Darren YeohWithout a doubt, Japan is one of the most popular destinations in East Asia and maybe even the world. I’ve not met a single soul who can resist the charms of Japan, especially when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom or when its resplendent mountains are doused in fiery red hues in autumn. Most people visiting the country usually make Tokyo their first stop, and well so. It is, after all, the capital of Japan and the country’s most famous city.
And thanks to Japan’s impeccable public transport – especially their state-of-the-art railway systems – getting around Japan is an absolute breeze. Couple that with their cost-saving rail passes, like the JR Tokyo Wide Area Pass, making trips from Tokyo to the rest of Japan couldn’t be any easier.
In fact, let’s do exactly that! Here are 5 amazing destinations you can travel to from Tokyo using the JR Tokyo Wide Area Pass.
Things to know about the JR Tokyo Wide Area Pass
Image credit: East Japan Rail Company
Priced at 10,180 JPY for adults and 5,090 JPY for children between 6 and 12, the JR Tokyo Wide Area pass is significantly cheaper than the Japan Rail Pass. You can purchase the pass at the airports and major stations in Japan or from any authorised overseas agent. It is valid for a period of three continuous days starting from the first day of usage and covers the Kanto Region specifically.
Rail coverage of the JR Tokyo Wide Area Pass | Image credit: East Japan Rail Company
The JR Tokyo Wide Area Pass gives you unlimited rides on most trains and rail services in Tokyo and its wider area, making it perfect for you if you’re planning to keep your travels to around Tokyo, but not to the rest of Japan.
But what if we told you that there’s a better way to explore the Kanto region, and enjoy amazing savings at the same time?
Introducing the Kanto Buffet!
Image credit: Wendy Tour
With so much to see and do in Tokyo’s surrounds, wouldn’t it be great if you could see more than just one or two locations in one trip? Now with Wendy Tour’s Kanto Buffet offer, you certainly can.
Covering all of the amazing locations listed below, the Kanto Buffet enables you to enjoy the best of the Kanto region at some truly spectacular prices. Gaze in awe at the majestic Mount Fuji from Lake Kawaguchiko for as low as S$208 and be treated to some truly mesmerising sights! Included in the tour package is a free JR Tokyo Wide Area Pass and you can also pair it with other tours in the Kanto Buffet to enjoy even more amazing discounts.
Be on your way to Nikko Edo Wonderland right after an alpine excursion for only S$68 (as compared to single tour price S$248) – now that’s how you get the best value for money. Read more to discover the variety of day tours you can go for, all inclusive of the JR Tokyo Wide Area Pass!
1. 2D1N Kusatsu Onsen + Karuizawa
Image credit: Abasaa
The town of Kusatsu is located 1,200 metres above ground within the mountains of Gunma Prefecture, offering visitors pristine hiking trails throughout the year and lots of snow in the winter.
Kusatsu Onsen is also one of the most popular hot spring resorts in the whole of Japan with large volumes of natural hot spring water, said to be capable of healing almost any physical ailment.
The 2D1N Kusatsu Onsen + Karuizawa will take you from Ueno to Kusatsu by rail. Once there, you’ll be picked up by a shuttle bus and chaperoned to your ryokan (Kusatsu NOW Resort), where you will be treated to an exquisite Japanese style dinner and given the chance to soak in the famous hot springs. While you’re there, try exploring some of Kusatsu’s other attractions as well, such as the Yubatake (hot spring water field), the active Mount Shirane volcano and Sainokawara Park.
Image credit: Reginald Pentinio
In the morning, you’ll be on your way to Karuizawa by bus. Nestled at the foothills of the active Mount Asama volcano, the town of Karuizawa in Nagano Prefecture is one of the most popular locations to escape the bustling city life of Tokyo. Blessed with pleasant weather throughout the year, Karuizawa is known for providing otherworldly beautiful autumn sights between October and November.
Some of the must-visit locations here are Shiraito Waterfall, Onioshidashi Park, Usui Pass Deck, and Kyu-Karuizawa. If you love shopping, you’ll definitely want to check out Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza, located just a short walk from the town’s shinkansen station. You’ll be spoilt for choice by the numerous clothing brands and items on offer. Just be sure to make it back in time to catch your ride back to Tokyo.
Departure date: Now till 31 March 2019
This package is inclusive of 1-night accommodation including 2 meals + bus + JR Tokyo Wide Area Pass.
| Single tour price: From S$427 (adult), from S$270 (child) |
Booked with other tours from KANTO BUFFET: From S$208 (adult), from S$152 (child) |
Click here to book the 2D1N Kusatsu Onsen + Karuizawa tour!
2. Day trip to Mount Fuji and Kawaguchiko
Image credit: Guilhem Vellut
No trip to Japan is complete without a trip to its most iconic mountain, Mount Fuji. The picturesque volcano is Japan’s tallest mountain (over 3,700 metres) and is often viewed by locals as a sacred mountain.
The best spot to view Mount Fuji is from Lake Kawaguchiko, one of the Fuji Five Lakes. This is especially true during the cherry blossom and autumn seasons although seasonal blooms are available all-year round.
This tour package takes you to Kawaguchiko from Shinjuku via the Kaiji Limited Express train and also includes a day-long pass for Mount Fuji-Kawaguchiko Bus Lines (including the Retro Bus). The buses ferry visitors to various scenic locations around the vicinity of the lake and Kawaguchiko, allowing you to easily hop on and off to see some of the area’s lovely sights.
Departure date: 01 July 2018 – 31 March 2019
This package is inclusive of 1 day unlimited Mount Fuji – Kawaguchiko Bus Pass + JR Tokyo Wide Area Pass.
| Single tour price: From S$208 (adult), from S$112 (child) |
Booked with other tours from KANTO BUFFET: From S$25 (adult), from S$13 (child) |
Click here to book your day trip to Mount Fuji and Kawaguchiko!
3. Day trip to Nikko Edo Wonderland
Image credit: Nikko Edo Wonderland
The quaint town of Nikko is steeped in history and culture. It is home to the mausoleum of Tokugawa Ieyasu and used to be an important location for Shinto and Buddhist mountain worship. However, one of the most quirky attractions in Nikko is the Nikko Edo Wonderland.
Image credit: Nikko Edo Wonderland
As the name suggests, the Nikko Edo Wonderland it is a theme park set in the Edo era, complete with traditional architecture and townspeople dressed in traditional costumes from that period. The Nikko Edo Wonderland Day Tour will get you on the Nikko Limited Express train towards Tobu Nikko, where a free shuttle bus will take you to the theme park. A one-day entry pass for the theme park is also included in the package.
Once you’ve arrived, be prepared to be teleported back in time as you live out your fantasy of becoming a samurai or ninja by dressing up in the fabled costumes. There are also live geisha performances to enjoy and fun games to engage in. Remember to get a souvenir from one of the many ambient stalls in the area before heading back to Tokyo.
Departure date: 01 July 2018 – 31 March 2019
This package is inclusive of admission fee + JR Tokyo Wide Area Pass.
| Single tour price: From S$250 (adult), from S$132 (child) |
Booked with other tours from KANTO BUFFET: From S$25 (adult), from S$13 (child) |
Click here to book your day trip to Nikko Edo Wonderland!
4. Day trip to GALA Yuzawa
Image credit: GALA Yuzawa
With over 20 ski resorts in the area, Yuzawa in Niigata Prefecture is one of the largest ski areas in Japan and is easily accessible from Tokyo (a 75-minute journey, only one station away from Tokyo). Yuzawa is usually open for skiing between November and May each year.
While most of the ski resorts in the area are equally as beautiful, GALA Yuzawa stands out because of its unrivalled accessibility. With gondola rides which connect directly to the shinkansen station, you will be up on the powdery ski slopes in a flash. Apart from skiing, snowboarding and other snow-related activities, you can also take a dip in one of the natural hot springs in the area to relieve fatigue and enjoy a hearty lunch.
Choose from a variety of options from the most basic (pay only for shinkansen and gondola tickets) to more comprehensive packages which include rental for ski equipment and snow wear.
Departure date: 15 December 2018 – 06 May 2019
This package is inclusive of Shinkansen ticket + gondola ticket + JR Tokyo Wide Area Pass + various add ons.
| Single tour price: From S$183 (adult), from S$103 (child) |
Booked with other tours from KANTO BUFFET: From S$26 (adult), from S$14 (child) |
Click here to book your day trip to GALA Yuzawa!
5. BONUS: 2D1N Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route
Image credit: Japan Alps Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route
How does a journey through the magical fields of the Northern Japan Alps sound to you? Spectacular? While the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route lies a little further away from Tokyo than the rest of the destinations in this list, it will certainly be worth the trip.
Taking visitors through the splendid Tateyama Mountain range, this package enables you to traverse the alpine route without hassle as it covers all transport options including buses, ropeways and cable cars.
Image credit: Nagano Tourism
As you reach the plateau some 2,400 metres above ground, you will be awestruck by a breathtaking view of the entire area. In spring, accumulated snowfall from winter will form a surreal snow corridor, with walls of snow that can reach up to 17 metres in height. Talk about a winter wonderland!
As part of this tour package, you’ll be staying in the 4-star Toyama Excel Hotel Tokyu and will get to enjoy the fresh mountain air of the Toyama and Nagano Prefectures at night. Some other important locations along the way there include Murodo, the highest point of the route, Kurobe Dam, and the Midagahara Wetlands. Note that this package is not part of the Kanto Buffet Offer, but is certainly one that’s worth booking and crossing off your bucket list!
Departure date: 01 June 2018 – 30 September 2018
Package price: From S$588, child from S$368. This package is inclusive shinkansen ticket + 1 night accommodation with breakfast + transport on the alpine route.
Click here to book your 2D1N Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route tour!
The Kanto Region awaits!
Any trip to Japan is a cause for excitement but that doesn’t mean you have to be confined to the concrete jungles of Tokyo! With so much to enjoy and experience, you’re sure to fall in love with the Kanto Region. Explore the best of Japan today with Wendy Tour.
