If lockdown has you dreaming of all the far-flung places you want to visit once travel restrictions are lifted, you might be interested to hear that you can now be paid to sightsee from your sofa.
The opportunity to become "the world's first virtual travel tester" is offered by Japan railway group JRPass - and just reading the description has us ready for a spot of armchair travelling.
In your role as a travel tester, you'll be reviewing at least one of Japan's top 20 virtual tours using Google Maps, with a payment of £200 per review.
The locations are genuinely stunning - think Japan's iconic Cherry Blossoms, the rugged peaks of Mt. Fuji, or Arashiyama's tranquil bamboo forest.
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Who says staying at home means you have to stop exploring the world, eh?
To apply, all you have to do it:
- Post a throwback photo of you on holiday (better yet, in Japan) and share your review of at least 1 of the Virtual Travel Locations from JRPass in your caption
- Share it with JRPass on social media by following and tagging @JRPass on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter using the hashtag #JapanVirtualTravel
- The successful applicant will be selected based on the review of your favourite locations at the end of the application period.
How to know if you've won
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JRPass will contact you on social media at the end of the application period to let you know! They'll then coordinate how to receive your full review of the virtual travel locations and sort your payment of £200 too.
Here's the full list of virtual travel locations:
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1. View the beauty of the Sakura
Experience Japan's iconic cherry blossoms, all without having to worry about social distancing here.
2. Marvel at the sunrise from the top of Mt. Fuji
Climbing Mt. Fuji is a normally a tough ascent, reach the 3776m high summit at the click of a button here.
3. Explore Himeji Castle
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The recently renovated Himeji Castle is considered one of Japan's most beautiful castles, explore it here.
4. Walk the Shibuya Crossing
Walk through Tokyo's iconic Shibuya Crossing where normally 2,500 people cross at once here.
5. Virtually get soaked in a Japanese Onsen bath
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There are countless Onsen around Japan, as a starting point visit: Manza Onsen Nisshin Kan, Jinata Hot spring or Shirahama Onsen.
6. Go on a virtual train ride in luxury
Have a wander around the most luxurious Shinkansen train car class offered, the Shinkansen "Gran Class" here.
7. Attend the Saga Balloon Festival
The Saga Balloon Festival is the largest international hot air balloon competition in Asia, experience the festival here.
8. Take a stroll around the Hitachi Seaside Park
About 2 hours north of Tokyo, Hitachi Seaside Park boasts a stunning array of flowers that bloom year-round such as blooming narcissuses, flaming Kochia balls, and baby blue eyes. Visit the Hitachi Seaside park digitally here.
9. Visit Huis ten Bosch - a taste of Holland in Japan
Get a taste of Europe in Japan! Visit Japan's dutch inspired town complete with windmills and tulip fields here.
10. Visit the Adachi Museum of Art - the most beautiful zen garden in Japan
View the most picturesque Japanese garden in the Adachi Museum of Art here.
11. Go urban exploring on the Abandoned Island of Hashima
Featured in James Bond Skyfall, the island used to be a base for mining activities. One day the island was shut down and people left within moments. Ever since the island has remained uninhabited. Start your urban exploration of Hashima Island here.
12. Walk around Tokyo station - without having to worry about getting lost
From the outside, Tokyo station looks like a 19th-century station building, not unlike elsewhere in the world. Yet, within, it's an entirely different beast. On an average day, about 3.5 million people pass through and there is a well-planned infrastructure to accommodate for such heavy use. Enter Tokyo station virtually here.
13. Endless torii-gates at Fushimi Inari Taisha
One of the most iconic sights in Kyoto, Fushimi Inari Taisha is the head shrine of the Kami Inari, Deity of Rice. Climbing up takes about 2 hours, though you can do so virtually without breaking a sweat from the comforts of your home here.
14. See the beauty of the Kyushu coastline at Sakurai Itoshima
Sakurai Futamigaura in Itoshima is famous for the two giant "married couple rocks" that are joined by a "Shimenawa" rope and the torii gate standing on the beach. Start your walk on the beach here.
15. View Fuji from the Chureito pagoda
Located in the Arakurayama Sengen park, the Chureito Pagoda is the most quintessential view of Japan, period. Take a look here, and enjoy the majestic view of Fuji.
16. Shiroyama Park - see the Kagoshima skyline with Mt. Sakurajima in the distance
Shiroyama park used to be where the local governor lived and with good reason. The view over the Kagoshima skyline is amazing, with the active volcano named Sakura-Jima in the distance. Have a look for yourself here.
17. Cape Nosappu - the most eastern point in Japan
Cape Nosappu, close to the sleepy town of Nemuro, is the most eastern point of Japan and where the sun rises earliest. It's one of the most remote places of Hokkaido and on a clear day, it's possible to see Russia in the far distance. Look into the far distance yourself here.
18. Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is one of Kyoto's most visited attractions, and with good reason. There's something magical about walking through the tall, swaying bamboo trees. To get in the forest yourself, see here.
19. Kawachi Wisteria Garden
There are different places in Japan to see Wisteria in full bloom, though the Kawachi Wisteria Garden is by far the best. Located about 30 minutes by bus from Kokura city, it's a popular spot to visitors who are looking for the best Instagram moments in Japan. Visit the Wisteria right here.
20. The Golden Pavillion in Kyoto
Kinkakuji, the Golden Pavilion is perhaps the best-known temple in Kyoto. See the Golden Pavillion yourself here.
We're so ready to get inspired and start plotting our next adventure. You can find full details of how to apply here.
Featured Image Credit: JRPassTopics: Life News, Life, travel