Merry Christmas everyone! I’d like to post a quick note about some Japanese trains that will be ending the in-car sale of food and beverage items.

Last March, JR Central, operators of the Tokaido Shinkansen between Tokyo and Shin-Osaka, discontinued all in-car sales on the slow, all-stopping Kodama trains. The fastest services, Nozomi, and the Hikari (the fastest you can travel on with a Japan Rail Pass) continue to have food and beverages available for purchase from trolleys on the train.

This March, JR Central will discontinue in-car sales on some limited express services, which are generally premium trains to areas not served by the bullet train.

The Hida (Nagoya and Gifu to Takayama), Shinano (Nagoya-Shiojiri, en route to Matsumoto and Nagano), Nanki (Nagoya to Shingu) and Shirasagi (Nagoya-Maibara en route to Toyama) will have all sales discontinued inside trains.

This means, unless your train has a vending machine for food and beverages – I’m not sure, but probably no – buy your food, bento boxes and beverages at the station or at a convenience store BEFORE boarding your train! It’ll save you an empty stomach for the long train ride.

I am happy to repost here my “Classic Tokyo, Modern Tokyo” itinerary that I created for Wikitravel several years ago and updated as necessary. I have now migrated from the Wikitravel community to the Wikivoyage community, however Wikivoyage’s rules do not permit itineraries such as mine to be listed. So I will provide it here instead.

The following tour starts and ends at Tokyo Station, contrasting the Tokyo of old with the Tokyo of new. In this tour you will visit the following major destinations:

Tokyo Station
Imperial Palace and the East Gardens in Chiyoda
Sensōji Temple in Asakusa
Odaiba

You will need to get a Suica or PASMO fare card worth at least ¥3000 to be safe. Either type of fare card can be obtained at the nearest train station.

If you have a Japan Rail Pass when entering the country, you can just walk through the barriers when entering and exiting the JR system and flash your pass to the guard. However, you should purchase a ¥3000 fare card in any case.

Begin at Tokyo Station

Time yourself to arrive at Tokyo station at around 10:00. If you wish, arrive earlier to experience the end of the morning rush hour. Exit towards the Marunouchi (丸の内) side of the station.

Exit the station to your left and walk until you are at the center of the exterior of the station. Here is where the first stark contrast between old and new can be seen: On one side you can see brand new skyscrapers and on the other side, the red brick facade of Tokyo Station. A large refurbishment project to restore Tokyo Station to its pre-World War II appearance is about to be completed (October 2012 is the finishing date).

From Tokyo Station to the Imperial Palace

NOTE! The Imperial Palace is CLOSED on Mondays and Fridays, unless it is a national holiday, in which case they are closed the following day. They are also closed during the New Year’s season (December 28-January 3) and for some special events. In these cases I suggest a detour to Rikugien Garden instead. See “Alternate Route” below.

You will see a very wide street that proceeds straight out from the center of the station; this is Miyuki Dōri. Proceed walking down the right side of the road until you reach the moat, Wadakura-bori. After walking through what is certain to be a lot of vehicular traffic, it is a slow transition into serenity as you pass the moat and come across the Wadakura Fountain Park.

After spending a few moments at the fountains, continue across the final road, Uchibori Dōri, to the Imperial Palace Plaza. Walk around the edge of the plaza, and you will soon find everything rather calm, as the transfer into old Tokyo has been made. Standing at one of the large gravel intersections, look around and see the contrast once more.

Backtrack yourself to where you entered, and turn left, walking north on Uchibori Dōri until you reach the Ōte-mon Gate (大手門), which leads you into the public East Gardens.

Browse through the main path of the gardens, picking up a beverage from a vending machine, purchasing a gift, and if lucky, hearing the screams of the Imperial Guard practicing kendo close by.

Continuing on the main path, you will reach a flower garden, where you should be able to see a large sign pointing you to Hirakawa-mon Gate (平川門), the north exit of the East Gardens.

With your jaunt through the Imperial Palace complete, turn right as you exit Hirakawa-mon and walk a short distance to the entrance to Takebashi station (竹橋) and, using your Suica or PASMO card, take the Tokyo Metro Tōzai Line one stop to Ōtemachi station (大手町).

Follow the underground arcade towards the JR Lines until you reach Tokyo Station. Flash your Japan Rail Pass, or if you don’t have a rail pass, use your Suica or PASMO card. This is a nice opportunity for a quick snack at one of the many food stands before continuing on.

To Sensoji Temple

A quick entry to Modern Tokyo can be found as you walk up to platform 4 for the northbound Yamanote Line. Here, board one of the green-colored trains that arrive every 2 to 3 minutes.

The Yamanote Line is the most prominent rail line in Tokyo, with quick service, and a loop that runs around the entire city. All announcements on the Yamanote line are in both Japanese and English, with computer monitors that show information such as connections at the next stop.

Take the Yamanote Line to Ueno (上野), then walk out and down the stairs, where you’ll whip out your Suica or PASMO card once again and board the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, taking it to the terminal stop of Asakusa (浅草).

Proceed out of Exit 1, 2 or 3, and look for the large Kaminari-mon Gate (雷門), which is your signal to the road that leads to Sensōji Temple. This road, which is Nakamise Dōri, includes a covered arcade of specialty stores and food shops. Pass these initially, and the usual crowds that form around them, and come back to visit a few upon returning.

When you get back to the area around Asakusa station, don’t forget to look across the river for a look at the Golden Turd, also known as the Asahi Beer brewing factory.

From Asakusa you can glimpse at Tokyo’s newest attraction – the Tokyo SkyTree. When you are ready to visit it, it’s just one station away from Asakusa station on the Tobu line.

To Odaiba

Now after a totally classic experience, it’s time to head in a completely opposite direction. Enter Asakusa station and follow the signs for the Toei Asakusa Line, which is another subway line. Take any train to Shimbashi (新橋) and then transfer upstairs to the Yurikamome (ゆりかもめ) light rail line. (You’ll need your Suica or PASMO card for both.)

After skimming past some skyscrapers, you will see the Rainbow Bridge on your left side. Then the train makes a 270-degree right turn and enters the bridge for the crossing into Odaiba, the man-made island that boasts a completely new scene in Tokyo.

One of the main attractions here is the Fuji TV Building. But one of the more interesting ones is the Toyota pavilion, which can be reached by getting off the Yurikamome at the first stop, Odaiba Kaihin-Koen (お台場海浜公園), then taking a nice walk on the bridge across the expressway. Eventually you will come upon the complex, a part of Palette Town, which includes Toyota, as well as a Lawson convenience store. Inside the Toyota pavilion you can test-drive new Toyota vehicles if you have an international drivers license, or simply push a button and have automated elevators and conveyors present a vehicle to you. The other end of the Yurikamome is on the other side of the complex; board it here with your Suica or PASMO card and take it a few stops to Daiba (台場) to access the Fuji building.

The Tokyo Teleport station (東京テレポート) of the Tokyo Waterfront Railway, aka Rinkai Line, is located within the vicinity of the Fuji building.

To Shinjuku

If you’ve progressed at a steady pace, it should be close to dusk by the time you enter the Rinkai Line. The last stop on the tour is a place which shines with nightlife, Shinjuku.

In the past, getting from Tokyo Teleport to Shinjuku was a bit tricky depending on whether or not you had a Japan Rail Pass. Although Rinkai Line trains continue directly to Shinjuku station, you travel over two separate railways (Tokyo Teleport to Osaki on the Tokyo Waterfront Railway, then Osaki to Shinjuku on the JR Saikyo Line).

Now, it’s very easy and straightforward: Use your Suica or PASMO card for this leg of the trip. Do not use the Japan Rail Pass since it is not accepted for travel over the Rinkai Line. An alternative is to obtain a regular ticket – not using a Suica or PASMO – from Tokyo Teleport to Ōsaki (¥320) where the Rinkai Line joins the JR, and then exit in Shinjuku flashing your Japan Rail Pass.

Have a bite to eat in the station, if you want, or see what kind of eateries you can find, cheap or expensive, in Shinjuku itself!

Head to the east exit of Shinjuku station to begin in front of the giant television monitor at Studio ALTA, one of Tokyo’s major meeting places. If you are courageous, follow the train tracks north and attempt to plunge into Tokyo’s red-light district of Kabukichō (歌舞伎町)… you’ll see bright signs for it just to the right of the Shinjuku Prince Hotel.

If you’ve had enough, walk south to Kōshu Kaidō (甲州街道) to enjoy the panoramic views of the rest of Shinjuku at ground level overlooking the train tracks, including the large Takashimaya Times Square building.

Returning to Tokyo Station

Shinjuku is the country’s busiest train hub, but don’t stray in Shinjuku too late, as, like the rest of the country, train services stop at midnight!

To return to Tokyo Station, you can take the JR Chuo Line across, or do the same using the Marunouchi subway line.

If you are returning elsewhere, you can take the JR Yamanote Line, or several subway lines, including the Marunouchi, Toei Shinjuku or Toei Oedo line.

Straying from the route

If you want to stray a bit from the route, take a moment to inhale the world’s largest pedestrian crossing, which can be found at Shibuya station.

You may also choose to go from Asakusa to the new Tokyo SkyTree, and then proceed to Odaiba in the evening.

ALTERNATE ROUTE – RIKUGIEN GARDEN

On some days the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace are CLOSED to visitors. In this case I recommend beginning your Classic Tokyo, Modern Tokyo tour at Rikugien Garden, widely considered to be among Tokyo’s top gardens. Rikugien Garden opens at 9 AM every day, and they are closed from December 29 to January 1. The admission is 300 yen.

Rikugien is a short walk south of the Komagome Station on the Yamanote Line. Once there you will be impressed by its appearance and landscape, as I was during my second visit to Japan.

I suggest arriving at Rikugien during the 9:00-10:00 hour if possible. If it is not 12:00 by the time you finish, you can take the Yamanote Line back to Tokyo Station to view its classic exterior before proceeding to Sensoji Temple as described above. Otherwise, you can go directly from Rikugien to Sensoji by taking the Yamanote Line to Ueno, then proceeding via the Ginza Subway Line to Asakusa station.

This itinerary was updated for current pricing and travel options in February 2017.

The original list of Japan’s Three Views is mirrored by a countless number of lists with the top three of everything in Japan. In this post I will introduce what is agreed to be Japan’s best three gardens, or Sanmeien, and suggest itineraries to visit these three gardens in a limited amount of time. All information is provided according to the DISCLAIMER and all information contained in this post is accurate as of the date it is posted.

I really love Japanese gardens. They help to define tranquility and serenity in their settings, no matter what their purpose. I’ve been to a few in Japan, notably Rikugien in Tokyo, and in a good number of the buddhist temples that I’ve visited around the Kyoto area. I must confess though that I’ve never been to any of these three defined as the best. I will definitely mark at least one of these on my list of places to visit in Japan during my future travels. But even if you don’t visit these three, there are plenty of gardens around the country to whet your appetite.

KENROKU-EN

Kenroku-en is a Japanese garden in the city of Kanazawa, in Japan’s northern Chubu region. It was originally a private garden for one of the country’s most powerful samurai clans. A restoration project begun in the late 1700’s after it was destroyed by fire. It was opened to the public in 1874, a few years into the Meiji Restoration which brought the era of samurai and feudal lords to an end.

It is open from 7 AM to 6 PM during the summer months, and 8 AM to 5 PM during the winter months. Admission is 310 yen; for 500 yen you can buy a “Kenroku-en Plus One” ticket, which also includes admission to one additional attraction in the Kanazawa area.

In March of 2015, Kanazawa was linked to the country’s high speed rail network, making for a quick trip from Tokyo… but since Kenroku-en is a considerable distance from Kanazawa station the best way to access the garden is by public transportation. Numerous buses operate on a frequent basis between the train station and the garden: trips take approximately 15-20 minutes at a cost of 200 yen. JR Bus operates a few buses per hour, but not as much as the other local buses operated by Hokutetsu Bus. These JR buses are free if you have the Japan Rail Pass, although the cost of the bus is cheap enough that you can just pay for the next trip to the garden and back. Perhaps the easiest way to get around, though, is on the Kanazawa Loop Bus. These buses for tourists run every 15 minutes at a cost of 200 yen per trip – or for 500 yen you can hop on and off the bus as many times as you want in one day, as well as any local Hokutetsu bus in the area served by the loop bus. Passes can be purchased from the Hokutetsu Ekimae Center, at Kanazawa Station’s east exit.

There is also a shuttle bus that goes directly between Kanazawa Station and Kenroku-en every 20 minutes for 200 yen (100 yen on weekends and holidays), though it looks like the One Day Pass for the Loop Bus is not valid for this shuttle bus.

Kenroku-en official web site: http://www.pref.ishikawa.jp/siro-niwa/kenrokuen/e/index.html
Official Kanazawa City Tourism web site: http://www.kanazawa-tourism.com/
English route map of Kanazawa Loop Bus (in PDF): http://www.hokutetsu.co.jp/bus/e_pamphlet.pdf
Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kenrokuen

KORAKU-EN

There are several popular locations in Japan referred to as Koraku-en. If you ask for Koraku-en in Tokyo, you’ll be taken to Japan’s most famous sports venue for boxing and professional wrestling. But if you search for a famous garden called Koraku-en, you’ll be directed to a location in the city of Okayama, in the Chugoku region.

Like Kenroku-en, Koraku-en was built as a pleasure garden by a feudal lord, and was a private garden until it was completely opened to the public during the Meiji Restoration. And like Kenroku-en, it has suffered through destruction (twice!) and been rebuilt. One of the striking features of the garden is the presence of nearby Okayama Castle, which appears to blend in to the scenery. It is open from 7:30 AM to 6 PM during the summer months, and 8 AM to 5 PM during the winter months. Admission is 400 yen, with combination admission tickets available with nearby attractions including Okayama Castle and the prefectural museum.

The nearest major train station is Okayama, a major stop on the Shinkansen (bullet train). From here, you have a few options: You can walk the entire distance to the garden in approximately 30 minutes, you can take a city bus from the station to the garden (15-20 minutes on Bus #18, 140 yen, departs every 20 minutes), you travel halfway to Koraku-en on the tramway (100 yen to Shiroshita station, 5 minutes) and walk to Koraku-en in about 15 minutes, or you can go the entire way by taxi for around 1000 yen.

Koraku-en English web site: http://www.okayama-korakuen.jp/english/
Koraku-en / Okayama Castle information at official Okayama Prefecture Tourism web site: https://www.okayama-japan.jp/en/spot/91
Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/K%C5%8Draku-en

KAIRAKU-EN

The final of Japan’s three great gardens is actually in Ibaraki prefecture, just a stone’s throw away from Tokyo. There are several differences between Kairaku-en and the two other gardens on the list: Kairaku-en was built much later, in the mid 1800’s. The garden has been open to the public since it first opened. It is widely known for its plum tree blossoms in February and March. There is a traditional building within Kairaku-en that requires an admission fee, otherwise the garden is completely FREE to enter. Operating hours are 6 AM to 7 PM during the plum blossom season and summer months, 7 AM to 6 PM during the winter months.

Kairaku-en suffered damage after the earthquake and tsunami of March 11, 2011. Full restoration work was completed in February, 2012.

The nearest train station to Kairaku-en is Mito Station, which is on the JR Joban Line. Joban Line trains are now directly linked to Ueno, Tokyo and Shinagawa stations: Limited Express “Hitachi” and “Tokiwa” trains are the fastest (70-90 minutes and 3,820 yen from Tokyo Station), while local trains reach Mito in 2 hours 15 minutes from Tokyo Station (2,270 yen). The trains actually pass Kairaku-en before arriving at Mito. You can reach Kairaku-en by walking for 30 minutes, by taking a bus (15 minutes), or by taxi in 10 minutes for around 1,000 yen. During the plum festival, a temporary station right next to Kairaku-en is opened for disembarkment.

There is also a highway bus that runs from Tokyo to Mito Station in approximately two hours. SOME of these buses stop at a stop called Daikumachi, which is almost to Mito station. The fare is 2,080 yen to either destination. From this stop you can walk SOUTH directly to Kairaku-en in 15-20 minutes along route 342.

Kairaku-en Web Site: http://www.koen.pref.ibaraki.jp/foreign_language/en/kairakuen/index.html
JR Bus Kanto website: http://www.jrbuskanto.co.jp.e.wn.hp.transer.com/
Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kairaku-en

And now for the short travel itineraries that cover just these three jewels of Japanese gardens. As in my previous post, there are four different routes suggested. Two each from Tokyo and Osaka, and two each using the train and the bus. For buses, note that bus companies sometimes offer discounts for advance purchases.

FROM TOKYO – BY RAIL/JAPAN RAIL PASS – 4-day Itinerary

Day 1: In the morning, depart from Tokyo station on a “Hitachi” or “Tokiwa” Limited Express service to Mito station (70-90 minutes, 3,820 yen, no charge w/Rail Pass) or by local train (2 1/4 hours, 2,080 yen). Walk from Mito Station for about 30 minutes to Kairaku-en, or take a taxi (around 1,000 yen one-way).
VISIT KAIRAKU-EN
Return to Ueno Station in the afternoon via “Hitachi”/”Tokiwa” or local train.
In the evening hours, depart Tokyo for Kanazawa on the Hokuriku Shinkansen “Kagayaki” or “Hakutaka” bullet train service. “Kagayaki” trains are the fastest, taking 2 1/2 hours, while the “Hakutaka” makes more stops and adds around 45 minutes to the trip. The fare of 14,120 yen is the same – there is no charge for Japan Rail Pass holders.

Spend TWO EVENINGS at a hotel in Kanazawa.

Day 2: Spend the entire day in Kanazawa, utilizing the Kanazawa Loop Bus to get around the city’s major sites, including Kenroku-en.
VISIT KENROKU-EN

Day 3: In the morning, depart for Okayama using the “Thunderbird” limited express between Kanazawa and Shin-Osaka, followed by the Shinkansen between Shin-Osaka and Okayama. The “Thunderbird” begins departures at 5:35 AM; the faster services leave Kanazawa just after the top of the hour at 8 AM and 9 AM. Be sure to change at SHIN-OSAKA, which is the shinkansen transfer station. By Nozomi it takes as little as 3 1/2 hours at a cost of 13,070 yen. Rail Pass holders can reach Okayama in around 4 hours, but using one of the morning “Thunderbird” trains to connect to a “Sakura” bullet train service will get you to Okayama a little sooner.
In the afternoon visit Koraku-en and nearby Okayama Castle.
VISIT KORAKU-EN

Spend the evening in Okayama.

Day 4: Return from Okayama to Tokyo on the bullet train at your leisure to complete the trip. By direct “Nozomi” the trip takes approximately 3 1/2 hours (17,130 yen). A direct “Hikari” service leaves every hour for Tokyo (4 hours) and is the best option for Japan Rail Pass holders – otherwise a change of trains at Shin-Osaka is necessary.
[If you wish, you can travel to Okayama at your leisure on Day 3, then spend the morning of Day 4 at Koraku-en before returning to Tokyo in the evening]

For this course, a 7 Day Japan Rail Pass is recommended (29,110 yen).

FROM TOKYO – BY BUS and LOCAL TRAINS – 5-day itinerary

Day 1: Depart from Tokyo for Mito using the bus from Tokyo Station (2 hours, 2,080 yen) or using the local train from Ueno, Tokyo or Shinagawa (2 1/4 hours, 2,080 yen from Tokyo Station). Walk from Mito Station for about 30 minutes to Kairaku-en or take a taxi (around 1,000 yen one-way). If you are on a bus that drops off at Daikumachi bus stop, you can walk south to Kairaku-en in 15-20 minutes.
VISIT KAIRAKU-EN
Return to Tokyo from Mito Station by bus or local train.

In the evening, leave Tokyo for Kanazawa by overnight bus. Options include the JR Bus and Willer Express. There are several nightly departures and buses reach Kanazawa in 7 1/2-9 hours. Fares typically start at around 5,700 yen for off-peak travel and increase during high demand.

Day 2: Arrive in Kanazawa. Spend the entire day in Kanazawa, utilizing the Kanazawa Loop Bus to get around the city’s major sites, including Kenroku-en.
VISIT KENROKU-EN

Spend the night in Kanazawa.

Day 3: Spend the day traveling from Kanazawa to Okayama, with a break in Osaka.

In the morning, depart Kanazawa for Osaka. Options include JR Bus (Fares start at around 4,700 yen for off-peak travel).
Spend the afternoon in Osaka. In the evening, depart for Okayama.
Options include JR Bus (around 1 bus per hour, with fares starting at around 2,400 yen)

If you are unable to secure a bus trip, the other option is to travel via the JR commuter train line all the way out to Okayama. You will want to depart on a “Shin-Kaisoku” or special rapid service – one change of trains will be required, usually in Himeji. The train fare from Osaka to Okayama is 3,020 yen and the ride takes approximately 2 1/2 hours if the connections are good.

The train trip is slightly faster than the bus… but unlike the commuter train the bus has reserved seating and, like most others, makes a rest stop at a service area along the highway.

Spend the night in Okayama upon arrival.

Day 4: Spend the day visiting Koraku-en and the nearby Okayama Castle.
VISIT KORAKU-EN

In the evening, depart for Tokyo via overnight bus. Options include JR Bus and Willer Express (Fares starting from around 5,400 yen).

Day 5: Arrive in Tokyo to complete your trip.

For this itinerary I suggest the following:
*Check to see if Willer Express’ 3-day Japan Bus Pass (starting at 10,000 yen) would be cheaper than individual tickets from Tokyo to Kanazawa [Day 1], and from Okayama to Tokyo [Day 4]. Otherwise purchase regular one-way bus tickets.
*A regular round-trip bus ticket OR train ticket from Tokyo to Mito [Day 1]
*A regular one-way bus ticket from Kanazawa to Osaka [Day 3] .
*A regular one-way bus ticket OR train ticket from Osaka to Okayama [Day 3].

FROM OSAKA – BY RAIL/JAPAN RAIL PASS – 4-day itinerary

Day 1: Depart Osaka in the morning for Okayama by bullet train. “Nozomi” and “Mizuho” trains take 45 minutes costing 6,230 yen. Rail Pass holders should use the “Sakura” or “Hikari” with frequent departures. “Sakura” trains are generally faster, reaching Okayama in 50 minutes or so.
Spend the day visiting Koraku-en and the nearby Okayama Castle.
VISIT KORAKU-EN

In the evening depart for Tokyo by bullet train.  By direct “Nozomi” the trip takes approximately 3 1/2 hours (17,130 yen). A direct “Hikari” service leaves every hour for Tokyo (4 hours) and is the best option for Japan Rail Pass holders – otherwise a change of trains at Shin-Osaka is necessary. Be sure not to get back to Tokyo too late! Spend the night in Tokyo.

Day 2: In the morning, depart from Tokyo station on a “Hitachi” or “Tokiwa” Limited Express service to Mito station (70-90 minutes, 3,820 yen, no charge w/Rail Pass) or by local train (2 1/4 hours, 2,080 yen). Walk from Mito Station for about 30 minutes to Kairaku-en or take a taxi (around 1,000 yen one-way).
VISIT KAIRAKU-EN
Return to Ueno Station in the afternoon via “Hitachi”/”Tokiwa” or local train.
In the evening hours, depart Tokyo for Kanazawa on the Hokuriku Shinkansen “Kagayaki” or “Hakutaka” bullet train service. “Kagayaki” trains are the fastest, taking 2 1/2 hours, while the “Hakutaka” makes more stops and adds around 45 minutes to the trip. The fare of 14,120 yen is the same – there is no charge for Japan Rail Pass holders.

Spend TWO EVENINGS at a hotel in Kanazawa.

Day 3: Spend the entire day in Kanazawa, utilizing the Kanazawa Loop Bus to get around the city’s major sites, including Kenroku-en.

Day 4: Return to Osaka at your leisure via the “Thunderbird” limited express to complete your trip. Trains take approx. 2 hours 40 minutes and cost 7,650 yen to Osaka station.

For this course, a 7 Day Japan Rail Pass is recommended (29,110 yen).

FROM OSAKA – BY BUS and LOCAL TRAINS – 5-day itinerary

Day 1: Depart for Okayama by bus or train. Bus options include JR Bus (around 1 bus per hour, with fares starting at around 2,400 yen).

If you are unable to secure a bus trip, the other option is to travel via the JR commuter train line all the way out to Okayama. You will want to depart on a “Shin-Kaisoku” or special rapid service – one change of trains will be required, usually in Himeji. The train fare from Osaka to Okayama is 3,020 yen and the ride takes approximately 2 1/2 hours if the connections are good.

The train trip is slightly faster than the bus… but unlike the commuter train the bus has reserved seating and, like most others, makes a rest stop at a service area along the highway..

Spend the afternoon in Osaka, visiting Koraku-en and the nearby Okayama Castle.
VISIT KORAKU-EN
In the evening, depart for Tokyo via overnight bus. Options include JR Bus and Willer Express (Fares starting from around 5,400 yen).

Day 2: Arrive in Tokyo, and depart from Tokyo for Mito using the bus from Tokyo Station (2 hours, 2,080 yen) or using the local train from Ueno, Tokyo or Shinagawa (2 1/4 hours, 2,080 yen from Tokyo Station). Walk from Mito Station for about 30 minutes to Kairaku-en or take a taxi (around 1,000 yen one-way). If you are on a bus that drops off at Daikumachi bus stop, you can walk south to Kairaku-en in 15-20 minutes.
VISIT KAIRAKU-EN
Return to Tokyo from Mito Station by bus or local train and spend the night in Tokyo.

Day 3: Spend your day in Tokyo, then leave in the evening for Kanazawa by overnight bus. Options include the JR Bus and Willer Express. There are several nightly departures and buses reach Kanazawa in 7 1/2-9 hours. Fares typically start at around 5,700 yen for off-peak travel and increase during high demand.

Day 4: Arrive in Kanazawa. Spend the entire day in Kanazawa, utilizing the Kanazawa Loop Bus to get around the city’s major sites, including Kenroku-en.
VISIT KENROKU-EN
Spend the night in Kanazawa.

Day 5: Depart Kanazawa for Osaka to complete your trip. Options include JR Bus (Fares start at around 4,700 yen for off-peak travel).

For this itinerary I suggest the following:
*Check to see if Willer Express’ 3-day Japan Bus Pass (starting at 10,000 yen) would be cheaper than individual tickets from Okayama to Tokyo [Day 1] and from Tokyo to Kanazawa [Day 3]. Otherwise purchase regular one-way bus tickets.
*A regular one-way bus ticket OR train ticket from Osaka to Okayama [Day 1]
*A regular round-trip bus ticket from Tokyo to Mito [Day 2]
*A regular one-way bus ticket from Kanazawa to Osaka [Day 5].

This blog post was updated in February 2017 to reflect new travel information and fares.

In what will hopefully be the first of a few blog posts, I will present suggested itineraries that will allow you to experience the best that Japan has to offer. These are, as per usual, offered pursuant to the blog DISCLAIMER and transit timings are valid and current as of the date of this post.

This itinerary is for lovers of landscapes and views. Indeed, this itinerary covers the three top views that Japan has to offer. The original list of the “Three Views” can be attributed to the Hayashi family of scholars that penned the list in the 1600’s.

MATSUSHIMA: This city is known for its hundreds of small islands in the bay dotted with pine trees, and a destination that I can personally vouch for. The city is near where the 2011 earthquake and tsunami struck, however Matsushima did not suffer significant damage and it is currently business as usual.

Matsushima can be accessed by the JR Senseki line operating out of Sendai station, which is a stop for the bullet train. The most convenient stop is Matsushima-Kaigan, from which a ferry can take you on a loop around the bay. Tours usually take 40-50 minutes, while a shortened 30 minute tour is sometimes available. Near the dock is a revered Zen buddhist temple, Zuiganji.

An alternate route (which I used) is to exit the train at Hon-Shiogama and walk a few minutes to the pier there. You can then take a one-way cruise to Matsushima which covers a different part of the bay; this is called the “Basho Cruise”.

Highway buses to the area are sparse, so I suggest taking a bus to Sendai and then taking the JR Senseki Line from there.

Ferry information: http://marubun-kisen.com/english/index.html
Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matsushima

AMANOHASHIDATE: Located in northern Kyoto prefecture, Amanohashidate is a long sand bar topped with pine trees. There are several viewing points from which to view the “bridge in heaven,” as it is translated. The common ritual for visitors is to stand with your back to the sand bar, then bend forward and view it from between your legs, to make it appear as it is indeed “floating”.

There are direct limited express trains to Amanohashidate from Kyoto station on the JR, with connections also available from Osaka. Tankai Bus and Hankyu Bus operates highway bus services from Kyoto Station (2h 20m), Shin-Osaka Station (3h) and the Hankyu Umeda Bus Terminal (3h 15m).

Amanohashidate Tourism Website with descriptions of major destinations: http://www.amanohashidate.jp/lang/en/
Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amanohashidate

MIYAJIMA: Also known as the island with the floating red torii gate in front of it, Miyajima (also known by its official name ITSUKUSHIMA) is located in the Chugoku region just off the coast of Hiroshima. It is known for Itsukushima shrine, a world heritage site with one of Japan’s most famous icons, the red torii gate in the bay. It appears to “float” in the water during times of high tide. Several popular ryokans are also available to make your stay more memorable.

Miyajima is best accessed by taking the local JR Sanyo line from the Hiroshima train station to Miyajima-guchi station, then taking a ferry across to Miyajima. There are a few ferry companies that do the trip, but one company – JR Ferry – offers free travel if you have a Japan Rail Pass. A cheaper and longer transit route is to take the Hiroshima Tramway, aka Hiroden, Line #2 from Hiroshima Station to Miyajima-guchi. (Approx. 70 minutes and 270 yen, compared to about 30 minutes and 400 yen by JR)

Bus travelers are best taking a bus into Hiroshima and then continuing to Miyajima-guchi by train or tram.

Miyajima Tourist Association: http://www.miyajima.or.jp/english/
Miyajima Hotels Association: http://www.miyajima-yado.com/english.html
Wikipedia (Itsukushima/Miyajima): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Itsukushima

Here are some suggested itineraries that will allow you to enjoy these wonderful views.

FROM TOKYO – By Rail/Japan Rail Pass – 4 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Travel from Tokyo to Sendai by Shinkansen, then travel by JR Senseki Line to Hon-Shiogama (Approx 2 1/4 hours, 11,520 yen) or Matsushima-Kaigan (Approx 2 1/2 hours, 11,520 yen)
VISIT MATSUSHIMA
In afternoon, Travel to Sendai by JR Senseki Line, to Tokyo by Shinkansen, then to Kyoto by Shinkansen. (Approx 4 1/2 hours, 22,620 yen using the Nozomi Tokyo-Kyoto; Japan Rail Pass approx 5 1/2 hours using the Hikari Tokyo-Kyoto)
Japan Rail Pass holders should depart Matsushima by 4 PM, others should leave by 5 PM

Day 2: Travel from Kyoto to Amanohashidate by the “Hashidate” limited express. (2 hours, 4,500 yen; Japan Rail Pass holders must pay 1,480 yen supplement)
VISIT AMANOHASHIDATE
In the afternoon, return to Kyoto by “Hashidate” Limited Express.

If you cannot take the “Hashidate” then you can alternatively take two trains, changing at Fukuchiyama station. The fare is the same, including the JR Pass supplement.

Day 3: Travel from Kyoto to Hiroshima on one of the morning shinkansen services (100 minutes, 11,410 using the Nozomi; Japan Rail Pass holders should take one of the direct Hikari services to Hiroshima that run in the morning, taking approximately 2 hours)
From Hiroshima, travel to Miyajima-guchi station and take the ferry across to Miyajima. Japan Rail Pass holders should use the JR Ferry, as it is free with the pass. Note that the Hiroshima Tram (Hiroden) sells a one day unlimited tram and ferry pass for 840 yen, in which case you must use the other ferry service, Matsuden Ferry.
VISIT MIYAJIMA
Spend the rest of your day and night in Hiroshima, or if you’re lucky try spending the night at a Ryokan on Miyajima itself!

Day 4: If you stayed in Miyajima during the last evening, spend the day in Hiroshima, notably at the Hiroshima Peace Park, before returning to Tokyo. Head back using the Nozomi (4 hours, 19,080 yen) or if you have a Japan Rail Pass you’ll have to take a Sakura or Hikari service and change en-route to another Tokyo-bound Hikari service (5-5 1/2 hours). The final Nozomi departure from Hiroshima to Tokyo leaves at around 8 PM, and the last trip valid with the Rail Pass leaves at around 7 PM.

A 7 Day Japan Rail Pass is recommended for this course (29,100 yen).

FROM TOKYO – By Bus – 6 Day Itinerary
When published in 2012, this was originally a 5 day Itinerary. I have since increased it to a 6 day plan.

Day 1: Travel from Tokyo to Sendai by bus, then travel by rail from Sendai on the JR Senseki Line to Hon-Shiogama (30 minutes, 320 yen) or Matsushima Kaigan (35-40 minutes, 400 yen). Be sure to take an early bus.
Bus options include these morning departures from Shinjuku Highway Bus Terminal: JR Bus (Departs 8:30 AM, arrives 2:20 PM, fares start at 3,500 yen) and Willer Bus (Leaving 7:30 AM, arriving 1:25 PM, fare starts at ~3,700 yen)
VISIT MATSUSHIMA
In the evening return to Sendai and take a direct bus from Sendai to Osaka. The only bus that runs between the two cities is the Kintetsu Bus (Leaving Sendai 7:30 PM, arriving at Osaka’s Higashi-Umeda station 7:12 AM the next morning, fare 12,500 yen). The other alternative is to take a bus to Nagoya, which is offered by a few companies including Willer Express (Leave Sendai 9:30 PM, arrive Meitetsu Bus Center 6:50 AM the next morning, fare 9,500 yen).

Day 2: If you are on the Kintetsu Bus: arrive in Osaka in the morning.

If you are on the Willer Bus to Nagoya: 

Travel between Nagoya and Osaka during the day at your leisure. Willer Buses depart from Nagoya Station Taikodori Exit a few times a day towards Umeda (3 1/2 hours, 2,500 yen). These buses offer convenient drop-offs near Osaka along some commuter train routes: Kosoku Nagakyo is a short walk to the Hankyu Railway, and Momoyamadai conveniently links to the Midosuji Subway. Alternatively, JR Bus runs hourly trips from Nagoya to Osaka (3,000 yen but can sometimes be discounted to 1,500 yen).

Plan to spend two nights in Osaka.

Day 3: Depart for Amanohashidate on the Hankyu Bus (Leaving Hankyu Umeda Bus Terminal 9:50 AM, arriving Amanohashidate Station 12:30 PM).
VISIT AMANOHASHIDATE
Return from Amanohashidate to Osaka on the Hankyu Bus (Leaving Amanohashidate Station 4:45 PM, arrive Osaka/Hankyu Umeda Bus Terminal 7:25 PM).
The round-trip bus fare is 5,300 yen.
Spend the rest of your evening in Osaka.

Day 4: Depart from Osaka on a bus to Hiroshima, then travel to Miyajima using one of the methods described earlier. Options include JR Bus (Leaving Osaka Station JR Highway Bus Terminal 7:30 AM, arriving Hiroshima Station 12:32 PM, fares start from 4,600 yen) and Willer Express (Depart Willer Osaka Terminal 8:20 AM, arriving Hiroshima Station 1:55 PM, fares start from ~3,600 yen). NOTE that the JR Buses stop at the Hiroshima Bus Center first, where you can connect directly to the tram for Miyajima-guchi – it’s a shorter trip compared with a start from Hiroshima station.
VISIT MIYAJIMA
Spend the rest of your day and night in Hiroshima, or if you’re lucky try spending the night at a Ryokan on Miyajima itself!

Day 5: Spend your day in Hiroshima before returning to Tokyo via overnight bus. Options include the JR Bus (Depart Hiroshima Bus Center 8:20 PM and Hiroshima Station 8:35 PM, arrive Shinjuku 7:30 AM/Tokyo 8:05 AM, Regular fare 11,900 yen) and the Willer Express bus (Depart Hiroshima Station 7:35 PM, arrive Shinjuku Station 8:30 AM, fares starting at ~7,900 yen).

Day 6: Arrive in Tokyo to complete your trip.

For your trip I recommend a 3-day Willer Express Japan Bus Pass (Starting at 10,000 yen) to cover your trips from Tokyo to Sendai [Day 1], Sendai to Nagoya [Day 1], Osaka to Hiroshima [Day 4] and Hiroshima to Tokyo [Day 5]. Then purchase a regular bus ticket on either Willer or JR from Nagoya to Osaka [Day 2], and the bus tickets from Osaka to Amanohashidate and back [Day 3].

FROM OSAKA – By Rail/Japan Rail Pass – 4 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Travel to Amanohashidate by rail. Take the “Konotori” limited express from Osaka to Fukuchiyama in the morning. At Fukuchiyama station, change to the “Hashidate” limited express for the run to Amanohashidate. (2 1/4 hours, 5,380 yen – Japan Rail Pass holders must pay 1,480 yen supplement)
VISIT AMANOHASHIDATE
Return to Osaka in the evening in a similar fashion.

Day 2: Travel from Kyoto to Hiroshima on one of the morning shinkansen services (100 minutes, 11,410 using the Nozomi; Japan Rail Pass holders should take one of the direct Hikari services to Hiroshima that run in the morning, taking approximately 2 hours)
From Hiroshima, travel to Miyajima-guchi station and take the ferry across to Miyajima. Japan Rail Pass holders should use the JR Ferry, as it is free with the pass. Note that the Hiroshima Tram (Hiroden) sells a one day unlimited tram and ferry pass for 840 yen, in which case you must use the other ferry service, Matsuden Ferry.
VISIT MIYAJIMA
Spend the rest of your day and night in Hiroshima, or if you’re lucky try spending the night at a Ryokan on Miyajima itself!

Day 3: If you stayed in Miyajima during the last evening, spend the day in Hiroshima, notably at the Hiroshima Peace Park. In the afternoon head back to Tokyo using the shinkansen; either the Nozomi (4 hours, 19,080 yen) or if you have a Japan Rail Pass you’ll have to take a Sakura or Hikari service and change en-route to another Tokyo-bound Hikari service (5-5 1/2 hours).

Spend the night in Tokyo.

Day 4: Travel from Tokyo to Sendai by Shinkansen, then travel by JR Senseki Line to Hon-Shiogama (Approx 2 1/4 hours, 11,520 yen) or Matsushima-Kaigan (Approx 2 1/2 hours, 11,520 yen)
VISIT MATSUSHIMA
In the evening, travel to Sendai by JR Senseki Line, to Tokyo by Shinkansen, then to Osaka by Shinkansen to complete your journey. (Approx 5 1/2 hours, 22,950 yen using the Nozomi Tokyo-Osaka; Japan Rail Pass approx 6 1/2 hours using the Hikari Tokyo-Osaka).

A 7 Day Japan Rail Pass is recommended for this course (29,100 yen).

FROM OSAKA – By Bus – 6 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Depart for Amanohashidate on the Hankyu Bus (Leaving Hankyu Umeda Bus Terminal 9:50 AM, arriving Amanohashidate Station 12:30 PM).
VISIT AMANOHASHIDATE
Return from Amanohashidate to Osaka on the Hankyu Bus (Leaving Amanohashidate Station 4:45 PM, arrive Osaka/Hankyu Umeda Bus Terminal 7:25 PM).
The round-trip bus fare is 5,300 yen.

Day 2: Depart from Osaka on a bus to Hiroshima, then travel to Miyajima using one of the methods described earlier. Options include JR Bus (Leaving Osaka Station JR Highway Bus Terminal 7:30 AM, arriving Hiroshima Station 12:32 PM, fares start from 4,600 yen) and Willer Express (Depart Willer Osaka Terminal 8:20 AM, arriving Hiroshima Station 1:55 PM, fares start from ~3,600 yen). NOTE that the JR Buses stop at the Hiroshima Bus Center first, where you can connect directly to the tram for Miyajima-guchi – it’s a shorter trip compared with a start from Hiroshima station.
VISIT MIYAJIMA
Spend the rest of your day and night in Hiroshima, or if you’re lucky try spending the night at a Ryokan on Miyajima itself!

Day 3: Spend your day in Hiroshima before departing for Tokyo via overnight bus. Options include the JR Bus (Depart Hiroshima Bus Center 8:20 PM and Hiroshima Station 8:35 PM, arrive Shinjuku 7:30 AM/Tokyo 8:05 AM, Regular fare 11,900 yen) and the Willer Express bus (Depart Hiroshima Station 7:35 PM, arrive Shinjuku Station 8:30 AM, fares starting at ~7,900 yen).

Day 4: Arrive in Tokyo and spend your entire day in Tokyo.

Day 5: Travel from Tokyo to Sendai by bus, then travel by rail from Sendai on the JR Senseki Line to Hon-Shiogama (30 minutes, 320 yen) or Matsushima Kaigan (35-40 minutes, 400 yen). Be sure to take an early bus.
Bus options include these morning departures from Shinjuku Highway Bus Terminal: JR Bus (Departs 8:30 AM, arrives 2:20 PM, fares start at 3,500 yen) and Willer Bus (Leaving 7:30 AM, arriving 1:25 PM, fare starts at ~3,700 yen)
VISIT MATSUSHIMA
In the evening return to Sendai and take a direct bus from Sendai to Osaka. The only bus that runs between the two cities is the Kintetsu Bus (Leaving Sendai 7:30 PM, arriving at Osaka’s Higashi-Umeda station 7:12 AM the next morning, fare 12,500 yen). The other alternative is to take a bus to Nagoya, which is offered by a few companies including Willer Express (Leave Sendai 9:30 PM, arrive Meitetsu Bus Center 6:50 AM the next morning, fare 9,500 yen).

Day 6:If you are on the Kintetsu Bus: arrive in Osaka in the morning to complete your trip.

If you are on the Willer Bus to Nagoya: 

Travel between Nagoya and Osaka during the day at your leisure to complete your trip. Willer Buses depart from Nagoya Station Taikodori Exit a few times a day towards Umeda (3 1/2 hours, 2,500 yen). These buses offer convenient drop-offs near Osaka along some commuter train routes: Kosoku Nagakyo is a short walk to the Hankyu Railway, and Momoyamadai conveniently links to the Midosuji Subway. Alternatively, JR Bus runs hourly trips from Nagoya to Osaka (3,000 yen but can sometimes be discounted to 1,500 yen).

For your trip I recommend purchasing bus tickets for the trip from Osaka to Amanohashidate and back. Use a 3-day Willer Express Japan Bus Pass (Starting at 10,000 yen) to cover your trips from Osaka to Hiroshima [Day 2], Hiroshima to Tokyo [Day 3], Tokyo to Sendai [Day 5] and Sendai to Nagoya [Day 5]. Then purchase a regular bus ticket on either Willer or JR from Nagoya to Osaka [Day 6].