Prince Hotel Blogs https://www.princehotels.com/blog Discover Japan Fri, 10 Mar 2023 13:20:13 +0000 en-US hourly 1 Where To Find The Best Views Of Tokyo For Free https://www.princehotels.com/blog/where-to-find-the-best-views-of-tokyo-for-free/ https://www.princehotels.com/blog/where-to-find-the-best-views-of-tokyo-for-free/#respond Thu, 09 Mar 2023 13:14:00 +0000 https://www.princehotels.com/blog/?p=296 If you’ve got an upcoming trip planned to visit the mind boggling city of Tokyo, then you’ll probably be thinking the same thing as everyone else- where is the best place to get a view of that world famous skyline? It’s no secret that Tokyo has a lot of skyscrapers -167 to be exact- but […]

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If you’ve got an upcoming trip planned to visit the mind boggling city of Tokyo, then you’ll probably be thinking the same thing as everyone else- where is the best place to get a view of that world famous skyline?

It’s no secret that Tokyo has a lot of skyscrapers -167 to be exact- but most are filled with residential buildings, hotel rooms or offices.

Those that do have viewing platforms often charge a premium for the privilege of seeing the city from a height; so we are going to take a look at some of the places in the city that offer a great view, at the cost of absolutely nothing!

Book a room in the stunning Shinagawa Prince Hotel Tokyo, Japan for the perfect location to explore this mega metropolis. It’s got everything you need to make your holiday incredibly special, and is actually home to some of the best Shinagawa restaurants.

Now let’s take a look at where exactly you can get a great view of the staggering Tokyo skyline for free! 

Tokyo Solamachi

The Tokyo Solamachi is actually right next to the famous Tokyo Skytree- the 5th tallest structure in the world- and offers a much lower, but still rather excellent view of the city centre.

Some say this is a better view than the Skytree offers because it includes the Skytree in the view- although seeing the city from 634 metres would still be impressive.

This free view offers a great view of the city centre and, if you’re lucky and the weather is right, Mt. Fuji can be spotted in the distance.

Caretta Shiodome

The Caretta Shiodome is at the top of a 48 storey mall and shopping centre, with a stunning  viewing platform offering excellent views of the harbour. You’ll be able to see the Rainbow Bridge that connects Odaiba to the mainland and far out across the bay.

It’s a great view of East Tokyo, and is surrounded by great food and shops.

Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center

The Asakusa Culture Center allows you to tick two things off the list at once; a great view, and one of the best markets in the city; the Nakamise Shopping Street.

Located just across the street from the famous Kaminarimon Gate is the stunning Culture Center where you’ll find a great view of the surrounding area. It’s not a particularly tall building, but the view is worthwhile nonetheless. 

Shinagawa Prince Hotel

That’s right, you can get an excellent view from the very hotel you’re staying in! Not only is the Tokyo Prince Hotel one of the best hotels in Tokyo, Japan; but it’s also home to the stunning Dining & Bar Table 9 Tokyo restaurant, which is located 140 metres off the ground!

Enjoy simply wonderful food, with a stunning view of the city as your backdrop for the evening- I can’t really think of anything better! 

Get Your Camera Ready

So there you have it, the best places to view the gorgeous Tokyo skyline without paying a single penny- you can even bag one at the Prince Park Tower Tokyo.

Enjoy one of the world’s largest metropolitan areas in style, and make your visit to Tokyo an adventure you’ll never forget with these stunning view points.

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Top Tips For Road Tripping In Japan https://www.princehotels.com/blog/top-tips-for-road-tripping-in-japan/ https://www.princehotels.com/blog/top-tips-for-road-tripping-in-japan/#respond Mon, 06 Mar 2023 13:08:00 +0000 https://www.princehotels.com/blog/?p=293 Japan is a stunning country; from coast to coast and mountainous peak to mountainous peak, it deserves to be fully explored. Don’t limit yourself to seeing only the cities, or only visiting the locations public transport can get you to; be in control of your own trip and explore this awe inspiring country at your […]

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Japan is a stunning country; from coast to coast and mountainous peak to mountainous peak, it deserves to be fully explored.

Don’t limit yourself to seeing only the cities, or only visiting the locations public transport can get you to; be in control of your own trip and explore this awe inspiring country at your own accord.

Getting off the beaten track is a great way to get to know a new country, and Japan’s hidden gems, gorgeous scenery, staggering mountains and beautiful coasts will reward your adventurous spirit generously.

Be sure to book your accommodation in advance with Prince Hotels; they are conveniently located all across Japan and offer way more than luxury rooms. You’ll find them in many stunning locations across Japan; resorts where you can ski, spa, hike or just chill out.

If you’re flying into Tokyo then check out the stunning Shinagawa Prince Hotel; not only is it one of the best hotels in Japan, it’s the perfect place to start a road trip and is home to some of the best Shinagawa restaurants. You can also try the Prince Karuizawa for a more scenic and restful location- it also happens to be one of the finest hotels in Karuizawa!

Now let’s take a look at some of things you need to know before buckling in and exploring Japan by car.

International Driving Permit

 The International Driving Permit, or IDP, is a crucial bit of paperwork for any foreign national thinking of doing a road trip in Japan.

It must be acquired before you arrive in Japan, and will not be issued to anyone already in the country.

It is only valid with a recognised and government approved existing license, so make sure you carry your home license with you at all times. 

Your IDP will last for a year, but that should be fine if you are on a shorter trip.

Car Hire

Renting a car from the airport, or anywhere else, works in very much the same way as many other countries in the world.

It is worth noting that cars drive on the left hand side of the road, so the steering wheel is located on the right hand side of the car. If this is different from your own country, then it would probably be worth getting used to the new setup in a carpark.

There are many toll roads in Japan, and you can pay for them with cash, card or the Electronic Toll Collection System (ETC)- but this requires some setup.

Route Planning

Choosing a good route is essential to any road trip, but being prepared to map-read or have a backup map ready to go is essential when you can’t read the language on the road signs.

Make sure you have a map you can read, or some data on your phone as a back up.

It’s also important to choose a route that takes you to all the spots you want to visit- obviously. So check out some road trip itineraries for inspiration.

Driving Etiquette

You will find driving in Japan a very pleasant experience. Drivers are courteous and aware of their surroundings.

Drivers use their hazards a lot, mainly as a thankyou, so don’t be surprised to see flashing lights!

Explore Japan

So there you have it. Some top tips to help you get started with planning your amazing Japanese roadtrip.

Wherever you decide to go you’re sure to have an amazing time thanks to the stunning beauty of Japan.

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The Very Best Of Hiroshima https://www.princehotels.com/blog/the-very-best-of-hiroshima/ https://www.princehotels.com/blog/the-very-best-of-hiroshima/#respond Thu, 02 Mar 2023 13:03:00 +0000 https://www.princehotels.com/blog/?p=290 Japan is a country filled with stunning cities and gorgeous landscapes- so what is it about Hiroshima that makes it so special? The devastation that occurred after the horrific events of 1945 when an atomic bomb was dropped on the city is something that we are all familiar with- but it does not define the […]

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Japan is a country filled with stunning cities and gorgeous landscapes- so what is it about Hiroshima that makes it so special?

The devastation that occurred after the horrific events of 1945 when an atomic bomb was dropped on the city is something that we are all familiar with- but it does not define the city.

What defines Hiroshima is the pervasive atmosphere of courage, determination and hope. The city sprang back to life and worked hard to reestablish itself.

The events of 1945 will never be forgotten, but the city has grown into something very special.

It’s a gorgeous bay surrounded by mountains and lush forests, and is packed with islands and cultural attractions.

During your time in this stunning city book a room in the Grand Prince Hotel Hiroshima; it’s one of the very best hotels in Hiroshima and puts you in the perfect location to explore the city’s wonders.

Let’s dive in.  

Hiroshima Peace Memorial

The Hiroshima Peace Memorial is one of the most moving and crucial centers in the city.

It is located right next to the epicenter of the blast that took place on the 6th of August 1995; the very first use of an atomic bomb in warfare.

This devastating memorial tells the stories of the people who lost their lives, or were affected by the blast for the decades following it.

The domed building that withstood the effects of the blast became a symbol of hope and peace, and is one of the most recognised buildings around the world.

This memorial park remains as a symbol of hope and as an important reminder of the damage a nuclear weapon can do.

Despite the city now being much more than the location where a nuclear bomb was first used, it is still important to remember past mistakes; so visiting this hauntingly beautiful place is one of the city’s must dos. 

Itsukushima

Itsukushima, or Miyajima Island, is a heavily forested and stunning part of Hiroshima’s legacy.

There are several temples and shrines on the island, including the iconic Itsukushima Shrine and the famous floating Torii Gate in the bay.

You can walk the trails through the stunning Japanese Maples, meet the resident deer and enjoy the sheer peace and tranquility of this spiritual island.

Hiroshima Castle

Hiroshima Castle was destroyed, like most of the city, in the 1945 atomic blast. But the castle was lovingly recreated as an exact replica of the gorgeous 1599 CE structure.

The top floor offers an amazing view of the surrounding area, and when the seasonal gardens are in bloom, it becomes one of the most beautiful places in the city.

Fascinatingly, you can also visit three trees that survived the atomic blast thanks to the castle’s walls; a eucalyptus, a willow and a holly tree all still stand in the grounds of the castle to this day and are symbols of hope in Japan. 

Hiroshima Food

Hiroshima is famous for many things, but the food is one of the very best.

The city’s signature dish is Okonomiyaki which can be found all over the place. There are many variations and each is as delicious as the last.

It’s a savoury pancake that contains squid, egg, pork, noodles and many other things.

Visit one of the many street food vendors in the city for a real treat!

Explore Hiroshima

So there you have it; a city reborn from the ashes to become stronger and more beautiful than ever before.

Make your visit extra special and stay in the Grand Prince Hotels stunning Hiroshima hotel; it’s the perfect starting point for an adventure!  

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The Top 6 Beaches Near Tokyo https://www.princehotels.com/blog/the-top-6-beaches-near-tokyo/ https://www.princehotels.com/blog/the-top-6-beaches-near-tokyo/#respond Tue, 28 Feb 2023 12:55:00 +0000 https://www.princehotels.com/blog/?p=287 Tokyo is not necessarily the first place you think about when planning a beach holiday- but you should think again. Just outside of the mega metropolis of Tokyo, on the eastern edge of the city, lies the stunning Boso Peninsula. Here you will find entrancing mountainous terrain, lush forest, abundant wildlife and gorgeous beaches. It’s […]

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Tokyo is not necessarily the first place you think about when planning a beach holiday- but you should think again.

Just outside of the mega metropolis of Tokyo, on the eastern edge of the city, lies the stunning Boso Peninsula. Here you will find entrancing mountainous terrain, lush forest, abundant wildlife and gorgeous beaches.

It’s the perfect place to escape the wonderful madness of the world’s largest cityscape, and after an approximate 1.5 hour drive you can be sitting in the sun on any one of these incredibly sandy spots.

Make sure you book a room at any of the Prince Hotel Tokyo locations, handily spread across the city. Not only will you be living in luxury and enjoying the many amenities offered by these stunning hotels, but you’ll also be able to travel with great ease from each location.

Take the Tokyo Bay Shiomi Prince Hotel for example. It’s perfectly located on one of the islands in the gigantic Tokyo Bay, and right next to the Shiomi Train Station, that directly links the city centre to the Boso Peninsula; perfect! 

Now let’s take a look at the very best beaches within easy reach from the city of Tokyo. 

Maebara Beach

This stunning stretch of sand is one of the biggest and best in Japan.

There is an ocean promenade where you can shop for food, souvenirs, and experiences. You’ll also find plenty of water based activities, and the stunning blue water makes this an amazing spot for swimming.

Just along the coast you’ll find the gorgeous Isomura harbour where you can shop for beautiful fresh seafood at wholesale prices. 

From the Grand Prince New Takanawa Tokyo this stunning kilometre and a half of golden sand is an easy train ride away.

Shirosaki Beach

Shirosaki Beach is one home to some of the clearest waters on the entire Boso Peninsula.

The waves are calm so it’s great for swimming, especially with kids, and despite its incredible reputation it is also known for being one of the quietest beaches- even on beautifully sunny days.

Shirosaki offers activities for all, and getting there from your room in the Sunshine City Prince Hotel Ikebukuro, Tokyo is an easy thing to achieve; so get out there!

Uchiura Beach

Uchiura is yet another incredibly quiet, but stunningly beautiful spot.

Found in a quiet little fishing town this beautiful beach is the perfect place for peace and swimming. In the warmer months there is an inflatable aquatic park set up for kids, or if you fancy some privacy then walking along the bay and finding a private spot to swim is a great way to go.

Okitsu, Moriya & Ubara Beaches

 This series of bays is amongst the very best on offer anywhere in Japan.

Crystal clear blue waters, rocky cliffs and stunning towns make up these three adjoining inlets, and any one of them would be a perfect way to spend a sunny day.

From your room in the stunning Prince Sakura Tower, Tokyo city centre you could be exploring these bays and more in just 2 hours on the train!

Boso Beaches

So there you have it; some of the best beaches on the Boso peninsula just outside of Tokyo.

Thanks to the amazing highways and world class public transport systems, exploring these stunning, rural locations is incredibly easy; even from your super central accommodation at the Tokyo Prince Hotel Park Tower.

Get out there and explore the crystal clear waters of the Pacific Ocean from the comfort of your inner city hotels.

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The Top 4 Japanese Temples https://www.princehotels.com/blog/the-top-4-japanese-temples/ https://www.princehotels.com/blog/the-top-4-japanese-temples/#respond Fri, 24 Feb 2023 12:21:00 +0000 https://www.princehotels.com/blog/?p=285 Japan’s stunning culture and rich history are deeply rooted in the faith held by the nation’s people for thousands of years, with over 70% of the population following Shinto practices with a combination of Buddhist rituals. The unique blend of ideologies has led to the Japanese being an incredibly polite, clean and respectful nation- one […]

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Japan’s stunning culture and rich history are deeply rooted in the faith held by the nation’s people for thousands of years, with over 70% of the population following Shinto practices with a combination of Buddhist rituals.

The unique blend of ideologies has led to the Japanese being an incredibly polite, clean and respectful nation- one that believes taking care of nature, oneself, and others is more important than anything else. 

Japan is well known for its super advanced earthquake-proof buildings and impressive public transport options- but the traditional and ancient examples of architecture are just as synonymous with the country.

If you’re looking to increase your spirituality, reconnect with nature and explore some of the most stunning temples and shrines in the world then you’ll need to start with some excellent accommodation.

Try one of the amazing Prince Hotel locations dotted around the country in incredible cities; the Karuizawa Prince Hotel for example is one of the best hotels in Japan andits location in Tokyo is the perfect place to start your Japanese spiritual adventure.

Now let’s take a look at the most impressive temples in the country. Explore your spirituality and reconnect with nature as you explore the very best Japanese temples.

Izumo Taisha Shrine

This is one of the country’s oldest and most prized shrines.

No one is quite sure when it was built but there are records dating back to around 700 CE! It’s an incredibly spiritual and important place for Japan.

Visiting the temple is supposed to bring good health to your relationship, and is even thought to strengthen marriages.

Byodo-in Temple

This is one of the very best examples of Japanese architecture anywhere in the world.

A temple has existed on this spot since 900 CE and the connection between nature and human life is evident and beautiful.

This temple can be found in Kyoto, an easy drive from the Tokyo Prince Hotel, one of the finest hotels in Minato.

Yama-dera Temple

The Yama-dera is also known as the Mountain Temple thanks to its stunning mountainside location.

The views are breathtaking and the temple itself is thought to be over a thousand years old, and is hewn out of the very mountain upon which it rests.

Itsukushima Shrine

The Itsukushima Shrine is one of the most iconic and beautiful in the country.

Many would recognise the famous images of the Torii Gate that seems to float in a picturesque bay, but the island where the temple is located is just as stunning.

Wander the nature trails amongst the Japanese Maple trees, explore the ancient temple and then venture into the incredible city of Hiroshima.  

Explore Japanese Culture

So there you have it; some of the most stunning and unbelievably beautiful temples in Japan.

This a country that is rich in history and culture, and exploring the gorgeous temples are a great way to connect with the fabric of Japan.

Make the most of your stay in a wonderful Prince Hotel by exploring the real Japan, and its extraordinary temples.

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Must Visit Locations On Your 2 Week Japanese Adventure https://www.princehotels.com/blog/must-visit-locations-on-your-2-week-japanese-adventure/ https://www.princehotels.com/blog/must-visit-locations-on-your-2-week-japanese-adventure/#respond Tue, 21 Feb 2023 12:14:00 +0000 https://www.princehotels.com/blog/?p=283 Japan has a lot to offer visitors. It is home to an incredibly rich history and one of the world’s most unique cultures. You can find some of the most stunning natural scenes on the face of the earth sitting alongside the largest metropolis anywhere on the planet. Stunning and lush forest covers a staggering […]

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Japan has a lot to offer visitors.

It is home to an incredibly rich history and one of the world’s most unique cultures. You can find some of the most stunning natural scenes on the face of the earth sitting alongside the largest metropolis anywhere on the planet.

Stunning and lush forest covers a staggering 67% of the landmass and only 20% of the country is not mountainous.

The Japanese people are amongst the kindest and most welcoming in the world, and the history of the country is beyond imagination.

If you’re planning a trip around Japan then make sure you use any one of the fabulous Prince Hotel establishments located all over the country. You’ll be able to explore to your heart’s content, then return to luxury and comfort; truly making it the trip of a lifetime.

Let’s take a look at some of the very best places you can visit during your two week trip to the astonishing country of Japan.  

Tokyo

Tokyo is the largest city in Japan, and actually the largest metropolitan area in the entire world.

It is home to 38 million people and covers an absolutely humongous area.

There is no other city like it- you simply have to walk the streets, visit the markets, try the food and meet the people. In fact, the very best way to get to know a new city is to try the food and explore on foot.

If you’re after a contemporary city, then it does not get much better than this. World class shopping districts, museums, galleries, restaurants and attractions are positively spilling out of this urban paradise.

Check out the Prince Park Hotel Tokyo, for one of the very best hotels in Tokyo, Japan.  

Hiroshima

Hiroshima is an amazing city. It’s likely that nowhere else on earth embodies the spirit of perseverance and determination more.

The combination of gorgeous scenery, beautiful green spaces and the stunning mountains make Hiroshima a truly great destination.

Visiting the Peace Memorial Museum is a horrific, life affirming and hopeful view into the devastation of the only atomic bombs ever used on cities, and why they should never be used again.

The Grand Prince Hotel, Hiroshima is located on an island in the bay- so you could not ask for a better place to stay! 

Mt. Fuji

As one of Japan’s most iconic landmarks, you’d expect Mt. Fuji to be a total tourist trap- but it’s not.

Set in the most staggeringly beautiful countryside you’ve ever seen, this gigantic mountain is actually quite elusive. Many people leave the area without ever sighting it thanks to clouds and poor weather.

But it’s worth the trip, just for the off chance you might get to see the glorious mountain- and of course to experience the awesome nature surrounding it.

Okinawa and the Southern Islands

This semi-tropical archipelago that reaches out from Japan’s most southern point towards Taiwan is the place to go for seafood, beaches and blue waters.

White sand borders the islands and the tropical forests, towns and cultures are completely different from the mainland.

This is the place to be if you want to swim, dive, soak up the sun and relax. 

Explore Japan

There are quite literally thousands of places in Japan that are worth visiting- no amount of writing could ever cover them all.

Kyoto is a great place to start your trip, so check out the Prince Hotels Seiryu Kyoto Kiyomizu for a luxury place to stay!

The most important thing is that you just explore and experience this amazing country for yourself!

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The 4 Best Street Markets In Japan https://www.princehotels.com/blog/the-4-best-street-markets-in-japan/ https://www.princehotels.com/blog/the-4-best-street-markets-in-japan/#respond Thu, 16 Feb 2023 12:00:00 +0000 https://www.princehotels.com/blog/?p=280 Japan has a long history with markets, in fact some of the markets across the country are thought to be thousands of years old. It’s a country of extreme heritage, contrast and diversity that still bases its roots in the general ideology of politeness and kindness. The country’s markets are a microcosm of what you […]

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Japan has a long history with markets, in fact some of the markets across the country are thought to be thousands of years old.

It’s a country of extreme heritage, contrast and diversity that still bases its roots in the general ideology of politeness and kindness.

The country’s markets are a microcosm of what you can experience all over the country, with a gorgeous plethora of seafoods, incredible produce, wonderful people and stunning cooking.

The markets of Japan, and indeed many countries around the world, are a great place to visit if you’re looking for a truly authentic experience.

Meet the people, try the food and get involved in the amazing and unique Japanese culture at these incredible Japanese marketplaces. 

Nishiki Market | Kyoto

This is one of the absolute premiere markets in the country, and is actually known by locals as “Kyoto’s Kitchen”.

This stunning and extremely historic street is jam packed with incredible little stalls. Most of the vendors work closely with a shop or restaurant, and you can find pretty much anything you could possibly imagine here.

It’s where chefs source the best ingredients for their restaurants and you can purchase some of the finest foods in the country.

It’s super accessible from your hotels in Kyoto, Japan as it is a five minute walk from the Shijo Subway Station.

Nijo Market | Sapporo

If you have the good fortune to visit Hokkaido, Japan’s second largest island, then Nijo should be the very first stop you make.

People travel from all over Japan and beyond to visit this foodie’s heaven. You’ll find stunning noodle artisans, incredible shellfish stalls and surreal vegetable producers, all with restaurants and street food vendors squeezed in amongst the action.

Staying at the Sapporo Prince Hotel is a great way to experience the area and enjoy one of the best markets in Asia!

Heiwa Dori Market | Okinawa

Visiting Okinawa is great for many reasons, but one of the best things you’ll find is the stunning Heiwa Dori shopping street.

It’s a maze-like arcade covered by a stunning steel and glass structure and is home to, well, pretty much everything you could possibly need.

You can grab an awesome meal, purchase handmade goods, scour the antique shops, pick up a cool souvenir, have your shoes mended, do your groceries- it is a pretty long list.

Exploring these bustling streets is a pretty great way to spend a day, and at the end of of it all returning tired to the comfortable rooms in one of the best hotels in Okinawa, The Okinawa Prince Hotel, you’ll be able to recover in pure luxury  

Nakamise Dori | Tokyo

The Nakamise Dori is one of the local’s favourites in Tokyo.

Stocking up on groceries and household items is super easy in this sprawling market. You’ll find gadgets, electronic goods, hardware supplies and much more.

It’s also a great spot for tourists looking for souvenirs. You’ll find handmade Kimonos, traditional slippers, straw hats and plenty more things to remember your trip by. It’s also a hotspot for great food- in particular the Dango Dumplings! 

Visit from your room in The Prince Kyoto Takaragaike Hotel for an unforgettable experience.

Japanese Markets

Japanese markets are one of the very best ways to experience the culture of Japan- taste the food, feel the atmosphere and meet the locals. There is no better way to spend a day!

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9 Incredible Facts About Japan https://www.princehotels.com/blog/9-incredible-facts-about-japan/ https://www.princehotels.com/blog/9-incredible-facts-about-japan/#respond Mon, 13 Feb 2023 11:42:00 +0000 https://www.princehotels.com/blog/?p=277 Japan is a pretty incredible country. It has a unique, diverse and incredibly rich culture that dates back thousands of years. There are many things in our society that we immediately recognise as being of Japanese origin, and increasingly more people are starting to align themselves with Japanese methodologies and ways of life. If you’re […]

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Japan is a pretty incredible country.

It has a unique, diverse and incredibly rich culture that dates back thousands of years.

There are many things in our society that we immediately recognise as being of Japanese origin, and increasingly more people are starting to align themselves with Japanese methodologies and ways of life.

If you’re thinking about visiting this incredible country then check out the stunning Prince Hotel and resorts spread across the country. They are some of the very best hotels in Japan and allow you to traverse the country in absolute style.

Now let’s take a look at some of the incredible facts that make Japan such a stunning and unique country.

The People

Japan is actually the 11th most populous country in the world, despite a severely declining population.

Its people are incredibly warm and welcoming- being polite and open is a huge part of Japanese culture. 

Life Expectancy

Regardless of the declining population, Japan actually has one of the highest life expectancy rates in the world.

A healthy diet and plenty of personal care means that people actually do live longer!

Who would’ve thought it, eh?

Vending Machines

For every 24 people in Japan there is 1 vending machine.

Just let that sink in. with a population of 125 million, that’s an awful lot of vending machines. 

Slurp don’t Cut

Slurping your noodles is not regarded as rude, even in public.

In fact, quite the opposite is true; slurping your noodles is considered as a sign that you are enjoying your meal- some even believe that it adds flavour to the food you are consuming.

So slurp away!

The Mountains are Calling

A little over 80% of Japan’s land mass is actually mountainous.

There are over 100 active volcanoes, and you can embark on all kinds of mountain adventures like skiing, hiking, trekking and climbing. Check out the Karuizawa Prince Hotel for the perfect Japanese mountain experince.

Tokyo is Booming

Tokyo is the world’s most populated megacity, as the massive metropolitan area has a population of a little under 38 million people.

So make sure you plan your trip in advance and book a room at the Tokyo Prince Hotel if you’re looking for hotels in Minato, Tokyo then look no further!  

Canned Food Restaurants

You can actually visit restaurants in Japan that have shelves much like many supermarkets.


You can choose your cuisine from thousands of choices and the chefs will pop the can and cook it up for you then and there.

It’s an actual canned food restaurant!

Earthquake’s are Life

There are an estimated 1500 earthquakes across Japan every year- although thankfully most of them are very small and don’t do any damage.

It is one of the most active and volcanic countries on the planet.

Kentucky Fried Christmas

The people of Japan don’t really do Christmas in the same way we do in the western world.

Instead they flock to KFCs all over the country and enjoy a fried chicken meal. It’s totally true!

It became a tradition in the 70s as western culture began to filter into everyday society in Japan; and KFC capitalised on it by telling the Japanese people that it’s what Americans have for Christmas Dinner! 

Wonderful Japan

So there you have it; some incredible facts that show off just how unique Japan is.

Come and explore one of the most gorgeous and fertile countries on the face of the earth, and learn a thing or two about the extraordinary Japanese culture while you are here!

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Top Tips For A Mount Fuji Day Trip https://www.princehotels.com/blog/top-tips-for-a-mount-fuji-day-trip/ https://www.princehotels.com/blog/top-tips-for-a-mount-fuji-day-trip/#respond Mon, 30 Jan 2023 12:37:00 +0000 https://www.princehotels.com/blog/?p=272 One of the most stunning landmarks in Japan, Mount Fuji is a mountain and volcano in Honshu, about 100 kilometers outside of Tokyo. The stunningly symmetrical cone of Fuji is even visible from the capital city, and on clear days can tantalize tourists and guests of Tokyo’s Prince Hotels from the city itself. Often found […]

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One of the most stunning landmarks in Japan, Mount Fuji is a mountain and volcano in Honshu, about 100 kilometers outside of Tokyo. The stunningly symmetrical cone of Fuji is even visible from the capital city, and on clear days can tantalize tourists and guests of Tokyo’s Prince Hotels from the city itself.

Often found in Japanese artworks, the mountain is a must visit for first time Japan guests. With plenty of attractions in the area, this “Holy Mountain” of Japan inspires everyone from guests of  Shimoda hotels to the world’s best artists. There’s a reason Tokyo photography company Fujifilm is named after it!

Whether you’re staying in Tokyo or Hiroshima hotels, the manageable length of Japan means it’s very easy to visit Mount Fuji. This blog will outline all the basics you’ll need to know for a day trip to the mountain and its surrounding area.

Getting To Mount Fuji

Due to the mostly undisturbed surroundings of Fuji and its surrounding Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, trains do not reach the gate of the mountain, and you’ll have to take a bus from the station. These bus journeys take between 40 minutes and an hour from the train station to the base of the mountain at Subashiri 5th station.

The train journey from Tokyo to Gotemba Station takes around 2 hours for guests of Shinjuku Hotels and requires one train change. Take the Tokaido Line for Kozu from Tokyo Station, and then the Gotemba Line for Numazu. Get off at Gotemba Station and take one of the buses from here to the bus stops around Mount Fuji.

Climbing Mount Fuji

Climbing Mount Fuji

Those Wishing to climb to the peak of Mount Fuji are strongly discouraged from doing so outside of the July to September climbing season. This is due to the uptick in accidents when the weather is not suitable for climbing the mountain. Throughout the summer, all four of the hiking trails should be open to the general public and should take between 5 and 10 hours to complete, depending on the route you take up the mountain.

Mount Fuji Routes

The four routes vary in the lengths of time they take to complete.

The Yoshida trail is a circular trail that runs at 14.3 kilometers, taking around 7 hours and 45 minutes to complete on average.

The Subashiri trail starts from Subashiri 5th Station and is popular for tourists and guests of hotels in Okinawa Japan wanting to ascend Mount Fuji in a shorter time frame. The trail runs at 8 kilometers and can be quite challenging due to the intense elevation gain, but has plenty of places to stop for a rest along the way.

The Gotemba trail is the only one of the four trails that hikers can actually drive too. However, this is because it is the hardest of the four, running at 20 kilometers with a steep elevation gain. The trail should take hikers about 12 to 16 hours to complete.

The Fujinomiya trail should take about an average of 8 and a half hours to complete and runs at about 8.6 kilometers in total. Easily accessible from the west of Japan, this is one of the most popular hiking routes for visitors.

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Staying Safe In Japan – What You Need To Know https://www.princehotels.com/blog/staying-safe-in-japan-what-you-need-to-know/ https://www.princehotels.com/blog/staying-safe-in-japan-what-you-need-to-know/#respond Mon, 23 Jan 2023 12:29:00 +0000 https://www.princehotels.com/blog/?p=268 Traveling to any new country can be a daunting experience, especially if you’re a solo traveler. Whilst safe and secure hotels like the Grand Prince Hotel New Takanawa provide peace of mind, is the same true for the outside world? Thankfully, Japan is often cited as one of the safest countries in the world, often […]

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Traveling to any new country can be a daunting experience, especially if you’re a solo traveler. Whilst safe and secure hotels like the Grand Prince Hotel New Takanawa provide peace of mind, is the same true for the outside world?

Thankfully, Japan is often cited as one of the safest countries in the world, often featuring in the top 10 safest countries in the world in the Global Peace Index. This doesn’t mean you can rest on your laurels though. As with any new place, visitors should get to know the surrounding area and environmental factors that may affect their stay at the Prince Hotel. This blog will explore some of the ways you can keep safe during your stay in Japan.

Crime And Japan

As with any country with large, developed and busy cities, you can expect a low level spread of crime in places like Tokyo and Kyoto. However, most of the crime that tourists will encounter is pickpocketing and thefts. That being said, the crime rates in Japan are famously low, as the police force are very strict and vigilant. If you’re a tourist in a major Japanese city, do make sure to keep an eye on your belongings though.

This makes Japan a perfect destination for solo travelers of both genders, but especially females who may feel vulnerable traveling alone. The culture of Japan means that women are unlikely to be harassed in the street by locals.

COVID And Japan

COVID And Japan

Since October 2022, Japan has relaxed its COVID policy on foreign travel. For most of 2020, and 2021, Japan had a strict no overseas travel rule, and only relaxed this slightly in 2022 when they began allowing tourists to visit if they booked a local guide and package holiday. These were costly, but now foreign tourists can visit everywhere from nightclubs to tempura restaurants without having to worry about social distancing or facemasks. That being said, these measures are still encouraged, but not enforced as law.

Earthquakes And Japan

Guests of the Prince Hotel Ikebukuro are unlikely to experience earthquakes because of the positioning of Japan on the boundary of four tectonic plates. The country is also home to several active volcanoes, and on average the country can play host to around 1500 a year. The country’s population is trained from a young age on how to respond to an earthquake, and much of the country’s infrastructure is built to withstand many of them. Earthquakes can be sudden, but if you experience one, make sure to follow instructions from locals and authorities. You can also download an app that will notify you when an earthquake is incoming.

Radiation And Japan

The nuclear bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki have been contained and have very low levels of background radiation. Even a week after the devastating events, the radiation in the air had decreased significantly. The same goes for Fukushima, where a partial nuclear meltdown in 2011 was quickly contained and background radiation decreased quickly, meaning that guests of Japan resorts should not worry about visiting these areas during their stay in the country.

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