Yamanashi

Although it's a bit far from Lake Kawaguchi, the onsen resort offers a free shuttle service, so it's not too difficult to get there. It's about a 20-minute drive. There's also a pick-up service for leaving, but the timing didn't work out, so I asked the resort to call a taxi for me; it cost 4300 yen. The onsen is quite clean, and since it's a nude bath, it takes a little getting used to. The scenery is absolutely stunning, and the water is very hot. Unfortunately, the carbonated spring was under renovation when I went, so I couldn't try it.

I redeemed the JR Tokyo Wide Pass directly at Narita Airport this time. The process was smooth and the instructions were clear, which was a big plus as I didn't have to go to a counter in the city. For someone who had just landed and still had luggage, less travel meant less expense, so the overall first impression was that it was "friendly to beginners." 🧳🗺️ In actual use, the biggest advantage is the wide range of routes covered. Places near Tokyo like Karuizawa, Kawaguchiko, and Nikko can all be covered in one trip. 🚄 As long as the itinerary is planned in advance, taking JR trains for long distances over several consecutive days quickly recoups the cost, making it very cost-effective. Seating arrangements and transfers were also smooth, requiring minimal planning. 📍 Overall, this pass is suitable for "itinerary-oriented" travelers. Those who plan their routes in advance and focus on key destinations will benefit the most. It's not for impromptu, random travel, but as long as the direction is clear, transportation costs can be kept very low. 💡