Heading to Japan

Hi Folks, Mike and I are normally packing our suitcases for Europe this time of year but this fall we are heading west to Japan. This trip has been years in the making with the seed planted before COVID by our Vancouver friends, Nancy and Caroline, who were keen to hike the ancient Nakasendo Way trail between Kyoto and Tokyo. For all of life’s good reasons they cannot join us this time but Mike figured – having just clocked in at 4 score years – that there was no time to delay if we were going to take on this challenge. We say good-bye to Lucy on Tuesday morning but we have friends from Edmonton, Margie and Bob, coming to stay so she will be well taken care of. We arrive in Narita outside of Tokyo on Wednesday afternoon having lost an entire day ( I always fine that confusing). We RV with my sister Helen at the Old Imperial Bar on Thursday at 6pm. Our Victoria friend Ian Fleming and his traveling companion Brenda Cholin will be along as well. So we will be a cheery group of 5 with about 5 words of Japanese between us.
It seems Japan is the destination “du jour” with the number of tourists going to Japan having almost doubled since last year. Some of the areas report serious “over tourism” so we’d better get there before they start restricting entry, like some other hot spots. All travelers report that the Japanese people are very welcoming, the food is great, the scenery is captivating, the cities are super well organized and – always high on my list of concerns – the plumbing is top-notch. I am also feeling positive about the Japanese culture of having slippers available when you are indoors. Mike had a panicky moment reading the tour notes when “evening gowns” were mentioned! Turns out this refers to a garment called a yukata, a housecoat that may also be worn as loungewear. That sounds most relaxing.
We are packed up armed with e-Sim cards, and apps to assist with everything from translation, payments to local transportation planning. We’re hoping the worst of the typhoons are past but are expecting very hot temps and some rain. Our 20 days will include time in Osaka, Kyoto, Tokyo and Nikko. But most importantly, we will spend 9 days hiking 135km on the ancient Nakasendo Way trail which winds between Kyoto and Edo ( modern day Tokyo). We’ll take this part of the trip as part of a Walk Japan group tour that includes accommodations, most meals, sherpa services for luggage and guides. We're all hoping that the past 6 months of walking will be enough preparation for what we're facing. Helen is keen on seeing some of the modern Japanese architecture, Ian will undoubtedly find the art galleries, MIke will find the beer and I will be relaxing in the hot baths (onsens) and enjoying my yukata and slippers. I wonder if they have wine?
So on, on we go.
More news from Osaka.
Love Heather/Mom/GrandmaRead more