Experiences – YOTRIPP TRAVEL

10 exciting street food experiences in Tokyo for foodies

Sayali — Mon, 07 Oct 2024 06:56:59 +0000

10 FOOD SPOTS FOR JAPANESE STREET FOOD IN TOKYO

Know Tokyo for foodies and find hidden street food gems that delight gastronomes. Know just what to eat in Tokyo with this list of 10 street food food experiences.

Tokyo is known for exciting food spots, where little ramen shops that seek to tempt your taste buds coexist happily alongside lovely sushi bars and Michelin-starred restaurants. However, there is a thriving street food scene outside of well-known restaurants that provides a tasty and reasonably priced option for enjoying Japanese food on the go. The city’s street food culture here offers a satisfying taste of Japan’s diverse cuisine, without breaking the bank, with everything from salty snacks to sweet confections.

Sushi is without a doubt the most well-known food in Tokyo. Located in the center of Japan’s sushi culture, the city offers a huge variety of sushi options, that also range from simple conveyor belt establishments to expensive Michelin-starred restaurants. Sushi from Tokyo is well known for its freshness, as fish is frequently obtained from Tsukiji Outer Market every day. Sushi chefs’ artistry is showcased by their bright sashimi and elegantly pressed fresh fish nigiri. Sushi is a must-try in Tokyo, whether you’re enjoying an easy yet delicious slice of tuna or trying out new flavors. Sushi aficionados go from all over the world to this city because of its rich culinary history and its dedication to quality.

Are you getting to feel hungry yet? Stay with us as we explore the top places for the best street food in Tokyo Japan !

01.

Jizo-Dori Shopping Street

Sugamo’s Jizo-Dori Shopping Street is often referred to as “Grandma’s Harajuku” with respect since many of its shops serve senior citizens. Here you can try some traditional Japanese street food in Sugamo, including crunchy rice crackers, fried and candied sweet potatoes, and the more unusual senbei rice crackers, which are moist and pancake-like.

Also, you can try the local delicacy, shio daifuku, a uniquely fluffy rice cake seasoned with a little salt that pleasantly balances the sweetness of the red bean paste.

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02.

Harajuku

Along with having some of its greatest street food, Harajuku is the place to go if you want to explore original fashion and vibrant subcultures. The most Instagrammable delicacies can be found wandering around Takeshita Street, such as cookie dough milkshakes, animal-shaped ice cream cones, lightbulb-shaped sodas, and a soy sauce and butter-flavored, crispy “tornado potato” spiral. When you rip it apart or take a mouthful, the vibrant, multicolored, oozy cheese inside the rainbow cheese toast stretches temptingly, which makes it a truly eye-catching dish.

03.

Yanaka Ginza

The old Yanaka Ginza Shopping Street has classic elegance, coming through the World War II air attacks intact. This street food in Tokyo shopping district has made the maneki neko its unofficial mascot. You can try to find all seven statues while enjoying all the delicious street cuisine Tokyo has to offer! The area was once home to a large number of adorable street cats. Also, you can enjoy the odd cat-shaped fuku nyan-yaki variations of taiyaki cakes, the peculiar Japanese street food dessert of chewy, chocolate-covered dango dumplings, and the hasami-age renkon.

Pin this to your Japan Pinterest board so you remember to enjoy these during you next trip to Tokyo, Japan

04.

Tsukiji Market

The largest global fish market in Japan used to be Tsukiji Fish Market, which opened its doors in 1935. While the inner market moved to Toyosu in 2018, there are still over 300 shops and dining options to explore in the outside market. You can enjoy the fresh, seafood-based Japanese street food here, which includes sashimi slices that melt on your tongue, seafood bowls full of fresh fish, and tamagoyaki folded omelets, which are stuffed with shrimp and have a delectable tinge of sweetness.

05.

Ameya Yokocho

Ameya Yokocho is a busy market street in Ueno, commonly referred to as Ameyoko. It was once home to a black market where locals could buy American goods, but these days it’s a terrific spot to shop for everything from makeup to clothes. In addition, there’s a ton of delicious street food! Visit a candy shop and pay ¥1,000 to fill a bag with odd candies and snacks, and you’ll be part of one of the most unusual local customs. Enjoy the thick and juicy A5 wagyu beef menchi katsu, which is a great deal at ¥400 if you’d rather something savory.

06.

Nakano Broadway & Nakano Sun Mall

Nakano is a center for otaku culture, as seen in the manga, anime, and collectibles shops that line the Nakano Broadway retail center. In addition to these, there are some delicious street food vendors in Tokyo to keep you fueled while you peruse. Taste deep-fried karepan, a Japanese curry bread that is delightfully doughy on the inside and flawlessly crispy on the outside, or indulge in imagawayaki pancakes packed with fluffy sweet potato. Treat yourself to a kaleidoscope ice cream tower from Daily Chico, featuring eight flavors, as your Japanese street food dessert.

07.

Sunamachi Ginza Shopping Street

In Tokyo’s shitamachi neighborhood, the charming Sunamachi Ginza Shopping Street has 670 meters of shops offering everything from delicious street food to traditional Japanese sweets and tea. Taste traditional dishes like red date chimaki, soft steamed buns stuffed with meat and veggies, and freshly fried kakiage at this great location. This is made of sticky rice wrapped in a bamboo leaf and filled with a wonderfully sweet, syrupy red date sauce.

08.

Musashi Koyama Shopping Street

The longest covered shopping street in all of Tokyo is 800 meters long, and that’s Musashi Koyama Shopping Street. This store sells a wide variety of delicious Japanese street cuisine in addition to apparel, gadgets, and stationery. Among the most well-known confections are Komine Bakery’s fluffy anpan breads, which are packed with sweet bean paste in a variety of flavors, textures, and colors. A must-try for meat lovers visiting Japan is the juicy grilled yakitori chicken skewers from Musashi Koyama, a perennially popular street snack in Tokyo.

09.

Togoshi Ginza Shopping Street

Togoshi Ginza Shopping Street which is claimed to be Tokyo’s longest retail avenue at 1.3 kilometers, was constructed with bricks from the upscale Ginza neighborhood, which was devastated in the 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake. Avoid the breaded potato croquettes and the succulent, creamy menchi katsu cutlets two staples of Tokyo street cuisine. Take care not to overlook the distinctive oden croquettes, which have a delightfully crispy outside, a gorgeously fluffy interior, and a hint of dashi flavor from the oden broth.

10.

Oyama Happy Road

Another Shotengai that originated after World War II and still perfectly captures the essence of the Showa period is Oyama Happy Road (1926–1989). There are more than 200 stores, many of which have been handed down through the generations. One such example is the Arai Meat Shop, which was founded 86 years ago and is currently owned by its third family. For those who have a craving for something savory, their ham and cheese “sand” katsu is a crisp and creamy option.

Iseya is a 1955-founded wagashi and onigiri shop that’s worth checking out if you have a sweet craving. Another excellent place to stop for dessert or a savory snack is Pierrot, a long-standing crepe shop. Through over 300 varieties of crepes available, the shop has been passed down from father to son. In the comic Gekikara Kachou, whose protagonist tries the spiciest food at real Japanese restaurants to impress his kohai at work, mentions their famous mentaiko and cheese crepe.

This article should have provided you with ideas on where is the best street food in Tokyo as well as what kind of delicious foods to look for at the food stands, or yatai. Take note that this is just the beginning of what this city has to offer in terms of delicious street food, so be sure to keep an eye out for everything else. And if you love street food in general, check out our blogs on Ahmedabad street food hotspots, and street food to try in Seoul’s Gwangjang market.

Author: Racheal Gomez

I’m Racheal Gomez, a travel enthusiast with 5 years of experience in the Marketing Department at Flyobooking. Here, I get to blend my love for exploring new places with helping travelers find their perfect trips. Whether it’s uncovering hidden gems or navigating the best deals, my passion is to make your travel dreams come true.

Excited to plan your next adventure? Flyobooking is incredible at finding unbeatable offers, and our agents are always ready to support you from booking to boarding. Plus, as a bonus, I sometimes get to travel myself as a reward for reaching my goals — definitely a perk!
Need some travel inspiration or help planning your getaway? Feel free to reach out — I’m always happy to assist!

TAGS

Experiences, Food Tours, Street Foods

IS A DISCOVER SEOUL PASS WORTH IT WHEN YOU VISIT SEOUL

Sayali — Sun, 01 Oct 2023 10:41:12 +0000

IS A DISCOVER SEOUL PASS WORTH IT WHEN YOU VISIT SEOUL

South Korea’s Discover Seoul Pass lets you explore the city of Seoul in a stress-free, hassle-free and pocket-friendly manner, they say. Let’s have a look and see if it is everything it is touted to be, and whether it is the number 1 thing you need when you visit Seoul.

If you’re a BTS fan (and with millions of fans worldwide, it is quite likely that you are), or you are a Kdrama buff (like I am), I bet South Korea is on your travel bucket list. And why shouldn’t it be? Seoul is the perfect blend of tradition and modernity for anyone who wants to experience the very essence of Korea and Korean culture without giving up on the luxury and convenience of modernity.

So if you’re planning to visit Seoul or explore South Korea on a vacation (which I dare say, you really must), they say a Discover Seoul Pass is a convenient and budget-friendly trip essential. Is that true, let’s have a look. But before that – this is a long blog that answers all you questions on Discover Seoul Passes and how to use them to save money on Seoul sightseeing. It also contains 5 pre-made itineraries. So if you’d like to have a look at it when you have some more time on hand, just pin the image below and save it. You can then return to the article whenever you’re ready.

01.

What is a Discover Seoul Pass?

The Discover Seoul Pass is a combined initiative of the Seoul Tourism Organization and Seoul Metropolitan Government to make Seoul’s top attractions and commutes more convenient and affordable for tourists.

It is a pass that allows you free access to some of the best attractions in Seoul and one-time one-way use of the AREX, a 43-minute non-stop premium train from the airport to downtown Seoul Station (or vice versa). It also gives you access to a Seoul Bike voucher, that can be used at any time during your pass duration, but just once.

In other words, with over 50+ city attractions falling within its reach, the Discover Seoul Pass, it appears to be a one-stop-shop that provides some free admissions and some discounted admissions to the most popular cultural, historical and experiential attractions in Seoul.

At first glance, it certainly appears to be the one thing you need when you visit Seoul.

But as great as that sounds, and as cost-saving, as that sounds, that is not necessarily true if you do not plan your itinerary well.

For starters, to make the cost of the passes worthwhile and to make maximum savings through them, planning your attractions plays the biggest part.

Two main issues crop up:

That you can hardly cover a good number of Seoul’s best attractions in a 24-hour, 48-hour or 72-hour Discover Seoul Pass (and of course, the fewer attractions you cover, the higher the effective expansiveness of the pass in terms of actual value).

Distances between attractions and the time required to explore an attraction to the fullest make it nearly impossible to squeeze out the pass’s full value if you go without proper planning; and

Several attractions covered under the pass actually have low entry fees (and some, none at all). And as a first-time visitor to Seoul, you’ll possibly not know that. So if you pick these attractions over the more expensive ones, the cost of the pass does not actually get recouped and you make a tacit loss.

But there are advantages and disadvantages of the Discover Seoul Pass and we will get to them later. Later on, we also talk about how you can squeeze the most juice out of your 24-hour or 48-hour Discover Seoul (DS) Pass. But later.

First, let’s look at what you need a DS Pass when you visit Seoul.

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02.

Why Do You Need a Discover Seoul Pass When you Visit Seoul?

They say that the DS Pass is a boon for people who visit Seoul because it saves time and money, just like other Seoul tour cards available out there. Since the pass offers free access to several top Seoul attractions (and discounted access to others), it helps you save money. And that is certainly true to an extent.

The attractions covered under the pass range from palaces and museums to activities, performances, cultural exhibition and even shopping streets and malls.

Besides, the DS Pass doubles up as a bus pass, better known as a T-money transportation card. Of course, this will need to be topped up with money before you can use it on subways or buses. Nevertheless, it makes life as a tourist in Seoul far more convenient for sure.

And with 24-hour, 48-hour and 72-hour passes to choose from, all you really need to make the Discover Seoul Passes real value-for-money is to make a good sightseeing schedule. Once again, we will get to that in a bit, but first, let’s look at how does one use the Discover Seoul Pass and what are the usage rules (especially those in fine print).

03.

Discover Seoul Pass’s FAQs

Many people have a lot of questions about the Discover Seoul Passes, least of them being, are the passes worth it, will they help me save money, so on and so forth. Let’s look at the some of these:

Where to Buy Discover Seoul Passes?

DS Passes can be bought both online and offline. You can buy the Seoul sightseeing passes online from the company’s smartphone app or from online official affiliate partners.

Passes that are bought online can be picked up at a variety of official designated locations, thus checking the convenience box. Payment can be made via credit card, PayPal or Alipay.

Though mobile passes can be used immediately from your phone and pick up is not really necessary, it is certainly recommended for (1) you can keep your DS Pass card as a souvenir and (2) a physical pass is needed if you intend to use your Seoul sightseeing pass as a Tmoney bus and subway pass for the commute through the city.

Offline, you can buy the Discover Seoul Pass from designated outlets, for example at the airport, or from the physical outlets of designated affiliates.

What are Discover Seoul Passes Prices?

It is February 2021, and the Discover Seoul Pass prices are as given below:

The 24hours Discover Seoul Pass costs KRW 39,900, approximately 35.5 USD (at the current rate where 1 USD is 1122 Korean Won).

1. What are the considerations for someone who wants to avoid rushing?**

To avoid the need to rush from one attraction to another, it’s recommended to opt for a 48-hour or 72-hour pass. This choice provides ample time to explore without the pressure of a tightly packed schedule.

2. What is the experience like using a 24-hour pass versus a longer pass?**

Using a 24-hour pass requires meticulous planning to maximize the number of attractions visited, which can lead to a hurried experience. In contrast, longer passes allow for a more leisurely visit to attractions.

3. What is the best value pass for someone staying in Seoul for several days?**

The 72-hour Discover Pass offers the best value for travelers staying in Seoul for an extended period, as it allows for a more relaxed pace and the opportunity to enjoy more attractions over multiple days.

4. How many attractions can realistically be visited with each pass?**

With careful planning, a visitor can see five or six attractions using a 24-hour pass. However, for those looking to visit more without rushing, a longer pass, like the 48-hour or 72-hour option, is advisable.

How to Use Discover Seoul Passes?

The DS Pass is available as a card pass as well as a mobile pass, and it is important to register your pass on the Discover Seoul Pass phone app (available on both Android and Apple).

Main Differences Between the Paper Pass and Electronic Pass

The primary distinction lies in convenience and accessibility. The mobile pass can be purchased instantly online, whereas the printed pass requires pickup from specific tourism centers or stores, usually at the airport. This makes the mobile option far more accessible for immediate use.

Product Differences

In terms of features, there are some notable differences:

The K Limousine and e-sim products are available only with the mobile pass.
The Seoul Transportation card is included with the paper pass but not with the mobile pass.

You only get the Seoul Bike voucher and the AREX voucher once you register your pass on the app. Don’t worry, you do not activate the pass when you use public transport or one or both of those two vouchers. The pass countdown starts on the first usage, once it has been used at any of the free attractions.

If you intend to use your pass as a Tmoney transportation card, be sure to keep your physical pass safe. Only the physical pass can be used for tapping on the automatic card readers on buses and subways.

Oh, and did I forget to mention, even if your sightseeing pass is only for 24, 48, or 72 hours, it can be used as a Tmoney bus pass for as long as you want (by topping it with money like a T-money card), as it has no expiry.

This comprehensive understanding of both the paper and electronic pass options will help you choose the one that best fits your travel needs.

The way to use your DS Pass is to present it at the ticket counter of your first chosen tourist attraction in Seoul. Upon presentation, you will receive an admission ticket and your pass will get automatically activated. The pass will then expire after it’s designated duration of 24, 48 or 72 hours. This is of course for the attractions where the pass gives free entry.

For other city attractions, where the pass gives discounted entry, the pass has no expiry. In other words, you can present the pass at any time even after it’s expiry to avail discount benefits at its list of discounted attractions.

Pin this to your Seoul Pinterest board so you can find this post easily again.

04.

What Should You Note When you Visit Seoul with a Discover Seoul Pass?

As is the case with most such products, there are certain fine print rules with Discover Seoul Passes that I personally find a bit (and unnecessarily so) restrictive. For example:

You can visit any Seoul attraction only once during the pas duration.

You get only one one-way trip on the AREX either from the airport to Seoul city centre or from Seoul Station to the airport.

Even if you have a Discover Seoul Pass, you still encounter long queues at ticketing booths since you still have to queue up and get an admission ticket for the attraction of your choice. Some attractions do have separate queues for pass holders, but at most of Seoul’s top attractions, you queue up generically and spend long hours in the ticketing queues itself.

Even if you have the smartphone app, you still need to carry the physical Seoul pass if you wish to use it for general transport on subways, taxis and buses using Tmoney.

Unlike other city sightseeing passes around the world, the Discover Seoul Pass does not include transportation or commute during the time frame of your pass. In other words, you will still have to shell out some money for local transport. And just to give you an idea of how much that could add up, the base fare for a one-time subway trip in Seoul is about 1,250 KRW (approximately 1.1 USD).

These Seoul Passes come in just one set of prices. There are no reduced prices for kids or the elderly.

On the other hand, there’s one good thing about using the Discover Seoul physical passes as commute cards after loading them with Tmoney is that when you are done with your Seoul visit, you can get refunds on the money still on the card.

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05.

Are Discover Seoul Passes Worthwhile?

In my personal opinion, not if you go on unplanned. And totally so if you go in with some basic planning.

Let me give you some examples of where having a Discover Seoul Pass does not work out as the brightest, smartest, most cost-prudent idea:

From time to time Seoul as a city offers free entry to royal palaces and art museums, for example, they had made such an announcement in 2019 during the Chuseok holiday in September. Some art galleries and museums also offer free entry to tourists on the last Wednesday of each month. And then, some remarkable museums (that you would never think are free to enter) actually have free entry on all days.

Tourists, especially first-time visitors to South Korea are generally unaware of this. Buying a pass for 40 odd dollars to see things that may be free to see anyway, makes completely no sense. And the Discover Seoul website does not actually tell you how much the entry price to each attraction is if you were to not buy Discover Seoul passes.

Secondly, Seoul’s best attractions are scattered throughout the city. By going in without a plan, you may end up just visiting two good attractions in a day (and spending most of it in the commute), simply because you failed to plan properly.

So for sure, if you plan your trips properly and maximize your benefits, these Seoul sightseeing passes are amazing, especially for first-time visitors to Seoul. But to do that, you need to know exactly which 30 odd attractions that are covered under the pass and visiting which Seoul attractions would maximize your benefits of getting Discover Seoul passes.

Which Attractions in Seoul can You Visit for Free if You Have Discover Seoul Passes?

Lotte world, Eland cruise, numerous palaces and museums and more are available as free entry with your Discover Seoul Passes. Check the full list of Seoul’s attractions available on your passes below:

What Attractions Have Free Entry Under Discover Seoul Passes & Which of These Attractions to Visit in Seoul?

The Discover Seoul Pass offers an array of attractions that cater to diverse tastes and interests. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a history buff, or looking for family-friendly fun, this pass has something for everyone. Here’s a comprehensive look at some of the top attractions included with the pass, along with their associated values:

Attraction Value Lotte World 62,000 KRW (£38 / $46 USD / €43) Yellow Bus Tour Seoul 20,000 KRW (£12 / $15 USD / €14) Seoul City Tour Bus 25,600 KRW (£16 / $19 USD / €18) Hanbok Rental from Hanbok Day 20,000 KRW (£12 / $15 USD / €14) Admission to all 4 Royal Palaces 10,000 KRW (£6 / $7.50 USD / €7) N Seoul Tower observation deck 16,000 KRW (£10 / $12 USD / €11) 63 Art Building Observation Deck and Aquarium 20,000 KRW (£12 / $15 USD / €14) Seoul Zoo and chair lift 5,000 KRW (£3 / $4 USD / €3.50) Eland city cruises Up to 29,900 KRW (£18 / $22 USD / €21) New attractions are frequently added, enhancing the pass’s value. Recent additions include:

Hanboknam (Gyeongbokgung & Changdeokgung)

Seoul E-Land FC (K-League 2)

Seoul Hiking Tourism Centre

Daehan Hanbok

So let’s start with the activities and attractions that are offered to Discover Seoul pass holders for free and see how much we save by choosing the sightseeing pass when you visit Seoul.

01a.

Free Lotte World Entry with Discover Seoul Pass

Lotte World is South Korea’s most famous theme park that in itself has over 50 attractions.

To enjoy the park to the fullest and catch the festivals, performances and more that happen there, you should aim to spend an entire day here.

In other words, if you take a 72-hour Discover Seoul pass that costs KRW 70,000 (slightly over 60USD), spending one of those 3 days at Lotte World definitely makes it worthwhile.

Outside of the Seoul pass, a single adult entry to Lotte World costs about KRW 36,000 (approximately 32 USD).

Buy external tickets and tours of Lotte World here.

02b.

Free ELAND Cruise Entry with Discover Seoul Pass

ELAND Cruise is a Han river cruise of between 40 to 70 minutes that gives memorable day and night river view experiences for Seoul tourists. The night cruise is the most recommended as you can enjoy things like moonlit dinners, rainbow fountain shows and delightfully lit Seoul attractions and important buildings.

The Discover Seoul Pass lets you pick your free entry for either the Story Cruise, Music Cruise or Moonlight Cruise. Each has its own charm and what you pick depends entirely on your taste.

Without the Seoul visitor pass, this cruise costs anywhere between 18,000 to 20,000 won, let’s say about 18USD. So if you have better things to fill up your itinerary, you can book this cruise independently outside of your pass duration without wrecking your Seoul trip budget.

03c.

Free Entry at Korean Museum of Straw & Life

With the city sightseeing pass, you can visit the Korean Museum of Straw & Life with an adult ticket that costs KRW 5000, but with the pass, entry is free.

This is a private museum that showcases Korean’s best handicrafts especially traditional crafts that made use of straw. It has several exhibits and you gain entry to all with your pass.

Not only do you get a glimpse of a traditional Korean house or hanok here, but you also walk out with a free gift! Despite that though, considering the museum’s inexpensive tickets, you should visit this Korean museum outside of your pass duration.

This way, you can use your pass to access the more expensive of major attractions in Seoul.

04d.

Free Entry at Changgyeonggung Palace

If you do not have the city pass, you can visit Changgyeonggung Palace with an adult ticket that costs about KRW 1000 per person. With a pass, of course, you get free entry to this major tourist attraction in Seoul. The Changgyeongung Palace is a royal palace from the Joseon era that has lived through a lot of history since.

The palace is indeed worth a visit when you visit Seoul, but to get the maximum value out of your Discover passes, you need to either club it with another high ticket attraction.

That’s especially so since there is also a combination ticket that allows you to visit the 4 palaces of Changdeokgung, Changgyeongung, Deoksugung and Gyeongbokgung and 1 shrine (Jongmyo shrine) for KRW 10,000 per adult.

05e.

Free Entry at Gyeongbokgung Palace

Without the Discover Seoul pass (and without any combination ticket), admission to Gyeongbokgung Palace costs about KRW 3,000 per adult.

This palace is an absolute must-visit for all Seoul visitors, not just for the palace and its traditional architecture but also for things like ‘change of guard’ ceremonies that take place in front of the Gwanghwamun main gate at 10AM and 2PM on all days except Tuesdays.

Since other attractions such as the Bukchon Village are nearby, you can also club this top Seoul attraction with others and make the most out of your trip.

06f.

Free Entry at Changdeokgung Palace

Without your pass, an entry into the Changdeokgung Palace would cost you about KRW 3000 per adult. It is a free entry for you if you carry a pass.

You can explore the beautiful palace and its surrounding ‘secret’ gardens with a self-guided tour but taking a guided tour will give you deeper insight into the palace’s history.

It is important to note that your pass gives you free entry just to this stunning Joseon era palace and not to the secret gardens tour.

Hence, unless you are clubbing a visit to this palace with other major attractions with expensive ticket prices, it is not worth using your pass tine to explore this Seoul palace.

07g.

Free Entry at 63 Square

Your Seoul pass gives you free access to 63 Square that is a major cultural attraction in Seoul. This attraction includes 63 ART, a stunning art gallery situated on the 60th floor, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the city while you enjoy the artwork.

Your pass also gives you access to Aqua Planet 63’s ‘Mermaid Show’ where people of all ages and genders can enjoy mermaids!

Tickets to 63 Square are expensive, no matter if you go for the skip-the-line combo ticket that includes both 63 ART and Aqua Planet 63, or whether you choose to go for just one. The combo ticket can cost almost 20USD per person. Hence, it makes the most sense to cover these attractions for free during your Discover Seoul Pass duration.

08h.

Free Entry at N Seoul Tower

If you watch Korean dramas, you’re possibly already aware of Seoul Tower on the top of Namsan mountain as a romantic tower that’s super lucky for proposals! As a tourist in Seoul, you may not be interested in the luck, nor the romance, but the 360-degree views of the city are sure to be a draw.

Minus the Discover passes, visiting Seoul tower will have you shelling out approximately KRW 16,000 per adult ticket. Since it is on the expensive side, getting this attraction done under the free entry duration of your Discover pass will give you the best value for money.

It is worth noting that is you go for any additional experiences (for example those offered by the Namsan Seoul Tower Hanbok Culture Experience Center), you will have to pay extra for them, as these extras are not part of Discover Seoul Pass Benefits.

10i.

Free Entry at the National Museum of Korea

Now here’s the deal that most foreigners may not know. Entry into the National Museum of Korea is free. But the Discover Seoul Pass also lists it as an attraction with free entry to pass holders. So it is slightly misleading to tourists who consider this to be a perk of the pass. That said though, free entry is limited to permanent exhibits only and certain sections such as the Children’s Museum do require a ticket. And your Seoul sightseeing pass gets you free entry to those and even any special exhibits that the museum may be running when you are there.

Is it worth it to visit the National Museum on your visit Seoul pass? Personally, I don’t think so (and I am not particularly fond of museums). I’d rather see it for free (minus the special exhibits) outside of my pass purview and take my time exploring the exhibits.

11j.

Free Entry at the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art

The National Museum of Modern & Contemporary Art normally charges KRW400 per adult ticket, but if you have a pass, you can visit it for free.

Located on the cultural street of Samcheong-ro, this museum is definitely worth a visit since it gives you insight into the evolution of art, entertainment, performances and even movies.

Whether you choose to do it within your Discover pass purview or not depends on what you club with this experience, like a Seoul cultural tour for example, if you are looking to squeeze the most value out of your passes.

12k.

Free Entry at Namsangol Hanok Village

Even without a Discover Seoul Pass entry to Namsangol Hanok Village is free, but there may be charges for any additional activities and experiences there.

That said, the Namsangol Hanok Village is a major attraction in Seoul and should not be missed by anyone. If you plan on hiking up to Namsan Tower, this is a good place to start the hike.

Seoul Since this attraction is free anyway, it works to do it outside of your Discovery Seoul Pass time unless you are clubbing it with other more expensive attractions. You can easily spend over 2 hours at this delightful place and hence you should also factor in for the fact that exploring this place is quite time-intensive.

13l.

Free Entry at Yellow Balloon City Bus

Without the pass, the Yellow Balloon City Bus, a double-decker Seoul city tour bus costs between KRW 12,000 to KRW 15,000. These buses like the shuttle tours to DMZ often go through central Seoul and take you to almost all major royal palaces and traditional markets.

Since these are hop-on-hop-off style buses, they are both convenient and cost-effective.

Taking the traditional culture course of 1 hour and 50 minutes is worth it on your free access pass. It starts at Dongdaemun Design Plaza, where you can get your wrist band and then take your time hopping on and hopping off as you wish.

14m.

Free Entry at Deoksugung Palace

General admission at the Deoksugung Palace costs about KRW 1,000 per adult, though your pass gives you free access. If you love history and traditional Korean-style wooden buildings, this palace offers you many delights. But though the palace is worth visiting, its low entry fees mean that you can do it at cost, even without your Discover passes.

15n.

Free Entry at Runningman Ep1 Treasure Hunt

Seoul’s Runningman Themed Activity Center offers a treasure hunt as part of the city’s indoor attractions.

Adult tickets cost slightly over 13USD, a bit on the steep side.

If you are an avid follower of the Runningman television show (Korean), you’ll love this attraction that takes you on a treasure hunt across the city (trying to solve puzzles and missions). The experience has great reviews online, especially from tourists.

If this sort of entertainment delights you, this attraction is worth covering under your Seoul pass.

16o.

Free Entry at Alive Museum

Adult tickets to Alive Museum cost about 9USD per adult if you do not have the passes that give you free entry to this attraction. Alive Museum is a unique experience that gives a brilliant and fun interactive art experience on the concept of being ‘alive’.

If you love art, you’ll love this museum and its innovative arts, using optical illusions, digital media and more.

Unless you are an art-loving tourist in Seoul, you can give this museum a pass when you are under your Discover Seoul Pass duration. Since the tickets are relatively expensive, if you do wish to check this museum out, it is best done under the pass’s purview.

17p.

Free Entry at Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art Houses

Tickets to the Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art Houses cost about KRW 10,000 per adult. Since this is pretty steep and this attraction is unmissable, you can and should cover it under your free entry pass.

The Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art Houses showcase the architectural heritage of Korea. It also showcases the work of world-famous architects such as Jean Nouvel, Mario Botta and Rem Koolhaas, to name a few.

This attraction gets really high reviews on most traveller review sites and you should definitely avoid missing it, with or without the Discover Seoul free entry pass.

18q.

Free Entry at Seodaemun Prison

Seodaemun Prison, originally named Gyeongseong Prison, was first opened by Japan in 1908.

This prison housed Korea’s top freedom-fighters, who played their parts in getting Korea liberated in 1945.

In 1998, the prison was opened to tourists and locals to celebrate the spirit of independence and to educate them on Korea’s freedom struggles.

Entry to the Seodaemun Prison History Hall costs approximately KRW 3,000 if you do not have the passes that give you free entry.

19r.

Free Entry at Seolleung and Jeongneung Royal Tombs

Visiting the Seolleung and Jeongneung Royal Tombs is definitely one of the top things to do in Seoul. But since the entry fees are just KRW 1,000 per adult and because the tombs are open till 9PM, you should do one of two things.

1. Leave the tombs as a place to visit after you have worked through your Discover Seol pass duration, or 2. Cover these under the pass but later in the evenings when other major attractions are no longer open.

These tombs of kings and queens from the Joseon era were listed as a UNESCO world heritage site in 2009. They are centrally located in the town of Gangnam.

20s.

Free Entry at Yeonghwiwon Royal Tomb

The Yeonghwiwon and Sunginwon are tombs of princes and royal consorts in a royal burial ground meant for royals from the Joseon era.

The royal tomb obviously has historical significance but what draws tourists here are the green, peaceful surroundings.

The ticket price to see these tombs is just KRW 1,000 and hence it may not be the most effective use of your passes to cover these tombs under their purview, especially since strolling these gardens is also time-consuming and may eat up a lot of time off your DS pass.

21t.

Free Entry at Jongmyo Royal Shrine

Entry fees at Jongmyo Royal Shrine are KWR 1,000 unless you go for the Discover Seoul Pass (which offers free entry) or the combination ticket for KRW 10,000 (that gives you entry to 4 palaces and this one shrine). Standalone, visiting this shrine on your pass is not a value-for-money proposition.

Jongmyo has enshrined the entire lineage of Joseon era kings and queens. You can club this shrine with other attractions on your DS (Discover Seoul) pass to get the best value for money.

The shrine and its surrounds are both really beautiful and worth a visit on days when it is not crowded.

22u.

Free Entry at COEX Aquarium

COEX Aquarium is a family-friend attraction in Seoul that houses over 400,000 sea creatures, housed in 16 themed discovery zones.

Entry fees with the DS pass are 0, but without the pass are KWR 21,900 per adult and KWR 19,900 per child. The prices are indeed steep but the attraction really is that good too.

If you are travelling to Seoul with your family or are looking for something fun for the kids, choose to do this for free on your Discover Seoul pass. Pass holders also get a 10 per cent discount on items bought at the aquarium’s shop.

23v.

Free Entry at Museum Kimchikan

Tickets to Museum Kimchikan cost just under 5USD per ticket but your pass will give you free access. This is truly a one-of-a-kind food museum (one of 11 in the world, selected by CNN) that must be visited by every traveller. You get a great insight into Korea’s traditional and most popular dinner staple, fermented kimchi while you’re at this museum.

You may club this with another pricey attraction if you want to get the most value out of you passes.

Free Services with Seoul Easy Travel Care

This is one important benefit of the Discover Seoul Passes. With these passes, you get the Seoul Easy Travel Care service membership for free during the duration period of the pass. The benefits of this in terms of medical, travel, business and airport services can be found here https://easytravelcare.co.kr/DSP-benefit

Free Entry at Seoul Zoo & Sky Lift

Your pass gets you three things for free: 1. Seoul Zoo admission ticket 2. One-way Sky Lift ticket and 3. Elephant Rail ticket. The exact same combination ticket for those three things costs approximately 22.5 USD, so you can clearly see that Seoul Zoo Sky Lift is the high-ticket item that makes your Seoul city pass worthwhile. All three of these attractions are worth visiting, especially if you are visiting Seoul for the first time.

Free Entry at Seoul City Tour Bus (Red Bus)

Your city sightseeing passes give you one free day aboard the Seoul City Tour buses, provided you choose one of 4 courses. Also known as Seoul Tiger Buses, these are hop-on-hop-off buses that take you through the city and give you audio guided tours (available in 12 languages) with an English tourist map.

A single day on these buses costs anywhere between 7.5 USD and 15.2 USD (depending on your course) without the discover passes. You can choose between A (downtown palaces), B (panorama course), C (around Gangnam city tours) and D (night course) and avail it for free with your pass.

Free Entry at SBA Seoul Animation Center

The SBA Seoul Animation Center is a must-visit attraction for you if you are travelling to Seoul with kids or as a family. This family attraction lets you meet your favourite cartoons and animations and is not just fun for kids but is equally so for adults.

Kids tickets to the Seoul Animation Center costs KRW 6,000 (while adults pay KRW 4,000). While this is really an attraction worth visiting, it is important to note that you pay full adult ticket prices for the Discover Seoul Passes since they have no reduced prices for kids. So if you choose to take this free attraction as your free access with your pass, you need to factor in overall value if you wish to make your passes worth the money you spend.

Free Entry at Seoul Battleship Park

Adult tickets to Seoul Battleship Park cost KRW 3,000 but it is a free entry for pass holders. The Seoul Battleship Park is the first marine-themed park in Seoul. Of course, the park features a ship that weighs about 1900 tons amongst other retired ships. The park holds high entertainment value for both kids and adults, and if you club it with other nearby attractions, it makes a good prospect to cover under your Discover Pass.

Free Entry at Simone Handbag Museum

If you love handbags, Seoul’s Simone Handbag Museum holds truly exciting prospects for you. On display here are over 350 pieces of bags, some of which date as far back as the 16th century. The displays here have been carefully curated by staying on top of global auctions and hence have some amazing collector pieces too.

Without your Seoul pass, you will have to pay a KRW 5,000 entry fee, hence this attraction is a toss-up. If you truly love handbags, it pays to get this done within the duration of the Seoul pass.

Free Entry at Sealala

Except for weekends, your Discover Seoul Pass gives you free access to Sealala water park and sauna; a place that would otherwise cost you a whopping KRW 22,000 per person. Sealala Jjimjilbang is a public sauna where Seoul visitors can get the first-hand experience of Korea’s bathhouse and sauna culture. Sealala is definitely worth a visit and also offers things like infrared radiation room, charcoal sauna, ice room and hot baths with traditional Korean medicines.

Considering the high ticket prices without the pass, these attractions must definitely be covered under your pass’s free entry offer. Alternatively, you can look for independent Seoul sauna / bathhouse experiences like the ones below.

Free Entry at Uireung Royal Tomb

Another royal tomb from the Joseon era royal families is the Urieung Royal Tomb. It is also another historic UNESCO world heritage site. Since it is easily accessible from the city and close to other major attractions, it is a more popular place for visitors. The tomb is located at the foot of Cheonjangsan mountain.

Since the ticket price outside of your passes only cost KRW 1,000, you need to plan your itinerary properly to include this and still maximise the value of your passes.

Free Entry at Teseum Seoul

A normal ticket to Teseum and mirror maze costs just under 10 USD per adult, but entry is given for free if you have the DS passes. Teseum Seoul is a teddy bear themed park in Jongno-gu Seoul. This indoor attraction in Seoul has over 400 miniatures of Seoul’s top attractions and of course teddies, lots and lots of teddies. If you are planning to explore Seoul with your kids, this attraction is a definite must-visit.

Free Entry at Trickeye Museum

Adult tickets to the Trickeye Museum cost about 20USD, while kids tickets cost USD25. But you get free access to this expensive attraction if you have a Discover Seoul Pass. Trickeye Museum is essentially an art museum that brings forward immersive experiences using AR technologies. There are a lot of cool activities and experiences here, especially things like the Ice Museum and Trick Museum’s unreal VR activities.

Free Entry at Suwon IPark Museum

The usual entry fees for Suwon IPark are expensive, hence covering this (and nearby tourist attractions) before your card time limit expires makes a lot of sense in terms of value. The Suwon IPark Museum is essentially an art gallery located next to Suwon Hwaseong, a UNESCO world heritage site. If you love art, this museum is a delight in terms of cultural programs, modern & traditional exhibitions and more.

Free Entry at Football Faentasium

Tickets to the Football Fantasium are expensive (over 17 USD per person), so if you are a football fanatic, you might want to cover this one somewhere under the purview of your 24-hour, 48-hour, and 72-hour cards. The Football Faentasium is a football-themed park created by the Korean Football Association. You can learn about the history of football in Korea, and enjoy experience zones that use interactive IT fusion, conversion models, other activities and more.

Free Entry at Figure Museum W

Figure Museum W has tons and tons of exhibits filled with your favourite action hero characters. It is thus one of the major tourist attractions for locals as well as travellers alike. It is most definitely one of the top international attractions in Seoul, considering the global appeal of action hero figures. This Seoul Museum should be covered under your DS pass’s free entry benefits since it is expensively priced otherwise.

Free Entry at HANBOKNAM

Renting a hanbok and enjoying the entire experience of wearing one, getting traditionally styled and photographed, costs anywhere between KRW 10,000 to KRW 20,000 per hour (depending on the hanbok style). But you get this experience for free for an hour with your Discover pass. And indeed, this is the ultimate experience to have while you’re in Seoul.

Other Discount Attractions, Franchise Tourist Attractions & More

The Discover Seoul Pass Official Website lists several other tourist sites and attractions too. You can enjoy significant discounts on entry fees or even on purchases with your DS discount pass, albeit during your pass validity duration. You can visit the DS website or talk to a Discover Seoul Pass Concierge or get the info from the Myeong-Dong Tourist Information Center to know more.

Are Discover Seoul Passes Worth It?

Discover Seoul Passes also come with interesting offers from time to time and those are worth watching out for as well. Such as the Discover Seoul Pass Gold Edition that packs phenomenal value over and above the attractions already under the umbrella of the normal passes. From time to time, the DS pass also comes up with limited edition offers such as the Discover Seoul Pass BTS Edition, an absolute delight for BTS fans. But no matter if you hold the normal pass or the gold edition, the question remains, is the Discover Seoul Pass worth it?

If you find yourself wondering if a Discover Seoul Pass is worth the money you pay for it, you’re not alone. The Discover Seoul passes are definitely worth it and they do save you a lot of money if you are a serious traveller who has planned your itinerary well in advance.

To put it simply, if you visit places in an unplanned manner, you may end up visiting all low-ticket places and not even recoup the money you spend on the pass. Let me give you an example: if you visit places like the numerous palaces in Seoul that have entrance fees of KRW 5,000 and under along with a shrine or two or even the Seodaemun Prison, let’s face it head-on, a Discover pass isn’t worth it. Going to these places just normally, without a pass, still works out cheaper at the end of the day.

But if you plan your day to include all attractions in Seoul that have expensive entrance fees, you end up saving a ton of money. To put things in perspective, if you visit just two of the high-ticket museums or theme parks (the ones that cost around KRW 20,000 per person), you’ll have already managed to save money on top of the Discover Seoul Pass costs.

Now, let’s break it down with some numbers for clarity. Imagine you opt for the Discover Seoul 24-hour pass, which costs 50,000 Korean Won as of 2023. If you strategically hit up some of the pricier spots, like the famous Lotte World, normally priced at 62,000 Korean Won per adult, your savings start stacking up immediately. In this scenario, the pass not only pays for itself but also provides additional savings.

Consider this example from a previous year:

Total price of attractions without the pass: 134,900 Korean Won
Cost of 1 Discover Seoul 24-hour pass: 39,900 Korean Won
Savings: 95,000 Korean Won (or 71%)

With this kind of strategic planning, you can truly maximize your savings, making the Discover Seoul Pass a valuable investment for your travel itinerary.

Here are 3 sample itineraries that make the Discover Seoul Passes a worthwhile purchase for you to save money on sightseeing in Seoul. With these itineraries, we try to cover the KRW 70,000 that you normally pay for a 3-day pass with a one-day sightseeing itinerary. Once you get the hang of the high-ticket items that help you recoup the pass fees, you can then spread these attractions out over a 2-day or 3-day period to ensure that you can have a slightly more relaxed trip (while still saving money).

Itinerary 1: Maximize Your Discover Seoul Pass in Just 1 Day.

Explore the Gangnam-Namshil area in 1 day. Visit COEX Aquarium (KRW 21,900), Lotte World (KRW 36,000, and the Han River Cruise (KRW 20,000) in one day. The actual cost is KRW 77,900 and you’ve already covered the KRW 70,000 cost of the 3-day DSP.

Itinerary 2: Maximize Your Discover Seoul Pass in Just 1 Day.

Explore Jongno-gu and nearby areas. Cover Alive Museum (KRW 4,000 with the dynamic maze), Museum Kimchikan (KRW 3,000), Running Man Experience (KRW 16,000), and the hanbok experience at Hanboknam (KRW 20,000 depending on the hanbok chosen). If you have more time, you can cover Seodaemun Prison History Hall (KRW 3,000), or Changgyeonggung (KRW 3,000), Gyeongbokgung (KRW 3,000) or Changdeokgung (KRW 3,000) Palaces. Even if you cover the 4 things mentioned first, you still recoup your 1-day DSP fees.

Itinerary 3: Maximize Your Discover Seoul Pass in Just 1 Day.

Explore central Seoul in 1 day. Take the Yellow Balloon Bus tour (KRW 2,000) for sure and then include one, two or all of the following (depending on how leisurely you take your sightseeing to be). Visit the SBA Seoul Animation Center (KRW 5000), Namsangol Hanok Village (Free Entry), N Seoul Tower (KRW 16,000), Deoksugung Palace (KRW 10,000) and Teseum Seoul (between 10,000 to 20,000 KRW depending on whether you also visit the mirror maze, etc). This way, despite including some of the cheaper Seoul attractions, including the free entry at Namsangol Hanok Village) you still get in attractions that exceed your 1-day DSP price of KRW 40,000.

Below are two additional itineraries curated by BeMarieKorea

BeMarieKorea’s Fast-Paced 1-Day Itinerary

In your 1-day, you can try to cover the following in the given sequence. Visit the website for exact time-durations to help you plan better.

Start off at Gyeongbokgung Palace. Once you’re done checking the palace out, take a pick between the Alive Museum and the Running Man experience (depending on your taste). Then take the subway and make your way to the Leeum Samsung Museum of Art. Then take your hop-on-hop-off bus and make your way to N Seoul Tower in Namsan. After you’re done experiencing the tower, enjoy your experience of wearing the traditional hanbok. In the evening, make your way to Gangnam and either visit the COEX Aquarium or unwind at Sealala. Sealala also offers you the option to spend the night there, in case you do not have pre-existing hotel bookings in Seoul.

According to BeMarieKorea, you end up saving over KRW 60,000 on top of your DSP if you follow her itinerary. Even if you do not cover all the places mentioned above, just visiting Namsan Tower, getting the Hanbok Experience at Namsan Tower, taking your hop-on-hop-off ride and visit either of the two museums (Alive Museum or Leeum Art Museum), gets you over KRW 40,000 in value!

BeMarieKorea’s Unique-Places 1-Day Itinerary

Start off your day by enjoying the Alive Museum and the Running Man Experience. Dress up in a traditional hanbok at the Bukchon Hanok Village thereafter. Post lunch, head over to Gangnam and visit COEX Aquarium and SMTOWN Museum. Then head over to the Figure W Museum that will easily take up about 1.5 to 2 hours of your time. Take the night tour of Seoul with your hop-on-hop-off bus pass by embarking on the 90-minute tour at Gwanghwamun Square. End your day at Sealala. The first 12 hours here are free on your pass, but if you intend to stay longer or spend the night here, you’ll have to pay extra.

This itinerary maximises your savings on the DSP; you end up saving over KRW 1,00,000!

Tips to Maximize the Savings from Your Discover Seoul Pass

Here are some tips to maximise the value you get out of your DS passes:

1. Make sure you have an itinerary to work through. Having an itinerary also helps you keep track of the open and close timings for the attractions you are aiming to visit. Your itinerary also saves you on commute time since you can plan to visit all attractions that are near each other on one particular day.

2. Get to your first attraction at least 10 minutes before it opens, so that you’re in without delay when it doesn’t. When you have a DS pass, you need to make the most of your time duration for sure.

3. Ensure that you’ve downloaded the Discover Seoul Pass App. It is the best way to keep track of your time and to even book extras like your AREX tickets or your Seoul Bike vouchers.

4. Just double up your DS pass as a T-money transit card or transport card by topping it up with Korean Won. This way, you do not have to buy a separate T-Money card.

5. Your DS pass lasts for the duration of 24, 48, or 72 hours after activation. The best way to use this is to either activate the pass the night before you intend to use it or activate it early on the morning that you’re heading out. Because realistically, even though your pass may be for 24, 48, or 72 hours, it is actually 12, 24, and 36 hours when you take into account that most attractions are closed at night and you as a tourist have got to sleep (even if you really don’t want to).

However, it’s important to know that a Discover Seoul Pass is valid for a full 5 years from the date of purchase. This means you have plenty of time to plan your adventure and decide when to activate it. The countdown doesn’t start until you scan the pass at your first attraction, giving you flexibility to make the most of your trip.

By understanding both the long-term validity and the strategic activation timing, you can ensure you maximize every moment of your visit. So, plan ahead, choose your attractions wisely, and enjoy the vibrant city life with peace of mind.

Remember, the pass is your key to unlocking the best experiences Seoul has to offer, so use it wisely!

6. The DS Pass gives you access to a temporary sim card during your pass duration. Be sure to avail this offer. Though temporary sim cards are not expensive in Korea (and cost around KRW 5,000 or so), why not take it for free thanks to your pass.

7. Check the weather in advance so that you can get the most out of the outdoor activities you plan to do on the pass.

8. Since the pass activates upon first use, you should also work out whether you need to use your AREX voucher immediately upon landing at the airport or if you could use it at the end of your trip, to get back. You only get a one-way voucher and you need to pay for the second trip.

Where to Buy a Discover Seoul Pass?

To get your hands on a Discover Seoul Pass, you can make an offline purchase at outlets such as those at the airport and Seoul Station. You can also make an online purchase and collect your physical passes at Incheon airport, Gimpo airport or Myeong-dong Tourist Information Center (at least 4 days before you intend to use the passes).

You can also make an online purchase and pick up your pass at the ICN Airport Terminal at Incheon airport (same day pick up). Alternatively, at least two days before you intend to use the passes, you can pick up your passes at several external pickup outlets in Seoul and Incheon. You can find more information on online and offline purchases (and pick up points) on the Discover Seoul Pass Official Website.

What are The Disadvantages of Buying a Discover Seoul Pass?

Though the Discover Seoul Pass does help you make a ton of savings when you visit Seoul, it does leave you open to at least one big disadvantage.

One of the biggest disadvantages of the DSP is that you are bound to an itinerary (if you wish to make those savings). Unfortunately, this also means that you have a packed schedule and you find yourself rushing most of the time. In other words, if you won’t have the freedom to have a relaxing coffee at a quaint cafe or enjoy the beauty of the Han River just a few minutes longer! The Discover Seoul Pass and the plethora of sightseeing options it covers, leaves no room for other tours you might want to take if you have a short time in Seoul, such as a street food tour of Gwangjang market for example.

If you’re looking for hotels in Seoul, find the best ones by clicking here.

What is the Difference Between Discover Seoul Passes and Go City Seoul Pass?

2024 comes with a different decision choice since there are now two passes to choose from, the Discover Seoul Passes and the Go City Seoul Passes. Choosing the right city pass can better your experience by saving money and time while exploring Seoul. Both these passes offer access to a variety of attractions, but they differ in several key aspects.

Features of Discover Seoul Passes

Focus on Local Experiences: Discover Seoul Passes provide access to a wide range of local attractions and experiences. They are perfect for those interested in a deeper cultural dive into the heart of Seoul.
Public Transport Convenience: The DS pass often includes features like T-money, which can be used for convenient public transport, linking seamlessly with Seoul’s extensive transit network.
Variable Validity: Typically available in durations of 24, 48, or 72 hours, allowing flexible planning around your schedule.

Features of Go City Seoul Passes

International Brand: As part of a global brand, the Go City Seoul Pass is made to sometimes include attractions that are more internationally recognized or appealing to a broader audience.
Customizable Packages: Offers tailored packages, allowing you to choose specific attractions you want to visit, which is beneficial for those with a clear itinerary.
Digital First: Primarily digital, making it easy to store on your smartphone and use QR codes for entry, enhancing the hassle-free experience.

Making the Choice

When deciding, consider:

Your Itinerary: If your plans involve a mix of cultural and mainstream attractions, compare the access lists of both passes to see which aligns better with your interests.
Duration of Stay: The number of days you plan to explore Seoul will also impact which pass offers the best value.
Preferred Attractions: Review the attractions each pass covers to ensure they match your must-see list.

In summary, your choice depends on your itinerary and travel goals in Seoul. Whether seeking an immersive cultural journey or a customized exploration of both local gems and popular sites, each pass provides distinct advantages.

Our Experience with Discover Seoul Passes

Using the Discover Seoul Pass was an incredibly straightforward and money-saving adventure. We opted for the 24-hour pass, available for purchase online, which provided the flexibility we needed for a day of exploration.

Purchasing and Activation

After buying the pass, downloading the Discover Seoul app was a breeze. The QR code essential for entry into attractions appeared right after login, making it easy to manage.

Choosing the Right Duration

The pass comes in 24, 48, or 72-hour options. While the 72-hour pass offers the best value for a longer stay, we found the 24-hour pass suitable for visiting our top attractions. It’s possible to explore five or six spots within a day if you plan efficiently. However, for a more relaxed experience, the longer duration passes are more practical.

Attractions Explored

With our pass, we visited five key attractions, starting with a tranquil Eland River Cruise. This included an audio-guided journey along the Han River, with options for both day and music-filled evening cruises.

Next, we headed to the 63 Art Observatory Deck and Aqua Planet 63. Situated in a prime location, the venue offered breathtaking views from its observation deck, alongside a high-quality art gallery and a lively aquarium.

The following morning, we hopped on the Seoul Yellow Balloon City Bus, which allowed us to tour multiple routes easily. Its starting point was crucial as that’s where our pass was activated for a full-day ticket.

Adding to the list was the N Seoul Tower. After a cable car ride up, the view from the top was stunning, and it was simple to gain entry using the pass.

Lastly, we made our way to Lotte World, a sprawling theme park with countless attractions to enjoy, making it an excellent end to our active day.

Significant Savings

The cost-effectiveness of the pass was evident. By visiting attractions like Lotte World, 63 Art Observatory, and more, we saved a substantial amount. For instance, each of these spots individually cost far more than the price of the 24-hour pass.

Strategic Use Tips

The secret to maximizing the Discover Seoul Pass is to be strategic about your start time. We triggered our 24-hour period late afternoon, allowing us to take advantage of attractions over two days, extending the fun as much as possible.

Overall, the Discover Seoul Pass proved to be not only a cost-effective option but also an efficient way to experience the city’s top attractions. If planned well, it enhances the travel experience by providing both savings and convenience.

Can I Get a Refund on Discover Seoul Passes if I Haven’t Used Them?

If you haven’t activated the pass, you have the option to request a refund. This is possible within 90 days from the date of purchase. However, once the pass is used, it becomes activated and no longetr eligible for a refund.

Remember to check the specific terms and conditions on the official website or contact customer support for any updates regarding their refund policy as rules may change from time to time. Enjoy your Seoul Discover Passes!

Author: Sayali Bedekar

Travel blogger and entrepreneur. Travelling since the age of 6. Experienced the expat life in Malta, Belgium, South Africa, USA, Malaysia, Bangladesh and several other countries. Travelled to countries like Sweden, France, Hungary, Netherlands, Austria, Spain, Bhutan, Nepal, Thailand, Italy, and others. More to come, fingers crossed.
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This is 7000+ words informative post that has been well researched and well compiled, simply to be of value to you and help you in your research before you visit Seoul.

The post also contains a few affiliate links. Think of this as a reward for our hard work. While you’re under no obligation to make any purchases, if you do make purchases using our links, you can get the same products at no additional cost, while we make small commissions. So we’d be oh so grateful.

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ADVENTURE HONEYMOON: CHERRAPUNJI

sayalibedekarpatil — Fri, 28 Jul 2023 08:06:28 +0000

ADVENTURE HONEYMOON: CHERRAPUNJI

Meghalaya has over 1500 documented caves in the state, out of which some 980 have been partially or fully explored. Meghalaya also has Krem Liat Prah, the longest cave in India at about 30,957m in length. So Meghalaya is indeed a wonderful caving destination for adventurers, explorers and people who consider caving to be a sport.

But did you know that Meghalaya, and indeed its city of Cherrapunji, are fantastic honeymoon destinations within India?

Picture Courtesy:Wikimedia Commons: Uajith

If you are a sporty couple or just a couple who would like to break away from the trend of romantic beaches and the highly-cliched hill stations of Europe, you should book an adventure-filled Cherrapunji honeymoon.

Trekking on untrodden pathways through thick, green forests, hiking up hills to catch the most gorgeous waterfalls cascading down, taking in a swim in the waterfall pools below and exploring the labyrinth of exciting caves are just a few couples’ activities you can do here. Of course, taking Instagram-worthy couple pics at surreal locations such as at the famous double-decker living root bridges are a honeymoon bonus!

So if you are keen on taking the most novel honeymoon, a honeymoon of your dreams, visit Cherrapunji. And more specifically, go explore the following 4 caves:

01.

Mawsmai Cave

Mawsmai Cave in Khasi Hills is quite a popular tourist attraction in Cherrapunji. The narrow, limestone caves of Mawsmai are known for their low-hanging roofs, narrow passageways and uneven footing, which means that they are challenging and exciting to explore. The cave is long, about 150m in length and has good lighting inside for better viewing of the limestone formation, stalactites and stalagmites.

Wear proper clothing as you enter the cave. You need to walk a few stairs to get to the caves and even when inside, there is a fair bit of crouching, squeezing and climbing (over rocks) involved, all of which could be on a wet floor at any given time of the year. This is hardly a surprise when one knows that Cherrapunji gets the highest annual rainfall in the world.

To enter the caves, you need to purchase an entrance ticket for a nominal price of Rs. 15 per ticket. The ticket window also stocks on maps that contain information on the cave’s narrow pathways. The cave is open for visitors between 9:30AM and 5:30PM. There are ample shops and restaurants near the cave, and there is also a safe car park.

By the way, I thought you’d like to know. Mawsmai Caves are also known as the haunted caves or the scary caves. Find a villager to tell you the story once you’re there. I leave you with a video of Mawsmai Caves, a video I personally like. For footage of the actual caves, start at 3:00 (thank me later). If you like it too, follow Youtuber Mohit Bisht for travel and fitness related videos.

Picture Courtesy:Wikimedia Commons: Sujan Bandyopadhyay

Pin this to your Seoul Pinterest board so you can find this post easily again.

02.

Arwah Caves

The Arwah caves are some of the newer caves that have been opened up the public here. These caves are an archaeologists delight for many perfectly preserved fossils have been found in these limestone formations, fossils that date back millions of years. The caves are cold and dark, not to mention that the floor is often wet. So wear proper clothes with non-skid footwear and be sure to carry a torch.

You have to take a brisk, 20-minute walk through Shynna forest to get to the caves. Arwah caves are neither as difficult to explore as the Mawsmai caves, nor are they usually as crowded. You can thus explore at your pace and enjoy the soothing south of flowing water that echoes through the cave’s labyrinths.

There is a restaurant in the parking area that serves local Meghalayan food. This is a great thing as you will likely be famished by the time you finish your cave exploration. You must purchase a ticket of Rs 20 per person before you enter the cave and the cave is open to the public between 9:30AM and 5:30PM.

Here’s a video that walks you through the Arwah Caves. If you like this video, follow Traveller Book for more exciting travel videos.

Picture Courtesy:Needpix Creative Commons: Michele Walters

Pin this to your Seoul Pinterest board so you can find this post easily again.

03.

Garden of Caves

The Garden of Caves in Laitmawsiang, about 15kms from Cherrapunji town centre, is an absolute must-visit destination for honeymooning couples. Garden of Caves is an all-in-one opportunity to enjoy beautiful flora and fauna, a collection of caves and beautiful waterfalls that you can even get wet under. The Garden of Caves is open for tourists between 8AM and 5PM. You have to pay an entrance fee here (which varies because it is calculated per person as well as per camera) as well as a parking fee.

The Garden of Caves is a photographer’s paradise, especially so in the monsoons or just after the monsoons have passed. The attraction is made up of about 8 waterfalls and several small and large caves, each with lovely rock formations. The garden also has an attractive rope bridge that adds to the romance of the enthralling locations. As you walk through, another source of amusement here are the names given to the different attractions – King’s Cave, King’s Shower, Mother’s Womb, Healing Water and Heart Puddle are a few.

If you are so inclined, you get right under the waterfalls here. Even if you are not, be prepared to get wet and be sure to carry a spare set of clothes. Despite so many different attractions right at one place, you cannot get lost here as each entrant is provided with a local guide. Go early and take your time to see everything. Don’t hurry your photographs either as this is exactly where you can get those stunning wallpaper-like photos!

Check out this video that details out the trip to Mawkdok Valley in Sohra. The video also gives video footage of the Garden of Caves and waterfalls. Follow DJTheWayfarer for more exciting travel video.

Picture Courtesy:Pikist Creative Commons

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04.

Mawmluh Caves

Krem Mawmluh or Mawmluh Caves, the 8th longest caves in India, are not for the faint-hearted. Exploring these 7km long caves required proper gear, training and experience. For the relatively uninitiated, you can try the caving experience offered by the Meghalaya Caving Association to go explore these. If you take a local guide in with you, they will only take you in for about 4kms before they turn back.

This Cave is of immense archaeological importance as it was here that they discovered evidence of a major cataclysmic event about 4200 years ago, a discover of such import that the current age in archaeological terms is not called the Meghalaya age. Caving in this cave is tough due to treacherous footing and often pitch-black darkness in some areas. There is also a lot of climbing, crawling and crouching involved.

This cave is an exciting experience for explorers. There are multiple chambers, lots of stalactite- stalagmite formations, underground rivers, holes and even underground gardens! It is like an unreal world outside of what you know as the real world. As you go further in, you marvel at nature’s creations, especially so when you see the marble chamber sparkling with white marble stones.

As incredible experiences go, you experience another one as you tread through the water and shine your torches in. Your light is sure to catch a fish or two, completely blind – fish that have evolved to be completely sightless due to the darkness around them! Oh and before you let this scare you, don’t forget there are bats too!

You need at least 3 hours inside the cave to explore it properly, so plan your entry time accordingly. The caves are open 24hrs but preferred entry is between 8Am and 4PM.

Know more about Meghalaya’s incredible food with these 10 must-try foods on your food tour.

Picture Courtesy:Wikimedia Commons: Uajiths

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Author: Sayali Bedekar

TAGS

Adventure, Experiences, Honeymoons

LONAVALA HOT AIR BALLOONING

Sayali — Sun, 23 Jul 2023 11:38:33 +0000

LONAVALA HOT AIR BALLOONING

Lonavala, a popular hill station near Pune, is known for its lush green mountains and valleys, especially during the monsoons. Located at an altitude of 2047 feet above sea level, the lovely little mountain hamlet is well known for its caves, waterfalls and fortresses from the Maratha era. People come here to enjoy the town’s monsoon chills, just as they come here for activities such as trekking, hiking, caving and adventure sports.

Picture Courtesy:Representative Image Canva Pro from Pexels

Lonavala’s proximity to both Pune and Mumbai helps it in retaining its popularity as a top tourist destination in India. But what makes it a must-visit destination for all are the variety of things to do here. Of course, there are theme parks, wax museums and more, but the pull of Lonavala’s tranquil lakes and gorgeous views from atop fortresses such as Lohagad Fort and Tikona Fort is far bigger.

And you can exactly see why stunning aerial visuals of Lonavala, that do a wonderful job of capturing its full monsoon glory in vivid shades of green.

If you are ever in Lonavala, especially after a good monsoon, you absolutely must try hot air ballooning. The experience is to die for.

01.

Hot Air Ballooning in Lonavala

A hot air balloon safari in Lonavala takes you on an adventure to view the majestic Sahyadri mountains, its forts, misty lakes, caves, waterfalls and forests from an aerial vantage point. Flying high above the mountains you can view greenery that takes your breath away during sunrise or sunset. Getting an aerial hawk-eye view of Lonavala’s forts, such as the Tikona Fort, is truly an unparalleled experience.

Here are some stunning visuals of Lonavala’s famous Tikona Fort. Follow Treks and Trails India for more such amazing videos.

The hot air balloon rides last approximately an hour and takes you to a height of about 1200 feet above land. Anywhere between 4 to 8 people are aboard each air balloon, giving you adequate space to enjoy the unhindered views. Flights are times twice during the day, usually 2 hours before sunrise and 2 hours before sunset. This allows the flight to take optimal height for the best views before the sun rises or sets.

Though customized packages are available, most general hot air ballooning packages offer hotel pick up and light snacks. Ballooning activities usually don’t operate during the monsoon. Lonavala is a lovely hill station when viewed on the ground, but it is uncommonly beautiful when viewed from up above.

Here’s a video of Lonavala’s hot air ballooning experience with Skywaltz Balloon Safaris posted by Kamal Raghani.

02.

Hot Air Balloon Safari Package Prices

Hot Air Balloon rides in Lonavala are usually offered as part of packages and package prices during the week are lower than the prices on weekends. Adult tickets are anywhere between INR 8,400 to INR 10,000 per person excluding an 18% GST. Kids under 5 are not allowed on these rides. Child tickets are between INR 5,700 and INR 6,500. There are no extra fees for foreign nationals. Rides are generally open on public holidays as well.

Here’s some more aerial footage of Lonavala and Khandala ghats to wow you. Follow DJ Blog for more such videos.

03.

Other Information

Flights are fully insured and pilots are licensed as well as experienced. Still, hot air ballooning can be scary for most people, so do be mentally prepared before you fly. Try to get there early if you are getting there by yourself. Inflating the hot air balloons is quite a process and you shouldn’t miss watching this captivating process. Safe hot air ballooning requires cooperative weather. So if the weather is bad, be prepared for your ride to be cancelled or rescheduled.

Apart from hot air ballooning and other adventure activities, here are the top 20 things you should see and do in Lonavala. Subscribe to ONLY in INDIA for more such videos.

TAGS

Activities, Adventure, Experiences

OXFORD GOLF RESORT, PUNE

Sayali — Sat, 22 Jul 2023 22:27:49 +0000

OXFORD GOLF RESORT, PUNE

If you are not part of the golfing community, you probably wouldn’t know that golf holidays, golf breaks and golfing vacations are a real thing. And golf escapes are not just for golfers; indeed they are for entire families since golf resorts are usually packed with a lot of exciting activities for non-golfers too.

It is no surprise then that most golf resorts come up with fantastic packages to lure in the golfers. Especially popular are ‘play and stay’ golf packages, weekend golf packages and more. Since the golfing fraternity is pretty tight-knit and connected, and since not all of India’s cities have access to 5-star quality golf resorts, well-designed golfing holiday packages at top-end golf-resorts do not need much marketing. Word of mouth just about does it.

And one such spectacular property is that of the luxurious Oxford Golf Resort in Pune, so let’s take a look at what they have to offer.

Picture Courtesy:Official Website: Oxford Golf Resort

Take a look at this Vlog by Liv it up with Miloni that gives you a great first-feels of the gorgeous, 136-acre Oxford Golf Resort on the outskirts of Pune City.

If you like picking a resort and spending a relaxing vacation there, without the mad rush for sightseeing or the compulsive routines, Oxford Golf Resort is really the best pick for you. Though the resort itself is not pet-friendly, you can choose the camping option at 360 Degree Adventure to ensure that your vacation includes your beloved pets. Here’s a look at the resort, its facilities and the 15 things you can do here without having to step out.

01.

The Resort for Golfers

As the name suggests, Oxford Golf Resort is home to an award-winning, 18-hole golf course that is challenging enough to keep even avid golfers involved in their games. The signature hole, hole number 4, is a 5-par hole at a height of 80m above sea level and requires you to cover a distance of 563 yards from hole number 3! The resort also has an artificial turf driving range, a floodlit, 42-bay Leadbetter Golf Academy, a mandatory Pro Shop and a fitting club!

Picture Courtesy:Official Website: Oxford Golf Resort

02.

The Resort for Non-Golfers

Oxford Golf resort has luxury chalets, residences and apartments that are designed to offer luxurious hospitality that lets you reconnect with nature and fresh air. Non-golfing partners and family members here can enjoy a wide range of facilities and services. They can lounge at The Malt Bar or The Patio restaurant overlooking the greens and watch their partners putt. They can take a cool swim in the resort’s gorgeous infinity pool or get a vacation-style pampering at the resort’s Kinnarrie Spa.

Oxford Golf Resort also has a modern, indoor clubhouse where you can play badminton, squash, etc or indoor recreational games such as carrom, snooker and chess. There is a well-stocked gym for fitness enthusiasts and a kid’s play area for families with kids. The kids’ entertainment area, with its large and popular trampoline, is watched over by a trained caretaker at all times.

Visitors can also visit the 360 Degree Adventure centre within the Oxford Golf Resort Precinct if you’d like to add a touch of adventure to your golf vacation. Here, you can enjoy rappelling, mountain biking, archery, paintball, zorbing and ziplining. If that isn’t enough, you can try your hand at a high rope course or try a round of soapy football or box cricket.

To add more drama to an already-exciting trip to Pune’s Oxford Golf Resort, try riding an oxford aviation helicopter. The resort has a helipad on its site and you can book charter flights to catch some different views of Pune.

Picture Courtesy:Official Website: Oxford Golf Resort

03.

15 Things to Do at Oxford Golf Resort

To recap, here are the top 10 things to do at Oxford Golf Resort, fun activities for the whole family.

1. Stay in a wooden, luxury chalet and reconnect yourself with nature.

2. Swim in the infinity pool overlooking the putting greens.

3. Grab a bite at The Patio restaurant and unwind with a drink at The Malt Bar.

4. Let your kids loose in the kids’ play area while you enjoy the resort’s well-stocked library.

5. Try your hand at golf at the Oxford Resort driving range.

6. Get pampered at Kinnarrie Spa with self-care therapies like massages and facials.

7. Take a tour of the whole property on one of their golf carts.

8. Take an early morning hike on the hill across the sprawling property, listen to bird songs as you catch a glorious sunrise.

9. Visit 360 Degree Adventure and try your hand at rock climbing, zorbing, paintballing and more.

10. Book a fun camping night for the whole family at 360 Degree Adventure. Camping here is pet-friendly, even though pets are not allowed at the Oxford Golf Resort.

11. Get competitive with your friends and family at the pool table or play a game of carrom. If you prefer more physical sports, go for squash!

12. Enjoy an aerial view of the resort by booking a helicopter ride. Take lots of photos and videos.

13. Shop at the Pro Golf Shop. It is conveniently right within the resort.

13. Catch some resort-based events such as parties and kite fests.

14. Don’t ignore your fitness routines, Make use of their state-of-art gymnasium.

15. Bring your bike or hire one and get on the off-road bicycle track that goes right through the property. Find your own adventure as you see an occasional mongoose scurrying across the road and rare birds spurring you on.

Picture Courtesy:Official Website: Oxford Golf Resort

TAGS

Activities, Experiences, Golf, Hotel Reviews

DARJEELING HIMALAYAN RAILWAY

Sayali — Sat, 22 Jul 2023 22:05:56 +0000

DARJEELING HIMALAYAN RAILWAY

Even the people who claim to be clueless about the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway are really not truly so, unless they have been living under a rock all this time, or have been completely off movies since 1969!

Don’t believe me? Well, here’s a fact. If you watched and loved the movies Barfi! and Parineeta in recent times or have been humming the Rajesh Khanna song ‘mere sapnon ki rani’ from ‘Aradhana’ (1969), you have most certainly seen this famous Darjeeling toy train and you cannot deny it!

Don’t remember? Here’s a little memory refresher by Zee Music Company.

Movies aside though, taking a ride aboard this heritage train should definitely be on everyone’s bucket list.

The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) is a UNESCO world heritage site since 1999. The vintage toy train runs a total of 78kms between the towns of Darjeeling and New Jalpaiguri in West Bengal. Snaking on narrow tracks around the foothills of the Himalayas, this toy train ride takes you through vintage railway stations that look like they have been trapped in history, through beautiful tea plantations and through landscapes of unparalleled scenic beauty.

01.

History of Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR)

After the British initiated the initial settlement at Darjeeling in 1828 and the town’s subsequent growth, a rail link was deemed economically necessary. In 1878, Eastern Bengal railways Franklin Prestage drew up a plan for a 2-feet gauge railway line between Siliguri and Darjeeling, using locomotives that could handle steep climbs. After an initial sanction in 1879 for a steam tramway, the DHR came into being in 1881.

The 88km train ride of DHR starts at New Jalpaiguri at just 100m above sea level and climbs all the way up to an altitude of 2200m above sea level to reach Darjeeling. It uses 5 loops and 6 zigs zags to make the climb easier on steeper gradients, for its 6-locomotive (diesel). There are over 130 unmanned crossings along the route, where the train runs mostly by hand signals. DHR also runs a vintage steam-engine train for steam-engine enthusiast. Similarly, there is also a steam-engine Red panda service that runs part of the way, from Darjeeling to Kurseong.

Even today, the train’s three coaches with large windows built for better visibility still retain their vintage feel. This train ride is a photographer’s delight, especially as you get out at least stop to explore the surrounds. The train’s drivers and handlers are extremely tourist-friendly, hence, stopping a bit longer at the request of a passenger is quite common.

The DHR had been suspended between New Jalpaiguri and Kurseong since 2010 due to frequent landslides, services have resumed since December 2015. Frequent landslides make operating trains on this route quite a hand-on job and hence DHR has been frequently criticized by the UNESCO regarding their operation. But despite service interruptions due to landslides, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway remains one of the most iconic attractions here.

Here’s a BBC documentary on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railways uploaded by The Weekend House.

Picture Courtesy:Geograpgh.uk: Chris Allen

02.

DHR Route & Location

The DHR stops at 13 stations in total, some eerie-looking ghost stations without a soul in sight, some well-maintained larger stations that have been slightly modernized. These thirteen stations are New Jalpaiguri, Siliguri Town, Siliguri Junction, Sukna, Rongtong, Gayabari, Mahanadi, Kurseong, Tung, Sonada, Ghum and Darjeeling.

There are museums and photo galleries at some of these stations, but the thing that wows you most of all along the journey is the sweeping beauty of the landscapes you behold. The second most enjoyable thing is the journey itself, with its exhilarating zig-zags, bridges and reverse loops along the route. Tourists rave about the scenic Batasia Loop that falls between the stations of Ghum and Darjeeling.

Here’s my favourite video on the Darjeeling Himalayan Train ride experience by Youtuber 200Journeys. You can follow him for more amazing travel videos.

Picture Courtesy:WIKIMEDIA COMMONS: AHEMSLTD~commonswiki

03.

Popular Experiences Along The DHR Route

Apart from the natural beauty of this green and gorgeous little hill station, there are a lot of things to see along your DHR train journey.

Sukhna Station, though a slightly dilapidated timber building, is an attractive location to photograph thanks to its ‘trapped in time’ look and feel. There is a small photography display museum on the second floor of the station that has vintage photos as well as historic artefacts. As of now, there are no entrance fees to this exhibition, and you can gain access by asking the stationmaster.

For a Rs10 entrance fee, you can check out another interesting museum at Kurseong Station. The museum showcases numerous well-preserved artefacts related to DHR’s history. On the upper storey of Ghum Station too, tickets for which are included in the ‘joy train’ tickets. You can buy separate tickets for Rs 20 too. While you wait for your return journey for your Joy Train ride, enjoy the fantastic DHR displays here, which include the display of a vintage Baby Sivok engine.

Picture Courtesy:Pikist Creative Commons

04.

Ticket Bookings & Cost

Tickets for riding the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, as well as their cost, is dependant on the type of travel you intend to do. You can be one of three passenger types:

You could be a daily passenger on trains that through and through between New Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling, which takes up a full day. Or you could be a passenger interested in the 2-hour Darjeeling to Ghum toy train ride, which includes a 10-minute stop at Batasia Loop and a 30-minute halt at Ghum. Or you could be someone interested in taking a safari train ride. Safari trains are diesel and steam locomotives that run between Siliguri and Rangtong and offer fantastic views of the famous Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary.

To give you a general estimate, day passengers are charged about 1700Rs for AC class and about 1400Rs for first class. Joy Train rides are charged between Rs1000 and Rs 1600 depending on travel class. Morning and afternoon safaris are between Rs700 and Rs1200 respectively for AC class, and between Rs590 and Rs 1000 respectively for First Class.

Complete fare details for each category including charter trains and evening safari rides are given here on the official DHR website. Pay special attention to departure times when you make a booking, you can find all the train timetables here. You can also book entire heritage coaches if you are travelling as a group and you can find more details on these DHR charter coaches here. Bookings can be made online through the centralized Indian Railways website.

Picture Courtesy:Wikimedia Commons: Kailas98

TAGS

Activities, Experiences, Family Holidays

PHILOSOPHER’S PATH, KYOTO

Sayali — Sat, 22 Jul 2023 21:52:09 +0000

PHILOSOPHER’S PATH, KYOTO

Once the seat of the imperial court, Kyoto is today a major tourist destination of Japan and its cultural capital. Many sites of Kyoto are collectively listed under UNESCO World Heritage Sites as ‘The Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto’.

Kyoto has stood witness to wars, fires, earthquakes and a lot of destruction throughout the years. But it has strongly built itself up and become a beautiful town whose gardens, temples, museums, palaces and people take you on a soulful journey of the country. In fact, it is said that the city escaped being a target for bombs during World War II owing to its exceptional historic value.

01.

Delight in Sakura or Cherry Blossoms

When you say ‘Japan’, the first thing that comes to mind is mostly ‘Cherry Blossoms’, and for good reason. The Cherry Blossom or ‘Sakura’ as it is known here holds a special place in Japanese culture and is unofficially considered as the country’s national flower.

The cherry trees in Japan bloom only for a few days in spring and are one of the rare, must-see natural wonders of the world. Locals and tourists can enjoy cherry blossom viewing or ‘Hanami’ parties under the beautiful trees from the end of March to mid-April. The wonderful weather coupled with the perfect pink or white hues of more than 100 cherry tree varieties will make you fall in love with the outdoors.

The most popular spot for Hanami parties in Kyoto is Maruyama-koen Park and the Kyoto Gosho (Imperial Palace Park). There also exists a walkway known as the Philosopher’s Path. The Japanese philosopher and founder of the Kyoto School of Philosophy, Kitaro Nishida used this path as a meditation spot during his commute to Kyoto University.

The popular cherry tree variety cultivated in Japan is the Somei Yoshino and most common varieties have 5 petal blossoms. You will also come across what are called Weeping Cherry Trees or ‘Shidarezakura’, thus named because of their flexible branches which bend and almost touch the ground.

The Sakura symbolize the fleeting nature of life and a visit to the cherry gardens of Japan certainly gets you pondering over the fragility and beauty of life.

Picture Courtesy:Photo by P. on Unsplash

02.

Find Peace at Zen Temples

On the south end of the Philosopher’s Path lies the famous Nanzenji temple, one of the most important Zen temples of the country. It is located at the base of the Higashiyama mountains and is the head temple of one school of the Rinzai sect, under Japanese Zen Buddhism. The area where the temple is built spreads across 800 metres in length and 500 metres in width. There are many sub-temples around the main Nanzenji temple.

Before gaining the status of a Zen temple, this building was used as a retirement villa for Emperor Kameyama. The palace was said to be haunted and witnessed spooky happenings. It was a Zen priest, Priest Fumon who was finally able to get rid of the ghostly spirit through meditation. This was how the Emperor himself turned to Zen Buddhism and converted his villa into a temple.

The temple showcases Japan’s great civil engineering in the brick aqueduct or Suirokaku, built in Roman style, which was used to transport water and goods between Kyoto and Lake Biwa in Shiga Prefecture. The iconic grand Sanmon entrance gate and the Hojo Gardens are famous spots within the temple land that offer great photo opportunities.

Picture Courtesy:Photo by Rémi Bertogliati on Unsplash

03.

Get a Taste of Japanese Comics (Manga)

Discovering Japan is incomplete without including the famous comics that are a part and parcel of local culture. Known as ‘Manga’, these are quite a rage in the country as well as abroad. A testament to Manga popularity is the Kyoto International Manga Museum, which houses a collection of 300,000 items that include Japanese manga, foreign or translated manga and works of various Manga artists.

The museum opened its doors in 2006 and regularly holds Manga related events to promote the development of Manga internationally. With multiple sections for children and adults, visitors can peruse as many books as they like.

The museum also holds items of important historic value like Japan’s first Manga or the country’s first Manga for children.

Japan has been blessed with abundant natural beauty. That, coupled with a rich, old culture makes a visit to this Asian country a treat for your eyes and stomach as well as for your soul.

Picture Courtesy:Photo by Aleksandra Kurobe on Unsplash

Picture Courtesy:Photo by Kenshi Kingami on Unsplash

04.

What’s the History Behind the Name ‘Philosopher’s Path’ or ‘Path of Philosophy’?

Visit the Philosopher’s Path, Kyoto – FAQs & All You Need to Know

Philospher’s Path (哲学の道, Tetsugaku no michi) is a very famous walking trail in Kyoto, Japan. The path that runs along a canal, was the daily walking route of one of Japan’s most prolific philosophers Nishida Kitaro. He is said to have practiced medication along this beautiful cherry-tree lines path while on his way to Kyoto University. Today, the path offers some of the best cherry blossom viewing spots (hanami) in Japan, especially during the flowering season in April.

Picture Courtesy:Photo by David Emrich on Unsplash

05.

How Long is the Philosopher’s Path Kyoto? How Long Does it Take to Walk the Philosopher’s Path?

The Path of Philosophy or Tetsugaku no Michi is a 1.5km walking path that runs between Ginkaku-ji Temple in the north to Eikan-do Temple in the south. Though a brisk walk along the stone pathway should take you no more than 30 minutes, there are a number of hidden treasure that can distract you along the way, making you spend an easy couple of hours here. Medium-paced travellers who prefer guided tours, can take this 6-hour long half-day tour along the Philosopher’s Path.

Picture Courtesy:Photo by Hyungman Jeon on Unsplash

06.

How to Get to Philosopher’s Path, Kyoto?

The Philosopher’s Path lies on the bus routes for the 204 and 93 numbered buses from Marutamachi Station, which is the closest train station here. If you come by bus, you must disembark at Kinrinshakomae Bus Stop and then walk for about 5 minutes to reach the path. If you are coming in from further away, the Karasuma Line runs from Kyoto Station to Marutamachi Station, making it the easiest and fastest way to get here.

You can start the walk from either of its two starting points, either walking southward from the Ginkakuji temple in the north or walking northward from the Nanzenji temple in the south. Bus lines 5,17 and 100 can get you close to Ginkaguji temple, while the Tozai subway line can get you to Keage Station, which is nearest to temple Nanzenji.

Picture Courtesy:Photo by David Klein on Unsplash

07.

What All Can I See Along the Philosopher’s Path?

There are a host of little detours along the Philosopher’s Path that take you to exciting new places worthy of your travel blogs and Instagram photos. Here’s a detailed list of places to see along the path. As seen here, there are several other tourist attractions within walking distance of the Philisopher’s Path as well.

Below are some of interesting points of interest along the Philiopher’s Path.

Map Courtesy: Japan-Guide.com

Picture Courtesy:Japan-Guide Original Photo

01a.

Hakusason-so Villa

Hakusason-so Villa or Hakusasonso Hashimoto Kansetsu Garden and Museumis a beautiful and peaceful green space very close to the Gingkakuji Temple in the north, where you would be expected to enter the philosopher’s path. This former home and studio of famous Japanese painter Hashimoto Kansetsu is now a museum that displays his Japanese-style paintings (Nihonga).

Timings: 10:00 AM to 5:00PM

Entry Fee: 1000 Yen

Picture Courtesy:WIKIMEDIA COMMONS: 663highland

02B.

Gingkakuji Temple

As you head out of the relative quiet of Hakusasonso Villa, you will notice the rush of people making their way to Gingkakuji Temple. The stretch of path that leads up to the temple is a bit of an uphill climb, but definitely well worth the time and effort. Gingkakuji Temple or the Silver Pavillion was built by Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa (1436 –1490) as a complement to his grandfather’s Kinkaku-ji Temple or the famous Golden Temple.

Timings: 8:30AM to 5:00PM (March to November and 9AM to 4:30PM (December to February)
Entry Fee: 500 Yen

Picture Courtesy:Wikimedia Commons: Jmhullot

03c.

Honen-In Temple

Follow the signs into the woods to find the hidden gem Honen-in Temple. As you enter the gates and pass between two mounds of white sand (known to purify the mind), you feel as if you’ve entered a magical, secret garden that few know about. The temple, founded in 1680, is named after the priest Honen, who devoted his whole life to seeking salvation.

Timing: 6AM to 4PM

Entry Fee: None

Picture Courtesy:Wikimedia Commons: Cun Cun

04d.

Nishida Kitaro’s Poem Stone

As you leave Honen-In temple and rejoin the Philosopher’s Path, just beside the canal lies Nishida Kitaro’s Poem Stone. Etched on the stone is a short poem by Japan’s famous philosopher Nishida Kitaro. Literally translated, the poem reads, “People are people and I will be myself, regardless, the path I follow, I will continue to follow on.”

Picture Courtesy:Pinterest: ClarasCompass.com

05e.

Emperor Reizei’s Tomb

You can easily miss this grey stone gate on your left as you walk along the Philosopher’s Path as this tomb is quite a bit further away from the usual route. Though there is not much to see and do if you come here, this is a beautiful, tranquil place to take a few good photos. Emperor Reizei was known to be a mad king who only reigned in name (his uncle being the acting regent) for the short period between 967 and 969.

Picture Courtesy:SnappyGoat Creative Commons

06f.

Otoyo-jinja Shrine

Next along the path is Otoyo-jinja Shrine, just follow the signposts over a bridge to get there. The shrine is dedicated to the Japanese God Okuninushi and has mice guarding the shrine’s entrance, so you definitely won’t miss it. The shrine gets a lot of footfall during the year of the Rat, due to stories and legends that have been passed down generations, stories that tell of the kindness and intelligence of the rats that saved Okuninushi’s life.

Picture Courtesy:Wikimedia Commons: KENPEI

07g.

Koun-ji Temple

As you get back on the Philosopher’s Path and walk a little further, you will see the tall, silver roofs belonging to Kuon-ji Temple. If you get here in November, you will also get to see a beautiful garden that is only open to the public for a few weeks. This is an active temple where you can do chores, learn Zen philosophies and even partake in meditation practices.

Picture Courtesy:Wikimedia Commons: Yoshio Kohara

08h.

Eikan-do Temple

Eikan-do Temple is a beautiful temple complex nestled in thick, green woods. If you are keenly interested in Japanese architecture or are fascinated with the peace and calm of these Japanese woods, you can easily spend an hour or more here. The vast temple complex consists of buildings and gardens and even a temple hospital, along with various Buddha statues and more. There are a lot of steps to climb up and down, but the breathtaking views of Kyoto from here are well worth it.

Timings: 9AM to 4PM

Entry Fee: 600 Yen

Picture Courtesy:Wikimedia Commons: Zairon

Are There Any Cafes & Restaurants Along the Philosopher’s Path?

The Philosopher’s Path is not just a walkway taking you towards peace and philosophy. There are several great hangouts along the path where you can take a break and grab a bite. Just opposite Nishida Kitaro’s Poem Stone is the Pomme Café. The small cafe offers a wide range of drinks and snacks, including cookies and cakes. The cafe is open from 12:00PM to 6:00PM and is closed on Wednesdays in addition to two Tuesdays each month (2nd & 3rd).

Kisaki Tofu Restaurant is a great traditional-food lunch place along the Philosopher’s Path. Famous for its tofu and yuba, Kisaki, with its several vegetarian options, is a delight for vegetarians. Kisaki is open from 11:00AM to 9:00PM and is generally closed on Wednesdays. If you plan on going there for dinner, get there early, as the last orders of the day are taken at 7:30PM.

Picture Courtesy:Wikimedia Commons: Donatingpictures

What Other Experiences Can I Enjoy Along the Philosopher’s Path?

If you are here just for half a day and would like a quick, expert-guided trip along the Philosopher’s Path, you can approach the Ebisuya rickshaw company, right by the Ginkakuji temple. For a cost of 9000 Yen, you get a 30-minute rickshaw ride that takes you to all the important sites along the Philosopher’s Path.

Alternatively, a leisurely stroll along the path not just takes you to the various historical and spiritual landmarks along the way, but also lets you soak in on Kyoto’s culture. Along the path, you’ll find several galleries and shops selling art, antiques, crafts and even kimonos, all manned by super-friendly people. Make friends as you shop, make friends as you go.

Picture Courtesy:Photo by Svetlana Gumerova on Unsplash

Apart from the Philosopher’s Path, there is lots to see and do in Kyoto. Peek into the historic geisha culture, check out the local palaces, and more while you’re here. For some extraordinary experiences, try experiencing an authentic tea ceremony. Kyoto-style, or even take a walking tour with the last samurai. Do not rush your visit to Kyoto. Take your time, spend a few days here and savour the magic of this beautiful Japanese city.

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Activities, Experiences, Hiking Trails, Religious Sites