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Cherry Blossom Tour of Japan
  • Sharon Miller
  • Sharon Miller

Cherry Blossom Tour of Japan

Dragoman 18 day group tour Lue lisää
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  • Matkan aloitus
    26. maaliskuuta 2025
  • Sharon MillerCherry Blossom Tour of JapanMatkaaja
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    Tokyo Welcomes Us

    27. maaliskuuta 2025, Japani ⋅ 🌬 22 °C

    After 10,000kms and 13.5 hours of air travel we arrived at Narita International airport in Tokyo. Clearing customs was long, given the crush of travellers, but well organized, our luggage easily retrievable and the taxi waiting,- so off we went to our hotel in the Shinjuku District. We travelled by highway for almost two hours before exiting into the chaos of downtown. It is extremely clean, and is a conglomeration of very tightly compacted high rise buildings, and is bustling with people coming and going in all directions in luxury cars and on foot. I have never experienced such a modern and efficient mass of humanity. Even our hotel checkin was totally automated where we scanned our passports and the room cards spit out the bottom with our receipt. We have had cruise cabins that are larger than our hotel room but is lacks nothing. There is even footwear for four and a Yukata for the public baths. Our weary heads hit the pillow and we were out at 8pm local time. We are experiencing 13 hour time change from home here.Lue lisää

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    Sightseeing in Shinjuku District

    28. maaliskuuta 2025, Japani ⋅ ☁️ 22 °C

    We hit the rails at 10am this morning and headed out to Tokyo’s famous Scramble Crossing in Shinboya, a bustling, iconic intersection, in which there can be thousands of people crossing at the same time. From there we took the pristine train back to Shinjuku, without even asking anyone for directions, and leisurely strolled through the Gyoen National Gardens where we enjoyed the many trees that displayed their wonderful cherry blossoms and other beautiful foliage. On our way back we were guided by the iconic statue of Godzilla one block from our hotel “closet”. Streets are meticulously clean and the crowds are peaceful and serene. First impressions are very favourable!Lue lisää

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  • Sharon MillerCherry Blossom Tour of JapanMatkaaja
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    Biking the Highlights of Tokyo

    29. maaliskuuta 2025, Japani ⋅ 🌧 9 °C

    In a sleep deprived state around 3am today we decided that a bike tour of Tokyo would be a fitting way to celebrate Gilles’ birthday. What we didn’t check was the weather forecast! We spent a rainy day biking like ninja’s in and around the famous landmarks such as the Meiji Jingu Shrine, where we witnessed a traditional Japanese wedding. Once we completed the purification ritual involving hand washing and rinsing our mouth , we said a Shinto prayer. We also saw the double tree where you pray if you’re looking for a partner and the single tree where pray if you want to stay single or become single. There was a huge wall of wishful votives where you chose a saying for what you want to come true in your life. The most popular wish displayed was to pass school exams. We then passed the site of the 2021 Olympic Stadium, visited the Aoyoma Cemetery where there are 12,000 graves and 140,000 famous Japanese and Westerners buried, plus one famous dog named “Hachiko”, from the movie A Dog’s Tale. Cremation is mandatory in Japan and most plots are family plots, We rode on visiting the Imperial Palace, the House of Parliament, and the Guest House for international visitors. (20 km loop). Notwithstanding the elements, it was a very informative and enjoyable day.Lue lisää

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    The Swallows vs The Giants at Tokyo Dome

    30. maaliskuuta 2025, Japani ⋅ ☁️ 5 °C

    Today we rose early and took a walk downtown in search of breakfast. We’re still struggling with the time change and are awake in the middle of the night. On the wish list for today was a plan to head to the Tokyo dome to catch a game between the two Tokyo based professional baseball teams, the Yakult Swallows and the Yomiuri Giants. Joining a crowd of 55,000 at the domed stadium where you chose your seat according to who you are cheering for, we stood out for not wearing a team jersey and not having a towel to wave nor a tutu hair scrunchie or tutu clip-on for our clothes or purse. Apart from that we quickly learned the cheers and when they were appropriate. There were cheerleaders and a team of mascots and the fans sang and knocked their tiny plastic bats together throughout the entire game in which the Giants won 3-0. The stadium was state of the art with a huge jumbotron. The snacks at the concession were green soybeans, ramen. fried chicken and sushi. No popcorn available for this girl but we did find a hotdog with salsa and liquid cheese on top. It was great fun and a good way to fill our last day of freedom for the next few months. The group meet up was at 6pm and we headed to a Japanese restaurant where we had a rather sparse shared meal of mystery fish and some pork and chicken skewers. Time for bed so we can rest up for our first adventure with our new travel buddies tomorrow.Lue lisää

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    Same, Same, But Different!

    31. maaliskuuta 2025, Japani ⋅ ☁️ 7 °C

    We visited 4 distinct districts of Tokyo today with our new travel mates. We are two groups doing the identical itinerary so will get to know each other well. Our group of 13 is led by Neil and the other group of 15 is led by Chris. We walked and travelled by train to discover Shinjuku, Shinagawa, Shinboya and Shimo Kitazawa. Each had its own vibe ranging from traditional to young hipster to Bohemian with vintage clothing shops. We learned about the difference between Shintu shrines and Buddhist temples and that Buddhism is focused more on the after life and Shintu is focused more on the connection between people and all things in nature. We saw love hotels, bars and restaurants which are not considered “tawdry”. Shinboya comes alive after 7pm. Each district is packed with bars and tiny shops and restaurants and as well there are a lot of brand name stores such as Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Nike, etc. All the streets are clean and no one uses the car horn or speaks loudly in public or pushes on the trains or street corners. Today the Shakura trees were at their peak and we wandered through Yoyogi Park to get some great photos.Lue lisää

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    Mt Fuji Day Trip

    1. huhtikuuta 2025, Japani ⋅ ☁️ -8 °C

    The weather played a nasty April fools’ joke on us today, and snowed like we were back home. When we arrived at Oishi Park, where we were to enjoy breathtaking views of Mt Fuji, all we saw was dense fog and snow covering the famous flower park surrounding beautiful Lake Kawaguchi. It was a major disappointment after travelling for two hours but I had a yummy blueberry icecream to lift my spirits. Our next stop was at a picturesque Oshino Hakkai Village. There were eight crystal clear ponds fed by Mt Fuji’s melted snow, making the water incredibly pure and transparent, as they have been filtered through layers of lava for decades. The village had a ambient charm with traditional waterwheels, thatched roofs, ponds with coloured fish, and a variety of food stalls where we enjoyed a yummy crispy shrimp and tofu skewer. To somewhat appease our disappointment in not being able to view the mountain, we re-routed to the Fujisan World Heritage Center where there was lots of information on the mountain and its volcanoes and lakes and and a brilliant photo contest display. We almost felt as if we were really there!Lue lisää

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  • Sharon MillerCherry Blossom Tour of JapanMatkaaja

    Riding The Rails

    2. huhtikuuta 2025, Japani ⋅ 🌧 6 °C

    We struck out at 7:50 am, with our full luggage in tow, and after 3 subway rides (one that required us to be shoved in) and 2 bullet trains (260km/hour) we arrived at our destination of Yuganaka at 12:15pm. From there we were bused to Kanbayashi Onsen -The gateway village to Snow Monkey Park. After our visit at the park we walked back to our Ryokan so we could experience a rural Japanese neighborhood.Lue lisää

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    Enjoying the Snow Monkeys in Yuganaka

    2. huhtikuuta 2025, Japani ⋅ ☁️ 9 °C

    We spent a magical afternoon amongst the wild Japanese macaque ( snow monkeys) at he snow monkey park in Jigokudani ( hell valley) This is the only place in the world where monkeys bathe in hot springs.Lue lisää

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    Our Japanese Ryokan - Yamazakiya

    2. huhtikuuta 2025, Japani ⋅ ☁️ 9 °C

    We were picked up from the train station by the 81 year old owner of our ryokan who told us she lives this lifestyle and will continue to offer tourists this experience for as long as she can. A ryokan is a traditional Japanese Inn offering a unique cultural experience with a tatami room, futon beds, communal bath and an onsen ( hot spring bath ) and traditional cuisine. All embodies the spirit of omotenashi which is Japanese hospitality in their language. We enjoyed a delicious Kaiseki ( multi course meal ).Lue lisää

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    Matsumoto Castle

    3. huhtikuuta 2025, Japani ⋅ ☁️ 8 °C

    We hated to say goodbye to our Ryokan hosts but there are miles to travel before we sleep, so after a superb traditional Japanese breakfast, we boarded the train back to Nagano and then on to Matsumoto. At breakfast, our host explained to us what the two set ups of traditional dolls in the dining lounge were all about. One was for her 12 year old granddaughter and the other her 16 year old granddaughter. This Ryokan has been in her family for 150 years and they were most gracious hosts. She spoke to us through google translate and when Gilles and I were leaving she typed this message to us on her phone. “May you continue to be best friends for the rest of your life just like the Emperor and Empress of Japan”. In Matsumoto we visited the Matsumoto Castle, the oldest wooden castle in Japan dating back to 1595, and a national treasure from the Guadalupe era. As you can see, the people of this town really cherish their castle and celebrate the Samauri culture. We climbed to the top tower in the castle where we were rewarded with great views of the Alps and the cosmopolitan town filled with cafes and galleries.Lue lisää

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  • Sharon MillerCherry Blossom Tour of JapanMatkaaja

    Takayama

    4. huhtikuuta 2025, Japani ⋅ ☀️ 9 °C

    We took the bus for 2.5 hours this morning, travelling comfortably and with precision timing, through the tunnels in the mountains, to Takayama where we will be staying for the next 2 days. Takayama is a delightful 17th century town perched high in the Japanese Alps which is best explored on foot to appreciate the wooden architecture and friendly vibe of the centre. A few things about the Japanese culture. They think of everything. Even the seats in the public toilets are heated and have “remotes” on them and the hotels have a device to stick your wet umbrella in to dry it, etc. Everyone is polite and accommodating and they don’t rush you even when you are in their way on the streets. We spent the afternoon strolling around the old town, partaking in saki tasting and trying some Japanese tea and sweets. Hida beef is big here so I had a skewer to whet my appetite for dinner this evening. When in Japan…,Lue lisää

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    A Side Trip to Nearby Furukawa

    5. huhtikuuta 2025, Japani ⋅ ☁️ 14 °C

    We visited the Miyagawa Morning Market early today and make some purchases at the local food vendors and artisans booths. We then caught the train to Furukawa where we enjoyed a walkabout through the town where the Furukawa Festival takes place over two days in mid April. There were many beautiful wooden temples and it was pleasant to stroll along the quiet streets bordering the river. Multicoloured Koi fish can usually be found in the street gutters starting in April but were not abundant yet. The highlight was the Festival Exhibition Hall where we saw 3 very ornate festival floats, operated some mechanical marionettes, watched a 20 minute film of the festival, and got a chance to fly like a firefly. We also got to see the food presentations for the various ceremonies during the festival along with the displays of sake bottles produced in this town. Back at the hotel we enjoyed the onsen ( Japanese hot bath) before heading out for dinner.Lue lisää

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    Hida Folk Village

    6. huhtikuuta 2025, Japani ⋅ 🌩️ 8 °C

    This morning we had just enough time to walk to the Hida Folk Village before catching a train to Nagoya and then a bullet train to Kyoto (160km in 30 minutes) where we will spend 3 days. Such a comfortable and pleasant way to travel. Clean, spacious, bathrooms and wifi. At the Hida Folk Village, an open-air museum, we learned about the traditional architecture and cultural heritage of the Hida region, the highlights including “gassho-zukuri” houses and thatched-roof buildings. The museum displays agricultural tools and household items, offering insights into the wisdom and lifestyle of rural communities from the Edu Period to the modern era.Lue lisää

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    To-ji Temple Night Lights

    6. huhtikuuta 2025, Japani ⋅ ☁️ 13 °C

    For two weeks the To-ji Temple and surrounding Sakura trees are lit up for a spectacular night display. What a magical and enchanting experience this was on our first night in Kyoto.

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    Highlights of Kyoto Walking Tour

    7. huhtikuuta 2025, Japani ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C

    We toured for 6 hours today seeing lots of temples, shrines, pegodas, a small bamboo forest, lovers lane, the largest bell in Japan, and many beautiful Japanese couples in traditional costume having photos taken. Our route took us to Gion Higashi, we then visited Chion-in Temple, followed by Mariam’s Park and Mene Street. then we moved on to Koshindo Temple and the Yasaka Pagoda, continuing through Ninenzaka, Sannenzaka, and finishing at the Kiyomizu-dera Temple. The Sakura trees were in full bloom everywhere and we even tasted Sakura ice cream. Definitely the ideal time to visit Japan.Lue lisää

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    Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine-Part 1

    8. huhtikuuta 2025, Japani ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C

    Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine is a very important Shinto shrine in southern Kyoto. It is famous for its thousands of vermillion Torii gates which straddle a network of trails behind its main building. The trails lead into the wooded forest of the sacred Mount Inari which stands at 2,033 meters and takes approximately 90 minutes round trip to navigate. Foxes are believed to be the messengers of the God Inari which explains the presence of fox statues on the shrine grounds.Lue lisää

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    Fushimi Inari - Part 2

    8. huhtikuuta 2025, Japani ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C

    Lots to see around the Shrine as well. Probably my favourite site in Japan to date. We rode the train to get here. It is becoming second nature.

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    Nijo-jo Castle

    8. huhtikuuta 2025, Japani ⋅ ⛅ 21 °C

    The Nijo-jo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site, has witnessed some of the most important events in Japanese history in the 400 years since it was built. It was completed in 1603 on orders of Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu, the greatest of all shoguns and the model for James Clavell’s novel “Shogun”. Tokugawa Ieyasi unified Japan after a long period of civil war, and ushered in a period of over 250 years of civil peace and prosperity. The buildings of the Ninomaru-goten Palace, the Kara-mom Gate and the Ninomaru Garden are survivals from one of the golden ages of Japanese architecture and design, the Edo period, known for its ornate architecture and magnificent interiors. We enjoyed a special golden ice cream to commemorate our visit here today.Lue lisää

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  • Sharon MillerCherry Blossom Tour of JapanMatkaaja

    Osaka Castle

    9. huhtikuuta 2025, Japani ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C

    We took the subway back to Kyoto station and then a bullet train to Osaka this morning (30 mins). We quickly dropped our luggage at the hotel and hopped on the subway to head to the Osaka Castle. This prominent landmark is a five-story castle with a rich history built in 1583 by Toyotomi Hideyoshi and now houses a museum showcasing the castle’s history and the life of Hideyoshi.. it features 8 internal floors, featuring white plastered walls, dark wooden accents and gold leafed ornaments. The castle is surrounded by a series of defensive structures, including moats, gates and turrets. We took in the views from the 8th floor which included spectacular architecture and plentiful cherry blossoms.Lue lisää

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    Osaka Walkabout and Okonomiyaki Dining

    9. huhtikuuta 2025, Japani ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C

    We took the subway to begin our walkabout at the Tsutenkaku Tower, then walked through the Nipponbashi Denden Town, the Sennichimae Doguyasuji shopping district and then to the Hozenji Yokocho Street and alleys known as the food district, before ending at Dotonbori where all the neon signs and 3D billboards can be found. Osaka is known for its vibrant night life and it was in full swing tonight. Not being a fan of big crowds or large cities, we retreated back to the food alleys near our hotel and dined at a Okonomiyaki restaurant with our friends. It was a great experience to watch the chef at work and the food was superb. We are getting pretty good with chopsticks too.Lue lisää

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    Nara Town and Deer Park

    10. huhtikuuta 2025, Japani ⋅ 🌧 18 °C

    What is a day in Japan without a train ride? I wouldn’t know. Today we took the train from Osaka to Nara (1 hour). It is an oasis of calm, packed with a super cute deer population, some of which know how to bow when asking to be fed special salt crackers. It is home to 8 UNESCO World Heritage sites and one of the favourites is the Todai-ji Temple where one of Japans largest bronze Buddha statues can be found.Lue lisää

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    Hiroshima

    11. huhtikuuta 2025, Japani ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C

    We travelled by subway, bullet train and streetcar for most of the morning to arrive at Hiroshima. This afternoon we visited the Hiroshima Castle and then the beautiful and serene Shukkeien Gardens. It was a nice change of pace and the Sakura were once again in full bloom in every shade of pink and white. Tomorrow we will visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial and learn more about the extraordinary events that happened here in August 1945.Lue lisää

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