For those who are planning to travel to somewhere around the world, especially in Japan and there are various theme parks, museums and attractions that you have your itinerary, about a month before you leave, I highly recommend going to Klook or Rakuten Travel Experiences (Formerly Voyagin) to see what kind of special deals you can get, instead of paying at the gate/door/ticket booth.
While Klook offers the price in US dollars, Rakuten Travel Experiences gives you the yen price. So, what you want to do is do a Google Search of Yen to USD.
Please note that as of 2024 (and the past few years), the US dollar is doing way better than the depreciating yen.
Both sites are different and one offers an attraction that the other doesn’t have or offers it at a bit of a more cheaper price, but it’s fairly easy to use but I do recommend the following:
You have access to your e-mail while you are in another country (That’s another reason why I recommend renting an inexpensive pocket wifi device for your travel). Some attractions will send you a QR code the day before, so unless you have access to a printer, your phone or tablet will be experimental in holding towards a scanner.
If you get your receipt or confirmation e-mail, remember to print it out and bring it with you when you head to that attraction.
Get to the event early and don’t be late!
So, I’m going to show you a few examples.
The first thing you want to do is do a search and compare pricing.
EXAMPLE I: Edo Wonderland E-Ticket
For this example, KLOOK and Rakuten Travel Experience offers the best deal at $36.80 (US),
Edo Wonderland sometimes offers entrance fee deals and now, knowing that most people who go to Nikko, also visit the Nikko Toshogu Shrine are now offering a package deal with a tour guide.
At the time I got these, it was for just the Edo Wonderland ticket and once I purchased, they will mail you (typically less than 24 hours) the following ticket information with a QR code. Just print this paper out and take it to the ticket booth and they give you a ticket and are ready to go!
It’s important to note that if you are just doing a one day trip, you can use your JR Pass to get there! Right in front of Nikko Station is a bus that takes you to Edo Wonderland. But it’s important to note that around 5:25 p.m., that’s the last train out. The next one before that is somewhere between 3:15-3:45 (there is a sign posted of when the bus leaves and also on the website). So, please keep that in mind!
EXAMPLE II: GHIBLI MUSEUM, MITAKA
In Tokyo, right in Inokashira Park area is GHIBLI MUSEUM. Back then, getting tickets was like a competition and took a bit of work. But now, you can purchase tickets to the museum and get a tour of the park courtesy of KLOOK and Rakuten Travel Experiences.
Both prices are not that far off from each other with Rakuten Travel Experiences being a little cheaper. But for the most part, both are around $53-60 for tickets and tour.
But these are two examples of how KLOOK and Rakuten Travel Experiences are quite convenient to use before and also during your trip and save you money! I have printed out the tickets in advanced by pre-purchasing weeks before my trip but also with a rented pocket wifi, accessed my e-mail or cloud drive to access the PDF with the QR code given to me for the destination.
A lot has changed since I last posted about both sites but one of the coolest things being offered are more travel excursions in Japan but also the additional train and bus rides now being offered. That wasn’t even a consideration back then. So, now if you want to get tickets in advance and ride a very cool train, look it up and you can!
It’s easy to use and very convenient to use KLOOK and Rakuten Travel Experiences
Check it out!
