Cities
City guides, day trips and seasonal planning: Osaka and USJ, Kyoto, Tokyo’s teamLab, Mt Fuji, Hakone and Japan in December.
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Osaka in two days, plus Universal Studios Japan
Where to eat, where to stay, and how to get into Super Nintendo World on a busy day.
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Kyoto for first-timers: beating the crowds in 2026
When to visit the big sights, how to get around without the overloaded buses, the new hotel tax, and a sample two-day plan.
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Osaka Amazing Pass: is it worth it in 2026?
What the 1-day and 2-day Osaka Amazing Pass cost, which of the 40 or so attractions are worth the most, the 15:00 Umeda Sky rule, sample days that pay off, and when to skip it.
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Universal Studios Japan Express Pass: which one, and is it worth it?
How USJ Express Passes work in 2026, current starting prices, timed slots, Super Nintendo World entry, when they go on sale and sell out, and the free alternatives in the official app.
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teamLab Planets or teamLab Borderless? Tokyo tickets and tips for 2026
The difference between teamLab Planets in Toyosu and teamLab Borderless at Azabudai Hills, 2026 ticket prices, closed days, how far ahead to book, what to wear and how to get there.
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A Mt Fuji day trip from Tokyo: train, bus or tour
How to see Mt Fuji in a day from Shinjuku: Fuji Excursion train and highway bus fares and times, the Kawaguchiko sightseeing buses, Chureito Pagoda, the 5th Station bus and when a tour makes sense.
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Hakone Freepass: is it worth it in 2026?
What the 2-day and 3-day Hakone Freepass cost from Shinjuku and Odawara, the Romancecar supplement, the classic Hakone loop with individual fares, and when the pass does not pay off.
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Japan in December: weather, winter lights and year-end closures
Average December temperatures for Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Fukuoka and Sapporo, the big 2026 illuminations with dates, the New Year closures to plan around, ski season openings and what to book early.
