Devon Falls, Nuwara Eliya: Know The Timings, Entry Fee, Experience, How To Reach And More

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 10, 2026

While setting my Kandy itinerary, I thought Peradeniya Botanical Garden would take around two hours. However, I ended up staying four hours in the botanical garden. Still, I felt that I rushed through exploring the spice garden. The time it demands is not just because of its expansion. Every section of the park is worth stopping for.  In this article, I will give you a walkthrough of Peradeniya, along with the fees, timings, and route details I gathered along the way. A Quick Snapshot Before You Visit The Peradeniya Botanical Garden DetailInformationOfficial NameRoyal Botanic Gardens, PeradeniyaLocationPeradeniya, about 5.5 km west of Kandy, Central ProvinceEstablishedIn 1821 as a formal botanic gardenThe site was a royal pleasure garden earlier, under the Kandyan kings.SizeRoughly 147 acres (about 60 hectares), Sri Lanka's largest botanical garden.SettingHeld within a wide loop of the Mahaweli River, the island's longest river.Managed byDepartment of National Botanic Gardens, Sri LankaPlant CollectionMore than 4,000 species, including a well-known orchid collection.Opening Hours7.30 AM - 6.00 PMTicketing Hours7.30 AM - 5.00 PMAnnual VisitorsAround 1.2 million local and 400,000 foreign visitors in a typical year. Sources: Department of National Botanic Gardens The Royal History Behind The Gardens A walk around Peradeniya helped me realize how much of Kandyan royal history is tied up in this particular loop of the Mahaweli River. From Royal Pleasure Garden To Botanic Institution Before the British formalized it in 1821, the Peradeniya Botanical Garden was a royal pleasure garden. The Kandyan kings were the patrons of the site, and it was especially dear to the last queen of Kandy.  Six years after the fall of the Kandyan Kingdom to the British in 1815, the land was converted into a proper botanic garden. It was initially managed by Alexander Moon and centred on coffee and cinnamon cultivation before it grew into the far broader collection it is today. A Living Library Of Over 4,000 Species Today, the park has more than 4000 plant species. You will see palms, ferns, orchids, and shrubs from across the world. So, within the same park, you will walk from the spice garden to the giant bamboo grove. It is like a mix of different ecosystems along the riverbank.  What I Found Walking Through The Gardens Peradeniya spans across 147 acres. So, it is not possible to cover the entire area on a single visit.  So, pace yourself rather than making an attempt to see everything at once.  The Royal Palm Avenue This is the postcard shot everyone takes, and for good reason.  Rows of towering royal palms line a long, straight avenue, and the scale of it is more impressive in person than in any photo I had seen beforehand. The Spice Garden I lingered longest here.  Cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and other spices grow as actual plants rather than the packaged versions most visitors are used to. Also, having someone point out which bark strip becomes the cinnamon on a supermarket shelf made the whole spice trade history of the island feel a lot more concrete. The Orchid House The Orchid House displays Cattleya, Dendrobium, Arachnis, Oncidium, Phalaenopsis, and Vanda varieties and their hybrids, including specimens of Tiger Orchid, the largest orchid species in the world.  I would budget more time here than you think you need. It is easy to walk through in ten minutes, but worth thirty. The Giant Javan Fig Tree And Giant Bamboo These are two of the garden's most photographed non-flowering specimens. There is a sprawling Javan fig with a canopy wide enough to shade a small crowd. Also, the bamboo grove with stalks reaching over 30 metres. ] Both feel less like garden features and more like landmarks in their own right. The River Loop And Great Lawn The Mahaweli River wraps around most of the property. The paths along that loop are noticeably quieter than the main avenues. If you want a break from the crowds near the entrance, this is where to find it. A Realistic One-Day Itinerary TimeWhat I did7:30 – 8:30 AMArrive at openingStart at the Royal Palm Avenue while the light is still soft and the paths are quiet.8:30 – 9:15 AMExploring the Spice Garden with cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla plants. 9:15 – 10:15 AMVisiting the Orchid House, then the surrounding orchid garden.10:15 AM – 11:00 AMVisiting the Giant Javan fig tree and the great lawn near the river loop. 11:00 – 11:45 AMExploring the Fernery and the quieter riverside paths.11:45 AM – 12:30 PMVisiting the Giant bamboo grove, then a slow walk back toward the entrance. Planning Your Visit: Fees, Timings And Getting There Visitor CategoryAdults (12+)Children (5–12)Under 5Foreign VisitorsLKR 3,540 LKR 1,770FreeLocal VisitorsLKR 200LKR 30Free The charges for foreign schools and students are LKR 2,360. However, they need to produce the right proof.  Also, for local senior citizens with NIC proof, the entry fee is LKR 50.  How To Reach Peradeniya? Peradeniya sits less than 5.5 kilometres from central Kandy on the Colombo road, which makes it one of the easiest half-day trips out of the city. Take a short tuk-tuk or taxi ride, or a public bus running the Kandy–Peradeniya route.  Several local operators also combine it with a Kandy city tour, pairing the garden with the Temple of the Tooth and viewpoints around town in a single outing. Best Time To Visit Unlike Hakgala Flower Garden, Peradeniya's lower elevation and river-loop setting mean it is a comfortable visit almost year-round. However, a few things are worth timing around. Early morning (7:30–10:00 am) for cooler temperatures and quieter paths. The dry inter-monsoon months for the most reliable weather, since Kandy still sees regular rainfall through much of the year. Weekdays over weekends, since school groups and local families tend to fill the garden on weekends and public holidays. Tips From My Visit To The Peradeniya Botanical Garden Wear comfortable shoes. The paths are flat and wheelchair-friendly, but the total distance covered adds up quickly across 147 acres. Electric buggies and golf carts are available for rent. The 4-seater electric cars cost LKR 1000 per hour, and the 8-seater vehicles cost LKR 2000 per hour.  Carry water and sun protection. Despite the tree cover in places, long stretches of the main avenues are fully exposed. For photography, the light along the Royal Palm Avenue is best in the first hour after opening. Nearby Places To Combine With Peradeniya Botanical Garden Because it sits so close to Kandy, Peradeniya rarely needs to be its own dedicated day trip. The Temple of the Tooth Relic and central Kandy are easy extensions to a trip to this botanical garden.  Also, don’t forget the University of Peradeniya campus, which borders the gardens. Moreover, if you want a journey onward to the hill country, you can include Nuwara Eliya in your itinerary.

BY  Sibashree Mar 31, 2026

If you want to explore offbeat Japan, you can surely visit Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido Island.   Hokkaido Island,anyway, teaches the art of slow living and slow traveling.   The scenic beauty here is amazing, the winters are snowy, and the food and beer here are amazing.   Also, it is an amazing year-round destination, and the things to do in Sapporo are as diverse as they can be.   And here are the details. However, before that, let us talk about the best time to visit Sapporo.  What Is The Best Time To Visit Sapporo?   As I have mentioned, you can visit Sapporo throughout the year. However, December to February is the best time to plan a visit.   Especially, February is the month of the winter festival in Sapporo.   Moreover, April to May is the ideal time if you want to experience the Cherry Bloosm Season from the Hokkaido Shrine and Maruyama Park.   Also, the warm and humid summer months are ideal for enjoying the “beer garden events.”   In addition, from September to November, or the autumn months, are great for seeing the fall foliage, hiking, and attending the food festivals.   What Are The Most Unique Things To Do In Sapporo?   More than ticking the bucket list, in Sapporo, you need to soak in the laid-back vibe.   It is way less crowded than Osaka and Tokyo, and despite that, it has an important role to play in the tourism industry of the country.   That is why many people travel from Tokyo to Hokkaido.   1. Visiting The Parks And Gardens  As a nature lover since forever and daily walking the streets and parks of Sapporo, I have learned that Sapporo has lots of green spaces where you can enjoy nature.  The parks of Sapporo are the city's heart.   Odori Park is my usual starting point in the morning when I first walk.   This park is located in the center of downtown and is an ideal and convenient place to take a refreshing morning walk before starting your day.   On days when I want to be more active, I cycle, jog, or photograph all the amazing trees and flowers at Moerenuma Park. It is absolutely stunning how vast the area is!  You will probably find me at Maruyama Park, located next to Hokkaido Shrine, during the spring and fall months.   It’s an incredible place to see the cherry blossoms in full bloom, and it’s usually very pretty to see the fall leaves change color from green to red.   During the wintertime, it becomes a wonderful family-oriented ski resort that I simply love!  For a bit of a deeper dive, I love visiting the Hokkaido University Botanical Gardens. It’s a peaceful retreat where I can admire rare plants and learn about the indigenous Ainu culture.  2. Exploring The Galleries And Museums  Upon arriving in Sapporo, I did not take long to figure out that this is a city that has beautifully integrated its history with modernity, which is a masterclass.   I spent the first day of my trip exploring the history of the island of Hokkaido by visiting the Hokkaido Museum.  Then, I went to the Historical Village, which showed how the early infrastructure and primitive architecture were examples of the area's strength.   The Hokkaido University Museum is also a majestic place, with its enormous collection of extensive academic research and archaeological artifacts through the ages.  Of course, I couldn't resist a detour to the Sapporo Beer Museum. Learning the history of Japan’s iconic brew made that final tasting session feel well-earned.  As a fan of art, I was spoiled for choice with several locations from which I could pick my favorites.   The JR Tower Art Gallery has an impressive array of artwork, and at the Sapporo Art Park, there are some unbelievably large sculptures sitting throughout the grounds.   I was amazed at how much creativity and energy could be found in the city of Sapporo.   While looking at all the galleries, you can also plan a trip to Uji, located approximately 500 km south.   A visit to Japan would not be complete without enjoying a cup of matcha at this city's matcha capital.  3. Visiting The Shrines And Temples  Kyoto may have the most amazing shrines, but Sapporo also has some beautiful ones.   The Hookaido Shrine is the most popular among them, and you will find it just next to the Maruyama Park.   Furthermore, the Sapporo Suitengu Shrine is another place where families and pregnant women visit for a healthy baby.  Moreover, if you are a seeker and want some spiritual guidance, Joganji Temple is your place. It has the most meditative environment.  4.  Exploring The Historical Landmarks Of Sapporo  Sapporo has many historical places to visit, and you can start with the “Former Hokkaido Government Office.”   It has beautiful gardens, and with its insightful exhibitions, it offers a deep understanding of the local history.   The next place you can visit is the Sapporo TV Tower. It is an important landmark for broadcasting and tourism.   Furthermore, from the TV Tower, you can enjoy an amazing view of Odori Park and its surroundings.   The Clock Tower is another important landmark in Sapporo. It has been standing there since 1878.   However, for me, the most iconic historical landmark in the city was the Hoheikan Guest House.   This 1880 guest house in Nakajima Park had many important guests, including the royal family and important foreign guests.   In addition, for a culturally immersive experience, you can explore the Hokkaido historical village. It is like an open-air museum with distinct architecture, buildings, and Japanese townscapes.  5.  Souvenir Shopping   It’s a sin to visit Sapporo and not do some serious shopping.   Furthermore, souvenir shopping is one of the best things to do in Sapporo because of the diversity of stuff you can procure.   Firstly, the sweets here are amazing. You must try Marusei butter sandwiches and Royce chocolates.   Also, you will find skincare products made of horse oil.   In addition, you will love local crafts such as Ainu crafts and Otaru glassware.   Moreover, the best places for shopping in Sapporo are “Ario Sapporo Mall,” “Apia Mall,” “Sapporo Stellar Place Mall,” and “Tanukikoji Shopping Street.”