Amazing Japan

From talking to friends and clients, I know that Japan is on a lot of people's bucket lists. It was certainly on mine for as long as I can remember and my wish to go there came true last October.

It was without doubt one of my best holidays ever and I would have absolutely no hesitation in going back again if I got the opportunity.

I split my 10 night trip into 3 separate locations - Tokyo, Hakone and Kyoto and I feel I got the mix exactly right.

Tokyo is the biggest city in the world but surprisingly has a cosy feeling. It is so easy to get around using the excellent subway system which is inexpensive, spotless and punctual!

The city is split into 6 sections - each one like a city in itself. There is so much to see and do it is difficult to fit it all in but I can help with the pre-booking of excursions not to be missed.

I travelled by Bullet Train (which is fabulous!) to Odawara and then the local train to Hakone. Hakone is an Alpine style town in the foothills of the mountains and is absolutely beautiful. From here you can take the local Cable Car up to Mount Hakone Volcano, stopping on the way to visit the open air museum which has a huge selection of 19th and 20th-century sculptures and installations by leading Japanese artists as well as the likes of Henry Moore, Rodin and Miró, harmoniously plonked into the landscape. I would receommend a visit to the huge Picasso Pavilion with more than 300 of his works inside, ranging from paintings and glass art to tapestry. This was one of the real highlights of the trip. Kids will love the giant crochet artwork/playground with its Jenga-like exterior walls, as well as the spiral staircase of the stained-glass Symphonic Structure.

Last stop was Kyoto which is a beautiful city full of wonderful architecture. It is a lot smaller than Tokyo but with plenty to see and do. From Kyoto, the excursion to Nara, once the capital of the area and now a UNESCO site where deer roam free, makes for a wonderful afternoon tour. The area has some wonderful Temples and Buddhist statues and is well worth seeing.

A wonderful destination ticked off my list but I might just put it back on for another visit someday!

If your interest is piqued, give me a call and I will tell you more!