Yamanashi

We were able to visit a few places in comfort without having to rush for transport. Lunch was provided and it was very delicious. The driver drove safely from destination to destination. The guide was informative and shared a lot about the history of fuji mountain but felt that she could have given us time for toilet break when we reached the first destination(as I was travelling with my elderly parents, they really needed toilet after a 2h bus ride).

It snowed heavily in Tokyo these past two days, and many itineraries were either blocked or completely covered by snow. There were also traffic jams and many cars skidding on the roads. Luckily, we met Zhang Ting, whose driving skills are excellent. He persevered for a long time (what should have been a 3-hour drive turned into 8 hours), remaining completely focused and helping us arrive safely at the attractions and return safely to the hotel. We are truly grateful to him for his continuous assistance throughout the journey, ensuring a rich experience despite the bad weather. Only the second day in Izu was sunny, and then it started snowing again in the afternoon… You can imagine how much more fun we would have had if the weather had been better. Regarding food, since I'm vegetarian, he patiently helped me communicate with the restaurant staff. In short, although the weather was bad, our tour guide was fantastic! 😊

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. 💡