Jubilant Japan: A Journey Through Time, Tradition, and Technology - Part two.
Kyoto: A Journey Through Time Step back in time as we journey to Kyoto, the ancient capital of Japan. Here, centuries-old temples, majestic palaces, and meticulously manicured gardens await at every turn. Immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion, whose shimmering façade reflects in the still waters of its surrounding pond. Wander through the enchanting streets of Gion, Kyoto's historic geisha district, where traditional tea houses and wooden machiya townhouses transport you to a bygone era. You can do an evening foodie tour here which is very popular with my clients. Don't miss the opportunity to witness a mesmerizing geisha performance, where grace and elegance are elevated to an art form.
Here you can also go see a traditional sword dance, Kembu. Here you can be immersed in the art of the samurai, trying out the robes and watching their ritualistic dance. Only 30 mins away is Osaka, and what comes with Osaka is Universal Studios Japan. So, if you are just looking for a day trip, it can be done from Kyoto in a day. Lots of my clients did this, whilst others have gone on to stay in Osaka itself (but perhaps on the way back to Tokyo, later)!
Osaka: Gastronomic Delights and Urban Excitement From Kyoto, we make our way to Osaka, the culinary capital of Japan. Known for its vibrant street food scene and lively atmosphere, Osaka is a paradise for food lovers and thrill-seekers alike. Indulge in mouth-watering delights at Dotonbori, Osaka's iconic food street, where sizzling okonomiyaki, crispy takoyaki, and savory kushikatsu tempt your taste buds at every corner. Then, take a ride on the giant Ferris wheel at Tempozan Harbor Village, where panoramic views of the city skyline await. And for an adrenaline-pumping experience, head to Universal Studios Japan, where blockbuster movies come to life in thrilling rides and immersive attractions. From the wizarding world of Harry Potter to the heart-pounding excitement of Jurassic Park, there's something for everyone at this world-class theme park, and probably more for the older kids and teens (who am I kidding, me, it would be great for me)! Lol.
Hiroshima: A Journey of Remembrance and Hope Our journey continues in Hiroshima, a city with a poignant history and a resilient spirit. Visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, a solemn tribute to the victims of the atomic bomb, and pay your respects at the iconic Atomic Bomb Dome, a haunting reminder of the devastating impact of war.
But amidst the tragedy, Hiroshima is also a city of hope and renewal. Explore the vibrant streets of Hiroshima's downtown area, where bustling markets and lively izakayas offer a glimpse into the city's vibrant culture and resilience. Personally, I think it’s all a bit mental down here, and I like some time away from hustle and bustle. So, if you’re anything like me, it is recommended to stay on the island off Hiroshima, called Miyajima, also known as Itsukushima. It is famous for its iconic red torii gate, which appears to float on the water during high tide, creating a breath-taking scene that has made it one of Japan's most photographed landmarks. Miyajima is also home to the stunning Itsukushima Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as scenic hiking trails, serene temples, and friendly deer that roam freely throughout the island. Visitors can reach Miyajima by ferry from Hiroshima, making it a popular day escape from the city.
From here, our journey concludes back in Tokyo usually, for the flight home. It is always arranged to stay one final night in Tokyo before heading home, or on to your next destination. Some people as mentioned earlier, have opted to visit Osaka on the way back to break up the journey and do a full loop. However, it’s easy to do anything in any order really thanks to Japan’s fab railways.
Getting Around: Japan's Efficient Railway System Throughout our journey, we've traversed the length and breadth of Japan with ease, thanks to the country's world-renowned railway system. From the lightning-fast shinkansen bullet trains to the local commuter lines, Japan's trains are clean, efficient, and punctual – a testament to the country's commitment to excellence.
With a Japan Rail Pass in hand, you can enjoy unlimited travel on JR trains, making it easy to explore multiple destinations without breaking the bank. What’s more, my all-time-favourite feature is Japan's luggage forwarding system, known as "takkyubin" or "yubin-haikyu," allows you to conveniently send your luggage from one location to another, such as from your hotel to the next destination or to the airport, with ease. Travellers simply arrange for their luggage to be picked up at one location and delivered to another, typically within the same day or overnight. This service is widely available across Japan and offers a hassle-free way for everyone to explore the country without the burden of carrying heavy bags. As someone who rarely packs light, and hates lugging things around like a pack-horse, this is music to my ears.
When to go. For how long. Great Pairings. And how to book. If you aren't hitting the ski slopes, March to May and September to November are generally considered the best times to visit the country for pleasant weather. The most expensive times are: The Golden Week (end April-early May), Obon (mid-August) and Christmas/New year's. You'll want to avoid the rainy season that starts in mid-June, followed by awfully hot and humid summer. The typhoon season usually ends by mid-September. Spring and autumn are great. Great places to pair with Japan if you want a stop off are Bali or Thailand for great beach extensions and Dubai, Doha, Qatar, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore all make for great city stopovers.
If you want to see how long to go for. I recommend the below as a guideline: • Tokyo – 3 to 5 nights • Hakone – 2 nights usually enough • Kyoto – 4 to 6 nights (depending on whether you do Universal Studios as a day trip from here) • Osaka – 2 to 4 nights (if you visiting city and doing Universal) • Hiroshima – 2 to 3 nights is enough
Pack your bags, embark on an adventure of a lifetime, and discover the jubilant spirit of Japan! Call or email me to get planning.
