Is Japan Expensive For Tourists? Why Is It Still Seeing A Boost In The Travel Booking? 

BY  Sibashree Apr 22, 2026

Demodara Railway Loop, nestled in the mountains near Ella, Sri Lanka, is one of the most iconic rail routes in the world.  Furthermore, you will get the most amazing views of the Nine Arch Bridge and the train plying through it from the Demodara Railway Loop.  Also, since 2024, this beautiful railway loop has been protected under the New Heritage Management Program.  Moreover, opening on 21st March, 1921, this railway loop has been celebrating more than 100 years of heritage and history.  So, here is a brief account of my beautiful train ride in the Demodara railway loop.  Why Is The Demodara Loop Famous?  Between Ella and Uduwara stations, Demodara is a beautiful railway station in the Uva Province of Sri Lanka.  While extending the railway line to Badulla, the authorities faced a serious challenge due to the steep altitude.  Furthermore, it is famous as the only railway station in the world to be built in a tunnel (Tunnel 42) through which the train passes.  Moreover, this loop, with a length of 441 feet, passes through a 360-degree loop, offering the most amazing views of the surroundings.  Also, it is interesting to know that the design of the Demodara Railway Loop was originally inspired by a Kanyan turban. Then, British and Ceylonese engineers put up the structure. Devapura Jayasena Wimalasurendra was the engineer who conceptualized the idea.  In addition, if you miss the train from Ella to Demodara, you can also enjoy a 9 km hike. The hike continues through tea estates, and then you will meet the iconic Nine Arch Bridge on the way.   Then, you can take a train back from Demodara to Ella. However, I fortunately got to board the trains both times.  A Train Ride In The Demodara Railway Loop  Unlike the Kandy-Ella train ride, a train ride in the Demodara Railway Loop was peaceful.  Also, you could relax even after you saw the train coming out of the tunnel and ascending. It moves very slowly through the loop.  As the train was almost empty and as Sri Lanka demands everything the Travel LowDownUnder philosophy teaches you, I boarded a 3rd class compartment.  I was happy as there was nobody to stop me from peeping through the doors on both sides of the train, and soaking in the beauty of the surrounding lush tea estates.  Also, it was amazing to enjoy a train ride across the iconic Nine Arch Bridge. Moreover, when the train was passing through the Nine Arch Bridge, I could see locals, especially children, standing and waving from the banks of the railway lines.  Overall, it was a comfortable and delightful experience! Insider Tip: When you are traveling from Ella to Demodara, stand near the window or gate on the left side in the direction the train is moving.  From there, you will get amazing views of the Nine Arch Bridge.  Train Time And Ticket Price On The Demodara Railway Loop  If you are traveling from Ella, you will get two trains to the Demodara Railway Loop. So, here are the details of the train timings and ticket prices (Source: Sri Lankan Railways).  Train NameDepartureArrivalTicket Price (LKR)11005 Special 1005 -Ambewela - Badulla 09:30 - 12:1611:25 AM11:40 AM- AC Saloon Car: 2500- Second Class Reserved Seats: 1700- Third Class Reserved Seats: 120011015 Special 1015 -Ambewela - Badulla 15:00 - 17:464:55 PM5:10 PM- AC Saloon Car: 2500- Second Class Reserved Seats: 1700- Third Class Reserved Seats: 1200 Why Is This Iconic Ride In The Demodara Railway Loop Worth It?  Beyond an engineering marvel, the Demodara Railway Loop is an example of historical railway innovation.  Furthermore, when riding in a quiet train carriage, you can enjoy the uninterrupted views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.  Also, this train ride allows you to pass over the Nine Arch Bridge, one of the iconic heritage sites of Sri Lanka.  Moreover, as I was traveling solo, I experienced the joy, spontaneity, and independence backed by the quiet experience. If You Want To Walk From Ella To Demodara  I got to know about the Demodara Railway Loop at the Kadugannawa Railway Museum. It was raining for a few days in Ella, and seriously, I needed to do something to get out of the lull.  So, I decided to take a train ride from Ella to Demodara through the Demodara Railway Loop.  I got the train. However, if you miss the train,” go for a 9 km walk through the countryside and tea-covered hills.  The tea shops, nearby hills, and occasional spotting of peacocks in the bush will keep you entertained.  Moreover, as you descend from Demodara to Ella, you will get sweeping views of paddy fields.

BY  Sibashree Apr 18, 2026

Yes, Hello Kitty Shinkansen is going to get discontinued in Japan. Now, during my last trip to Japan, a ride in this themed bullet train was surely my pookie moment.  It was an experience of a lifetime when I tried the best Osaka food and boarded the Hello Kitty Shinkansen train for a day trip to Kobe, Himeji, Okayama, Kurashiki, and Hiroshima.  However, JR West has decided to stop the operations of the Hello Kitty Shinkansen from 17th May 2026.  Now, it’s sad for everyone who loves Japanese culture. If the Japanese shrines and temples are the telltale of its history, religion, and society, the Hello Kitty Shinkansen has been a poster of the pop culture.  So, in this article, I will discuss how the beautiful 8-year-old journey of the Hello Kitty Shinkansen is going to come to an end, and what you can expect in the few days left until the last date of operation.  Hello Kitty Shinkansen: An Iconic Symbol Of Japanese Railway Branding  Hello Kitty Shinkasen started running on the Sanyō Shinkansen line on 30th June, 2018. It used to run from Shin-Osaka to Hakata (Fukuoka).  Furthermore, during this 8-year run, this themed bullet train has successfully served its purpose of reviving tourism in Japan.  Moreover, the Hello Kitty Shinkasen used 500-series bullet trains and featured the signature white-and-pink colors.  Also, the exterior was adorned with bows, the signature of Hello Kitty.  However, for the train, the bow represented a link between the cities on the route covered.  The Decor Which Made The Hello Kitty Shinkansen So Special Out of eight cars of the Hello Kitty Shinkansen, the decor of the first two cars was based on the theme.  Furthermore, the Hello Plaza in Car 1 was dedicated to exhibitions. It had exhibits dedicated to the cities crossed on the route.  Moreover, you could shop for souvenirs at the Hello Plaza.  Again, the second carriage, “KAWAII! ROOM,” was decorated in the style of Hello Kitty. The chairs, the wall art, and the ceiling were done accordingly.  Moreover, there was a photo area.  The rest of the carriage was like a normal bullet train, with subtle hints of the Hello Kitty theme.  Also, a unique melody was used for the announcement.  How Is The Farewell Event Of Hello Kitty Shinkansen Being Planned?  JR West is going to plan a series of commemorative events to bid farewell to this iconic bullet train.  As a passenger, you can leave a message on the board reserved for sharing memories. Furthermore, you can get stickers and limited edition souvenirs in the memory of the train.  Moreover, you can collect special merchandise from the Kyoto Railway Museum and specific JR West Stores. You will even find them online.  Having said that, there is still a month left for the Hello Kitty Shinkansen to get discontinued. So, let’s have a quick look at the operation days, timetable, and passes.  Hello Kitty Shinkansen Passes And Tickets You can ride the Hello Kitty Shinkansen with the Japan Rail Pass and other tickets. So, check out some of the pass options here.  1. JR-WEST All Area Pass You can buy this single pass to explore Sanyo, Hokuriku, Hakata, and other unexplored parts of western Japan.  Furthermore, it has a validity of 7 days.  Also, the pass price for adults is 26000 Yen, and for children, it is 1300 Yen. Moreover, it is free for children from 1 to 5 years.  This is the most recommended pass for riding the Hello Kitty Shinkansen.  2. Kansai - Hiroshima Area Pass With this Kansai to Hiroshima Pass, you can enjoy unlimited rides between these two locations.  It will also include a ride on the JR West Miyajima Ferry to Miyajima Island.  Moreover, the 5-day pass for Kansai - Hiroshima will cost 17000 Yen for adults and 8500 Yen for children.  3. Hiroshima-Yamaguchi Area Pass With this pass, you can enjoy an unlimited ride between Fukuoka and Yamaguchi. This pass is valid for 5 days, and for adults, it costs 15000 Yen, and for children, it is 7500 Yen.  Moreover, there are the Kansai-Wide Area Pass, Kansai-Hokuriku Area Pass, SANYO-SHINKANSEN One-way Ticket, and Okayama-Hiroshima-Yamaguchi Area Pass.  Hello Kitty Shinkansen Days Of Operation And Timetable  Hello Kitty Shikashen will now run every day. You can book the trains from https://www.klook.com/japan-rail/ or the West Japan Railway Company’s website.  Also, there are two trains, Kodama No. 942 and Kodama No. 949, running from Hakata to Shin-Osaka and Shin-Osaka to Hakata, respectively.  1. Time Table Of Kodama No. 942 (Hakata To Shin-Osaka) StationTiming Hakata7:04 AMKokura 7:22 AMShin-Shimonosheki 7:31 AMAsa7:43 AMShin-Yamaguchi7:53 AMTokuyama8:12 AMShin-Iwakuni8:25 AMHiroshima8:40 AMHigashihiroshima8:53 AMMihara9:12 AMShin-Onomichi9:18 AMFukuyama9:31 AMShin-Kurashiki9:45 AMOkayama10:09 AMAioi10:35 AMHimeji10:48 AMNishi-Akashi11:02 AMShin-Kobe11:12 AMShin-Osaka11:25 AM 2. Time Table Of Kodama No. 948 (Shin-Osaka To Hakata) StationTiming Shin-Osaka11:37 AMShin-Kobe11:50 AMNishi-Akashi12:01 PMHimeji12:15 PMAioi12:27 PMOkayama12:50 PMShin-Kurashiki1:02 PMFukuyama1:16 PMShin-Onomichi1:28 PMMihara1:41 PMHigashihiroshima1:56 PMHiroshima2:08 PMShin-Iwakuni2:29 PMTokuyama2:42 PMShin-Yamaguchi2:58 PMAsa3:11 PMShin-Shimonosheki 3:24 PMKokura 3:34 PMHakata3:51 PM There have always been high demands for the Hello Kitty Shinkansen. So, hurry a little if you want to experience a ride in the days remaining.  Moreover, train timings can change under unusual scenarios. So, always check the timing with local authorities before booking your tickets. What Are The Places To Visit On The Hello Kitty Shinkansen Route?  There are many stations on the Hello Kitty Bullet Train route. However, you cannot miss these places on the route.  1. Kobe I loved the Nunobiki Ropeway, which was very close to the Kobe Shinkansen station. The ropeway took me on a ride over the Nunobiki Waterfall and the beautiful Kobe Herb Garden.  It dropped us at the Observation Park, and as the name suggests, it offers amazing views of the city.  However, you can even take a local train to the city.  2. Himeji The Himeji Castle is one of the twelve original castles in Japan. It was built in 1609.  Also known as the White Heron Castle, it is the largest in Japan and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  3. Okayama The Korakeun Garden in Okayama is beautiful. Furthermore, the Kibutsu shrine, a little far away from the town, stands out with its amazing “timber-framed corridor.” Also, don’t forget a visit to the Okayama Castle, the main tower of which was completed in 1597.  4. Kurashiki The Bikan Historical Quarter is the main attraction of Kurashiki. Once you reach Kurashiki on the bullet train, you will get off and take a local train to reach the historical center.  It is also a pretty and quaint town. So, it is ideal for relaxation.  5. Hiroshima Hiroshima is one of the historic places to visit in Japan. The Atomic Bomb Dome and the Peace Museum here remind you of the futility of war.  The Future Of Themed Bullet Trains In Japan  As a tourist or a cultural enthusiast, you may think that the discontinuation of the Hello Kitty Shinkansen has put the future of the themed bullet trains in Japan at stake.  However, that is not the case.  Japan has just got a new theme-based bullet train called Super Mario Shinkansen in 2025. Also, JR Kyushu runs this train in Kyushu.  As the name says, Super Mario Shinkansen has pictures of the main characters, Mario and Luigi. Also, it shows how Japan still believes in using themed trains as powerful tools of regional tourism promotion among children and youngsters. 

BY  Sibashree Mar 26, 2026

If you are like me, your first trip to Japan probably started off in Tokyo, surrounded by bright neon lights and an astounding number of people moving around to get from place to place. Tokyo is a logical starting point because of the many inexpensive daily flights that arrive, as well as its efficient public transportation, making it very easy to get around and communicate with those whom you meet there, because they speak some English. But let me tell you a little secret I learned from spending two different trips to Japan over the course of three weeks. Although I had fun in Tokyo, I’m definitely not a big progressive city person. The real beauty and the heart of Japan are found away from the chaos of Tokyo. The true essence of Japan can be experienced at its best in either the peaceful mountains high above the sea or in the salty air along the coast of Japan. So if you are planning on staying in Tokyo for more than three days, do yourself a favor and venture outside of the city limits.  These are my favorite day trips from Tokyo. You can travel to each of these destinations within 1 to 2 hours. What Are The Best Day Trips From Tokyo?  Tokyo is an incredible gateway. However, Japan’s true magic is often found in the places where the skyscrapers disappear.  Whether you want the spray of the ocean in Kamakura or the mountain air of Hakone, I promise that leaving the city for just a day will change how you see the country. From Mount Fuji to Kyoto, the Soul of Japan, the day trips from Tokyo are as diverse as they can be.  Here is a detailed account of my experience in those places.  1. Mount Fuji And Kawaguchiko: The Icon Travel Time: 2 Hours  How to Reach There: Highway buses from Shinjuku or Shibuya (~¥1,250–¥2,000 one way). If I can only recommend one escape, it will be Kawaguchiko, a town located right at the foot of Mt. Fuji.  "Shy" Fuji hides behind a curtain of clouds and can be quite elusive. While I visited, Fuji showed off for me on several occasions. I spent an entire day in this beautiful town, but would recommend an overnight stay at one of the many traditional ryokans situated on the lake if possible. There, you will notice the the juxtaposition of Fuji's reflection on Lake Kawaguchi at sunrise will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Highlights From My Visit Climbing the 398 steps of Chureito Pagoda was strenuous. However, the meditation-like calm through the forest made it worthwhile. I was fortunate enough to see the iconic site of the Red Pagoda with Mt. Fuji as a backdrop, as the clouds rolled in and covered the summit of Fuji. Hōtō noodles are a local specialty and are made up of thick, flat noodles cooked in a Japanese miso broth. Eating them will feel like a warm hug! So, don’t forget to try it.  2. Nikko: A Place Of Mist And Masterpieces Travel Time: 2 Hours How to Get There: Tobu Railway from Asakusa to Tobu-Nikko Station. When you visit Nikko, you will see all that it has to offer in the stunning, misty forests and cedar trees. Moreover, the detailed and ornate shrines seem to be jewelry boxes.    Insider Tip:  Arrive before 9 am at Lake Chuzenji to witness how the morning light creates an incredibly peaceful scene on the water.  If you arrive later than 9 am, visit the Toshogu Shrine first, which is where Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu is buried and features the famous three monkeys, "See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil". Many people come to see Kegon Falls, but it can be crowded due to the high tourist volume.  Unless you arrive at dawn, I would recommend skipping Kegon Falls and enjoying the calm waters of the lake instead. 3. The Coastal Soul Of Japan: Kamakura Travel Time: 1 hour How to Get There: JR Yokosuka Line from Tokyo Station (¥940 one way). Kamakura is also popular as the "Kyoto of the East," and I can see why.  Although it is an hour from Tokyo, when you are there, you will be surrounded by the smell of salt and incense from the temples instead of exhaust from busy streets. Be sure to see the Great Buddha (Daibutsu) at Kotoku-in.  This is a large bronze hollow statue located outside.  Standing there, surrounded by trees and soft sea light, I felt a sense of peace and tranquility.  After visiting the Great Buddha, I walked to Yuigahama Beach to watch the surfers and the sunset before enjoying a meal of sukiyaki or shabu-shabu. 4. Hakone: A Breath of Mountain Air Travel Time: 2 Hours How to Get There: Odakyu “Romancecar” from Shinjuku. I recommend the Hakone Free Pass. Tokyo is the pulse of Japanese culture, and it is in Hakone where you'll find peace after the city's frenzied pace. Hakone is a beautiful blend of modern and ancient.  The first stop for my visit was at the Hakone Open-Air Museum, where I walked among sculptures created by some of the most famous artists in the world, surrounded by natural beauty all around me.  Then, I took the Hakone Ropeway across the Owakudani Valley.  It is an active volcanic area where steam rises out of the ground, creating a picture of a living canvas.  On clear days, you may see Mt. Fuji as well.  The day was capped off with a boat ride on Lake Ashi aboard a vessel that resembled a "pirate ship."  I was hesitant about it being cheesy, but the sights were gorgeous. 5. The Easy Escape To Yokohama  Travel Time: 30 Minutes How to get there: JR Tokaido or Keihin-Tohoku Line from Tokyo Station (¥480). When I need to relax from the chaos of Tokyo, I tend to go to Yokohama.  Yokohama is the 2nd largest city in Japan. However, it has a much more relaxing atmosphere due to the harbor.  I enjoy taking a stroll along Minato Mirai, which is another word for "harbor view," while enjoying the ocean breeze.  For something "quirky", I went to the Cup Noodles Museum to create my own cup of noodles and to learn about the history of Nissin Food Products.  However, the highlight was visiting China Town, which is the largest in Japan.  My recommendation is to arrive at China Town around 4:00 or 5:00 PM.  It will be early enough to beat the dinner rush and late enough to see the entrance of all the glow from the lanterns.  Take a bag of roasted chestnuts and enjoy the view of the skyline from the water while riding on the Cosmo Clock 21 Ferris Wheel. 6. A Trip Back In Time To Kawagoe Travel Time: 1 Hour How to get there: Tobu Tojo Line from Ikebukuro or JR from Shinjuku. If you want a taste of the Edo period without trekking all the way to Kyoto, go to Kawagoe.  It’s a walkable town full of clay-walled warehouses and wooden merchant houses. When I arrived at 8 AM, I heard the Toki no Kane (Bell of Time) tolling in the stillness of the morning.  I went back 200 years in time.  If you have time to go to Candy Alley, everything is made from sweet potatoes, cakes, chips, and even ice cream!  I know it sounds strange, but I assure you that it is really good! 7. Kyoto: The Soul Of Japan Travel Time: 2 Hours (by Shinkansen) How to get there: Tokaido Shinkansen from Tokyo Station (¥13,320 one way). I usually tell people to stay at least two days in Kyoto, but if a day trip is all you can manage, do it. It is expensive, but it is worth every yen. To appreciate Kyoto fully, you should focus on finding peace and serenity rather than simply marking off temples from a to-do list.  Instead of fighting the crowds at the bamboo groves, I found my peace by sitting in the wonderful gardens of Kennin-Ji Temple and breathing the incense they burned there. 8. Enoshima: Islands And Icons  Travel Time: 2 Hours How to get there: Odakyu Line from Shinjuku to Katase-Enoshima Station. Enoshima is where Japan’s coastal charm meets its spiritual side.  It’s a small island with a bridge and shrines dedicated to the goddess of the sea. Prepare to take many steps as you make your way to Iwaya Caves on the opposite end of the island.  The sound of waves'll surround you as you leave the noise of the city behind.  Furthermore, inside the caves, it’s a different world! After you leave the caves and head back, stop at a vendor and buy some grilled fish or seafood so you can enjoy the smoky aroma of the grilled fish while walking through Enoshima Island. 9. Chichibu: Mountains And Moss Travel Time: 2 Hours How to Get There: Seibu Line from Ikebukuro to Seibu-Chichibu Station. Chichibu is an outdoorsy place if you love the outdoors!  It's got mountains and has a strong cultural heritage.  If your timing is right in the spring, Hitsujiyama Park gets huge patches of pink and white moss phlox in bloom. This area has deliciously filling meals, including miso potatoes and waraji katsu (a pork cutlet that’s named after a straw sandal because of how large it is). 10. Karuizawa: The Alpine Retreat Travel Time: 1 Hour How to get there: Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo Station. Finally, there is Karuizawa. This is where Tokyo’s elite found an escape from the summer heat, and it still feels incredibly sophisticated. Renting a bicycle is one of the best ways to experience this area.  I spent my first morning biking through beautiful pine tree forests until I arrived at Kumoba Pond. The pond has such calm water that it feels like looking into a huge mirror!  In the winter, it turns into a beautiful, snowy retreat perfect for relaxing after spending several days in the city.  Read Also: Is The Japan Rail Pass Worth It In 2026? Should I Buy Or Avoid It As A Conscious Tourist? What Are The Things To Do In Oahu For Free? A Guide For Budget Travelers Festivals Of Light And Color: Experiencing Japan’s Vibrant Matsuri