As we drive across the Chuo area in Tokyo, I express to our taxi driver how beautiful I find what I am seeing. I type "incredible" in google translate, and then I tell the driver:
"Sugoi, Sugoi, Tokyo Sugoi"
He smiles and replies something in Japanese that I cannot understand, and my friends burst out with laughter, saying together, "Sugoooooiii"
Japan is Sugoi; its temples, history, culture, kindness, food, and traditions. So how to discover and get the most of it? By train!
About trains in Japan: you will need a Rail Pass, which you can get online. There are different types of trains; Shinkansen are bullet or high-speed trains. Do consider that trains in Japan have squat toilets, so better start practicing your balance before going!
Train Trip #1: Tokyo-Kyoto
An imperial capital for centuries, Kyoto is, by far, the place for all history lovers. With countless shrines and temples, start at Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its many torii gates and shrines, some dedicated to Inari, the god of rice. It is quite a hike! If you are not tired, head to Kiyomizudera, the "Pure Water Temple" added to the list of UNESCO world heritage sites.
My favorite place? The Higashiyama District. I love markets! This place offers visitors to experience traditional old Kyoto by shopping between the wooden buildings and traditional shops. They all keep the traditional style!
Train Trip #2: Kyoto-Nara
Japan's first permanent capital, Nara, is located just one hour away from Kyoto or Osaka, making it a perfect day tour. Apart from the largest temples in Japan, at Nara Park, you will be surprised to find deers! Apparently, a deity rode to Nara on a sacred deer. They were thought of as animals that helped the gods, so they have been well protected and fed! Please don't get too friendly; they are, after all, deers!
Train Trip #3: Nara-Osaka
Osaka is Japan's second-largest metropolitan area after Tokyo and has an impressive castle! During the Sakura season, it is a perfect place to enjoy the cherry blossom trees.
Hungry? Head to Osaka's fish market! It is one of the most accessible and colorful in Japan. And if you are looking for partying, you will be happy to visit the Dotombori night district. We spent a night singing and dancing with the Japanese, and well...that is a story of "what happens in Dotombori, stays in Dotombori".
Train Trip #4: Osaka-Hiroshima
Hello Kitty was created in Japan by the designer Yuko Shimizu. There is, of course, a Shinkansen of Hello Kitty and everything is pink! There is even a wagon where you can shop sweets and notebooks!
After the Hello Kitty train ride, you will arrive at Hiroshima. It is quite shocking to go from complete pink girly happiness to sadness, respect, tolerance, and remembrance. Hiroshima is undoubtedly a place to visit. Just being there sensing, remembering, reflecting, and looking allows you to question human actions. It is also a place to be thankful for life and peace.
Train Trip #5: Osaka-Himeji
Himeji Castle is considered Japan's most stunning castle. Its grandiose size, green areas, fountains, and ponds turn it also into a perfect place to enjoy the cherry blossom season.
Train Trip #6: Osaka-Tokyo
During this Shinkansen ride, we got to catch a glimpse of Mt. Fuji from the train! That rarely happens! Mr. Mount Fuji is very shy... However, in less than three hours, you will be in Tokyo, all set to discover this gigantic city. There is so much to see, eat, smell and buy, that I have saved an entire post only for Tokyo.
Train Trip #7: Tokyo-Hakone
Stressed after the whole trip and not ready to fly another 48 hrs? The hot springs of Hakone will definitely relax you. Located less than one hour away from Tokyo, Hakone is famous for the water springs and the views across Lake Ashinoko, near Mount Fuji.
Ready for your next adventure? Keep Japan and its Train Trips on your Bucketlist and whatever they ask you, reply "Sugoi" and smile.