Accessible Japan Sightseeing Tips (Honeymoon Trip!)
In this brand new guest post, first-time visitor to Japan, Cati Van Reeth, shares her tips for accessible travel and sightseeing.
Here's what Cati says in her introduction...
"My husband and I just returned from our 22-day honeymoon in Japan, and I wanted to conclude our adventure with a little 'accessibility assessment'. We are from Belgium, and I need a manual wheelchair for longer distances, which means I can walk and do a few steps/stairs.
Perhaps this information could be useful for a select audience, but perhaps also an interesting read for others. Hopefully this will help even a few adventurous souls out there, abled and disabled alike."
Regional Japan Rail Passes Price Increases Between 5% - 50%
The Resort Shirakami tourist train | Photo: © TSJR
Earlier in 2023 the JR Group of companies announced a 'price revision' to the JR Passes which sees increases of around 70% on some tickets from 1st October.
There was no mention of the Regional Rail Passes.
That's just changed with the announcement by some regional Japan Rail companies of price increases up to 50%.
However, other increases were much lower, with the five-day Hokkaido Rail Pass increasing by just 5%. The popular Kansai Wide Area Pass increases by 20%.
There's been some discussion recently (including the pros and cons) of using regional rail passes in my Private Facebook Group.
Member Brek shared a news story about the increases from the site Straits Times.
It's still possible to get good value out of the passes, you just need to carefully plan your itinerary and then work out whether ordinary tickets, JR Rail Passes or other train passes are the most cost-effective option.
Of course, its important to remember (especially with rail travel) that not everyone is looking for the cheapest solution.
It's now just 54 days until the increases for the all-Japan Rail Passes come into effect on 1st October.
If you're travelling in Japan this year and are planning on buying Japan Rail Passes, then you have until the end of September, to order yours at the current bargain rates.
Japan's Hidden Onsen and Wellness Retreats
I'm excited to announce I have a new ebook guide coming out!
The working title is Japan's Hidden Onsen. It's subtitled Uncovering Japan's Best Onsen and Wellness Retreats.
Soaking in the hot, soothing waters of Japan's natural hot springs is one of my (and my wife's) favourite pastimes when travelling in Japan.
In this new guide I'll be introducing Japan's onsen culture and history, and unveiling some of Japan's hidden onsen gems. I'll also be covering Japan's mindfulness and meditation retreats.
I may offer a discount to anyone who wants to pre-order a copy, so look out for that.
But if the book already sounds like something you will want to get a hold of, hit the button below to email me back and I'll make a note of your interest.
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