Episode 2: 14 Cities in 14 Days – The First 7 Stops on Our Epic JR Pass Adventure!

Welcome back, explorers, to the journey of a lifetime! In Episode 1, we got you hyped for a 14-day, 14-city adventure across Japan using the JR Pass, and now it’s time to hit the ground running (or rather, the tracks speeding) with our first seven cities. Buckle up for a whirlwind of snowy festivals, volcanic hot springs, hidden playgrounds, and more—all while zipping through Japan on the world’s slickest trains. I’ve got two videos for each city: a quick 30-second info blast to get you the highlights, and a longer live stream of me soaking in the vibes of each spot. We’re staying in budget accommodations (more on that in future blogs), but for now, let’s focus on the magic of these seven cities. Trust me, by the end, you’ll be itching for Episode 3!

Day 0: Sapporo – Where the Journey Begins (Before the JR Pass Kicks In)

We’re starting in Sapporo, Hokkaido’s gem, a city that feels like home to me. I’m assuming you’ve flown into Sapporo a day or two early to explore before our JR Pass officially starts on Day 1. And oh, what a place to kick things off! Winter here is pure magic—I’ve spent Christmas marveling at the German Christmas markets in Odori Park, where twinkling light illuminations turn the city into a fairy tale. Don’t miss the Sapporo Snow Festival (free!), held every February, where massive snow sculptures—some over 15 meters tall—draw millions. I’ve been, and it’s unreal. Summer, though, flips the script with vibrant flower displays in Odori Park and the Sapporo Summer Festival, a month-long beer bash in July where you can sip Sapporo’s famous brews under the sun. Check out the Sapporo Beer Museum (free entry, tastings around $2) or ride the cable car up Mt. Moiwa for panoramic views ($15 round trip). My 3 minute info video gives you the scoop, and my live stream captures me wandering through Odori Park’s festive glow. Sapporo sets the tone—Japan’s magic is waiting!

Day 1: Sapporo to Hakodate – The Longest Train Ride, but Oh So Worth It

Our JR Pass officially kicks in as we board a train from Sapporo to Hakodate, a 3.5-hour journey on the Hokuto Limited Express (the Shinkansen to Sapporo is still under construction, set to open in 2031). This is the longest train ride of our trip, but what a way to start! I grab an ekiben (train bento, about $8) and snacks, settling in as the scenery unfolds—snow-dusted forests, rolling hills, and glimpses of the Tsugaru Strait as we near Hakodate. The train hugs the coastline, passing quaint fishing villages and icy plains, a perfect mix of winter’s charm and Hokkaido’s rugged beauty. Hakodate is a hidden gem most tourists skip, but it’s a must-see. Head to Mt. Hakodate via the cable car ($12 round trip) for one of Japan’s best night views—city lights sparkling like a jewel box below. Don’t miss Goryokaku Park, a star-shaped fortress with the Goryokaku Tower ($8 entry) offering 360-degree views. The morning market near the station is a foodie’s dream—fresh crab bowls for $10! My info video breaks down the highlights, and my live stream takes you up Mt. Hakodate at dusk. We crash in budget accommodations here (think $30/night), soaking in the quiet charm before Day 2.

Day 2: Hakodate to Aomori – Our First Shinkansen and an Undersea Adventure

It’s a short hop from Hakodate to Aomori, just 1 hour total. We take a 20-minute local train to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station, then hop on our first Shinkansen, the Hayabusa, for a 40-minute ride to Aomori. Here’s the cool part: this Shinkansen goes under the ocean through the Seikan Tunnel, the world’s longest undersea railway tunnel at 53.85 km! Aomori, at Honshu’s northern tip, is a delightful surprise. It’s famous for the Nebuta Museum Wa Rasse ($5 entry), where you’ll see massive, colorful paper lanterns from the Nebuta Festival—some over 9 meters wide! The Hakkoda-Maru Memorial Ship ($4 entry) is another gem, a retired ferry turned museum that tells the story of Aomori’s maritime history. Stroll along the waterfront or try the local apple cider—apples are Aomori’s pride, with over 50 varieties grown here. My videos capture the museum’s vibrant lanterns and my waterfront wanderings. Aomori’s off-the-radar charm will steal your heart—we’re just getting started!

Day 3: Aomori to Fukushima – Busting Myths and Meeting the Kindest Locals

Today’s a 2-hour Shinkansen ride on the Hayabusa to Fukushima, and let’s clear up a big misconception: Fukushima city is not the site of the 2011 nuclear disaster. The Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant is 60 km (37 miles) southeast of Fukushima city, and the city itself was unaffected by the meltdown. Tourists often skip Fukushima due to this confusion, but that’s their loss—and your gain! The locals here are the warmest in Japan, genuinely touched when visitors come. They go the extra mile with service, often throwing in free snacks or tips. Because tourism is low, hotels are dirt cheap—I snagged a comfy room for $20/night! Explore Hanamiyama Park (free), especially in spring when cherry blossoms bloom, or visit the Fukushima Prefectural Museum ($3) to learn about the region’s samurai history. My info video sets the record straight, and my live stream shows me chatting with locals who couldn’t stop smiling. Fukushima’s a lesson in resilience and hospitality—don’t miss it.

Day 4: Fukushima to Nagoya – A Quick Change in Tokyo

We’re off to Nagoya today, a 3-hour journey with a quick Shinkansen change at Tokyo Station (don’t worry, we’ll hit Tokyo later!). From Fukushima, it’s 1.5 hours on the Yamabiko Shinkansen to Tokyo, then a 1.5-hour ride on the Nozomi Shinkansen to Nagoya. Nagoya’s an underrated gem, and I’m obsessed with the SCMaglev and Railway Park ($10 entry), where you can see Japan’s fastest trains, including the 581 km/h Maglev. Fun fact: I drove the N700 Shinkansen simulator here—check out my other blog post for that wild experience! Nagoya Castle ($5 entry) is a stunner with its golden tiger-fish ornaments, and the city’s food scene is unreal—try hitsumabushi (grilled eel over rice, $12). My videos dive into the museum’s high-tech displays and my castle visit. Nagoya’s a perfect blend of history and innovation—you’ll love it.

Day 5: Nagoya to Hiroshima – A City of Peace and Resilience

It’s a 2.5-hour Shinkansen ride on the Nozomi to Hiroshima, a city that carries a heavy history but radiates hope. On August 6, 1945, Hiroshima became the first city to suffer a nuclear bombing, killing over 140,000 people. The Peace Memorial Park (free) and Atomic Bomb Dome stand as reminders, while the Peace Memorial Museum ($2) tells the story of Sadako Sasaki, a girl who folded 1,000 paper cranes hoping to survive leukemia caused by radiation—she didn’t, but her cranes became a global symbol of peace. We’ll also take a quick trip to Miyajima Island (30 minutes by JR train and ferry, both covered by the JR Pass) to see the iconic Torii Gate in the water at Itsukushima Shrine—a UNESCO World Heritage site. My info video covers the history, and my live stream captures me folding a crane and wandering Miyajima’s serene shores. Hiroshima’s spirit will move you.

Day 6: Hiroshima to Kagoshima – Volcanoes, Hot Springs, and Dino Playgrounds

A 2-hour Nozomi Shinkansen ride takes us to Kagoshima in Kyushu, home to Sakurajima, one of the world’s only permanently erupting double volcanoes. The JR Pass covers the 20-minute ferry to the island, where you can explore an abandoned playground lost in time—think dinosaur statues and a crazy-high slide with panoramic volcano views. I always soak my feet in the natural hot spring (free) heated by the volcano, eating ash-rolled ice cream ($3) while watching Sakurajima puff smoke. It’s surreal! Kagoshima’s also got Sengan-en Garden ($10), a samurai estate with views of the volcano. My videos show the eerie playground and my hot spring moment—you’ll feel the heat through the screen! Kagoshima’s raw energy is addictive.

Day 7: Kagoshima to Hakata – Shopping and Culture in Fukuoka

We’re heading back north today, a 1.5-hour Shinkansen ride on the Sakura to Hakata, the central district of Fukuoka city. Hakata Station’s JR Hakata City shopping complex is a dream—think 10 floors of shops, from fashion to ramen at Ramen Stadium (bowls from $7). Check out the Fukuoka Asian Art Museum ($2), showcasing modern Asian art, or visit the Hakata Machiya Folk Museum ($2) to see traditional crafts like Hakata-ori textiles. My info video highlights the shopping, and my live stream takes you through Fukuoka’s bustling streets. Hakata’s the perfect blend of modern and traditional as we pivot toward Tokyo for the next leg.