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Travel Tips
- For flights, Skyscanner is excellent for comparing the best airline deals.
- For accommodations, our family trusts Booking.com for reasonable prices.
- Organize your trips easily with a Travel Planner.
- For tried-and-true travel and hiking gear, check out our Amazon Storefront.
- We purchased our train tickets online in advance, eliminating the need to visit the train counter.
- Booked train ticket from Kawaguchiko Station to Shinjuku Station (Tokyo) @ Klook for 28 USD
- Make sure to print your ticket and present it at the gate or train entrance.
- We boarded the JR Train Fuji Excursion bound for Shinjuku. Take note Shinjuku Station is a big train station in Tokyo so getting lost is inevitable, from there we took a local train to Tokyo Station.
Get some Snacks for the Train Ride
Where to buy snacks before boarding the train:
- Fujiyama Cafe (inside Kawaguchiko Station)
- Gateway Fujiyama Lake Kawaguchiko Station (grocery store inside Kawaguchiko Station)
- Lawson & 7’11: Both stores are within walking distance from the station.
- Duration: 2 hours
- Food is allowed and can be consumed on the train.
- Charging stations are available at the seats.
- Enjoy free Wi-Fi during the journey.
Try to book your seat closer to the luggage compartment for easy access, especially for families traveling with kids.
Clean and spacious seats inside the train.
Spacious and oh-soo clean bathroom amenities.
Learn from Our Mistake
Avoid using the mesh pockets in front of you to prevent leaving items behind on the JR train. We mistakenly left our printed ticket there, which complicated things when asking for directions from the train staff. Even if you have your email confirmation on your phone, even if it's in Japanese, even if you can speak some Japanese, not having the printed ticket can create challenges.
The Search for the Chuo Line
Stick Together at All Times
Whether it's asking for direction or a quick bathroom break, take turns waiting outside. The station is big, and now you're in the city where people are always in a rush. It's unlikely that someone will stop to assist you in this bustling environment.
We didn’t expect the challenge of finding our way around the train station.
We used Google translate on our phones to find our platform as not all the signs are in English. It was a difficult time especially traveling with a tired toddler at night.
We thought Tokyo is tourist friendly however most of the signs were in Japanese and no one seemed to noticed that we were lost. When my husband tried to asked the train staff for directions they seemed reluctant to show us the way.
We arrived at Shinjuku Train Station at night. For dining options, Sozai is open until 8:30 pm, offering discounted meals.
There is also a supermarket where you can find onigiri and drinks to satisfy your hunger.
Many signs are in Japanese with only a few in English, making it challenging to navigate. Perhaps tiredness, a crying baby, the bustling crowd, or a combination of factors contributed to feeling lost. Traveling with a child at night in winter shifts the experience from an adventure to a less enjoyable experience. It's interesting how perspectives change when journeying with a little one compared to traveling solo.
From Shinjuku Station to Tokyo Station
We were just a few stops away from Tokyo Station and I couldn't be happier. At the Tokyo train station, we got some sushi on the go at a discounted price and meals on the go at a convenience store named NewDays. It's like a 7'11 in Japan offering a good selection of food, snacks and merchandise.
What a relief when we finally got to board the train to Tokyo Station.
After getting off at Tokyo Station, we had to pay a minimal amount for the ticket difference for some reason. Then, we walked around 10 minutes to reach our hotel.
Where to Stay in Tokyo: Less Crowded Area
Check-in: Hotel Yaenomidori Tokyo
- Address: 2 Chome-13-1 Hatchobori, Chuo City, Tokyo 104 - 0032, Japan
- Phone: +81 3-6263-2020
- Feb 4-6: 3 days 2 nights
- Price 34,916 JPY or 231 USD (with breakfast)
Unique Breakfast Experience
We chose the quieter side of Tokyo by selecting Chuo City and discovering a hidden gem of a hotel. What sets this hotel apart is its special breakfast offering – a traditional Japanese seafood meal complete with a meal guide to help you savor the flavors in perfect balance. Despite the compact room size, its minimalistic design provided a well-balanced use of space. Situated just a short walk from Tokyo Station, it was ideal for exploring various food options, shopping, and even a visit to the nearby Pokémon Center.
Have fun and be safe ^__^
Do you want more adventure in Tokyo?
Do you want more adventure in Tokyo?
Where am I going next?
For my next adventure, we're off to Nassau, Bahamas! With summer in full swing and fantastic weather, we're all set to enjoy the sunshine.
For my next adventure, we're off to Nassau, Bahamas! With summer in full swing and fantastic weather, we're all set to enjoy the sunshine.
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