Seasoned Visitors or Foreign Residents

• Daisetsuzan National Park, Hokkaido: This park in central Hokkaido has a wide range of hot springs, gorges, and mountains including Asahidake which is Hokkaido's tallest mountain. Transportation: take the JR Limited Express train from JR Sapporo train station to JR Kamikawa train station. From here visitors can take trains and buses to different areas of the park. Daisetuzan National Park Accommodation

• Iriomotejima (Iriomote Island, Okinawa): This island is a national park and it is known as the "Galapagos of the Orient" because of its rare subtropical plants and animals. It is also popular for scuba diving and eco-tours. Transportation: there are boats which arrive at Ishigakiko port on Iriomotejima, and from there you can take a bus to other parts of the island. Iriomotejima Accommodation

• Kurokawa Onsen (Kurokawa Hot Spring), Kumamoto Prefecture, Kyushu: This very popular hot spring town is located near the volcanic Mount Aso, and it is surrounded by the beautiful mountains and lush gorges of the Aso region. Visitors can purchase a Hot Springs Pass to enter any three hot springs of their choice. Transportation: From JR Hita train station, take the bus to Tsuetate Onsen. From Tsuetate Onsen, take another bus to Oguniyu station. Kurokawa Onsen Accommodation (This is a very popular destination so please make your reservation at least 2 months in advance. Weekdays are better, especially for single travelers).

• Shikotsu-Toya National Park, Hokkaido: Within easy access of Sapporo is Shikotsu-Toya National Park. This is one of Hokkaido's most beautiful parks but also one of its most developed. The centerpieces of Shikotsu-Toya National Park are two volcanic lakes: Toyako (Lake Toyako) and Shikotsuko (Lake Shikotsuko). Both lakes are very pretty and have excellent hiking trails. Transportation: From JR Sapporo train station, it is a 1 hour 47 train ride to Toyako Onsen (Lake Toyako Hot Spring) on the Limited Express "Hokuto" or "Super Hokuto." Shikotsu-Toya National Park Accommodation

• Old Nagasendo Highway, Nagano Prefecture: Within the Kiso Valley in Nagano, this was once a popular highway used by provincial lords, samurai attendants, merchants, and salesmen during the Edo Period. Transportation: take the JR Limited Express Shinano at JR Nagoya train station to JR Nagiso train station. Tsumago  Accommodation and Ryokan Location Map of Tsumago

• Yufuin Onsen (Yufuin Hot Spring), Oita Prefecture, Kyushu: West of the popular hot spring resort of Beppu on Kyushu Island  lies the pretty and peaceful hot spring town of Yufuin. There are 12 public hot spring baths as well as a outdoor hot spring for bathers to enjoy. Transportation: take the JR Limited Express train (Yufuin Nomori) from JR Beppu train station to JR Yufuin train station. Yufuin Onsen Accommodation

• Planning Your Stay at a Japanese Ryokan
• First Time Visitors to Japan
• Second or Third Time Visitors to Japan
• Seasoned Visitors or Foreign Residents
• Japan Transportation Tips
• The Joy of Trains in Japan by David Paget
• Tokyo Treats by David Paget
• Japanese Buddhist Temple Overnight by David Paget
• A Night on Mount Koya
• Money and ATM
• Citibank ATM and bank locations
• Exchange Rates Table
• Tourist Information Offices (PDF file - download)
• Rentafone Japan