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Japan Honeymoon
  • Kulia's adventures

Japan Honeymoon

A 48-day adventure by Kulia's adventures Read more
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  • Trip start
    September 2, 2017
    Kulia's adventuresJapan HoneymoonTraveler

    Limoges France

    September 2, 2017 in France ⋅ ⛅ 14 °C

    Hello Family & Friends!!

    It is already 3 weeks ago that we shared our beautiful Kulia wedding day with all of you! We can look back to such an incredible weekend with great company, tasty champagne, fine food and wines!! Thanks again for celebrating with us.

    Here you can follow us on our honeymoon. Once in a while we will post something to give you an idea where in Japan we will be, which adventures we are getting ourselves into and how we indulge ourselves into the Japanese foodculture!

    Arigato & Mata aimashou!!    Read more

  • Kulia's adventuresJapan HoneymoonTraveler
    Dinner with Yoshi, Phil & Miwako
    Our big friend DoraemonDinner with Toshi, Corinne, Issey & MariaTokyo by night

    Konichiwa Japan & Tokyo!

    September 25, 2017 in Japan ⋅ ⛅ 22 °C

    A soft landing in Tokyo. Meeting up with Yoshi and Phil. I met them 10 years ago in Cuba during their 2 years of travels!! I was supposed to visit them 6 years ago but the tsunami and Fukushima changed everything. I travelled to China instead where I met Miwako. So why not a get-together in the restaurant of Yoshi and Phil (after travels they decided to change their life completely and opened a restaurant!!).

    Maria (cousin of my brother in law) studies in Japan and loves it here. Together we visited a different kind of museum, Fujiko Fujio. A duo famous for manga and anime. They created the robot cat Doraemon!! We viewed Tokyo by night and ended the evening with a nice dinner with our hosts: Toshi, Corinne & Issey.

    Jaa ne (See you)!!    Read more

  • Kulia's adventuresJapan HoneymoonTraveler
    Yummy Bento box
    Yummy Bento box IISapporo food fest - fat, juicy oystersSapporo food fest - pulpo2First Ryokan

    Sapporo

    September 26, 2017 in Japan ⋅ 🌙 12 °C

    Today we discovered the joys of traveling Japanese style.
    We started with an intense metro ride in full rush hour Tokyo with our big bags: we could grasp we were indeed in the most populated city on earth...
    The most exciting part of our trip was the train ride to the airport at lunch time: we got to eat bento boxes, a dream come true, no less!!
    Arrived in Sapporo, our luck: food festival!! We could taste some local seafood delicacies before enjoying a lekker ramen.
    Tonight is our first night in a true ryokan, so gezellig!    Read more

  • Kulia's adventuresJapan HoneymoonTraveler
    Car rental
    Road tripJapanese whisky!!Nikka distilleryWhisky tasting1Ryokan with onsen bath

    Road trip Yoichi to Sounkyo

    September 27, 2017 in Japan ⋅ ⛅ 10 °C

    Road trip in Japan... Yes we can!!!
    The lady from the travel agency was well prepared with signs in both languages to guide us through the car renting process step by step :-) She is on top of her job, no joke: can’t enter the address in Japanese in the navigation system?... No problem, enter the phone number and the system guides you to the location!!
    Pilot Kunnie drove us all the way to the Nikka whisky distillery: beautiful place, an inspiring love story between a Japanese and a Scottish which started during the first world war... and a tasting session of course!
    We did not taste too many as we had a long way to get to Sounkyo where we enjoyed our first onsen bath!    Read more

  • Kulia's adventuresJapan HoneymoonTraveler
    Biking around
    Wonderful coloursGinga & Ryusei waterfallsEndless colourful treesMikuni pass

    Daisetsuzan National Park

    September 28, 2017 in Japan ⋅ ⛅ 7 °C

    The biggest national park in Japan, nicknamed as the rooftop of Hokkaido. Currently covered in a patchwork of coloured trees, ooo yeah autumn foliage in Japan always begins right here!! We explored the Sounkyo area a bit by bicycle and later by car. Actually no words needed for these breathtaking vistas... just look at the pics!!Read more

  • Kulia's adventuresJapan HoneymoonTraveler
    Hiking on Asahidake
    Views on AsahidakeAoiike - Blue pond in Biei-choFlower fieldsSnowstorm preventing us from reaching the top

    Daisetsuzan National Park: part II

    September 29, 2017 in Japan ⋅ ⛅ 4 °C

    We started the day early, decided to climb Asahi-dake, Hokkaido’s tallest peak! Well, that was before we were surprised by a snow storm on our way to the top. We do not know how far we were from the top when I decided to return and keep my 2 hands attached to my arms...
    After a much needed dip in the onsen, we went by car to discover the area of Biei with its ever changing landscapes and amazing perspectives, just enjoy the pics!    Read more

  • Kulia's adventuresJapan HoneymoonTraveler
    Little temple
    1Lavender soft ice creamFirst railway bridge in Hokkaido1Don't throw garbage out of your car, you could hit a bear ;-)Stunning view on Yotei-zan

    Road trip continues

    September 30, 2017 in Japan ⋅ 🌬 8 °C

    Sad to leave the beautiful Daisetsuzan area but we will exchange it for Shikotsu-Toya National Park. Passing by Furano, the centre of Hokkaido, and making a stop at Farm Tomita. In the summer all the lavender fields are blooming and it is all about lavender: pot-pourri, cheesecake, handicrafts and even soft ice cream. We are heading to 2 caldera lakes, Shikotsu-ko and Toya-ko, with stunning views on a few volcanos, e.g. Yotei-zan (aka Ezo-Fuji because of its resemblance to Mt Fuji), Usu-zan and Showa Shin-zan.Read more

  • Kulia's adventuresJapan HoneymoonTraveler
    Breakfast view on Lake Toya and Yotei-zan
    On the crater of Usu-zan with view on the Yotei-zanQuite steep....First view after the cable car rideHakodate by night

    Last day in Hokkaido

    October 1, 2017 in Japan ⋅ ⛅ 20 °C

    We started our Sunday with breakfast in the sun over looking beautiful Lake Toya.
    As hyper active people, we needed a new challenge for the day, so we took the ropeway that led us to volcano Usuzan. We could walk around the crater with on one side view of the lake and on the other side view of the sea. It was sunny and warm, it felt good!
    After a quick lunch in the same spot as breakfast, we headed to Hakodate. Speedy Gonzales was getting so comfy that we got pulled over by the police!! The fact that we could only speak English saved us from any trouble hihi!! Once in harbor town Hakodate (one of the 1st cities that opened up for international trade after the period of islolation), the hostel we stayed in Motomachi District was perfect. We could discover the area made of small paved streets with warehouses all along. In the end it was better to discover it by night so not too many shops were open :-)    Read more

  • Kulia's adventuresJapan HoneymoonTraveler
    Shinkansen aka bullet train
    No selfie stick allowed....Holy cra(p)b!Train activity - colouring1Train activity - eating matcha cake

    Shinkansen - Hokkaido to Toyama

    October 2, 2017 in Japan ⋅ ☁️ 20 °C

    We leave Hokkaido with the super fast bullet train. But not before we pay a visit to the huge fish market (with crabs as big as your head) in Hakodate and taste some of the super fresh fish for breakfast. Sea urchin (orange, slimy, brainy type of substance.... hmm I mean delicacy), coquille, salmon roe (eggs) and squid... strong tastes on our empty stomach, ai carambaaa, but what a seafood feast!! Finally we could take it ‘easy’ in the shinkansen and before we knew it we arrived at our destination more than 800 km away: Toyama, gateway to the Japanese Alps!Read more

  • Kulia's adventuresJapan HoneymoonTraveler
    First cable car ride!
    Murodo's Mikurigaike pondMurodo's mountain scenery1Delicious dinnerTraditional Matsumoto houseMatsumoto castle by night

    The Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route

    October 3, 2017 in Japan ⋅ ⛅ 10 °C

    We did it!! We traveled 90km via a sacred mountain, a deep gorge, a boiling-hot spring and unfortunately invisible mountain scenery due to the heavy fog... But the bad weather did not get rid of our enthusiasm jumping from a train to a cable car then to a bus, all the way to Murodo (see pictures enclosed!!) A trolley bus then took us through tunnels before getting on a ropeway that connected us with an underground cable car from which we emerged on the impressive Kurobe Dam. A last bus ride followed by a short train trip got us to Matsumoto! You might be wondering how we managed all of this with our luggage... we did not! There is an almost magical service by which you can ship your luggage from your hotel before you depart, you’ll find it at your arrival city’s station, the Japanese sense of practicalities and detail is just mind blowing!!
    We discovered enchanting Matsumoto by night, walking through the Nakamachi area with its shops and restaurants hosted in beautiful houses and discovering the Castle, the oldest wooden castle in Japan! We treated ourselves to a delicious dinner in a traditional restaurant and a glass of whisky and a cocktail in a gentlemen bar.    Read more

  • Kulia's adventuresJapan HoneymoonTraveler
    Taisho-ike with Yake dake in the background
    Tashiro-ikeLunch view... Ooo yeah!Myojin-ike: Japanese garden by natureTemariya cake - winner of the Baumkuchen award. Lekker!!Temari balls - Castle town symbol

    Kamikochi

    October 4, 2017 in Japan ⋅ ⛅ 9 °C

    Today it was all about hiking in the Kamikochi river valley. The day started grey but luckily we soon got treated with sun and clear blue skies. Little colourful ponds, forest, Japanese hikers with an average age of over 60 suited up like a pro, the curved and clear river, chubby monkeys... Wowie we got spoiled with this amazing offer!! Then it was time to ease up and walk around in Matsumoto town.Read more

  • Kulia's adventuresJapan HoneymoonTraveler
    Post town Magome - start of the hike
    Bamboo treesForestWaterfallPost town Tsumago - end of our hike1Local snack - rice on a stick

    Nakasendo route

    October 5, 2017 in Japan ⋅ ☀️ 16 °C

    Also called the Central Mountain route, between Kyoto and Tokyo during the Edo period (1603-1868). This route of 530 km passed by 69 post towns, for travellers to chill out. Today we start at post town Magome and hike part of the historic route up to Tsumago in the Kiso valley. Time seemed to have stopped in these beautiful towns and the route led us through a thickly forested path passing by rivers, small waterfalls, bamboo trees and old watermills. After a refreshing chestnut soft ice cream (they loooove soft ice cream) and a rice lolly pop, we are saying goodbye to the Japanese Alps en route to Nara.Read more

  • Kulia's adventuresJapan HoneymoonTraveler
    Big Buddha welcomes us
    Bambi greets usKasuganochoTakabakechoTakabakechoZoshicho

    Nara

    October 6, 2017 in Japan ⋅ 🌧 17 °C

    Here we are... in Nara! A dream come true for me!... except, it is not as I had expected. We have to survive constant rain, wind, crowds of tourists and school kids day trips, biting deers and their poo all day!! But strong as ever the Tikus team made it trough the paths of the Nara park, discovering temple after shrine, after pond, until impressive Todai-ji which hosts the Big Buddhaaa!!!Read more

  • Kulia's adventuresJapan HoneymoonTraveler
    Dai Garan complex
    TempleDai Garan complexStart of the 2km long cobblestoned path through cemeteryTombstoneKonpon Daito - pagoda

    Koya-san: Part I

    October 7, 2017 in Japan ⋅ ⛅ 17 °C

    Located in a 800 meter high valley and surrounded by 8 mountain peaks, Mount Koya is the center of Shingon Buddhism. Kobo Daishi introduced this religion in 805 and started constructing the Dai Garan, a temple complex with shrines and pagodas. His mausoleum including a Buddhist cemetery with more than 200.000 tombstones surrounded by hundreds of years old tall cedar trees attracts tourists and pilrgrims. There is also Kongobu-ji, the headquarters for Shingon Buddhism for more than 4000 temples in Japan and overseas. All very impressive!! Almost half of the 120 temples provide lodgings, Shukubo....Read more

  • Kulia's adventuresJapan HoneymoonTraveler
    Mascot of Koya-san: Koya Kun hahahaha
    Yummy Sesame tofuSpongy veggie balls1Feast mealHikingAnother feast meal

    Koya-san: Part II

    October 8, 2017 in Japan ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C

    Shubuko... We are staying in temple Daien-in that also provides accommodation. According to Buddhism no killing is allowed, so the menu is vegetarian, Shojin-ryori. But holy moly... this is veggie taken to a new level... Goma-dofu, tofu made out of sesame, and Koya-dofu, freeze-dried tofu back from the old days (I like to call it Spongebob-tofu ;-) a tray with so many different dishes, tastes and experiences, a true veggie feast!! Early bedtime because at 5.50 am sharp, the ceremony will start and is led by the MM, Managing Monk of the temple. Interesting to witness but unfortunately only in Japanese. After breakfast, it is time to hike in this beautiful mountain area and we were treated with sunny weather!! As we knew we would like it so much, we booked 2 nights and the second dinner surprised us another time, also in a fantastic way!Read more

  • Kulia's adventuresJapan HoneymoonTraveler
    Nishiki market
    Fushimi Inari-TaishaKiyomezu-DeraRyoan-ji rock gardenKinkaku-jiThe Philosopher's path

    Kyoto

    October 9, 2017 in Japan ⋅ ⛅ 27 °C

    We are in Kyoto for 3 days and we already know we won’t be able to see a tenth of what there is to see. So we made a plan to get to discover what will enchant us the most. First stop: Nishiki market! We had a feast tasting different seafood delicacies.
    What we did not plan on is that the first day is like a summer day (close to 30 degrees, full sun) and is a public holiday, i.e. the national celebration of health and sports which translates into the national sport of visiting Kyoto’s must see dressed as a geisha. We think strategically and head to Fushimi Inari-Taisha because it’s less central. Yes that is the site with the vermillon temples and alleys of toris. Except today it is packed with waves of fake geisha’s and (inter)national tourists. We find some peacefulness at Tofuku-ji before meeting again all the fellow tourists at Kiyomezu-Dera, the iconic site, under renovation for some part. That’s not exactly what we had foreseen... but the Tiki team is in for a blast and notices that cycling around Kyoto seems easy.

    So, here we are on our second day, on our bikes heading West to visit Arashiyama bamboo grove and Tenryu-ji. The sites are still quite busy but the road is all ours youpiii! We smoothly make our way to the zen garden of Ryoan-ji and end the visit program of the day at Kinkaku-ji, the famous golden temple, a real beauty!!

    We start our last day early in the Eastern part of town, first at quiet Nanzen-ji, then cycling along the canal of the Philosopher’s path that leads us to Ginkaku-ji and its beautiful garden. We take it easy in the afternoon, cycling around Ponto Cho and getting ready for THE dinner of the trip!!... To be continued...    Read more

  • Kulia's adventuresJapan HoneymoonTraveler
    Setting - open kitchen no secrets...
    Chefs at work - no stress, very zen..The infamous tofu ball ;-)Yellowtale nigiri with flowersCloudy sparkling sake - honeymoon gift hihi

    Kyoto - Kaiseki

    October 11, 2017 in Japan ⋅ ⛅ 27 °C

    Haute cuisine in Kyoto is named Kaiseki. Of course the Tiki team wants to experience Kaiseki but we did not plan this ahead. So we gave Ito, our hotel manager, 3 options for one of the 2 days that we still had in Kyoto, lunch or dinner whatever.... Around lunch time we made sure we were in the 7eleven to check our email and ooo yeah, Kaiseki dinner the next day at our preferred option!!

    A small place managed by 2 chefs, 1 waitress and 1 assistant with 1 private room for 4 persons, taken by 2 old businessmen with 2 young beautiful Japanese ladies and 10 bar seats right in front of all the action. The 8 courses, including sake, were all so tasty and different and that in combination with seeing the chefs extremely smoothly (without any stress) in action... Fantastic experience!! Even when one of us dropped the tofu ball (that was as hot as a bitterball) and splashed the bar (and not to mention clothing parts) with some sauce....    Read more

  • Kulia's adventuresJapan HoneymoonTraveler
    Traffic above us and the sea below...
    Hotel CycleBridge nr 2...Stone catOther catsDon't mess with us...

    Onomichi

    October 12, 2017 in Japan ⋅ ⛅ 21 °C

    We slowly make our way to Onomichi, one of the Japanese biking paradise that Kun wanted to discover. So, as chief hotel booker, I have made a reservation in the Cycle Hotel, a former warehouse transformed in a beautiful modern place that is all about bikes, and will be one of the treats of that trip.
    We rent bikes and off we go, direction Ikuchi-jima, one of the islands part of the archipelago linked by impressive suspension bridges. 35km and a couple of hours later, we jump on a ferry back to Onomichi where we get to enjoy some fresh seafood.

    We also passed by the Cat’s Alley. Oo yeah, Japan loves cats, especially kawaii cats. The most famous is the Beckoning Cat that everybody knows from Chinese/Japanese restaurants. Painter Shunji painted 108 round stones as cats and placed them everywhere in this alley and now the shops here are all about cats.    Read more

  • Kulia's adventuresJapan HoneymoonTraveler
    The route from right to left - 6 islands connected by bridges
    Bikes on the ferry1MascotteChilling sunset beach in the rain ;-(1Neverending bridge - 4 km longView at the end of the bridge

    Ikuchi-jima

    October 13, 2017 in Japan ⋅ ⛅ 17 °C

    The Shimanami Kaido cycling route. A 76 km long route that connects Onomichi with Imabari (on Shikoku island) via 6 smaller islands and bridges located in the Seto Inland Sea. Yesterday we already biked a part of the route as rain was predicted for today. But as we had to return because of our booking in the amazing Hotel Cycle, we took the early morning ferry to pick up where we left on. And oooo yeah 90% of the day was rain, rain, rain.... but luckily not hard, it was not windy, the temperature was pleasant, we had some nice views.... in the end really happy we did it and made it although our bums got really sore....Read more

  • Kulia's adventuresJapan HoneymoonTraveler
    Atomic bomb Dome - the starkest reminder of the destruction by the A Bomb
    Cenotaph - holds the names of all the known victims of the A bombChildren's peace monument - google Sadako Saski's story!Itsukushima-jinja or the floating torii by nightThe same one in the early rainy morning. Copyright Kun, Julia was still sleeping hihi1THE biggest rice spoon in the world!!! A shakushi in Japanese

    Hiroshima

    October 14, 2017 in Japan ⋅ ⛅ 20 °C

    Our choice to go to Hiroshima was more out of convenience: on our way South, a big city so opportunity for some shopping maybe... We discovered a pleasant modern city with at its heart the peace memorial park, very sober yet so telling.

    The chief hotel booker realized though that there had been a mistake: the guesthouse booked is not in Hiroshima city itself but on Miyajima island... A blessing in disguise! We took the ferry in the evening and were blessed to discover the island at night, almost to ourselves with a magnificent view on Itsukushima-jinja, most commonly known as the floating torii. When you think that the construction dates back to the late 6th century and that for centuries commoners were not allowed to set foot on the island but had to approach by boat through the torii, I feel even more grateful for having seen it in these circumstances.
    We stayed in a fantastic guesthouse, with a tatami style room overlooking the Japanese style garden and the bay further away. As I said, a blessing in disguise!    Read more

  • Kulia's adventuresJapan HoneymoonTraveler
    Honeymoon time!
    First view on Yaeyama islandsBreakfast in our B&BImpressive views from up the skyKabira BayShima-uta: Traditional Okinawa folk music

    Ishigaki - Yaeyama islands in Okinawa

    October 16, 2017 in Japan ⋅ ☀️ 30 °C

    From the most northern island of Japan (Hokkaido), we are ending our trip 3000 km further south in the most southern island group of Japan, the Yaeyama Islands. Part of Okinawa prefecture with a subtropical climate and a different atmosphere: we noticed that during our first night’s dinner where traditional live folk music was played (Shima-uta) and the waitresses started to dance and sing along.

    For the next few days, we are being hosted by Tokiko in Ishigaki (main island) and in her apartment we noticed an interesting diploma... an Italian sommelier in olive oil. She travels often to Italy to learn about the Italian cuisine and back in Japan she gives workshops... Breakfast with an Italian twist is included!

    A true honeymoon is not complete without white-sandy beaches, sun and clear blue/turquoise waters. This is exactly the scenery in which we find ourselves. First stop is Kabira Bay: not allowed to swim here because of strong currents but holy moly what a nice vistas!! A bit further up north we stop at Yonehara beach for a fresh dive and some snorkeling.    Read more

  • Kulia's adventuresJapan HoneymoonTraveler
    If you have not understood, this is our honeymoon hihi
    Snorkeling Japanese styleWe found Nemo!!!Jun and his coffee boatDori's - from finding Nemo2Picked up by the Coffee Boat

    Iriomote jima

    October 18, 2017 in Japan ⋅ ⛅ 27 °C

    We booked a tour to discover Iriomote island and its beautiful beaches and coral reef. On time to pick up our tickets early in the morning, we are informed that the tour is cancelled due to the stormy weather (a typhoon now in the Philippines should arrive here later in the week...) By the time we have gone through all the options we have, the tour is actually confirmed and we get on the ferry for Iriomote! When we arrive after a long bus ride, it is simply tropical showers welcoming us...

    Luckily, we are also welcomed on the Coffee Boat by our skipper Jun (yay unlimited coffee!!! instant though ... 🤔). As we make our way to Funauki and Ida no hama beach, acknowledged as one of the most beautiful beaches in Japan, the rain stops. We are on for 4 hours of snorkelling in different places. We were extremely lucky despite the constantly changing weather, it is not cold, the water is actually warm and we are spoiled with the under water scenery. So many colourful fish, Jun shows us where to look and how to explore the water to find treasures such as Nemo and Dori and even a big turtle!!! It was simply one of those very special days...    Read more

  • Kulia's adventuresJapan HoneymoonTraveler
    Main road in the center - lost in time
    Red tiled rooftopsStar sand - look closely ;-)Kondoi Beach1How sushi should be...Made some new friends on the ferry

    Taketomi jima

    October 19, 2017 in Japan ⋅ ⛅ 27 °C

    After the stormy weather from yesterday, given the similar weather forecasted, we take it easy and decide to go discover the small island of Taketomi. We are blessed with bright and warm sunshine on our bikes to discover this beautiful island, where time seems to stand still. Lush vegetation with beautiful trees and colorfoul flowers like bougainvilleas and nice red riled rooftopped houses. White sand beaches, with quite amazing sand stars and water colors in all shades of green and blue. We prepare for an unexpected beach day, get in the beautiful water... until the sky gets darker and darker and in less than 10 minutes we are under new tropical rains!!!

    Recommended and booked by our host, we ate at a popular seafood restaurant. What you see back home with all these all you can eat sushi places where a small piece of fish is on top of a huge block of rice is here reversed: a huge piece of fish on top of a small block of rice 😋😋 that is the way we like it!!!    Read more

  • Kulia's adventuresJapan HoneymoonTraveler
    Tokiko: our lovely host
    Bye bye Okinawa1Brown: popular bearTeppanyaki chef preparing a nice lunchWagyu beef: soft, tender, juicy YUMMY!!The last lunch ;-)

    Bye bye Okinawa & again Konichiwa Tokyo

    October 19, 2017 in Japan ⋅ ⛅ 11 °C

    It is raining again and a typhoon from the Philippines is heading to Okinawa, poor people here... Woken up early by the sound of strong winds, thoughts of the typhoon already here, planes not flying etc crossed our minds. No cancellation messages luckily so it is time for us to pack and leave for Tokyo. Sad to leave Tokiko: her warm presence and her way of hosting us made our stay here very special!!!

    What we did not understand is that the typhoon is also heading to Tokyo. So the weather is similar, grey and rainy, all weekend long (the calm before the storm)... It does not stop us from exploring Tokyo a bit more, unfortunately also the rest of Tokyo seems out in the streets despite the weather. Meeting up with Maria again in a rock/metal bar, apero with Toshi and his family and why not trying wagyu beef in a small family run teppanyaki restaurant, OMG holy cow.

    Well, our adventures in Japan have come to an end. Within Japan we almost travelled 8000 km by planes, car, trains, cable cars, bikes, boats and foot!! Sometimes it felt like we were going like a shinkansen, therefore good that the last week was all about relaxing on paradise beaches. What a country: kind people, delicious food, magnificent landscapes and amazing temples! Japan, you treated us well and we definitely come back!

    Thank you for following us and see you soon!!!
    Arigato & Sayonara!
    Kulia    Read more

    Trip end
    October 19, 2017
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