Reset search
JapanJapan
SatelliteEdit route

Japan

October 2022
Another trip we were booked to take in 2020 and was cancelled due to Covid. Inspiring Japan is a 15 day tour run by Inspiring Vacations - a travel company we have not travelled with before Read more
  • 14footprints
  • 1countries
  • 15days
  • 196photos
  • 4videos
  • 9.7kkilometers
  • 7.2kkilometers
Follow Calendar Share Bucket list
Date descending
  • Brad and Mandy PearceJapan
    Day 14

    Last day in Tokyo

    October 30, 2022 in Japan ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C

    Our tour comes to an end with a few hitting the highlights of Tokyo. Somewhat of an anticlimax really as Tokyo is just like most other large cities and the focus seemed to be on various shopping experiences.

    We walked by seventh-century Sensō-ji Buddhist Temple with its imposing entrance gate, Kaminarimon (also known as ‘Thunder Gate’), and its magnificent red lantern.
    The Temple happened to be in the same area as Nakamise, the shopping street. Plenty crowded - not something I enjoy dealing with.

    Then, onto the Tsukiji Outer Market, a shopping district adjacent to the enormous former wholesale fish market. This was to be our lunch stop but there didn't really seem to be anywhere to suit and eat so we ended up getting some lunch from the local Lawsons (like a 7-11). Not my favourite place but if you like sashimi or oysters etc you probably would be in your element. Seemed somewhat expensive too - they had huge prawns there (over 30cm long) but they were 2000¥ (roughly $20) each.

    We explored the outer grounds of the Imperial Palace, the primary residence of the Emperor of Japan. Would look nice during cherry blossom season.

    Our day’s touring finished in Ginza, an upmarket area with high-end shopping, galleries and restaurants. It was crowded - well at least the street was. I can't say I saw many people in the shops of Louis Vuitton, Prada or Versace.

    So, our trip is over. I am completing this post at the airport while we wait for our Jetstar flight home via Cairns. It's been a good trip - 2 weeks is long enough - we were pretty well on the go all the time. The accommodation was comfortable enough although quite small and mattresses and pillows were firm to hard. Probably not as fancy as many of the tours we have been on, but then we didn't pay a fancy price.

    Japan has now been ticked off. Still catching up on some of the plans made during the covid era. Next trip is early next year to see the Northern lights in Sweden/Norway - something Brad has always wanted to see.    Read more

  • Brad and Mandy PearceJapan
    Day 13

    More Fuji and finally Tokyo

    October 29, 2022 in Japan ⋅ ⛅ 13 °C

    Woke early hoping to catch Mt Fuji at sunrise. Oh no! Fog everywhere - you wouldn't know there was a mountain there. However, during breakfast, the fog lifted and the view was just magnificent. This iconic mountain is truly a highlight of this trip and we feel very fortunate to see it in all its glory as it is often hidden by cloud.

    Leaving the hotel we drove to a park area for a different viewpoint, however by this time the clouds had returned and the mountain remained hidden. There were mass plantings of these bright pink bushes which I think may be called Summer Cypress or Kochia. I wonder if we can grow them at home?

    Nearby, we visited the Itchiku Kubota Art Museum to learn about the revival of the lost art of Tsujigahana silk dyeing for kimonos. Kubota Itchiku was a textile artist who revived this rather tedious technique. At first look at the array of kimonos around the exhibition hall we thought, that's nice, but... not sure what the big deal is. After watching a presentation we realised each kimono was part of an intricate landscape... then you went Wow! Photos not permitted in the gallery so will try and find one online. The complex has lovely gardens and a traditional tea room. A very nice tour.

    Then it’s onto Tokyo, home to 38 million people. We stopped at Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building for panoramic views over the city.    Read more

  • Brad and Mandy PearceJapan
    11
    Day 12

    Castle climbing and magnificent Mt Fuji

    October 28, 2022 in Japan ⋅ ⛅ 10 °C

    What a marvellous day!
    This morning, we toured historic Matsumoto Castle and the charming old town area surrounding the castle. Matsumoto Castle, with its wide moat, is also known as ‘Crow Castle’ due to its dramatic black exterior. Not as big as Himeji Castle and while there is not a great deal to see inside these castles, the challenge it to climb to the top (because it's there! ). The steps in this Castle were steeper than Himeji and in some cases the treads were 45cm high (normal steps are 20-25cm). This, combined with the million school kids on excursion (ok, slight exaggeration - hundreds), really took me out of my comfort zone and I was glad when we arrived back to safety on the ground.

    We left Matsumoto for the three-hour journey to Mount Fuji, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As we arrived closer, our beautiful sunny day began to cloud over and we were worried we wouldn't see the peak. Making our way up to Mount Fuji 5th Station, about halfway up the mountain, at an elevation of 2,300 metres the clouds seemed to get thicker... we would be lucky to see anything. We arrived and almost miraculously the sun broke through and there she was...Spectacular!

    We stayed in a hotel in the Lake Kawaguchiko area, one of the Fuji Five Lakes; Every room faced over the lake with Mt Fuji as the backdrop. Can't wait to see the morning view.    Read more

  • Brad and Mandy PearceJapan
    Day 11

    Through the Japanese Alps

    October 27, 2022 in Japan ⋅ ☁️ 14 °C

    A big travelling day with a couple of unique stops.

    First stop was to see the small, historical village of Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Japanese Alps. We walked through this village of traditional thatched houses (gassho-zukuri) set amongst beautiful mountain scenery.
    We are seeing a lot more autumn foliage. Managed to find a hill to climb that overlooked this quaint village.

    Then we headed to the city of Takayama, nestled in the Hida mountains.
    This city still retains a traditional feel, however the main reason for this stop was to break the journey and have lunch. Some of us had a bento box meal (we did), while others participated in sake tasting.

    From Takayama we drove to Matsumoto (about 3 hours) through some spectacular mountainous scenery, sometimes quite narrow and winding. Our bus driver - Ken San- is doing a fantastic job. Funny guy who is trying to pick up our Aussie lingo - G'day mate, see you later etc.    Read more

  • Brad and Mandy PearceJapan
    Day 10

    Kanazawa

    October 26, 2022 in Japan ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C

    We travelled to the city of Kanazawa, on the northwestern shore of Honshu. During World War II, Kanazawa was Japan’s second largest city (after Kyoto) to escape destruction by air raids. This means that parts of the old castle town, such as the Nagamachi samurai district and chaya entertainment districts, have survived.

    We toured the Kenrokuen Garden, heralded as one of the three most beautiful gardens in Japan. Very peaceful - not sure if I preferred this one or the one we saw in Kyoto - both very nice.

    We had a walking tour of Nagamachi samurai district and the Higashi Chaya District, famous for its well preserved wooden teahouses where geisha perform. Didn't see any geisha, more a haven for restaurants and shops selling products with gold leaf - a speciality of the area.

    As we didn't have an optional tour booked, five of us found a wonderful Sri Lankan restaurant. Every single dish was delicious. If you are ever in Kanazawa, go to The Spice Box.    Read more

  • Brad and Mandy PearceJapan
    Day 9

    An island, a castle and a fast train

    October 25, 2022 in Japan ⋅ ☀️ 16 °C

    An early start as we took the ferry to Miyajima Island known for its 'floating' vermilion torii, which becomes partially submerged at high tide and Itsukushima Shrine (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). There are walking tracks and pagodas and sika deer everywhere. Could have stayed much longer than the 2 hours but we had quite a bit travel to do.

    Next stop was the magnificent Himeji Castle, the largest surviving example of a traditional Japanese castle. The shape of the roof is said to resemble a bird in flight so is often referred to as the White Heron Castle. The climb to the top of the keep consisted of 7 storeys of steep narrow stairways that I found the safest way to come downstairs was backwards, like a ladder. Fantastic building.

    After the castle we had to experience the bullet train, or shinkansen. It was only a brief 30 trip to Osaka.

    Finally we had an optional tour of a sukiyaki dinner. Fine strips of wagyu beef, pork, tofu and vegetables cooked on the table in front of you. A nice end to a tiring day.    Read more

  • Brad and Mandy PearceJapan
    Day 8

    Hiroshima

    October 24, 2022 in Japan ⋅ ⛅ 17 °C

    We had a fairly long driving day from Nagasaki to Hiroshima and encountered our first rain showers, but only as we were travelling and didn't effect any of our tours.

    Arriving in Hiroshima we immediately visited the Peace Park with its iconic Atomic Dome building which managed to survive the blast somewhat intact. It is now World Heritage listed. The eternal flame is supposed to keep burning until the last nuclear weapon is destroyed.

    Initially we were not supposed to visit the museum but about half our group decided it was important to see and so glad we did. The displays were similar to the one in Nagasaki but a little better laid out. When we left the museum we were rewarded with a beautiful rainbow - a true sign of peace.

    Back to the hotel we had a special dinner of okonomiyaki dinner (Japanese savoury pancake). We had this in Osaka and I preferred that one but it was still a pleasant night.    Read more

  • Brad and Mandy PearceJapan
    Day 7

    Stepping up to a church, shrine & garden

    October 23, 2022 in Japan ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C

    Nearly every stop today involved climbing many sets of stairs and our legs felt it at the end of the day.

    First stop was the Twenty-Six Martyrs Monument, dedicated to 26 missionaries and Christians executed here in the 16th century, when missionary activities were prohibited. They became saints in the 20th century. The style of the museum and church reminded me of Gaudi style in Spain (Barcelona - Sagrada familia) with its mosaics and free flowing architecture. The stories about the hidden Christians was really interesting.

    Next stop is the city’s major Shinto shrine, Suwa Shrine, that sits atop a hill overlooking Nagasaki. There are 277 stone steps leading up the mountain to the shrine complex. When we arrived a young couple had just got married and we basically gatecrashed their wedding. They seemed very happy and probably gave them an extra memory on their special day. Not sure if the etiquette was correct though.

    Also at the shrine were s small children dressed in traditional clothes. At ages 3 and 7 for girls and 5 for boys, they are presented to the shrine but I haven't got the full understanding of this yet - will have to google it. What I do know though is they are just so cute.

    After a lovely lunch beside the harbour, we visited Glover Garden. This open air museum has six Western-style buildings from all over the city that were relocated here – grand mansions that were once home to Nagasaki’s foreign residents, such as European diplomats and foreign traders. Fortunately many of the steps were replaced with escalators and travelators. The buildings were magnificent as were the views over the harbour.

    Nagasaki is a very pretty city - it's our last night here - off to Hiroshima in the morning.    Read more

  • Brad and Mandy PearceJapan
    111
    Day 6

    That was a Hell of a day

    October 22, 2022 in Japan ⋅ ⛅ 25 °C

    That got your attention didn't it! However it is not what you think.

    The first hell refers to the hot springs at Beppu - a geothermal area known as hells.
    Hot springs dotted all over this island (Kyushu) and the city of Beppu is home to over 2,000 hot springs Each 'hell’ (or jingoku) is distinctly different. The largest, Umi (Sea) Jigoku, earned its name for its vivid turquoise colour. The oldest hell, Chinoike (Blood Lake) Jigoku is blood red. Despite the name it was very attractive area.

    We travelled south to Nagasaki, one of two cities in Japan destroyed by an atomic bomb during World War II. I'm sure the 9th August 1945 at 11:02am would have been hell for the residents of Nagasaki.

    We visited the Peace Park and the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum. Nagasaki Peace Park is located near the hypocentre of the atomic bomb blast. The Peace Statue points up to the sky with its right hand to warn of the atomic bomb and its left arm is horizontal to represent the wish for peace. The are many statues and sculptures that have been donated from many countries around the world to support the need for peace. The photo of the black monument represents the hypocentre of the blast. The bomb went off 500 metres above this point.

    The museum was very interesting with photos and other relics from the period that were found after the bomb, as well as many stories from survivors. 75,000 people lost their lives in the attack and its aftermath.

    That night we had a ramen dinner and then drove up to the lookout over Nagasaki (apologies for the quality of the night photos - Brad didn't take the camera and I was just using my phone, but I did manage to get a short video of fireworks that only lasted for about 30 seconds)    Read more

  • Brad and Mandy PearceJapan
    Day 5

    Mainly a travel day

    October 21, 2022 in Japan ⋅ ⛅ 23 °C

    An early start this morning, on the way to the picturesque castle town of Matsuyama, we’ll stop at Matsuyama Castle just for a photo stop.

    Visited the Ishiteiji Temple, one of the 88 pilgrim temples. Followers of the Buddhist monk, Kükai strive to visit each of the 88 temples - and get their book stamped or special garment stamped before they die. The book or garment is then cremated with them and gains them entrance to heaven..

    Drove a couple of hours to catch the ferry for the hour and a bit crossing from Shikoku Island to Kyushu Island. Then another hour to reach the hotel at Beppu - a town renowned for its hot springs. We were going to have the hotel buffet but decided 3850¥ (@$40pp) was a bit much so had a la carte at the other restaurant. Unfortunately we made poor choices but that is just part of the experience of travelling to other cultures.    Read more

  • 2024© FindPenguins
  • Home
  • About us
  • Blog
  • Group Tracking
  • Press
  • Terms
  • Privacy Policy & Cookies
  • Support
  • Legal notice
  • English