Japan Rail Pass- Everything You Need to Know

       There is a reason why JR pass is designed exclusively for foreign tourists on a short-term visit (max 90 days). If you are looking forward to seeing as much of Japan as you can in an affordable, convenient manner, JR pass is your best bet, thanks to the biggest rail provider (70% of all rail network) in the country, the Japan Rail (known simply as “JR"). There are a lot of passes under the JR company for example country wide pass, regional pass and more, which were introduced earlier HERE.

How to Buy a JR Pass (A Step By Step Guide)

Decided to buy a JR Pass for your trip to Japan? Congratulations, that's a brilliant move. Now, off to the big questions: WHEN? WHERE? HOW?

Buy a JR Pass HERE

 Exclusive discount for my dear readers: add the promo code KLOOKMHF to get RM15 off!

JR Pass- Is It Worth It?

       I’ve tested the JR Ordinary Pass over a period of 7 days trying out various modes of transportations nationwide. During my travels, my new Japanese friends all looked at my pass with awe follow with a sigh,

"only foreigners get all these great discounts". 

I was like HOW is this possible!? Then I found out that Japan citizens are only eligible to buy these passes if only they are living abroad for more than 10 years.

Kyoto other than shrines and temples? Hozugawa River Boat Ride!

       When it came to my 5th day in Kyoto, I was done with shrines and temples. Then I heard about Hozugawa Kudari (a riverboat ride) in the west end of town... Who knew Kyoto can also be a premier spot to enjoy nature? Since Arashiyama (the landing dock) is on my bucket list, I decided that I could add that to my itinerary.

Osaka: a 2-days itinerary with an Osaka Amazing Pass

       Osaka is one of the most important port city in Japan and since that it is the cheapest city to fly into from South East Asia countries via AirAsia, I am not surprised by the fact that there are more Malaysians in Osaka than in Tokyo. In fact, in certain touristy places, I nearly thought I was back in Malaysia (I am not exaggerating). The point is, Osaka is on the rise (if not already on top of the list) to be the top 1 vacation hot spot among Malaysians, so let’s talk Osaka!

       Recently, I’ve been to the Kansai area for 9 days with my family. We’ve spent 3 days in Osaka and used an Osaka Amazing Pass for 2 days. In this post, I’ll share my exact itinerary and how to fully utilize the Pass. Here goes nothing!

This Might be the Best Theme Restaurant in Tokyo— Ninja Akasaka

       When you are up for a food experience like no other in Tokyo, you will be spoiled with choices. Tokyo is a haven for theme restaurants, there is no shortage of quirky experiences— Robot, UFO, Maids, Medical prison, Alice in the wonderland, Pet cafes and so much more…
       However, I guess when a gimmicky restaurant invests too much into the decor and branding, you’ll have to settle for overpriced subpar food. Or… will we? Is there any place having the BEST of both worlds?

Ninja Akasaka it is!

Yudanaka-Shibu Onsen, Japan: a true Spirited Away setting

       Nagano Prefecture is famous in Japan for its 200 onsens (hot spring), and on this trip, I jumped on an opportunity to visit one of the most well-known one, the Yudanaka-Shibu onsen, an idyllic area overflow with history.

Read: Nagano 2 days Itinerary  

In Search of Powder Snow in Japan, Ryuoo Ski Park in Yamanouchi Town

       Ryuoo Ski Park is conveniently located in Yamanouchi Town and it is also the closest ski resort from Yudanaka and Shibu Onsen!

Zenkoji Temple, Nagano — The "most" unique temple in Japan you’ll ever visit.

       You’ve had enough temple and shrine visits in Kyoto. But Zenkoji is not “just another temple”.
There is a saying in Japanese: "you have to go to Zenkoji at least once during your lifetime". Hence, I have the responsibility to make sure that we wouldn't leave Nagano without paying a visit, and so you know about Zenkoji Temple.

How to visit the Snow Monkey Park in Nagano? Everything you need to know!

       When I say “Nagano”, most people think of the snow monkeys first, and this is what Nagano is most famous for. The snow monkey park is originally called the Jigokudani Yaen-Koen (directly translated to the "Hell Valley Park”) and it is made famous by the international press in 1998 when Nagano held the Winter Olympic Games.

       It is the bizarre phenomena which wild monkeys bathe in natural hot springs that attracts people from all over the world to this part of Japan. This is the only place on earth where you can take a right up-close look at the monkeys soaking in hot spring, acting like human… and mark my words, this memory will last a lifetime.

7 things in Taiwan that you can’t find in Malaysia!

        So far I have visited Taiwan twice in my life. Both of the trips I did not really explore the tourism spots like a tourist. But I kind of experienced Taiwan like a local and also as a cyclist, and those are the reasons of me writing this article discussing what are the daily things that are so common to Taiwanese but surprised me as a Malaysian. 

Visit Nagano for the Ultimate Japan Experience: What to See, Do and Eat?

       I came here just for the snow monkey. Initially (Pardon me!). and I thought I would be back in Tokyo right after. I am glad someone persuaded me to stay longer.  

       Surrounded by soaring high mountains and highlands, Nagano is not short of beautiful sceneries. Reasons to visit Nagano can be summarized into 5 words: Skies, Forest, Times, Hot Spring and Food. In two days time, I am going to experience all 5. Challenging, but possible.