with an infectious, slow-paced lifestyle.  Moreover, here you will spend the mornings in flat whites, hide from the tropical Sun in shaded pools in the afternoon, and enjoy the distinct nightlife.  So, as I was on a backpacking trip to Sri Lanka, I enjoyed every bit of this remote coastal area.  I have penned my experience, the best things to do in Weligama, what to eat, and more in this article.  What To Do In Weligama? Indulging In The Quintessential Coastal Experience In Sri Lanka According to a recent report of the World Economic Forum regarding the Jobs and the Future of Work, 25% of the workforce in the world will be fully digital.  With this shift in the workforce, there will also be a paradigm shift in the way young people and professionals travel.  The digital nomads especially look for budget-friendly and beautiful locations that offer them the ease and amenities of working.  In this regard, Weligama in Sri Lanka remains a prominent choice, and even according to a survey of the Hotel With Tub website, Weligama has secured the 43rd place among the 100 best destinations for digital nomads in the world.  It is affordable, and you must try the following attractions here.  1. Enjoying The Quintessential Weligama Surf Experience  Surfing is the very fabric of Weligama. Decades ago, some eager travelers chased the rumor of finding the perfect breaks in this sleepy fishing hub.  Today, it is one of the premier learning grounds for surfers in Asia.  The gentle sandy floor of the slope reaches across hundreds of meters in the water. Thus, the incoming waves lose their chaotic bite and turn into rolling whitewash,  With the waves getting predictable, even if you are stepping onto a board for the first time, you can walk down the main beach strip to find dozens of local wooden shacks offering board rentals and affordable one-on-one coaching. However, that does not mean that Weligama will disappoint the advanced surfers. For example, Kima Surf Camp is a high-end hub for premier surfers.  Housed within a meticulously restored colonial mansion, it pairs intensive, expert-led coaching with a vibrant communal lifestyle, yoga classes, and poolside recovery sessions.  2. Attending A Rooftop Yoga Session At Hangtime Hostel  The neighboring Ahangama is a more popular place for the niche Yoga subculture. However, the Yoga studios in Weligama stand out because of their amazing views.  The Hangtime Hostel is the place I visited, and the open-air rooftop platform grounded me as soon as I stepped in.  Also, it offers a quick relief from the street noise, and on one side, it offers the most amazing view of the expansive Indian Ocean.  On the other hand, the dense, emerald canopy of the Sri Lankan jungle sways in the breeze.  Like every day, the classes began at 9 AM, and I was a little early to reach as I wanted to secure a good spot.  Furthermore, the session was on Power Vinyasa, and it cost around LKR 2500.  3. Chasing Horizons In The Golden Hour  Along the southern coast of Sri Lanka, Sunset is more than a natural occurrence that takes place daily.  It is like a social ritual and a magic of nature that brings people together. It is an amazing experience to see the Sun dipping into the water.  However, only the locals know the right time to start a short scooter ride to reach The Cliff and see the most vibrant sunset.  It is over rugged coastal rocks, and this open-air tiered place ensures that every single table is positioned for panoramic ocean views.  Overall, it is a complete fusion of the upscale "sunset lounge" aesthetic and the unpretentious warmth that defines Sri Lanka.  Furthermore, to attend this perfect fusion, The Cliff has leaned on tropical flavors without the use of artificial sugar.  Also, I had the most amazing grilled octopus here with pillowy flatbread.  4. Exceptional Brunching Experience At Nomad Cafe Weligama has a booming cafe culture, and Nomad Cafe is surely the crown jewel. It began its journey as a modest, five-table passion project, and now it is an experience in its own right.  Foodies frequently travel from nearby towns to experience the great food and ambiance here. You must not miss the Flat White here.  Moreover, the menu of Nomad Vafe deftly bridges European brunch staples with vibrant, fresh flavor profiles. The undeniable star of the show is the rösti eggs Benedict. I loved its texture play with perfectly poached eggs and rich, velvety hollandaise balanced precariously on a shatteringly crispy potato hash brown. Moreover, if you are looking for something with a kick, don’t miss their smoky and perfectly spiced shakshuka.  5. Coworking At Plan B For Community And Connection  As I have already mentioned, Weligama is a prime location for digital nomads. Plan B is one of the prime destinations for digital nomads here.  Furthermore, if you need to answer emails, crunch numbers, or take a Zoom call without sacrificing your tropical state of mind, Plan B is the place to be.  It is an excellent fusion of a cozy garden cafe, coworking hub, and coliving space. Furthermore, there is a shaded courtyard at the epicenter of the cafe.  The space hums with gentle productivity; you will find professionals from across the globe typing away over iced lattes while jazz music filters through the trees.  Moreover, the beauty of Plan B is inclusivity. You will not need a formal workspace pass to enjoy the grounds.  Their smoothie bowls are amazing, and so are the traditional Sri Lankan hoppers and decadent eggs Florentine. You will also find many delightful vegan options here. 6. Enjoying Seafood By The Shore: A Culinary Feast At Maru Weligama is not just about cafes and local rice-and-curry spots when it comes to food. Maru, for example, is a place that elevates the beachfront dining experience.  It is right against the ocean’s edge, and the restaurant celebrates the bounty brought in daily by Weligama’s fishing fleets.  Furthermore, the menu here focuses heavily on bright, clean, and coastal flavors.  For example, the shrimp ceviche is a masterclass with fresh flavors and the right acidic balance. It is perfect for a hot midday meal.  Moreover, if you are looking for something hearty and healthy, try their assorted teriyaki and fresh fish poke bowls with crisp veggies, seasoned sushi rice, and premium cuts of fish.  In addition, Maru offers the most delightful perk in the form of the on-site swimming pool. I took a dip there before and after the meal.  So, it is an amazing base camp to escape the intense midday Sun, work, enjoy the ocean breeze, and indulge in a leisurely lunch.  7. Unwinding At Zephyr Zephyr becomes the go-to place after the surfboard rental shacks close their doors. It offers meticulously crafted cocktail, and the nightlife here is not pretentious.  Instead, you will find a highly sophisticated, relaxed beachside aesthetic here.  Moreover, the bar staff here is well aware of the finer details of classic cocktails.  Their espresso martini is properly frothy and bitter, while their classic mojito relies on freshly plucked mint and perfectly balanced lime juice.  While primarily celebrated for its drinks, Zephyr surprises many with its highly curated food menu.  Instead of heavy entrees, they specialize in elevated small plates designed to complement the spirits.  The seared tuna plate, crusted in local spices and perfectly rare at the center, is an absolute must-try. Like Maru, Zephyr features a pool that adds to its luxury-resort feel.  Essential Day Trips Beyond Weligama Bay You can extend the list of what to do in Weligama thanks to its unique geographic location.  It is a delightful epicenter for exploring the culture, wildlife, and history of southern Sri Lanka. 1. Galle Fort You can take a tuk-tuk ride for 45 minutes to reach Galle Fort.  It is a A gorgeous UNESCO Heritage site filled with 16th-century Portuguese and Dutch colonial architecture, high-end boutiques, jewelry galleries, and a striking seaside lighthouse. 2. Handunugoda Tea Estate The tea estate is a 45-minute scooter ride from Weligama.  It is a lush lowland plantation producing legendary "Virgin White Tea," completely untouched by human skin during harvesting. Here, you will enjoy fascinating machinery tours and extensive tea tastings. 3. Yala National Park  You can take a car ride of 3 hours to reach the Yala National Park.  The Yala National Park is an intense, bucket-list wildlife safari. Leave in the pre-dawn hours to spot wild Asian elephants, crocodiles, leopards, and diverse birdlife in their natural habitats.