Second or Third Time Visitors to Japan

• Himeji Castle, Hyogo Prefecture: One of the few remaining original castles in Japan, a visit to Himeji Castle is a must for any traveler interested in Japanese history. If you go...there are free guided tours of Himeji Castle conducted in English by volunteer tour guides. These tours are highly recommended and last for about 2 1/2 hours (and well worth every minute of your time!). No reservations are needed - just show up and ask about the guided tour at the admissions gate. Transportation: Take the JR Shinkansen (Bullet Train) from JR Shin-Osaka train station to JR Himeji train station Himeji Accommodation

• Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture: Situated on the Japan seacoast, Kanazawa is a destination for those travelers interested in Japanese history and culture. Transportation: Take the JR Thunderbird Limited Express from JR Kyoto train station to JR Kanazawa train station. Kanazawa Accommodation

• Kurashiki, Okayama Prefecture: This is a great town for photographers, full of traditional Japanese-style architecture and ancient canals. Transportation: Take the JR Shinkansen (Bullet Train) to Okayama, and then take the JR Super Yakumo Express train to JR Kurashiki train station. Kurashiki Accommodation

• Mount Fuji District: Mount Fuji is most beautiful from October to May when the top of the mountain is covered with snow, and for the more adventurous the climbing season runs from July to September. Near Mount Fuji lies the Fuji Five Lakes district, and this destination is popular with tourists from nearby Tokyo. Transportation: Take the JR Chuo train line from Tokyo train station or Shinjuku train station to Otsuki train station. At Otsuki train station, transfer to the Fujikyu train line and go to Fujiyoshida train station. This is about a 2 hour and 30 minute train ride. Fujiyoshida train station is the starting point for the climb up Mount Fuji. Mount Fuji Area Accommodation

• Mount Koya is one of Japan's holiest mountains located in Wakayama Prefecture. The journey to Mount Koya takes visitors a cedar-filled valley 800 meters above sea level, surrounded by 8 mountain peaks. Mount Koya has grown to more than 100 monasteries surrounding the head temple of Kongobuji. Transportation:It is a 1 hour and 40 minute train ride on the Limited Express train from Nankai train station in Namba, Osaka to Gokurakubashi train station. From this station, it is a 5 minute cable car ride to Mount Koya. Mount Koya Accommodation
  (Read two articles on staying overnight at a Buddhist Temple on Mount Koya:
  Japanese Buddhist Temple Overnight," by David Paget and A Night on Mount Koya,".).

• Takaragawa Onsen (Hot Springs), Gunma Prefecture: Japan is also famous for its outdoor hot springs, and one of the most spectacular is the river hot springs at Takaragawa Onsen in Gunma Prefecture. Transportation: Take the JR Shinkansen (Bullet Train) from Tokyo train station on the Joetsu Line to Jomokogen train station. At the train station, take the Takaragawa Onsen bus to the last stop. Takaragawa 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