When you want to feel far away, this is the place - you can live in the present, the future and the past all in one moment or select an escape of your choice. We visited Tokyo and Kyoto, but my favorite was the resort area of Gora in the Kanagawa Prefecture, known for its onsen (hot springs) and Mt. Fuji views. You can take a deep breath and really enjoy the simplicity & beauty of Japan and its culture.
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| Cherry Blossoms |
The Essentials (there's alot!):
1) We planned our trip to see the cherry blossoms - Chinzan-so in Tokyo is a great viewing area and I now understand why this makes front page news. It's breathtaking.
2) Tsujiki Fish Market, Tokyo- although touristy, worth it to eat some of the freshest fish in the world. I admit it, we loved the conveyor belt sushi bars! Best deal in Tokyo too.
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| Sushi Bar |
3) Transportation - the Shinkansen trains are amazing, timely, clean and efficient. So is the subway if you can figure out how to buy a ticket or read the map! Taxis have white glove service, white seat covers and are expensive but incredibly honest. As in China, make sure you have your hotel address in Japanese (or a map in Japanese to show the driver your hotel area)- English is not commonplace.
4) Kyoto - eat Kobe beef at a traditional steakhouse along the canal in Gion. Wander through the alleys to find a local bar - bump into Geishas along the way. The experience is surreal although touristy.
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| Geisha, Kyoto |
5) Kyoto is another big city so lots of food & shopping in the main drag - I did stock up on green tea at the Nishiki Market which is fun to wander through- great photo pops.
6) Take a day trip to the outskirts of Kyoto to see the Fushimi Inari Shrine and the Bamboo forest - easy to get to via public transport. I would have loved to stay one night in the Bamboo forest area - some great hidden Ryokans (local hotels) out there but not enough time this trip.
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| Bamboo Forest, outside Kyoto |
7) Escape the cities and head to the mountains - just about 2 hours west of Tokyo, we stayed at the Hyatt Hakone - our favorite part of the trip! Get up early to see Mt. Fuji and ride the tram to get up close. Spend the rest of the day in house robes wandering the hotel library, lounge, hot springs, and spa. The french restaurant is topnotch and the walks around the mountainside are lovely.
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| Mt. Fuji - hard to ever see fully clear |
8) Lastly and very importantly, save a meal for Narita Airport- I would never say that except Sushi Kyotatsu is one of my top 3 airport meals ever. Fresh fish & beer in a relaxed, civilized and immensely clean restaurant. Definitely lots more to explore on our next trip to Japan, but an amazing start!
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