Our recent family adventure around Japan with Klook was a real highlight in terms of overseas trips. We spent four weeks travelling around Japan at the peak of the springtime cherry blossom season and had so many great experiences and highlights.
Klook was an essential partner for us to have a great experience – we used their online travel services to book many essential elements required for the trip which all worked seamlessly, leading to feeling relaxed and ready for our big adventure! Everything we booked through Klook Japan worked as planned and advertised, from collecting tickets and wifi devices from Narita Airport through to our Japan Rail Pass Exchange Orders arriving quickly after our order was placed.
Check out more below about our experiences with Klook, as well as details of what and how to book both your travel fundamentals for Japan as well as the fun stuff!
Join the Japan Travel Planning Facebook Group and Discord Server
You are also welcome to join our Japan Travel Planning Facebook Group and our new Japan Travel Planning Discord Server – they are great resources to enable you to ask questions about your upcoming trip to Japan!
Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. If you book after clicking on one of these links then we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Our Japan Itinerary
You may ask where did we travel during our most recent (pre-COVID19) four week family trip to Japan – here is our overall itinerary – with a couple of days not included as they were travel days:
- Tokyo – 10 days
- Mt Fuji Area – 3 days
- Nikko Area – 3 days
- Kanazawa / Shirakawago / Tateyama Area – 2 days
- Matsumoto – 1 day
- Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route – 1 day
- Osaka – 1 day
- Shimanami Kaido Cycling Route – 1 day
- Miyajima Island – 1 day
- Hiroshima – 1 day
- Osaka – 3 days
Highlights of our Japan Trip
We had so many great moments from our Japan trip with Klook – here are our favourite memories.
Private Transfer from Narita Airport to our Accommodation
Feeling relaxed arriving at Narita Airport and knowing we had a private transfer booked through Klook so we did not need to try to navigate the train system (unlike our first visit to Japan!). Our driver reached out to us via Whatsapp before our flight departed Singapore and was there waiting for us when we arrived. And then having it all work exactly as planned to arrive comfortably at our accommodation that first evening was a great way to start our first day (this time!).
Seeing Mt Fuji from the Shinkansen Bullet Train
Zooming past Mt Fuji on the Shinkansen bullet train – and being able to see it (unlike our previous visit to Japan!). We ordered our JR Passes through Klook and were pleased when our Exchange Orders arrived within 3 business days. They were very easy to activate after we arrived in Japan and to reserve our seats. Check out our detailed article on how we made the most of our Japan Rail Passes while in Japan.
Visiting Edo Wonderland near Nikko
Visiting Edo Wonderland near Nikko was a wonderful way to learn more about Japanese history and culture. A real highlight was all getting dressed up in historic Japanese outfits ranging from a Lord to a Samurai, as well as watching our son learn horseback archery!
Click here to check out and book your Edo Wonderland Ticket through Klook
Exploring Disneysea and Disneyland Theme Parks
Exploring Disneysea and Disneyland resorts was a real highlight of our visit to Japan. We split up into separate groups to each explore a different park and had a great range of experiences as a result!
Click here to book your Disneyland and Disneysea tickets through Klook
Having an Onsen Theme Park Experience in Hakone
Exploring Hakone Yunessun Onsen Resort and trying all of the different types of onsen baths – and being able to wear our swimwear for most of them!
Click here to check out and book your Hakone Yunessun Hot Spring Theme Park tickets through Klook
Watching Miyajima Island Come Into View from the JR Ferry
Watching Miyajima Island and the floating Torii Gate come into view from the JR Ferry near Hiroshima was an amazing experience!
Visiting Himeji Castle
We really enjoyed stopping in to exploring Himeji Castle on our way from Hiroshima to Osaka. We stored our luggage in lockers at the train station and were then free to walk to Himeji Castle and walk around the grounds.
Klook Promo Code Japan
Klook Japan periodically offers promo codes for specific sales, so when you click through make sure you keep an eye out for opportunities available at the time you make your booking.
We also have a promo code which first time users of Klook Japan can use, so use promo code MDE8G to get an $A5 discount off your first order!
What Did We Book Through Klook?
You will likely ask what did we book through Klook to help us have such amazing experiences? Below I have summarised what we purchased ourselves, as well as items where we were sponsored by Klook – but were planning to purchase anyway even if they did not sponsor us. We have detailed what we purchased below into the fundamentals for Japan and then for the fun stuff!
Klook Japan Fundamentals
The first things to book through Klook are what we like to call our ‘fundamentals’ for Japan. This includes the basics such as:
- How to get around Japan using public transport
- How to get from and to the airport, and
- How to access data while you are travelling.
Klook JR Pass
One of the most expensive items you need to purchase prior to arriving in Japan is your Japan Rail Pass – you can purchase either a 7, 14 or 21 day pass in either First Class (Green) or Second Class (Ordinary), which includes almost all Japan Rail trains within Japan. The Klook Japan Rail Pass includes both intercity shinkansen and express lines, as well as local JR trains within each city.
We have written a detailed article about our experience getting around Japan with 21 day Ordinary Rail Passes which includes our detailed descriptions of how to use the pass.
You get best value out of a 7 day pass if you plan to travel Tokyo to Kyoto return on the shinkansen or bullet train – any more trips than that and you will be saving money!
Click here to order your JR Pass through Klook. Use coupon code MDE8G to get a $A5 discount off your first order!
Klook Japan Budget Overnight Bus Tickets
If the price of a Japan Rail Pass is too expensive for your budget, a great economical option is to catch an overnight bus to travel between Tokyo and either Kyoto or Osaka. The price of the ticket is cheaper, plus you also save on a night of paying for accommodation. The seats fully recline and are quite comfortable.
Click here to order your Tokyo to Kyoto/Osaka, Osaka to Tokyo or Kyoto to Tokyo Overnight Bus Tickets through Klook.
Klook Japan Sim Card or Klook Wifi Japan
Another fundamental item for your trip is working out in advance how you plan to access data at an affordable rate on your phone during your visit. Global roaming costs can be significant, so most visitors to Japan find that the option to purchase either an eSim, data only sim card or rent a pocket wifi device are great options.
As you travel around Japan having access to data easily is a great way to maximise your ability to work out your public transport using apps like Google Maps, you can use Internet to look up information as you go and XE.com to look up exchange rates and many more.
A sim card is a great option if you have an unlocked phone and are confident to set up a new APN in your phone. If you are less confident with that option then a pocket wifi is perfect, after you collect it you just turn it on and log your phone into the wifi hotspot that it generates (the wifi name and password are written on the pocket wifi device). Once you have logged in once you will stay logged in for your whole trip, and all you need to remember is to charge it up each evening. This option is also good for a group as everyone within a 5 meter radius should be able to access the device.
If you are in a group and plan to split up ensure each smaller group will have a sim card or pocket wifi device to enable you to easily stay in touch.
Klook offers both the option to purchase a pre-paid data only sim card for collection at your Japan airport when you arrive, or to pre-book to rent a pocket wifi device which you again collect when you arrive in Japan.
Click here to order your eSim or Data Only Sim Card through Klook
For pocket wifi rental, Klook offers an unlimited data, you can select the exact number of days you require. The pocket wifi device must be returned at the end of your trip – note that you can select different airports for collection and return within Japan.
Click here to order your rental Pocket Wifi through Klook
Klook Airport Transfers in Japan
Another fundamental item you need to plan is how to get from the airport to your accommodation after you arrive in Japan.
On our recent trip we booked a private transfer to our hotel from Narita Airport, the Klook transfer option has the best pricing and we knew from previous experience that trying to navigate the Japanese train system after a long flight is not much fun.
Our booking was quickly confirmed by Klook and our driver contacted us on the day using Whatsapp so on arrival we were able to easily contact him and find him in the arrival hall. Our transfer went seamlessly and we enjoyed just being able to sit back and enjoy the ride into Tokyo direct to the door of our accommodation in Asakusa.
Klook also offers similar private transfers for arrivals into Haneda Airport to Tokyo and from Kansai Airport into Osaka and Kyoto.
Click here to book your private airport transfer from or to either Narita Airport to Tokyo, Haneda Airport to Tokyo or Kansai Airport to either Osaka or Kyoto through Klook.
Klook also offers the option to easily book the cheaper Limousine Bus transfers as follows:
- Click here to book a Limousine Bus transfer from or to Narita or Haneda Airport to Tokyo
- Click here to book a Limousine Bus transfer from or to Kansai Airport to Osaka or Kyoto
Klook Japan Fun Activities!
Once you have all of the fundamentals sorted out you can then focus on booking the fun stuff! Below are our top recommended activities in Japan which we you can book through Klook.
Klook Tokyo Activities
There is so much that you can book for Klook Tokyo! Here are the most popular activities for visitors to Japan.
Teamlab Planets Digital Art Exhibition in Toyosu
One of our children’s favourite Tokyo attractions for kids was to visit the teamLab Planets Digital Art Exhibition in Toyosu. You have a fully immersive experience of sensation, lights, sounds and much more. See some of our photos below to see a taste of what you will experience.
You have to remove your shoes and socks as this exhibit also includes wading through calf deep water on two occasions, so also bring a change of clothes for smaller children as there is every chance they will get wet!
You need to book ahead to get timed entry tickets for a fully immersive experience. They hold strictly to the allocated timings so ensure you arrive for your timeslot. teamLab Japan Planets has a one way flow through the exhibition and takes 1 to 1.5 hours to complete the course.
Click here to check out and book your teamLab Planets tickets through Klook
Street Go Kart Experience in Akihabara and Asakusa
Another really popular Japan activity is to drive Go Karts around the streets of Tokyo and other locations! We did this activity during our recent visit to Japan and loved it!
The best option is where you have a guided tour, that way you have a guide at the front and rear of your group to ensure you stay together and don’t get lost. You MUST have an International Drivers Permit to do this activity which you need to purchase in your home country before you depart. This activity can only be done by adults who have a drivers licence, only one person can fit into each kart.
Click here to check out and book your Akihabara Go Kart experience through Klook
Studio Ghibli Museum
The Studio Ghibli Museum is an amazing way to experience Japanese culture, and if you have seen any of their movies such as My Neighbor Totoro you will love learning more about the history of animation in Japan.
We really loved learning more about how the Studio Ghibli movies and ideated and created, there is so much craft to it! And it was also great fun to wander around and be immersed in the Studio Ghibli world. Our family really loved the experience ?.
Note that international ticket sales for the Ghibli Museum stopped during COVID19 and at the time of updating this article (Sep 22) the museum had re-opened, however international ticket sales had not yet resumed.
Click here to check out and book your Ghibli Museum Tickets through Klook
Other Tokyo Experiences
There are many more Tokyo experiences you can book through Klook, check them out here.
Klook Mt Fuji Activities
Klook has a massive range of activities for the Mt Fuji area which is located on the western side of Tokyo. Options include both day tours as well as independent travel options as detailed below.
Mt Fuji One Day Tours
One day Tours from Tokyo to the Mt Fuji area – either Hakone or Kawaguchiko. There are quite a few options which you can check out at the below link, including season specific tours for cherry blossom season, autumn foliage and winter snow options.
Be aware that Hakone is very hilly and that there are lots of activities to do and see, however you can only view Mt Fuji itself from select areas. By contrast the Kawaguchiko (or Five Lakes) area is very flat and you can see Mt Fuji from everywhere when the weather is good. There are also a lot of activities to do in the Kawaguchiko Area.
Click here to check out One Day Tour Options from Tokyo to Mt Fuji through Klook.
Fuji Q Highland Theme Park
If you want to experience sheer Japanese craziness then you need to visit Fuji Q theme park, which has some of the top roller coasters in the world, all in a small area with the amazing backdrop of Mt Fuji.
Klook also has a great package deal which includes return bus transport from Tokyo and your Fuji Q entrance pass ? .
Click here to check out and book either your Fuji Q tickets or your Fuji Q tickets and return bus transfers through Klook.
Klook Hakone Yunessun Hot Spring Theme Park
A great option if you plan to visit Hakone is to visit the Hakone Yunessun Hot Spring Theme Park, our family loved the experience!
Half of the Theme Park is an area where you can wear your swimming clothes, while the other half is a more traditional Japanese onsen bath where you must be naked, however note that there are separate male and female sections. In the clothed area there are a great selection of different themed onsen baths, ranging from sake baths to red wine baths, plus many water slides and fun activities. In the traditional area there are both indoor and outdoor baths which you can have a genuine onsen experience.
Click here to check out and book your Hakone Yunessun Hot Spring Theme Park tickets through Klook
Other Mt Fuji Experiences
There are many more Mt Fuji experiences you can book through Klook, check them out here.
Klook Osaka Activities
There is so much that you can book for Klook Osaka! Here are the most popular activities for visitors to Japan.
Klook Universal Studios Japan
Klook USJ is a great experience! We have now visited twice and each time we have had a different experience. On our first visit we did not realise that the option to purchase Express Passes to skip the queue existed – and as a result by the time we found out they had unfortunately sold out. As a result during our visit we were only able to get on 4 rides during the day which was disappointing.
For our second visit to Universal Studios Japan we got in early and purchase our Express Passes, and on the day loved how many rides we were able to go on, and overall had a much better day out! Get in early to book your Express Passes as they regularly sell out.
Note that you must purchase both a USJ Entry Pass and an Express Pass. Note that other special event Express Pass options for USJ are also regularly offered through Klook.
Click here to check out and purchase your Universal Studios Japan Entry Pass, Express Pass 4 and Express Pass 7 skip the queue passes through Klook.
Klook Osaka Amazing Pass
The Klook Osaka Amazing Pass is a great option to explore Osaka, and includes local public transportation as well as access to a huge number of attractions. Attractions include the Osaka Castle Museum, Osaka Science Museum, the HEP FIVE Ferris Wheel, Umeda Sky Building Floating Garden Observatory, and many more attractions.
We found using the Osaka Amazing Pass an easy way to get around Osaka, and also inspired us to try activities which we may not have otherwise done. A really relaxing option is to do a boat ride in Dotonbori and just take in the views.
Click here to check out and book your Osaka Amazing Pass through Klook
Other Osaka Experiences
There are many more Osaka experiences you can book through Klook, check them out here.
Klook Kyoto Activities
There is so much that you can book for Klook Kyoto! Here are the most popular activities for visitors to Japan.
Kyoto Day Tours
There are many day tour options within and close to Kyoto which you can book through Klook, check them out here.
One Day Kimono Rental
If you want to dress in a kimono, then Kyoto is the place to do it! Klook offers a great kimono hire options in the Gion area for both men and women, including hair styling.
Click here to check out and book your Kyoto Kimono Hire through Klook.
Sagano Romantic Train
The Sagano Romantic Train is a very popular Kyoto experience where you can ride the scenic train from Kameoka Station to Saga Station. Depending on the time of year you can expect to see cherry blossoms in spring, fall foliage in autumn, snow in winter and green foliage in summer.
Click here to check out and book your Sagano Romantic Train Ticket through Klook
Klook Hiroshima Activities
There is so much that you can book for Klook Hiroshima! Here are the most popular activities for visitors to Japan.
Hiroshima and Miyajima Day Tour from Osaka, Kyoto, or Hiroshima
One of the most popular Hiroshima activities through Klook is a one day tour which you can start and finish from either Kyoto, Osaka or Hiroshima. The tour includes a visit to Hiroshima including the Peace Museum, and also a visit to nearby Miyajima Island.
Click here to check out and book your Hiroshima and Miyajima Day Tour through Klook
Other Hiroshima Activities
There are many other great activities to do in Hiroshima which you can book through Klook, check them out here.
Klook Nikko Activities
There is so much that you can book for Klook Nikko! Here are the most popular activities for visitors to Japan.
Nikko Day Tours from Tokyo
There are many day tour options to Nikko from Tokyo which you can book through Klook, check them out here.
Nikko Pass
If prefer independent travel then a great option to visit Nikko from Tokyo is using a Nikko Pass which is valid for either 2 or 4 days. The passes include return transport from Tokyo.
Click here to check out and book your Nikko Pass through Klook
Edo Wonderland
One of the activities we most enjoyed was visiting Edo Wonderland Theme Park which is located close to Nikko. In Edo Wonderland you can have a fantastic experience travelling back through time to the Edo period. You can dress up in period costumes, and enjoy learning about the Edo Period with lots of shows and parades, as well as many other experiences. You should plan to visit for at least half a day, however preferably for a full day to make the most of your visit.
Click here to check out and book your Edo Wonderland Ticket through Klook
Join the Japan Travel Planning Facebook Group and Discord Server
You are also welcome to join our Japan Travel Planning Facebook Group and our new Japan Travel Planning Discord Server – they are great resources to enable you to ask questions about your upcoming trip to Japan!
Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. If you book after clicking on one of these links then we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.