The Japan Bus Pass

A cheap way to travel between cities is to purchase the Japan Bus Pass. The Japan Bus Pass is for long distance travel in Japan for budget travelers. It allows you to travel to many cities in Japan by bus on the Willer Express network. 

 

Three or five day passes are available for use only by temporary visitors to Japan. The ticket can be used on any days of your choice within two months from the date of purchase. The ticket must be purchased online before you enter Japan at: http://willerexpress.com. A three day ticket is 10,000 yen and a five day ticket is 15,000 yen. 

If you plan your use of it effectively, it can reduce the cost of transportation to ridiculously low levels. The pass is a very good offer since it can be used on non-consecutive days and because overnight travel also reduces the cost for accommodation.

Willer's bus network is based around Japan's two major cities Tokyo and Osaka, connecting you with smaller cities across Japan. Check for terms and conditions before you purchase, as it is not valid for use on Japanese public holidays, so plan your trip carefully. Seat reservations are required for each ride, and can be made online up to one hour before departure.

Willer Express offer overnight and daytime long distance buses services. If you just want a one way ticket from Osaka to Tokyo it is only 3500 yen. It can go up to as much as 5490 yen on Japanese public holidays, so avoid travelling at these times. 

Amalfi Dolce Cafe Shichirigahama

This is the best place to eat ice cream by the beach in Shichirigahama after a long day cycling. The shop is on the second level, offering a wonderful view of the coastline. On the outside of the shop there is an interesting ancient Hawaiian catamaran.

Cycling in Shonan

Cycling is a fun way to see the coastline of Japan. Bicycles are available for hire in Shichirigahama Shonan. Here is one of the smallest shops in Japan hiring bicycles. Simply catch the JR train from Tokyo and walk 5 minutes to the beach to find a bike hire  shop.

Cheap Alcohol Japan

Alcohol in Japan is much cheaper than in western countries. Here is a bottle of Suntory whiskey for under 1000 yen. Higher quality whiskeys sell for about 2000 yen per bottle. Avoid buying alcohol in airport duty free shops. Supermarkets in Japan are cheaper.

Yokohama Free Space

Despite Japan being a crowded place to live, large cities still have some empty land. Here is a large undeveloped block of land in the bay area of Minatomirai Yokohama. Minatomirai is one of the best areas to live in Japan. Many of Japan's top companies have their coporate headquarters located in this area.

Port of Yokohama Logo

These distinct blue Port of Yokohama logos are 

 found on sidewalks all over the Minatomirai area. It was Japan’s first port to trade with foreigners.

Dock Garden Park Yokohama

 

The port of Yokohama once had a thriving ship building industry. At the Dock yard garden there is a surviving ship yard to visit. It is called Number 2 Dock. The stone wall of the dock has quite unique looking stones that contain an assortment of colors. Afterwards you can head over to the hard rock cafe for lunch, which is located just across the street.

Landmark plaza Minatomirai Yokohama

The  Landmark plaza in Minatomirai Yokohama is a multi storey  shopping complex. It is the best place to shop in the bayside area. There are hundreds of retail shops including fashion and food. Furthermore at the top of the building is the famous Sky Garden. It was the highest Observatory in Japan up until the opening of Abeno Harukas in Osaka. 

Grape Picking In Kofu Yamanashi

Kofu City has some great tourist farms to take children grape picking. There are bus tours that will take you there. Just go early to avoid the traffic back to Tokyo.

Kofu City Grapes

Kofu City Grapes

Bus tour from Tokyo to Kofu Grape Farm

Traffic Jam Tokyo Japan

Fuji Xerox Headquarters Minatomirai Yokohama

Fuji Xerox headquarters are located in the famous harborside area of Minatomirai Yokohama. The building is an architectural masterpiece, featuring a cylindrical shape and mirrored windows. Many other multi national companies are located in this area. It is a great area for architectural photography.