See Japan’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites (and save more than ¥20,000!) on a JR TOKYO Wide Pass
See Japan’s iconic Mt. Fuji (top) and other tourist attractions via railroad (above). Photo credit: EAST JAPAN RAILWAY COMPANY
The Kanto area has many attractions to see, and if you plan to visit them, the recommended mode of transportation for a day trip is via railroad. If you plan to take a round trip with Tokyo as your base, the JR TOKYO Wide Pass is both convenient and offers good value for money. To illustrate, here are three courses that start from Tokyo and include UNESCO World Heritage Sites in their route. See how much you can save (and see) by traveling with the pass.
Course ①: Visit Mt. Fuji and the spring water ponds of Oshino Hakkai (Yamanashi and Shizuoka prefectures)
Hit many of Japan’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites using a JR TOKYO Wide Pass. Photo credit: EAST JAPAN RAILWAY COMPANY
Mt. Fuji is no doubt one of the most beloved symbols of Japan. Registered as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in 2013, the stratovolcano has fascinated millions as an object of worship and a source of art, a magnificent subject of paintings and literature.
With its snow-capped top and magnificent conical shape, Mr. Fuji has been the subject of literature and paintings.
For a breathtaking view of Mt. Fuji, head to Lake Kawaguchiko, one of the Fuji Five Lakes, via the Fuji Kyuko Limited Express FUJI EXCURSION from Shinjuku Station. The trip will take you less than two hours. From Kawaguchiko Station, there are convenient buses that can take you sightseeing at Lake Motosu, Lake Shoji, Lake Saiko, and Lake Yamanaka, so it’s a perfect starting point for visiting the Fuji Five Lakes. While you’re at it, be sure to visit Oshino Hakkai, where the melted snow of Mt. Fuji has been gushing for many years.
Spot to drop by… Oshino Hakkai
Oshino Hakkai treats you to its set of eight spring ponds and the sight of Mt. Fuji in the distance.
Oshino Hakkai is a set of eight spring ponds in Oshino Village, Minamitsuru, Yamanashi Prefecture. From here, you can savor a wonderful water view of Mt. Fuji in the background, as well as the quaint Deguchi Pond and Okama Pond, which have gone viral as recognized constituent assets of the Mt. Fuji World Cultural Heritage.
Spot Information
|
Name: Oshino Hakkai |
Touring Japan with a JR TOKYO Wide Pass can save you over ¥20,000! Photo credit: EAST JAPAN RAILWAY COMPANY
Course Itinerary Outline
|
■To Mount Fuji…
■To Lake Kawaguchiko… |
Course ②: Visit the Tomioka Silk Mill and see the history of modernization in Japan up close (Gunma Prefecture)
Built during the Meiji era, the Tomioka Silk Mill was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014. Photo Credit: Tomioka City
This course takes you to the factory Tomioka Silk Mill, in which Japan first built under the jurisdiction of the country in early Meiji era, which is over 140 years ago. In 2014, Tomioka Silk Mill was registered as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site, and such factories that are still remaining from the latter half of the 19th century are considered rare worldwide.
Inside the well-maintained Tomioka Silk Mill factory. Photo Credit: Tomioka City
Amazingly, the building is in almost perfect condition just as it was when it was in use!
Spots to drop by… Kusatsu Onsen & Ikaho Onsen
Kusatsu Onsen’s hot spring water is highly acidic, making your skin feel refreshed after a dip.
If you love hot springs, visit Kusatsu Onsen. It boasts one of the largest supplies of hot water in Japan and is characterized by the acidic quality of its spring water. This gives it sterilization power, making your skin feel refreshed after bathing.
Ikaho Onsen is also highly recommended. Like Kusatsu Onsen, it is a famous medicinal hot spring in Gunma Prefecture. While in Ikaho, make sure to visit the town’s famous Ishidan-gai stone steps.
Sit back and relax as you see the sights of Japan via railway. Photo credit: EAST JAPAN RAILWAY COMPANY
Course Itinerary Outline
|
■To Tomioka Silk Mill…
■To Kusatsu Onsen… ■To Ikaho Onsen… |
Course ③: Admire the colorful and detailed sculptures of Nikko Toshogu (Tochigi Prefecture)
Nikko Toshogu is characterized by its colorful and elaborate details.
Nikko Toshogu enshrines Tosho Daigongen (Great Gongen, Light of the East) who deified Ieyasu Tokugawa, the first shogun of the Edo period (1603-1867) as the main deity. In 1999, it was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and went viral.
A sculpture of the three wise monkeys is a must-see at Nikko Toshogu.
It consists of 55 buildings, including eight National Treasures and 34 Important Cultural Properties, so there are many things to see. Start with the impressive Yomei Gate, a sculpture of the three wise monkeys, and nemuri neko (a sleeping cat carving).
Spot to drop by...Kinugawa Onsen
Hot spring inns can be found along the Kinugawa River.
After that, head out a little further to Kinugawa Onsen. The hot spring town is known for its hot spring inns along the Kinugawa River. You can drop by EDO WONDERLAND Nikko Edo Village, a reproduction of villages from the Edo period.
Consider touring by train on your next trip to Japan. Photo credit: EAST JAPAN RAILWAY COMPANY
Course itinerary outline
|
■To Kunigawa Onsen… JR Tokyo Station → JR Shinkansen Yamabiko (about 48 minutes) → JR Utsunomiya Station → JR Nikko Line (about 43 minutes) → JR Nikko Station → Nikko-Tobu Bus (about 7 minutes) → Kamibashi bus stop → Tobu Bus (about 7 minutes) → Tobu Nikko → Tobu Nikko (about 9 minutes) → Shimo-Imaimachi Station → Tobu Limited Express SPACIA Kinugawa (about 24 minutes) → Kinugawa Onsen Station |
How much can you save by using the JR TOKYO Wide Pass?
Now let’s check how much you can save by combining the three courses discussed above.
The pass can be used from the day of your arrival. (It can also be used from Narita Airport or Tokyo International Airport / Haneda Airport to Tokyo downtown.) Please be reminded that the JR TOKYO Wide Pass can only be used for three consecutive days, so choose carefully when selecting the start date of the pass.
*All fares listed below are round-trip fares.
Enjoy Mount Fuji course on Day 1, then sightsee at Tomioka Silk Mill and hot spring tour on Day 2 (Course ① × ②)
|
Cost without JR Tokyo Wide pass Course ①: ¥8,860 ■JR Tokyo Station → JR Chuo Line (¥200) → JR Shinjuku Station → Fuji Kyuko Limited Express FUJI EXCURSION (ticket ¥2,380 + special fare ¥1,620 = ¥4,000 ) → Fujisan Station
+ Course ②: ¥17,820 ■JR Tokyo Station → JR Shinkansen Asama (ticket ¥1,980 + special fare ¥2,500 = ¥4,490) → Takasaki Station → Joshin Dentetsu (¥810) → Joshu Tomioka Station ■JR Takasaki Station → JR Joetsu Line (¥420) → Shibukawa Station → Kan-etsu Kotsu Bus (¥490) → Ikaho Onsen = Total ¥26,680
Cost with JR Tokyo Wide pass → You save ¥16,500! |
Enjoy Mount Fuji course on Day 1, then visit Nikko and stroll along Kinugawa River on Day 2 (Course ① × ③)
|
Cost without JR Tokyo Wide pass ■JR Tokyo Station → JR Chuo Line (¥200) → JR Shinjuku Station → Fuji Kyuko Limited Express FUJI EXCURSION (ticket ¥2,380 + special fare ¥1,620 = ¥4,000 ) → Fujisan Station
+ Course ③: ¥13,280 ■JR Tokyo Station → JR Shinkansen Yamabiko (ticket fee ¥1,980 + special fare ¥2,510 = ¥4,490) → JR Utsunomiya Station → JR Nikko Line (¥770) → JR Nikko Station → Nikko-Tobu Bus (¥200) → Kamibashi bus stop → Tobu Bus (¥200) → Tobu Nikko → Tobu Nikko (¥200) → Shimo-Imaimachi Station → Tobu Limited Express SPACIA Kinugawa (¥780) → Kinugawa Onsen Station = Total ¥22,140
→ You save ¥11,960! |
Visit Tomioka Silk Mill and hot spring tour on Day 1, then head to Nikko and stroll along Kinugawa River on Day 2 (Course ② × ③)
|
Cost without JR Tokyo Wide pass ■JR Tokyo Station → JR Shinkansen Asama (ticket ¥1,980 + special fare ¥2,500 = ¥4,480) → Takasaki Station → Joshin Dentetsu (¥810) → Joshu Tomioka Station
+ Course ③: ¥13,280 ■JR Tokyo Station → JR Shinkansen Yamabiko (ticket fee ¥1,980 + special fare ¥2,510 = ¥4,490) → JR Utsunomiya Station → JR Nikko Line (¥770) → JR Nikko Station → Nikko-Tobu Bus (¥200) → Kamibashi bus stop → Tobu Bus (¥200) → Tobu Nikko → Tobu Nikko (¥200) → Shimo-Imaimachi Station → Tobu Limited Express SPACIA Kinugawa (¥780) → Kinugawa Onsen Station = Total ¥31,100
→ You save ¥20,920! |
Click here for information about the JR WIDE PASS!
Your Bucket List:
Recommended Train Passes for Your Next Trip to Japan
5 Transportation Passes for Affordable Travelling Around Kanto
Don’t miss out! 3 Convenient Passes for Going Around the Kansai region
