Japan
We started our week long adventure in Osaka. Often overlooked in favour of Kyoto and Tokyo, but I have to say this should be a definite on your list if planning a visit to Japan. Osaka is the food capital of Japan and an evening stroll on the Dotonbori along the canal is a favourite. 2 or 3 nights would be plenty of time to stay in Osaka. Things to do and see: Osaka Castle, Sky Building, Dotonbori Ferries Wheel, Universal studios, shopping in Shinsaibashi Arcade.
My best piece of advice is to purchase the JR Rail pass before you go to Japan. The High speed Shinkansen service (Bullet train) will get you from Osaka to Kyoto in just over 1 hour. This is the fastest and most comfortable way to travel and your JR Rail pass will cover this.
Kyoto was by far my favourite place in Japan that we visited. Its a city full of enchanting sites, my favourite area in all of Kyoto is the Gion District. Here you will find traditional Geisha hurrying down dark streets, ancient temples and a natural beauty, especially during cherry blossom season. Take an evening walking tour through the Gion District, this area has an unique vibe to it with its traditional wooden buildings and paper laterns all lit up. Felt like we were in old-world Japan. Our 3 days in Kyoto were quite busy but at the same time felt laid back due to the calming effect of the many sites we visited.
Take the train from Kyoto to Nara, about 1 hour away to visit the holy deer of Nara. Over 1000 deer roam the city of Nara and are considered sacred. Visit the Todai-Ji Temple which is home to the big Budda. The Big Budda of Todai-Ji Temple is famous for the huge Birushana Budda, a symbol of Nara. The Temple building itself is the largest existing wooden Temple in Japan.
No trip to Kyoto is complete without visiting the Fushimi Inari Taisha (Shrine). This is one of the most popular sightseeing spots in Kyoto. One word of advice is to get there as early as possible before the crowds as this is one of the most photographed shrines in Kyoto. There is so much to do and see at Fushimi Inari that I would suggest you allocate at least 3 hours to sufficiently explore this attraction. The easiest way to get here is to take the JR Train (Keihan Main Line) to JR Inari station and Fushimi Inari is right across the road. Fushimi Inari is mostly known for having thousands of vermilion coloured Torrii Gates. The Torri form a tunnel that visitors can walk through on their way to the top of Mount Inari. I left Fushimi Inari with the feeling that I had not seen enough. If visiting Japan this attraction cannot be missed, but do go early!
If you've been planning a trip to Kyoto then you've propably seen pictures of the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. Another one of Kyoto's top sights and for good reason. You can access it directly from the main street of Arashiyama. It wasn't as big as I imagined it would be and again it was packed with tourists, so go early if you can.
Among the many places we visted in Kyoto, Kinkaku-Ji Temple or commonly reffered to as the Golden Temple was another of my favourites. This 3 story structure is covered in gold leaf and sits perfectly on a pond reflecting all its glory.
Our next stop was Hakone, about 3 hrs by Bullet train from Kyoto. Hakone is famous for its hot spring onsens, stunning view of Mount Fuji across Lake Ashi and unparalleled natural scenery. Weather was not on our side during our visit so unfortunatly we got no views of Mount Fuji, but having said that, Hakone is well worth a visit. I recommend staying in a traditional Ryokan Inn in Hakone for a more autentic experience. If you are staying overnight here, then I recommend getting the Hakone Free Pass, this will give you access to the Tozan Train, Cable Cars, Ropeline and the cruise on Lake Ashi and bus.
The Bullet train from Hakone to Tokyo took under 2hrs. The first thing to do when you arrive in Tokyo is to get your bearings in this crazy but wonderful city. There are so many districts in Tokyo so its important to make sure you are staying in a hotel that is central, we based ourselves in the Shinjuku Area. This area is buzzing with night life, Neon lights, restaurants and shops. Almost everyone who visits Tokyo takes a visit to the famous Shibuya Crossing. This famous intersection has to be seen. Another popular attraction is the visual Robot Restaurant show. Colourful, flashing lights, music, dancers, and obvisouly the Robots.
One of the nicest temples in Tokyo is called Senso-Ji, which is an ancient Buddist temple located in Asakusa. Its Tokyo's oldest temple and one of its most significant. As you approach Sensoji, you walk through a line of hundres of shops selling crafts, souvenirs and plenty of snacks. There is actually so much to see and do in Tokyo that I recommend staying 4 nights to see it at your leisure. Shibuya Crossing, Senso-Ji Temple, Tokyo Sky-Tree, Tokyo Tower, The imperial Palace, Disneyland Tokyo, Meiji-Jingu and so so much more, depending on the time you have there.
Whatever version of Japan you want to discouver, rest assured that Japan is a pretty incredible country to visit. If I can help you plan your trip to Japan, then please get in touch.