What Are The Best Japanese Shrines To Visit? Celebrating Nature Spirits And Inherent Spirituality

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 Apr 7, 2026

Japan is now approaching Golden Week, and everyone will have their own list of things to do in Japan.  From 29th April to 6th May, Japan will have the most colorful parades and horse races. This Golden Week celebration is important to hail the rich culture of Japan. And it is this rich culture and a distinct sensory experience that make Japan a favorite among young people, especially Gen Z travelers.  Also, on the Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection list, Japan has been consecutively securing the 9th position as the safest country in the world for the last 2 years.  Nevertheless, as I was saying, the things to do in Japan that make the country a favorite place to visit are not the same as the run-of-the-mill lists you see on the internet.  So, here, I have tried to keep it honest, based on the places I have visited and tried to decode in respect to those places why Japan is the France of the 21st century.  What Are The Things To Do In Japan?  Japan slowly grows on you. It’s not nuclear power; it has one of the largest domestic energy products (around 40% according to the International Energy Agency).  On the contrary, as Joseph Nye, a political scientist at Harvard, has pointed out, it is the soft power that has helped Japan to emerge as an idea, mode of entertainment, or aesthetics.  Can you call a sushi just Japanese these days? Or, a bowl of ramen? All these are very much present in our daily lives.  So, while exploring authentic local cuisine remains one of the best things to do in Japan, here are more activities you cannot miss.  Also, you can check whether Japan is expensive to visit or not, and the entire cost breakdown. 1. Visiting The Japanese Shrines The Japanese shrines practice the local Shinto religion of Japan. Furthermore, these shrines are places for worshipping Kami, the spirit of nature.  These shrines can be easily identified by the Torii gates. Furthermore, once you enter the Torii gates, you will find the worship hall and the inner sanctum.  Moreover, the most popular Japanese shrines are the Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto, Meiji Shrine in Tokyo, Toshogu Shrine in Nikko, and Itsukushima Shrine in Miyajima.  2. Exploring The Japanese Temples Buddhism and the rise and fall of various sects across centuries have shaped the famous Japanese temples.  Furthermore, these temples are defined by architectural features such as pagodas, lecture halls, bellfries, and cemeteries.  While Todai-ji Temple in Nara remains the most popular temple to visit in Japan, the other temples to visit in Japan are the Senso-Ji Temple in Kyoto, Sanbutsu-Ji Temple in Misasa, Daisho-In Temple in Miyajima, etc.  3. Experiencing Shinjuku Shinjuku was very different from the other parts of Japan I visited. It offered an eclectic fusion of retro vibes and high-tech experiences.  Especially, thanks to the Godzilla Road, exploring Shinjuku is one of the best things to do in Japan if you are traveling with kids.  Along with the roar of Godzilla at the Godzilla Road, the Shinjuku 3D Cat near the Shinjuku Station East Exit is another major attraction for kids here.  Read more about what to do in Shinjuku.  4.  Enjoying The Ultimate Dark Academia Fan Moment At Jimbocho Book Town Uttered with an equal respect as the “Kaifeng and China book towns,” the Jimbocho Book Town is the ultimate place to visit for Dark Academia fans in Japan.  This town started booming when many law schools were established here in the late 19th century and early 20th century.  Today, it has more than 400 book stores, selling vernacular and foreign-language books.  Furthermore, every year, this book town holds the Aozora Kohon Ichiba or the Kanda Used Book Festival from Late October to early November. It is an attraction for book lovers around the globe. 5. Enjoying The Cherry Blossom Season In Kyoto If you want to experience romance in Japan, you have to be present during the cherry blossom season in Kyoto.  The Philosopher’s Walk is the most popular place to experience the cherry blossom scene here. If you are done soaking in the meditative vibe here, you can next head to the Shimbashi Street.  It is the most beautiful street in Asia.  The Kiyomizu-Dera Temple and Maruyama Park are other amazing places to see cherry blossoms in Kyoto.  6. Trying Osaka Food Osaka Food now represents Japanese cuisine worldwide, and it has left Tokyo behind in this regard. Thus, it fully justifies its nickname of “Japan’s Kitchen.”  Furthermore, Dotonbori is the epicenter of the best Osaka food and street stalls.  Takoyaki, Daifuku Mochi, Okonomiyaki, and the staples, Sushi and Ramen, are some of the must-try items here.  7. Visiting Oshino Hakkai Sensory seeking is one of the biggest reasons why young travelers seek Japan, and there has been a 1300% surge in the bookings of young and Gen Z travelers from 2019, according to a report by American Express.  Furthermore, the Instagrammable places in Japan, such as Oshino Hakkai, have played a major role in satisfying this sensory quest.  Now, as I have mentioned in my Oshino Hakkai guide, it is a place I got to know about from Instagram.  You can see the snow-capped peaks of Mount Fuji from Oshino Hakkai, and the eight sacred ponds here were the highlights of my Tokyo to Mount Fuji day trip.  Furthermore, the Wakuike Pond is one of these eight ponds, and its water was carried to space in the Space Shuttle Challenger in 1983 to conduct an experiment on snowmaking in space.  8. Planning A Two-Day Trip To Nara Do you know why Japan attracts anxious young travelers? It kind of strikes a balance. How?  When places in Japan feel like the future, think of Tokyo or the speed of the bullet trains. Some parts of the country bring back the order of the past.  One such place is Nara, the first permanent capital of Japan and home to 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Todai-ji Temple is the most famous among them.  Before Kyoto became the country’s capital in 794 AD, it served as the seat of power.  Along with the Todai-Ji Temple, you must also visit Kasuga Taisha, Mt. Wakakusa, and the Heijo Palace in Nara.  Read my complete guide on things to do in Nara to understand why you cannot miss a 2-day trip here.  9. Visiting Hokkaido Beach And Sapporo The Hokkaido Beach is in Western Japan, and it looks straight out from the works of Hakura Murakami.  It’s surreal to see the coexistence of the snow-capped peaks and dunes, and it’s only possible in Hokkaido.  Along with the Hokkaido Beach, Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido, also stands out with its green parks and shrines like the Sapporo Suitengu Shrine.  So, when you are next in Japan, plan a Tokyo to Hokkaido trip.  10. Visiting Hakone  The things to do in Hakone are all about soaking in the quiet moments that are most powerful.  I am glad that I did not follow the usual loop, including the train, cable car, and ship circuit.  If the Open Air Art Museum with 100 sculptures is the highlight of my Hakone visit, the Choan-ji Shrine, with small stone statues of monks, is what will stay with me forever.  Also, another fun part here was washing my money at the Fukazawa Zeniaria Benzaiten Shrine.  I have not got a bigger return yet, but there is no harm in believing in a custom that locals have been following for so many years.  Moreover, if you are in Hakone, don’t forget to take a bath in the Onsen or hot springs. Furthermore, you can relive history by taking a ride on the Hakone Tozan Railway here. So, it is no wonder that visiting Hakone is one of the best day trips from Tokyo you can plan.

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.