My son (6 years old) is a bit obsessed with trains, in particular Super Azusa/Kaiji, and so my wife and I thought about taking him on a trip on one of those starting from Shinjuku. However, I’m not finding a ton of things to do along the stations those trains stop at, and neither of us can drive. I spent a bit of time online looking around but I simply couldn’t come up with a decent plan, so I was hoping some people here may have experiences to share.
Has anyone out there has ever done a similar trip or have any recommendations to places to go? I know of Matsumoto Castle at the end of the line, but most other “touristy” things I’m finding are well away from the stations, making access difficult.
We are happy to go to multiple stations as long as the things to do/see can be reached relatively easy and are worth the trip. We are also happy to stay a night somewhere as well if that makes the plan easier.
I hope that makes sense. Thank you very much in advance for any ideas or helpful hints!
5 comments
Once a day the Azusa goes to Minami Otari and hakuba. Lots to do if your into winter activities at hakuba with taxis and plenty of shuttle buses to get around.
Also taking the Shinano to Nagano from Matsumoto might be fun and then taking the Shinkansen back to Tokyo from nagano would be a plan to ride 3 trains in a day.
I did Matsumoto as a day trip once. Took a good while to get there on the Super Azusa. Had some good grub and did the touristy things, by the time I was back in Tokyo I was pleasantly tired and had spent the majority of the day on trains. From a fellow train fan, no regrets.
Not been on Kaiji yet but I’d imagine it being better when the sunflowers are out. There are a few onsen places in Yamanashi and the countryside is always a nice change, but I’ve little knowledge aside from this Im afraid.
If it doesn’t fit the bill I apologize, but the Saphir Odoriko looks to be a gorgeous ride down to Izu-Shimoda, which has nice beaches, hot springs, spiny lobster tempura and Perry-themed attractions. Our daughter loved the old Super View Odoriko, and the new one is a very pretty train. (The playroom seems to have been phased out in favor of wifi and comfort, it seems.) Is the E261 series appealing to your son?
If you want to make it a bit of a longer trip, Resonare Yatsugatake is a very nice family-friendly hotel off an Azusa stop. They have lots of activities for six year-olds, including a great pool, ropes courses, etc.
The same trainsets for the Azusa and Kaiji are used for the Fuji Excursion express. Take that through Otsuki up towards Fuji-Q Highland if you guys like theme parks or all the way to the end to Kawaguchiko if you like nature.