Osaka Food: Know What To Eat In The Streets Of Osaka 

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 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 31, 2026

Shinjuku is a very diverse part of Tokyo with a lot of activity and some rebelliousness, but it’s completely different in style and design compared to the other areas of Tokyo.  As far as contrasts go, Shinjuku is the most contrasting area of Tokyo. You can look at commercial 3D billboards within a couple of minutes’ walk to find very old traditional garden spaces. Shinjuku Station, as the busiest train station worldwide, could be described as a crazy madman's labyrinth for a first visit.  Yet, stepping outside into the bright neon lights of the Shinjuku area exposes a bright, fascinating area to play.  To help you get started, below is a list of “What to do in Shinjuku” as a first timer.  What To Do In Shinjuku As A First Timer?  Shinjuku is a city within a city. It’s loud, it’s crowded, and it’s occasionally a little messy. However, that’s exactly what makes it the most authentic urban experience in Japan.  Here are the things if you are feeling clueless about what to do in Shinjuku.  1. Retro Vibes At Kitamura Camera Kitamura Camera isn't a store. It's a vertical museum built around film cameras.  Rows of vintage gear line the floors, including rare glass lenses and models from the 1930s.  The place hums with quiet energy, untouched by digital noise.  It's tucked into Musashino Street, a lively area where shops mix with daily life. Even pros who shoot in RAW find it worth visiting for its raw craftsmanship and calm atmosphere. 2. The Roar Of Godzilla Road You'll see the Godzilla head before you hear it.   Its massive form stretches over Toho Cinemas, like a guardpost at the entrance to Godzilla Road.  The statue is a fixture in Shinjuku, visible from most sidewalks. Also, Hotel Gracery has rooms shaped like the monster itself. The Toho building bears the giant head of Godzilla, towering over the street corner.  That image sets the tone for everything around it, the kind of visual that sticks in your memory long after you leave.  Hotel Gracery offers themed rooms that let fans step into their favorite scenes.  The area feels unfiltered! Neon signs flash at odd hours, crowds surge during rush times, and alleys smell like food carts and rainwater mixing on pavement. 3. Sky-High Views (For Free!) Most of Tokyo's observation decks are rather expensive, but the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building provides a magnificent view of the city for exactly zero yen.  The queue is very fast at that point. On a clear day, you may be lucky enough to see the famous Mount Fuji.  Even on a cloudy day, you will still enjoy the amazing view of the city.  Insider Tip: Definitely visit the cafe on the top floor. The matcha desserts there go very well with the sunset view of the skyline. 4. The World’s Largest Projection Mapping Show It's all about timing.  If you can, leave the Metropolitan Government Building just when the Sun goes down so that you can see a projection mapping show that has entered the Guinness World Records.  A huge skyscraper's side gets turned into a screen for colorful animations.  The Pac-Man sequence, which was a throwback to the arcade game, was the highlight of architectural lighting during our visit.  It was as if the entire building was a giant glowing game of Pac-Man. 5. The Shinjuku 3D Cat Forget about Hachiko. If you come near Shinjuku Station East Exit and lift your eyes, you will spot a Giant 3D Cat.  This digital masterpiece "resides" on a curved billboard, and its antics include playful meowing and looking down at the crowd of commuters.  It is remarkably realistic and even more enchanting when it shines under the night lights. 6. The Neon Labyrinth Of Kabukicho Welcome to the largest red-light district in Japan.  Kabukicho is a sensory overload in the most enjoyable way. Moreover, it is a center of entertainment that is always alive with bars, restaurants, and the newly changed Samurai Restaurant Time (formerly the renowned Robot Restaurant).  Though it has a somewhat rough image, it is a place that anyone who wishes to see the "Blade Runner" side of Tokyo should definitely go to. 7. Sing Your Heart Out At Karaoke Kan You haven't truly felt Japanese social rhythm until you're in a private booth at Karaoke Kan.  There, you rent a high-tech room with friends instead of singing to strangers like in Western bars.  Moreover, the selection is vast, thousands of songs in English and Japanese, and it's probably the most common cultural milestone for young adults. 8. A Natural Escape: Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden When the neon lights get overwhelming, head to Shinjuku Gyoen.  It's huge, with an area of more than 100 acres, and you might spend hours wandering through traditional gardens with French, English, and Japanese influences.  Moreover, the paths change shape every few minutes. So, you'll likely lose track of time. Must Try: Muroya offers real sweets or a cute sushi set inside the garden.  This place has been going strong for generations. It's more or less certain that your parents were here too, decades back. 9. Breakfast At St. Marc Cafe St. Marc Cafe is better than chains for local flavor.  Furthermore, their ChocoCro is flaky, buttery, and tends to draw long lines.  Also, breakfast sets cost under $10 and keep people energized during long city walks. 10. Nostalgia In Omoide Yokocho (Memory Lane) Tucked away near the tracks is a narrow alleyway known as Omoide Yokocho.  Years ago, it earned the nickname "Piss Alley," but today it’s a charming, albeit cramped, destination for yakitori and beer.  Moreover, the smoke from dozens of small grills creates a nostalgic atmosphere that feels miles away from the modern skyscrapers nearby. 11. Exploring Musashino Street While walking toward the camera shops, you'll likely find yourself on Musashino Street. It’s a delightful shopping district that feels exceptionally safe and welcoming. Shopping Tip: Look for the specialized Don Quijote here. Moreover, unlike the massive, chaotic branches, this one focuses specifically on products popular with tourists, making it a "souvenir shortcut." Yoi ryokō o, guys!  Read Also: What Are The Things To Do In Jimbocho Book Town? Visit The Best Book Stores And Cafes What Are The Things To Do In Nara? How To Plan A Two-Day Trip? What Is Oshino Hakkai Famous For? How To Visit It And More