Springtime Wonders: Linda’s Ultimate Japan Escape
From thrilling theme parks to ancient temples and scenic train rides, CAA Travel Advisor Linda Landry shares key moments and expert tips from her recent trip to Japan!
Author: Linda Landry
What do you picture when you think of Japan? Cherry blossoms drifting in the breeze? Bustling neon streets? Or maybe the thrill of a world-class theme park?
This spring, our Charlottetown-based Travel Advisor Linda Landry experienced it all: starting with the magic of Tokyo Disneyland, travelling across the country on a CostSaver guided motorcoach tour, and wrapping up with a thrilling visit to Universal Studios Japan in Osaka.
Here’s Linda’s story, including a few travel tips you can use for your own adventure.
Getting there
I flew out of Charlottetown, connecting in Toronto, where a flight delay meant an unexpected overnight stop. CAA’s Travel Passenger Rights Guide really comes in handy when it comes to flight disruptions! Thankfully, Air Canada arranged a stay at the ALT Hotel, which I highly recommend: it’s modern, comfortable, and just a short walk from the terminal. That convenience made the delay far less stressful.
Finally landing at Narita Airport in Tokyo after a 13-hour flight felt exciting, despite immigration taking nearly two hours.
Tip: Fill out your customs declaration form online ahead of time. It speeds things up considerably.
Our first stop was Tokyo Disneyland, where I stayed at the Bay Maihama First Resort. Just a 10-minute walk from Disneyland, it offered a great buffet breakfast with both Western and Japanese choices and straightforward accommodations.
What You Need to Know
- Tickets: Can only be purchased online in advance.
- Connectivity: There’s no free Wi‑Fi in the park, so be sure to have a data plan or eSIM (I used ALO SIM) to manage tickets, times, and maps in the Disney app.
- Wait Times: Popular rides can mean waits of up to three hours. Adding the paid “Premier Access” option saved us hours, so it’s worth the cost if your budget allows.
- Early Entry: If you really want to maximize park time (and can splurge), staying at an on‑site Disney hotel gives you early access with fewer crowds.
Touring Japan with CostSaver
From there, I joined CostSaver’s Japan Discovery Tour, a 10-day motorcoach journey across the country with about 34 travellers worldwide. Our guide, Joy, a Tokyo local, made every stop meaningful.
I began in Tokyo, checking into the Shinjuku Washington Hotel, just a 10-minute walk from the train station, with plenty of dining and shopping options nearby.
Exploring Tokyo exceeded my expectations. I visited the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Observatory for incredible city views, then the Meiji Jingu Shinto Shrine, a beautiful, serene spot in the city’s heart. From there, we explored Asakusa, Tokyo’s historic quarter, bustling with vendors and food stalls leading to Senso-ji, the city’s oldest Buddhist temple.
The next day took us toward Mount Fuji and Hakone. While I’d imagined climbing Mount Fuji, most visitors only get a glimpse, weather permitting. Instead, we visited the Fujisan World Heritage Center, an informative stop where you learn about the mountain’s cultural significance and, on clear days, enjoy spectacular views of Fuji itself.
Climbing Mt. Fuji is considered a spiritual pilgrimage and a test of endurance. The most popular route, the Yoshida Trail, starts from the 5th Station (midway up), usually taking 5 to 7 hours to ascend, with a 3 to 5-hour return.
Continuing on, we rode the Komagatake Ropeway, a cable car offering sweeping views of Lake Ashi, a beautiful crater‑formed lake and one of my favourite sights.
From Tokyo, we boarded the bullet train to Kyoto. The efficiency was impressive—trains depart every five minutes like clockwork. The journey took only 2 hours, versus over 6 by road.
Tip: Sit on the right-hand side when travelling from Tokyo to Kyoto or Osaka; on a clear day, you’ll see stunning views of Mt. Fuji. We were lucky enough to enjoy this beautiful sight.
In Kyoto, exploring on our own was magical. Maruyama Park was bursting with cherry blossoms in full bloom—it felt like stepping into a postcard.
Our journey continued by bus to Hiroshima, where we stayed at the Oriental Hotel, close to restaurants and transit. Dinner was memorable: Hiroshima’s famous okonomiyaki, a savoury layered pancake with noodles, cabbage, and meat.
The following day featured a moving visit to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum. We also toured Hiroshima Castle, rebuilt after the bombing and a symbol of resilience.
Next was Himeji, where we stayed at Hotel Nikko Himeji, a minute from the train station and home to one of the best buffets of the trip, with something for every taste. The highlight was Himeji Castle, Japan’s most perfectly preserved castle and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
From Himeji, we continued to Osaka, stopping at a local sake brewery for tastings and to learn about the brewing process. In Osaka, I checked into the Monterey Grasmere Hotel, a four-star with the best breakfast buffet of the trip. Just a 10-minute walk from the famous Dotonbori area, it was perfect for nightlife, neon signs, and an endless choice of food.
Universal Studios Japan
After our tour concluded, we checked into the Singulari Hotel & Skyspa at Universal Studios.
The park was the perfect finale to our trip! The highlight was undoubtedly Super Nintendo World. Entry requires a timed reservation or an Express Pass, both of which sell out instantly. While the Express Pass costs around $250 CAD per person, it guarantees entry to top attractions like Mario Kart and Yoshi’s Adventure—and it was well worth it.
Tip: Universal Studios Japan only releases Express Passes 30 days before the visit date, and they sell out within hours. Be ready to book as soon as they’re available.
Extra Travel Tips for the Perfect Trip
Along the way, I gathered plenty of lessons I’d recommend to others planning a trip to Japan:
- Along the way, I gathered plenty of lessons to help others planning a trip to Japan:
- Download essential apps before leaving home—Japan Transit, Google Maps, a translator app, Uber, and eSIM provider apps were the most useful.
- Always carry some cash (about $50/day). Larger shops take cards, but many local places prefer cash.
- Trains are fantastic, but if you’re travelling with large luggage, taxis or Uber are much easier.
- Book amusement park and special-ticket options (Disney and Universal) well in advance to avoid disappointment.
- Carry an extra credit card for emergencies.
Japan was everything I hoped it would be: beautiful, clean, and incredibly welcoming. People were always helpful, even when language barriers arose, and with a translator app, communication felt quite manageable. From standing beneath blooming cherry blossoms to savouring delicious local dishes, this trip left an unforgettable impression.
If Japan is on your travel list, I can’t recommend it enough. Go with an open mind, some patience for long flights, and plenty of curiosity. You won’t be disappointed!