The Last Samurai Movie Film Locations in Japan - Day trip to Mount Shoshazan Engyoji temple in Himeji

In October 2017, I traveled in Japan using the JR pass. While I was planning my rail pass itinerary, I came across the idea of visiting The Last Samurai film locations at Mount Shoshazan 書写山 Engyoji 圓教寺 temple in Himeji 姫路. I realized travel blog resources were lacking on visiting many off the beaten path or road less traveled destinations in Japan, I decided to share my own day trip travel experience of visiting film locations of one of my favorite movies The Last Samurai, which embraces deep rooted Japanese culture of Bushido 武士道 or the way of Samurai warriors.

Osaka Reasonable Affordable Hotel

Recently updated!

I have always liked to stay in Osaka during my trips to the Kansai area (Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe) Staying at a hotel in Osaka will put travelers in the middle of the Kansai area geographically. Being based in Osaka will allow travelers to have the easy access to Kyoto to the east, Kobe to the west, and Nara/Uji to the south. Osaka Hotels are typically less expensive than Tokyo hotels. For travelers with limited amount of vacation time, I believe in hotels in convenient locations or interesting areas. Many different areas in Osaka have different characteristics; certain area is more suitable for foodies and some areas are more suitable for shoppers. I have listed my recommendations for reasonably priced hotels in different areas in Osaka.

Wonderful Osaka

Tokyo and Kyoto Sample Itinerary: Planning for the essence of Travel in Japan

Many of the first time travelers in Japan, while the main destination is modern Tokyo, will always try to fit ancient Kyoto or Osaka into their busy itinerary. Being a working professional with a busy schedule, I find it difficult to come up with vacation time longer than two weeks. With a short vacation time in mind, I have listed my own itinerary in 2012 as well as my suggested travel planning. Briefly, I flew from Los Angeles to Kansai international airport near Osaka; after touring in the Kansai area, I took the ultra modern bullet train from Kansai area to Tokyo; after touring in the Tokyo area, I flew home from Tokyo Haneda airport back to Los Angeles.

Traveling between Tokyo Tower and Kyoto Tower

Japan Rail Pass Journey - Introduction to my JR pass Experience and Itinerary

In May 2010, I traveled to Japan using the 14-day Japan Rail Pass. I traveled solo. I visited as south as Kumamoto in Kyushu to as north as Asahikawa/Furano in Hokkaido, passed by many cities and walked through many local streets. I would like to start blogging about The Journey Series to share my travel itinerary and experiences with travelers who are thinking about using the JR rail pass to see more of Japan.

Japan Rail Pass Route

Japan Rail Pass

Ultra modern Shinkansen Bullet train. JR pass rocks!

Imagine having Sushi breakfast in Tokyo, Takoyaki for lunch in Osaka, and dinner in Fukuoka, without worry too much the pricey cost of Shinkansen bullet train. With careful planning prior to your trip, travel with Japan Rail Pass is definitely one of the best way to budget and save money.