Get a real-life glimpse into the world described in Oku no Hosomichi by the famous Japanese poet Matsuo Basho on the scenic Resort Shirakami trains. These extensive lines travel through the valleys and small villages of Japan’s northern Tohoku region, which is nearly overlooked by most tourists. 

Moreover, the affordability and convenience of the Japan Rail Pass make traveling around Tohoku by train arguably one of the most economical options for exploring the area. 

A scenic ride

The Senjojiki Rock Seaside is just one of the sights you’ll see from the Resort Shirakami.

Connecting Akita and Aomori prefectures via a five-hour ride, the Resort Shirakami train is a breathtaking line that runs alongside both the Sea of Japan and the Shirakami Sanchi highlands, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Although there are several scenic train lines in Tohoku, Resort Shirakami stands out not only for the panoramic views but also for its immersive cultural experiences. Brief explanations in both Japanese and English offer insight into the history of the breathtaking natural formations that characterize the area. 

One of the best parts of the ride is that the train slows down at picturesque stops for photo-ops. You can see jagged rock formations jutting out from the ocean in front of you from the wide windows. From the flooded rice paddies and neat rows of leafy vegetables, local farmers with patterned hats often rise from their work to give you a gentle wave. 

Resort Shirakami trains

The KiHa 48 Buna.

Resort Shirakami operates three different trains: Buna, Aoike, and Kumagera. The Buna train is particularly recommended because it includes the Oraho counter, a special carriage that sells food, drinks, and souvenirs from the towns that line the route. 

The trains’ interior was designed with locally sourced Akita sugi (cedar) and Aomori hiba (cypress) trees. Even the color scheme of the seats pays homage to Tohoku’s many summer festivals. Passengers can catch a glimpse of a live traditional shamisen performance and listen to folktales told in Tsugaru-ben, a dialect native to western Aomori. Sit back and enjoy the ride. 

The famed Japan Rail Pass, or JR Pass, gives travelers a golden ticket to hop around Japan and save lots of cash doing it. Zip between Tokyo, Hiroshima, and Hokkaido by simply showing the pass to train station staff and you’re good to go.

I’ve got a golden ticket. I’ve got a golden twinkle in my eye.

Sounds great, but is it really the magical all-access ticket it claims to be? How do you even use the darn thing? It can all be a bit confusing, so let us break it down for you.

What exactly is the JR Pass?

Japan has over 100 railway companies, one of the bigger ones being the Japan Railways Group, or JR for short. These guys are responsible for issuing these coveted JR Passes which are supposed to work on all trains in Japan and can be an incredibly good value for money.

Catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji as you ride the shinkansen.

The pass offers unlimited travel on JR train lines and some buses and ferries within a set number of days. It can also be used on some shinkansen (bullet trains) that’ll jet you from one side of Japan to the other.

However, it does come with certain restrictions you should be aware of and it may not necessarily be right for all travelers.

It can only be used on JR trains

Be careful, if your train isn’t beyond a green JR gate like this, you have to pay extra.

First things first, these passes do not work on all trains in Japan! There are about nine private train companies besides JR in Tokyo alone. If your destination is on the Keikyu line or the Odakyu line, you’re gonna have to pay extra.

Let’s say, for example, you want to visit the thousands of beckoning cat statues at Gotoku-ji Temple in Setagaya, and post them to your Instagram. There aren’t any JR trains that connect to this part of Tokyo. Your “unlimited” pass won’t do any good in this case.

The JR Pass won’t take you to this cat-covered temple in Tokyo’s Setagaya neighborhood, sadly.

How much does the JR Pass cost?

A seven-day pass costs ¥29,110 for adults.

The prices will increase slightly in Oct. 2019 due to Japan’s consumption tax going from 8% to 10%, so if you wanna save a few coins you’d better buy it now.

Standard passes allow you to ride in the unreserved shinkansen cars while the Green Car pass gets you into the fancy cars with extra comfy seats and more legroom.

Prices until Oct. 2019

Prices from Oct. 2019

Note that on most shinkansen trains, the unreserved seats are in cars one to three. If you have the Green Car pass, you have to reserve your seat in advance for a specific departure time (which can be done on the same day).

During peak seasons like Christmas, New Years, and summer, it may be more difficult to find a free seat to book. Whereas if you have the standard pass, you can just hop on any unreserved shinkansen car and go at any time.

Is the JR Pass worth it?

Is it worth it? Let me work it. I put my thang down, flip it, and reverse it.

Imagine you are coming to Japan for one week. Your plane arrives at Haneda Airport in Tokyo where you will stay for three days. Then you’re off to Osaka for two days, Kyoto for a day, and back to Tokyo to catch your flight home.

Traveling between the three cities via shinkansen will cost you ¥27,260 alone.

The price of a few bullet train journeys will balance out the cost of the JR Pass, no question.

With the seven day JR Pass, you could also make a stop in Nara or Nagoya along the way, plus local trains within those cities would be covered too (as long as you use the JR line).

A trip to Osaka will definitely end in extra inches added to your waistline.

If, on the other hand, you are flying into Osaka and only plan on visiting Kyoto’s Golden Pavilion or Nara’s deer park, you probably don’t need the JR Pass. You can easily pop over to these cities cheaper via local train.

Planning a tour of Japan from Hokkaido in the north to Fukuoka in the south? Get the pass! The price of a few bullet train journeys will balance out the cost of the JR Pass, no question.

Tips for using the JR Pass

If you do decide to get the pass, here are some tips for using it.

• Plan your route ahead of time

Where are we going, baby? I don’t know, let me check Google Maps.

GoogleMaps, Hyperdia, and the Japan Travel by Navitime app are your planning friends.

• Be mindful you are taking the correct bullet train

Faster than a speeding bullet.

The pass covers unlimited travel on the shinkansen excluding the Nozomi and Mizuho trains! If you’re going from Tokyo to Kyoto, the pass will cover the trip on the Hikari shinkansen, not the Nozomi shinkansen.

What’s the difference? Taking the Hikari shinkansen will get you to Kyoto 20 minutes slower than the Nozomi shinkansen. That’s legit the only difference. Patience is a money-saving virtue, in this case.

• Buy it in advance

You have to buy the JR pass before you arrive in Japan!

This pass is for tourists only, and you must purchase it before you land in Japan. Buy it online and you’ll be issued a confirmation voucher which you’ll exchange once you are in Japan.

There are plenty of places to swap the voucher for the real thing, but it’s most commonly done at the airport upon arrival.

• Always have your passport with you

You’ll need to provide your passport during the voucher exchange, meaning residents of Japan can’t use it, (sorry ya’ll). You can’t get a refund or replacement if you lose your JR Pass either, so you’d better take good care of it!

Look at you, running out of pages in your passport.

Your passport should technically be used in conjunction with your JR Pass and you may be asked to present it at any time.

• Get an IC card

Whether you decide to buy the JR Pass or not, definitely get your hands on a super useful IC card, which will save you from having to buy a ticket each time you wanna catch the train.

Load your IC Card up with money and use it to tap in and out of train stations and buses. You can easily purchase one at almost any ticket machine for only ¥500 plus whatever amount you want to load on the card.

Cards like “Suica” will save you time, and give you a discounted train fare. Just touch the “buy a new suica” button.

Trade it back in at the end of your trip and you’ll get a refund for the ¥500 deposit plus any money that’s left on it. They can be used nationwide, but you need to return it in the region you purchased it in to get your cashback.

IC cards are also widely accepted at convenience stores, coin lockers, and some vending machines if you find yourself strapped for cash.

Keep in mind, the JR pass is valid from the day you start to use it, and if you start using it late in the evening it will still count as a full day.

Running like a ring around the southeastern corner of Kochi Prefecture, the Shimanto River is surreal in its natural beauty and biodiversity.

This widely undiscovered area is a destination where vibrant green mountain peaks are the backdrop to turquoise waters that offer up unique ways to discover local life in Japan. It may take a little legwork to get there, but once you arrive it feels like you’ve been let in on some incredible secret.

The Shimanto River is the longest in Japan’s rustic Shikoku region.

Known for its exceptional quality and clarity of H20, the Shimanto River is more than just a beautiful scene. For fishermen and nori (seaweed) farmers, the river is a source of livelihood. For local children, it’s an enviable naturally crafted playground, and for the population of outdoor-loving locals, it’s a way of life.

Katsuma Low Water Crossing over the Shimanto River.

At 196-kilometers in length, the Shimanto River is the longest in Japan’s rustic Shikoku region of the coast of Japan’s main isle of Honshu.  Still, seeing everything the area has to offer is a very doable feat.

If you have three or four days available, a set of wheels, charged camera batteries and plenty of gusto, it’s an incredibly rewarding way to explore a naturally stunning, untouched pocket of Japan.

By bicycle

Photo by: Lucy Dayman Discover Shimanto by bike.

There’s no correct way to “do” the Shimanto River, however, if you want to properly immerse yourself in the scenery and connect with the area’s culture, getting around by bike is an excellent way to go.

Photo by: Lucy Dayman Shimanto Tourist Information Center has bike and motorbike rentals available.

For non-Japanese speakers, the easiest way to get your own set of rental wheels is to pop by the Shimantogawa Bicycle Rental Centre at the Shimanto Tourist Information Center in town. (Accessible by train). Pick up a mountain bike, a map of the river cycling route and chat with the friendly English-speaking staff who are more than happy to let you in on some local tips on where to start the Shimanto River circuit.

Off you go for some incredible photography while cycling across these historic bridges that take you from one side of the pristine river to the next.

By boat

To see Shimanto from a different perspective, consider hopping aboard a local — and quite rare for modern times — sailboat as it makes its leisurely crawl along the Shimanto.

Photo by: Lucy Dayman Shimanto local Mr. Matsuhiroya will guide you along the river by this traditional sailboat.

Northwest of Nakamura train station, you’ll find a humble riverside shed occupied by Mr. and Mrs. Matsuhiroya — the husband and wife duo behind Semba Roman Matsuhiroya. The pair have a collection of senba boats, a roofless style of vessel used in the 1930s to transport goods with which they run regular 45-minute-long cruises along the river.

There are also canoe rental and guided tours available at the Shimanto Canoe and Camp Village Kawarakko as well as Canoekan (Japanese). Sign up for a session and paddle down the tame stream weaving underneath the concrete bridges that tower over the river like a conjoined waterlogged Stonehenge. If you’d like to linger a while, they have a campsite, too.

This article was sponsored by Kochi Prefecture.

Leave the stress of the Tokyo metropolis behind and soak up the nostalgic feel of these old-timey Chiba Prefecture train journeys. Along the way, you’ll experience the charming countryside of Chiba’s Boso Peninsula, which was named one of GaijinPot’s Top 10 Japan destinations for 2019.

While the prefecture is often  just traveled through by visitors to and from Tokyo’s Narita Airport, this picturesque segment of it is definitely worth a visit while in Chiba. The enchanting area is not too far from Tokyo and is dotted with quiet little stations, cartoon characters, lovers of locomotive travel and lots of trainspotters.

Photo by: ©Chiba-Prefectural Tourist Association:©JNTO Isumi Railroad line quietly chugging over the Isumi River.

The tetsu-ota (trainspotters) are something of a phenomenon in Japan and can be seen at many stops waving or capturing the quaint rail carriages on camera. This very Japanese hobby differs from other countries, as it involves people of all ages and from all walks of life. Some fans record and photograph the trains and others ride the cars.

It’s not just for the hobbyists, though. Traveling around Japan by train gives you the freedom to enjoy the different locations outside of the larger cities and this one- to two-day itinerary will give you an idea of where to go in the Boso area.

Boso is especially beautiful in the colorful spring and fall seasons, and in this post you’ll see where you can start and finish your trip, depending on how much you want to ditch those time constraints!

Kominato Railway Line

The Kominato Railway Line started in 1925 and has 18 stations over a 40-kilometer stretch. The cars are vintage stock with pictures onboard that feature the history of the line.

Unlike trains in Japan’s cities, you’ll see lots of barrier-free pedestrian level crossings en route, from Goi (on the JR Uchibo Line) to Kazusa Nakano where you can transfer onward via the Isumi Line. The cars can be full of chatty and (for Japan) boisterous folk heading out to soak up the scenery or wander around one of its stations.

Kominato Tetsudo Train and cherry blossom in spring season.

Takataki station

Takataki station, located in Ichihara City, is a popular destination for the lakeside area nearby. The Ichihara Lakeside Museum is a 20-minute walk from the station and it boasts a 28-meter-tall observation tower to view the lake. Closer to earth, it has international arts and crafts workshops during the year. Visitors, both adult and children, on special theme days can create their own picture books, animations and landscape painting.

Photo by: damonbayphotography A Scenic Ride Along Chiba’s Kominato and Isumi Train Lines in Ichihara, Chiba Prefecture.

Tsukizaki station

Tsukizaki station, also located in Ichihara City, draws hikers who wish to see a geological treasure soon to be known as Chibanian. These strata, or layers of rock, were formed over 770,000  years ago and are a testament to a change in the planet’s magnetic field. This patterned mineral wall is found alongside the Yoro River and is a 40-minute hike from the station if you want to trade the rolling stock for some ancient rock.

Yoro Keikoku station

Alight at this stop to experience the famous Yoro Hot Spring area located at the Ichihara City/Otaki Machi border. Renowned for its kuroyu (black springs), the water in these resorts gets its unique hue from the broken-down plant materials contained in the soil.

The Yoro Keikoku Valley is a haven for hikers, particularly the walk by the banks of the Yoro River. The area was listed as one of GaijinPot Travel’s Top 12 autumn spots near Tokyo for it’s gorgeous fall foliage.

Photo by: くろふね View waterfalls on your hike at Yoro Valley.

Keep an eye out for the 12th century Shusse Kannon temple. Further on, you can gaze at Awamata no Taki, which at 30 meters, is the prefecture’s biggest waterfall. The area is full of wildlife, including river lizards, snakes and herons.

Isumi Railway Line

Switch lines at Kazusa Nakano for the Isumi line which has been running (in various incarnations) since 1912. It was modified and expanded in the 1930s and achieved its current form in 1988. The line runs for nearly 27 kilometers and contains 14 stops. The scenery on the line includes photogenic rice paddy fields and from mid-March to April the bright yellow blossoms of rapeseed flowers cover some 15 kilometers of the track sides.

Photo by: Jeremy Moorhead The Isumi Kyuko train old-school interior.

Otaki station

Visit Otaki Castle on the Isumi Line to see an Edo-period fortress. The 16th-century stronghold operates as a museum these days and has an impressive collection of local artifacts, weapons and samurai armor. There are plenty of short walking routes in the vicinity of the castle and most of the mountain trails shouldn’t take more than an hour or two to complete.

Kuniyoshi station

Back on board and time to make some room for the Moomins. Finland’s finest forest creatures are emblazoned on trains and hiding in the grass near Kuniyoshi station.

Photo by: : : Ys [waiz] : : Inside the tiny Isumi train.

Or you can take the fast train that conjures up Showa era coziness, complete with retro-style wooden tables fitted with wooden drink holders. Grab a snack and a beer from the platform vendor — he’s not hard to miss — who wears a hat in the shape of a train.

Ohara station

A popular destination in September is the Ohara Hadaka Matsuri in Isumi City.

Photo by: ©JNTO Welcome to the Ohara Naked Man festival in Chiba, on the Pacific side of the Boso Peninsula.

This “naked festival” takes place over two days with scantily-clad male participants carrying portable shrines into the sea. Ohara harbor is known for its large volume of lobster caught and sold at the market every Sunday morning. If you miss the market, you’ll no doubt find the lobster and other local fish at the many restaurants around town.

For more on transport in Japan, see our Japan 101 transport in Japan guide. 

This eye-catching train line, casting its retro charm throughout the seaside town of Kamakura, is the best way to get around prime sightseeing spots along the Shonan coast.

Only an hour away from Tokyo by train (via the Odakyu Limited Express Romancecar), you’ll easily be checking off sites on your Kamakura bucket list as the Enoden conveniently whisks you away to sandy beaches, historical temples and shrines, and a mosaic of colorful districts that boast their own seaside flavor.

The Enoden is a bit of a celebrity across Japan.

But it’s the Enoden’s own historical charm – first departing on Christmas Day at the turn of the 20th century – that continues to draw tourists all aboard this colorful light rail streetcar. A regular star of Japanese TV dramas, movies and anime, the Enoden is nostalgic railroad charm incarnated.

Shuttling passengers to and from two prominent tourist spots, Enoshima and Kamakura, the start of the Enoden Line actually begins at Fujisawa Station and concludes its run at Kamakura – stopping at Hase where you get off to reach the Kamakura Daibutsu or Great Buddha.

A local commuter train, the Shonan Monorail is a suspended monorail running between Ofuna and Enoshima stations that’s also good fun to ride around Kamakura.

With a total of 15 stops along its scenic train route, it only takes 30 minutes to cover the entire length of this 10 km interurban railway. While it certainly fulfills its function as a tourist tram over the weekends and during peak travel season (read: the sweltering summertime), it simultaneously serves as a commuter transit for local residents who are lucky enough to ride this moving piece of history on the daily.

With platforms still retaining retro charm through their classic wooden architecture hop on the locally loved Enoden the next time you take a break from the big city.

For more on trains and other transport in Japan, check out our Japan 101 guide.

New Chitose Airport is the northern prefecture of Hokkaido’s main airport and the fifth busiest in Japan. Located about 50 kilometers outside of the central hub of Sapporo, its unique features make it one of the country’s most enjoyable airports to travel through.

Originally opened in 1991, New Chitose has since been renovated and expanded to become the major transport hub it is today. Over 22 million passengers pass through the airport annually, and it serves a growing number of domestic and international destinations and airlines. These include industry stalwarts like JAL and ANA, as well as low-cost alternatives such as Jetstar and Peach Aviation.

New Chitose Airport opened in 1991. It is the largest airport in Hokkaido.

In addition to its position as the main entry point to Hokkaido, New Chitose Airport has clearly been designed with its visitors in mind. Its interesting facilities make it a surprisingly pleasant place to kill time before your flight – so much so that you won’t even mind if your plane is delayed!

Relax at the airport onsen

Like many airports, there’s an on-site hotel, Air Terminal Hotel, providing a convenient place to stay for people arriving late at night or departing early in the morning. However, what’s unique to New Chitose is that it also has an on-site onsen (hot spring). The first airport onsen in the world, it offers both an indoor and open-air hot spring bath where you can unwind while waiting for your flight. The facility also boasts a relaxation room and a range of massage services to help you achieve peak tranquility.

Entertainment

The onsen isn’t the only unique feature of New Chitose Airport. It’s also home to Japan’s first airport cinema. Sora Cinema Chitose has nearly 400 seats across a total of three screens, and the capability to show 3D films.

Photo by: Ashley Owen Head to the New Chitose Pokemon Store before you head out!

If you don’t have time for a movie, drop by the Doraemon Waku Waku Sky Park instead. Particularly good for those traveling with children, it has an arcade, a playground and a crafts workshop – all themed around Japan’s beloved anime character Doraemon, the blue robotic cat.

Shopping

There are a number of shops in the airport selling a wide range of local goods, including food and other souvenirs. Chocoholics should make a beeline for Royce’ Chocolate World, located on the connecting path between the domestic and international terminals. As well as the gift shop selling a wide range of Hokkaido chocolate products, it features a chocolate factory where you can watch the sweet treats being made.

Royce Chocolate Shop – Can you spot the giant chocolate-covered chip!?

There’s also a bakery filled with chocolatey baked goods and a chocolate-themed exhibition for those who want to learn more. You can also find a more traditional food court in the airport offering various Hokkaido delicacies for passengers who get peckish before their flight.

Other facilities

On top of these features, there are of course the standard airport facilities at New Chitose. These include luggage storage, ATMs, currency exchange, a prayer room on 2F of International Terminal Building, an observation deck, wifi and phone rental areas, and free wifi.

Pick up information guide books and attractions map at Hokkaido Tourist Information Center.

There is also a really helpful tourist information center with language assistance in English, Chinese, Korean, Thai, Vietnamese, Portuguese and Spanish. Here you can get travel consultation, transport info, sightseeing pamphlets, etc.

For more on flights and transport in Japan, check out our Japan 101 guide.

Tokyo International Airport, also known as Tokyo Haneda Airport, is a less-hectic way to fly into Japan’s dazzling capital city of Tokyo. Located along Tokyo Bay on the outskirts of the city, the futuristic airport, is one alternative to the city’s main international airport, Tokyo Narita Airport, actually located an hour outside of Tokyo by train.

Formerly a military airfield that later became the hub of Japan’s international air traffic for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, Haneda is an award-winning airport that primarily handles domestic flights. In fact, Japan Airlines, one of the major Japanese airlines, only runs international flights out of Narita Airport. Still, you cannot beat Haneda’s convenience as well as ease of travel to and from your flight.

The futuristic, sleek look of Haneda Airport.

It is Asia’s third-busiest airport and took first place in SKYTRAX’s “World’s Best Domestic Airport” and “Best Airport Terminal Cleanliness” categories.

Overall, Tokyo Haneda Airport is relatively compact and easy to navigate, consisting of three terminals. Terminals 1 and 2, which are for domestic flights, are connected via an underground walkway. A complimentary shuttle bus links the domestic terminals (Terminal 1 and Terminal 2) to the International Terminal.

Terminal 1

Terminal 1 is used by JAL (Japan Airlines) and the low-budget airlines Starflyer and Skymark for routes bound for Kita Kyushu and Fukuoka. It has six floors, featuring an indoor fountain and a spacious shopping area reminiscent of Tokyo’s most famous department stores.

For a temporary refresher or overnight stays, travelers can make use of the First Cabin Hotel, a compact hotel resembling the first class cabin of an airplane.

Photo by: atmtx The third floor at Haneda Airport.

Terminal 2

ANA (All Nippon Airlines), Air Do, Solaseed Air and Starflyer flights bound for Yamaguchi Ube airport and Kansai use Terminal 2. Like Terminal 1, Terminal 2 has six floors featuring a variety of shopping and dining options. The terminal’s largest restaurant is located inside the Haneda Excel Hotel Tokyu, which is connected directly to the Departure Lobby of Terminal 2.

International Terminal

While Narita Airport handles the bulk of international air traffic to and from Japan, there is currently servicing to 31 cities across Asia, North America, Europe, Oceania, and the Middle East. The International Terminal also houses the Royal Park Hotel Tokyo Haneda, which is accessible via the departure lounge on the third floor.

Travelers connecting from an international flight can skip passport control and immigration and head straight to the Transit Hotel to rest up before continuing onto their journey.

The traditional stage in Haneda Airport. The stage is part of the Edo Market inside the terminal.

Before your flight departs, enjoy a final meal of Japanese cuisine at the Edo Market on the 4th Floor and purchase a few keepsakes at the Tokyo Pop Town area on the 5th floor.

With access to points across Tokyo in under just one hour, it’s not hard to see why the number of travelers arriving to Tokyo Haneda Airport is steadily increasing.

For more on flights and transport in Japan, check out our Japan 101 guide.

If you’re bound for Japan, there’s a pretty good chance that your flight will land here. After all, Tokyo Narita International Airport handles nearly half of all international flights to and from Japan and is one of two major airports for Tokyo. (The other is Tokyo Haneda Airport.)

Narita airport and its three terminals are the main hub for Japan’s legacy carriers, Japan Airlines (JAL) and All Nippon Airways (ANA). It also serves as a hub for the low-cost carriers Jetstar Japan, Peach and Vanilla Air.

Will you get lost?

Terminal 1, 2 and 3

Each terminal has a different layout and varying shops and restaurants. You can access Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 by using the JR or Keisei train lines very easily. However, to get to it, you’ll need to walk about 10 minutes or use the free shuttle bus to head.

Terminal 1

ANA and Star Alliance carriers operate mainly from Terminal 1, which is divided into three sections: North Wing, Central Building and South Wing.

Terminal 3 is for budget airlines.

Terminal 2

JAL, Oneworld, and Skyteam alliance flights primarily use Terminal 2. It’s also home to Japan’s largest duty-free mall.

Terminal 3

Low-cost carriers arriving and departing Narita Airport are serviced by Terminal 3, featuring an indoor track for easy navigation (blue for departures, red for arrivals). The terminal also boasts Japan’s largest airport food court. Terminal 3 was completed in April 2015.

Don’t Miss

If your Japan itinerary left you with little room to shop, you’ll have plenty of opportunity before departing. Wasabi or sake-flavored Kit-Kat, anyone? You won’t have to look hard to find traditional wares, clothing, household goods, electronics, and, of course, treats from across Japan.

Photo by: Raging Wire Get a last-minute sushi bento in before leaving Japan.

All terminals have convenience stores (7-Eleven in Terminal 1 and Lawson in Terminals 2 and 3), perfect for stocking up on limited edition Japanese snacks. If it’s anime and manga-related goods you’re after, then you’ll need to hit up Terminal 1 for COSPA Akihabara, Hakuhin Toy Park, and Hello Kitty Japan, as well as Terminal 2 for the Pokemon Store.

Make use of your leftover yen at the gachapon (capsule toy) area on the first basement level of Terminal 2 or buy a few drinks at a vending machine once you’ve cleared security. Still, if you have some time before heading to the airport, why not do a quick trip (or a day trip) to the nearby Narita City.

For more on flights and transport in Japan, check out our Japan 101 guide.

Osaka International Airport (commonly known as  Itami Airport) is neither in Osaka City nor is it an international airport, despite what the name may suggest.

It is, however, one of Japan’s most popular domestic airports, servicing more than 14 million passengers yearly. The airport once had international flights, but the name remains unchanged after that was taken over by the Kansai International Airport for the region.

The airport’s location actually straddles both Osaka and Hyogo Prefectures, with the terminal complex falling in three different cities: Toyonaka and Ikeda, on the Osaka side, and Itami on the Hyogo side.

Cost-effective

Despite being a domestic airport, an increasing number of international flight plans actually begin at Itami. Many carriers, such as JAL, will, from time to time, offer a free domestic connection from Itami up to either Narita Airport or Haneda Airport in Tokyo from where you can continue the rest of your international trip.

For locations not covered by Kansai International Airport, Itami Airport offers a cost-effective and time-saving alternative to taking the shinkansen (bullet train) up to Tokyo. A flight from Itami to the capital city can cost as little as ¥5,000, depending on the carrier and the time of travel, whereas a trip by bullet train from Osaka to Tokyo can cost as high as ¥13,000.

Photo by: Hideyuki KAMON Both ANA and JAL fly into Itami Airport.

Convenient

Perhaps the greatest advantage for domestic travelers, that Itami offers over Kansai International Airport is the convenient location, especially if you are coming from Osaka, Kobe or Kyoto.

To get from central Osaka to Kansai Airport takes at least an hour and that’s if you use the high-speed, and high price, rapid train service. Using regular trains takes about 90 minutes, and changing trains multiple times. Itami, on the other hand, can be reached from Osaka station in only 37 minutes.

A train journey using local trains from Kobe to Itami Airport takes only 57 minutes, compared to 105 minutes for the trip to Kansai International. Likewise, from Kyoto to Kansai Airport can take approximately s two hours whereas to get to Itami takes only 70 minutes.

If you want to travel stress-free around Japan, start your trip from Itami Airport for convenience and good prices.

For more on flights and transport in Japan, check out our Japan 101 guide.

Fukuoka Airport is the best international airport to travel to or from western Japan. Airports near Osaka and Tokyo may be bigger and offer a wider range of flights, but trips to Fukuoka Airport are most often affordable year round.

Located at the top of Japan’s southern island of Kyushu, Fukuoka used to be one of the ports where Japanese sailors would venture off to Korea. The airport, the fourth-busiest in the country, is easily accessible by public transportation, as it is only 5 minutes away from Hakata station. It is also a good point for international flights to get to Seoul Incheon Airport, for example.

The majority of flights from Fukuoka are domestic, with a lot of flight routes to Haneda or Naha airports. Though, you can travel all around Japan for really cheap from this one starting point. Flights to Tokyo can be as low as ¥11,000, or you can fly up north to Sapporo for around ¥8,000 if you are using budget Low-Cost Carrier airlines such as Peach or Jet Star Japan.

The Fukuoka Airport International terminal.

Useful advice

Once you get to the airport you are not out of entertainment options. The airport is full of duty-free shops and restaurants to hang around in until your flight boards. At the international terminal, you can buy perfume and cosmetics a, or just have a nice meal at one of the western or Japanese-style restaurants. At the domestic terminal, many shops sell local specialties ranging from cakes and biscuits to Hakata ningyo, traditional Hakata style dolls.

There is free wifi in the airport if you need some last-minute flight information or just want to pass the time. If you have any questions while at the airport you can seek assistance at the information desk. The staff offer help in English and Chinese if you are not confident in your Japanese. There are two desks in the domestic terminal on the first floor that are open from 7:45 a.m. There are two more in the International terminal, one on the first floor the other on the third. The international desks open at 7:30 a.m and all desks close at 8 p.m.

Photo by: baebuldduki Hakata Torimon

Before or after your flight, why not make a short stop to explore the city of Hakata? Hakata is the home of tonkotsu (pork bone) ramen, as well as, the sweet local treat called torimon. Torimon is a small dumpling filled with a soft mix of white anko (bean) butter and cream. This sweet snack is also a great idea for omiyage  (Japanese souvenirs). You can buy them freshly made at Hakata station or at the airport if you are in a rush.

For more on flights and transport in Japan, check out our Japan 101 guide.