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Japan in Autumn
  • Souter Sightseeing

Japan in Autumn

A 23-day adventure by Souter Sightseeing Read more
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  • Trip start
    October 29, 2023
    Souter SightseeingJapan in AutumnTraveler
    Ameyoko Shopping DistrictMarishiten Tokudaiji Temple dedicated to the Goddess of LuckMarishiten Tokudaiji Temple dedicated to the Goddess of LuckShinobazunoike Benten-do, Temple in the middle of a Lotus PondKiyomizu Kannon-do Buddhist TempleThe Reflection PoolStatue of Prince Komatsu AkihitoFivefold Pagoda of Kan'ei-ji TemplePrayer plaques called ema. Wishes float to the heavens.Ueno Toshogu Shinto ShrineStone Lanterns at Shinto ShrineFountain in Ueno ParkStatue of Saigo TakamoriView from our room

    First day in Japan

    Oct 30–Nov 1, 2023 in Japan ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C

    We landed at Tokyo's Haneda airport at about 5.30am. We successfully navigated the monorail and trains to our hotel where we left our luggage so that we could start exploring. We had organised a portable wifi router (Foxwifi) which had been delivered to the hotel reception. We had purchased a Welcome Suica card at the airport and later got a 48 hour subway transport card from Ueno-okachimachi station tourist information office. We also located the JR East office to pick up our J Rail pass. Jobs done we spent some time looking at the sights around Ueno area including Ameyoko shopping district, Ueno Park, Shinobazunoike Bento-do, Gojoten Shrine, Ueno Toshogu Shrine, Reflection Pool and enjoyed the lovely park. We returned to the hotel to check in and rest before heading out in the evening. We dined at a restaurant we had seen earlier in the day at Ueno and purchased a correct Japan power point adapter before returning to the hotel to enjoy the magnificent views from our tiny room on the 29th floor of our hotel (APA Ryogoku Eki Tower).
    Weather has been lovely, warm with clear skies, perfect for our first day in Japan.    Read more

  • Souter SightseeingJapan in AutumnTraveler
    View from Metropolitan Government Building TokyoMetropolitan Government Building7/11 booths for eating inShibuya Scramble CrossingTori Gate to Meiji Jingu ShrineSake BarrelsChrysanthemum exhibitionMeiji Jingu ShrineHarajuku girlsNight view from our hotel room

    Another day in Tokyo

    October 31, 2023 in Japan ⋅ ☁️ 21 °C

    We returned to the JR East office to book our tickets for the Shinkansen (bullet train) tomorrow and then caught the subway to the Metropolitan Government Building where there is an free observatory. After a security bag check we were guided to the lift to the observatory which has amazing views of Tokyo. There was also some entertainment and a gift shop. We stopped for lunch at a 7 Eleven, along with many office workers, who sat in little booths, all glued to their mobile phones. Our next stop was to see the Shibuya Scramble, the famous large pedestrian crossing. We returned to the subway for the journey to Meiji Jingu Shrine, an impressive Shrine in a forest. There was also a Chrysanthemum exhibition. Leaving the Shrine we went in search of Harajuku girls who are usually found in this area. Back on the subway we went back to Ameyayokocho in Ueno where after some searching found a nice little restaurant where we sat outside for a very tasty dinner.Read more

  • Souter SightseeingJapan in AutumnTraveler
    Morning rush TokyoWaiting for the ShinkansenToyamaToyamaView from the Hida Express TrainOn the Hida ExpressTakayamaMiyagawa River, TakayamaMiyagawa River, TakayamaChopstick shopNepalese dinner

    Onward to Takayama

    November 1, 2023 in Japan ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C

    We joined the morning rush hour, with our luggage, and squeezed on to the trains from Ryogoku station to Tokyo station to catch the Shinkansen (bullet train) to Toyama. We had reserved seats so we lined up, waited for the cleaning crew to finish and pay their respects to the waiting passengers, and then boarded. The trip took about 2 hours. We had lunch at Toyama but decided not to venture too far from the station so we wouldn't miss the Hida express train to Takayama. With larger windows and a window seat we enjoyed the picturesque journey which followed the river valley and passed some small towns, rice paddies, dams, and orchards. We arrived at about 3pm and walked to our hotel to check in. After making some bus and train reservations we wandered around Takayama which has some lovely old streets, buildings and interesting shops. We had a delicious dinner at a Nepalese restaurant we had discovered earlier.Read more

  • Souter SightseeingJapan in AutumnTraveler
    Statues at Hida Kokubunji Temple
    Hida Kokubunji TempleYew carving on Kajibashi BridgeCute Yew carving near the marketsRokujizou (six statues of Jizo)The pond at Hida Folk VillageTori gate to the Tateho ShrineThrowing a coin into the Pond of PrayersWooden statue at the Takumi ShrinePainted ceiling at the Takumi ShrineTakumi ShrineYoshizane's House at Hida Folk VillageAutumn foliageAutumn at Hida Folk VillagePond scenery at Hida Folk VillageExploring Takayama by bicycleTouring Temple in TakayamaAncient graveTakayama by bikeRiver view in Takayama

    An Autumn Day in Takayama

    November 2, 2023 in Japan ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C

    This morning we walked to the markets which are held along the riverside. Then we returned to the hotel to get the bicycles which we had organised to borrow. (For some reason we were told 'secret' - perhaps not enough bikes for everyone). We rode about 4km to Hida Folk Village which has more than thirty preserved buildings from around the region including thatched and shingled roof houses, a water mill and shrines surrounding a lovely pond. There was plenty of colourful autumn foliage. After a lunch stop at 7/11 we explored more of Takayama by bike stopping at other places of interest including various temples, shrines and ancient grave sites. We returned the bikes and rested for a while before heading out for a walk. We ended up at the same Nepalese restaurant for dinner as last night.Read more

  • Souter SightseeingJapan in AutumnTraveler
    Shirakawa Go traditional house
    Shirakawa Go housesShirakawa Go buildingsHackman ShrineLion at Hachiman ShrineGassho houseRiver view ShirakawaSesame dumpling skewersStyling a tree, Shirakawa.Gassho style house, ShirakawaCoin lockersKanazawaTourists in KanazawaPreservation area, KanazawaRiver view KanazawaOmikuji, fortune telling paper slipsHotel view

    Shirakawa and Kanazawa.

    Nov 3–5, 2023 in Japan ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C

    We set the alarms early to check out then walked, with our luggage, through the cold, foggy morning to catch our 7.20am bus to Shirakawa. We travelled through many tunnels and arrived at the World Heritage Site showcasing a building style known as gasshō-zukuri (traditional thatched houses). We stowed our luggage in a coin locker and then explored the village. The sun was emerging from the fog as we wandered about this lovely village. Later we stopped for an early lunch of skewered sesame dumplings and beef patties before making our way to the bus terminal for our bus to Kanazawa. It was running late due to traffic so we chatted to a couple from Melbourne while we waited. We arrived at Kanazawa at around 2, found our hotel and were able to check in. After we settled in to yet another tiny room we walked to Kanazawa old district near the river (about a 30 minute walk). Here there is a preservation area from the Edo era. In this area tourists often dress as geishas and there are streets of old timber buildings. On the way back we stopped at a convenience store (Lawsons) and picked up dinner which we heated in our room's microwave. We have a nice city view from our hotel.Read more

  • Souter SightseeingJapan in AutumnTraveler
    Kasumigaike Pond at Kenrokuen Garden
    Kasumigaike PondGardeners at Kenrokuen GardenKenrokuen GardenBronze Statue of Prince Yamato Takeru 1880WatchtowerCastle Park Light InstallationGyokusen'inmaru gardenGyokusen'inmaru gardenGyokusen'inmaru gardenCute Japanese kidsOyama Shrine gardenOyama Shrine gardenFrog Lily sculptureFrogs on sculptureOyama Shrine gateKanazawa, Saigawa RiverNinja Temple statuesTea Ceremony roomSamurai armour

    A day in Kanazawa

    November 4, 2023 in Japan ⋅ ☁️ 22 °C

    We walked to Kenrokuen Garden where we strolled around the paths enjoying the ponds, fountains, lanterns and statues. This meticulously kept landscape garden dates back to 1546. Next we went over to Kanazawa Castle Park through the impressive fortified gate and across the moat where we saw the watchtower, park and learned about its history. We exited the park into another beautiful garden, the Gyokusen'inmaru Garden. This garden was built as a privately courtyard in 1634. Next we found Oyama Shrine which is dedicated to Maeda Toshiie, the first lord of the powerful local Maeda Clan It is surrounded by lovely gardens and ponds. It is known for its unusual gate. We stopped for lunch before visiting a couple of museums dedicated to life in Kanazawa and Samurai history. We caught a bus back to the station where we booked some further train journeys then walked back to hotel via 7 Eleven where we bought dinner and tomorrow's breakfast.Read more

  • Souter SightseeingJapan in AutumnTraveler
    Waiting for the Shinkansen at Kanazawa
    View from the ShinkansenStatue of MomotaroFountain at Okayama StationHotel RoomHotel bathroomSome advice in OkayamaOkayama ArcadeNishigawa CanalShinkansen

    Travelling to Okayama

    November 5, 2023 in Japan ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C

    We caught the Shinkansen Thunderbird 18, 1995 model, from Kanazawa to Shin Osaka. We had a quick change to the Shinkansen Hikari 509 Super Express to Okayama. This train reached speeds up to 310 km/hr. We arrived at Okayama at about 3.15 so walked the 1.2 kilometres to the hotel to check in. Then we went for a walk to the Nishigawa Canal where there was some live music and families enjoying the area. On our way back we stopped to pick up dinner and tomorrow's breakfast at a convenience store. Slightly bigger room at this hotel.

    Note: Momotarō is a popular hero of Japanese folklore and his origin is said to be in Okayama. His name is often translated as Peach Boy, but is directly translated as Peach + Tarō, a common Japanese given name.
    Momotaro, the brave samurai born from a peach, journeys to Ogre Island to battle the evil oni. With the help of a giant dog, a clever monkey, and a courageous pheasant, the young warrior fights to rescue his family and village from plunder.    Read more

  • Souter SightseeingJapan in AutumnTraveler
    Korakuen Garden
    Korakuen gardenKorakuen gardensKorakuen gardensKorakuen gardensThe Odateishi StoneRiver view to Okayama CastleOkayama castleOkayama Castle tilesDisplay in Okayama castleOkayama castleCastle MoatKurashikiKurashikiKurashikiKurashikiKurashikiKurashikiStatue in OkayamaStreet car

    Okayama and Kurashiki

    November 6, 2023 in Japan ⋅ ☁️ 25 °C

    Our first stop today was to visit the lovely Korakuen garden which is located close to our hotel. This quintessential Japanese garden was created roughly 300 years ago by the area’s daimyo (domain lord). Centered around Enyo-tei House, which was built as living quarters, the garden covers some 13 ha and includes a Noh Stage as well as ponds, hills, plum groves, and a tea plantation. Next we crossed a bridge over the Asahi River to reach Okayama Castle which features a black exterior and gold leaf tiles. After a brief stop at the hotel we caught a street car to the railway station and caught a train to Kurashiki then walked to the Bikan Historical Area. This townscape, known for the characteristically Japanese white walls of its residences and the willow trees lining the banks of the Kurashiki River, has earned recognition as an Important Preservation District. Afterwards we caught the train back to Okayama, then had another ride on the street car, before returning to the hotel to rest.Read more

  • Souter SightseeingJapan in AutumnTraveler
    Hello Kitty Shinkansen
    Peace Memorial Dome (Genbaku Dome)Children's Peace MonumentStatue of a prayer for peacePeace Park MemorialsPeace Park FountainPeace Park River ViewHiroshima CastleView from Hiroshima CastleHiroshima Castle gateShukkeien GardenShukkeien GardenShukkeien GardenShukkeien GardenShukkeien GardenChrysanthemums at Shukkeien Garden The Memorial Tower to the Mobilized StudentsSunset from our roomChicken and Rice

    Hiroshima Sights

    November 7, 2023 in Japan ⋅ ☀️ 17 °C

    In Okayama we caught the street car to the station where we caught the Shinkansen Hikari to Hiroshima. On the way we spotted the Hello Kitty Shinkansen. We arrived at Hiroshima and caught the street car to our hotel where we dropped our luggage. It is located close to the Hiroshima Peace Park so we set out to explore the memorial park. There are multiple reminders and memorials of the terrible day in 1945 when the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima. There were many school groups visiting the park and we witnessed a moving scene where one group paid respects and sang at The Children's Peace Monument. After the Peace Park we visited the reconstructed Hiroshima Castle which was originally built in the 1590s, but was destroyed by the atomic bombing. It is surrounded by an impressive moat and large grounds and inside there is an interesting museum and great views of the city. We left the castle and walked to Shukkeien Garden. What a beautiful garden...Shukkeien literally means shrink-scenery so it has many miniaturised landscapes. The centre is a pond with inlets surrounded by mountains, valleys, bridges, arbours, bamboo, tea houses all connected by a path. As a senior (65 and over) Malcolm once again was admitted for free! As we weren't sure of the correct street car to take we walked back to the hotel via the Peace Park and checked in. It has an amazing view over the river and once settled we went to a local Japanese fast food restaurant for chicken and rice bowls.Read more

  • Souter SightseeingJapan in AutumnTraveler
    O-torii Gate
    O-torii GateFive Storied PagodaMomiji manju, maple leaf shaped cheesecakeCute BuddhaDaishoin Temple GateFigure at Temple GatePath to Daishoin TempleRed capped StatuesCute statue at Daishoin TempleCute statue at Daishoin TempleDaishoin Temple statue and buildingDaishoin TempleThe Henjo Kutsu cave has a ceiling covered in lanterns and also houses 88 Buddhist statuesDeer at MiyajimaMiyajima weddingLow tide at the O-torii GateMachine Made momiji manju

    Ferry to Miyajima

    November 8, 2023 in Japan ⋅ ☀️ 13 °C

    This morning we walked to the station and caught a train to Hiroden Miyajimaguchi Station where we transferred to the ferry to Miyajima. We walked along the shoreline to the O-torii Gate which is about 16 metres in height and 24 metres wide. The giant, orange, gate is partially submerged at high tide and marks the entrance to the Itsukushima Shrine, which was first built in the 12th century. We wandered about the island enjoying other sights especially the Daishoin Temple Complex which is located on the side of Mt Misen and has many temples, halls and statues. We particularly liked the paths lined with 500 Rakan statues with red knitted hats. Each statue represents a disciple of Shaka (Buddha) and each one is totally unique. While at Miyajima we tried a Momiji manju, the maple leaf shaped cheesecake which is a speciality specialty of the island and we witnessed one of the wild deer steal and eat a tourist's brochure. We returned to the O-torii Gate to see it at low tide before catching the ferry and train back to Hiroshima where the JR rail lady helped us book further train journeys on the ticket machine. We caught the street car back to some shops then walked back to the hotel.Read more

  • Souter SightseeingJapan in AutumnTraveler
    Himeji Castle
    Preschool groupHimeji castleView from Himeji castleView from Himeji CastleHimeji castleSelfie at Himeji castleHimeji castleCute school kidsKoi Carp at Kokoen GardenKokoen GardenKokoen GardensKokoen GardensOsaka CastleSunset over OsakaTamatsukuri Inari ShrineStatue at the ShrineTamatsukuri Inari ShrineOsaka Castle at duskOsaka Castle at dusk1View from the trainKokoen Gardens

    Himeji Castle and Osaka Castle

    November 9, 2023 in Japan ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C

    We rose early to catch the cable car to the station to catch the Shinkansen to Himeji. When we arrived we stowed our luggage in a coin locker and walked to the Castle. Himeji castle is also known as White Heron Castle and is both a Japanese National Treasure as well as a World Heritage Site. We toured the Castle and then walked to the Kokoen Gardens, a lovely Edo period style Japanese garden. We decided to catch an earlier train than originally planned so that we would have some time to see some of Osaka today. We successfully navigated the train system and found our hotel. We checked in and headed to Osaka Castle which was about a 20 minute walk away. We wandered around the castle grounds, saw the sun set over Osaka and looked around the neighbouring Tamatsukuri Inari Shrine at dusk.Read more

  • Souter SightseeingJapan in AutumnTraveler

    A Rainy Day in Osaka

    November 10, 2023 in Japan ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C

    We decided to see Osaka Aquarium so booked online then set out in the rain to the station. The Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan is one of the largest aquariums in the world. It has a huge tank housing an array of sea creatures including two enormous whale sharks, rays, sharks and fish. It also has many other displays of other sea life such as otters, dolphins, seals and penguins. We spent a few hours enjoying the exhibits along with many school children. After the Aquarium we headed to catch a train to Dotonbori shopping area. This is a very busy area near a canal. It has long wide arcades with many restaurants, boutiques, high end stores, cafes etc. We looked around and stopped at a restaurant for lunch. Later we realised we were close enough to our hotel to walk back.Read more

  • Souter SightseeingJapan in AutumnTraveler
    Kinkakuji, the Golden Pavilion
    KinkakujiPond at KinkakujiKinkakujiRikusyunomatsuKinkakuji PavilionThe Golden PavilionMosaic wall KyotoNijo CastleKyotoKyotoShirakawa ShrineShirakumo ShrineImperial Palace GateView of Kyoto from our room

    Arrival in Kyoto

    November 11, 2023 in Japan ⋅ ☁️ 14 °C

    We left Osaka and travelled by train to Kyoto successfully making the required transfers with our luggage. We found our hotel in Kyoto and left our bags. We decided to visit Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion). It is a Zen Temple - the top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf. Formally known as Rokuonji, the temple was the retirement villa of the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu and according to his will it became a Zen temple of the Rinzai sect after his death in 1408. Getting there was by train and crowded bus and it was a very busy destination. It is an impressive structure on a large pond. We left the crowds and walked back to catch a bus back to the station where we found a little Japanese restaurant to have lunch. Next we walked to Nijo Castle but decided against paying to go inside the grounds (we've already seen a few castles!). Then we wandered up to the Imperial Palace grounds. The grounds are extensive with wide gravel paths, lots of different tree varieties, various buildings, a shrine and impressive gates. We caught a couple of trains to get back to our hotel to check in and relax.Read more

  • Souter SightseeingJapan in AutumnTraveler
    Deer at Nara Park
    Inside the Great Buddha HallInside the Great Buddha HallThe Great Buddha HallThe Asoka PillarsDeer at Nara ParkNara ParkNara parkBell Tower Nara ParkNara ParkFushimi Inari ShrineTori gates at Fushimi Inari ShrineTori gates at Fushimi Inari ShrineBamboo forest at Fushimi Inari ShrineTori gates at Fushimi Inari ShrineFushimi Inari ShrineFox statues at Fushimi Inari ShrineFushimi Inari ShrineSmall fox ornaments

    Kyoto sights - Nara Park & Inari

    November 12, 2023 in Japan ⋅ ☁️ 14 °C

    In an attempt to beat the crowds we rose early and caught to train to Nara where we caught a bus to the Park. The journey takes approximately two hours so we arrived at around 9am. Nara Park was already bustling with tourists so we headed straight for Todai-ji Temple to see the Vairocana Buddha. Housed in an impressive structure it is almost 15 metres in height. It is made of cast bronze, plated in gold. The Great Buddha Hall is one of the largest wooden structures in the world. The 660 hectare park contains other interesting buildings, a bell tower and is also home to hundreds of freely roaming deer. Considered the messengers of the gods, Nara's deer have become a symbol of the city and have even been designated as a natural treasure. Deer crackers are for sale around the park, and some deer have learned to bow to visitors to ask to be fed. Next we walked back to the station and caught the train to Inari. Fushimi Inari Shrine is right at the station exit and is an important Shinto shrine in southern Kyoto. It is famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates donated by companies and individuals. Foxes are thought to be Inari's messengers, resulting in many fox statues across the shrine grounds. It was also a very popular tourist destination. This ancient shrine was founded in the year 711 to house the Shinto deity Inari Okami, making it a site of worship for more than thirteen centuries. The name “Inari” comes from Inari being the god of rice. We spent a couple of hours walking the trails and exploring the shrine before heading back to Kyoto.Read more

  • Souter SightseeingJapan in AutumnTraveler
    Geisha statue
    Kamo RiverYasaka ShrineYasaka ShrineCute statue Yasaka ShrineStatue Yasaka ShrineYasaka ShrineYasaka ShrineYasaka ShrineYasaka ShrineGion streetGion buildingGionCute kid in GionNishiki MarketNishiki MarketNishiki MarketSake tastingNishiki Market

    Kyoto - Gion and Nishiki Market

    November 13, 2023 in Japan ⋅ ☀️ 11 °C

    It was a cold, wet morning in Kyoto. Having just finished reading Memoirs of a Geisha I was keen to visit Gion (Kyoto's Geisha District) so we set out to catch the train to the area. First we found Yasaka Shrine (once called Gion Shrine) which has several buildings, including gates, a main hall and a stage. Next we wandered through the Gion streets where some tourists were dressed in traditional kimonos. We crossed the river and found ourselves in a main shopping street and large arcade. We had some lunch and shopped for a while then eventually found Nishiki Market which is a narrow, five block long shopping street. Known as "Kyoto's Kitchen", this lively retail market specializes in all things food related, like fresh seafood, produce, knives and cookware, sake and sushi. The rain had stopped when we made our way back to the station and returned to the hotel.Read more

  • Souter SightseeingJapan in AutumnTraveler
    Mt Fuji
    Sunrise in KyotoPirate ship cruise HakoneView from the cruiseView from the cruiseInterior Pirate ship cruiseInterior Pirate shipPorthole Pirate ShipHakone RopewayHakone sulphur springHakone RopewayMt FujiSulphur Springs and RopewayView from the GondolaAsakusa eveningView from our roomView from our room

    Hakone Highlights

    November 14, 2023 in Japan ⋅ ☀️ 17 °C

    It was a very chilly morning as we left our Kyoto hotel to catch the Shinkansen to Odawara to see the sights of Hakone. We caught our first glimpse of Mt Fuji from the train. It took about 2 hours to reach Odawara station where we stored our luggage in coin lockers then bought a Hakone pass. First we caught a train and then a bus to the port where we boarded the Pirate style ship for a cruise across Lake Ashi. It cruised past a Tori gate to the start of the Hakone Ropeway. The ropeway's gondolas depart every minute and fit around ten people each. Traveling the full length of the ropeway takes around 30 minutes. Along the journey, we had amazing views of Mt Fuji as well as the active, sulfuric hot spring sources. After the ropeway we caught the very slow cable car back to the station. We collected our luggage and were able to catch an earlier Shinkansen to Tokyo where we transferred to a local line to get to our hotel in Asakusa. Our hotel has the usual tiny room but lovely river and skytree views.Read more

  • Souter SightseeingJapan in AutumnTraveler
    Sensoji Temple
    Sensoji TempleBuddha near Sensoji TempleSensoji TempleGetting an OmikujiCleansing areaDove sculptureUryu Iwako, devoted her life to charitable workStatue in AsakusaLunch, ordered via a screenSelfie in AsakusaSumida RiverSkytreeSkytreeSumida River at night

    Asakusa Sights

    November 15, 2023 in Japan ⋅ ☁️ 14 °C

    No trains today! We explored our local Asakusa area starting with Sensoji Temple and the nearby Five Story Pagoda. It was reasonably quiet as the surrounding shops don't open til later. I even tried my luck and spent 100 yen on an Omikuji (fortune). Luckily it was a good one so I didn't need to tie it to to a hanger. We had a look in the well known Don Quijote Shop and nearby arcades and found a nice place for lunch. We ordered via a screen and soon our food arrived at our bench. We had a brief rest at the hotel before continuing to explore the area and some shops on the other side of the river. We walked back to the hotel in the early evening via the Skytree.

    PHOTO COMMENT: Uryū Iwako (February 15, 1829 - April 19, 1897), also known as Uryū Iwa, was a noted Japanese Social Worker during the Meiji period. She established a midwifery research institute and relief facility to care for orphans and the poor, and promoted social work and girls' education. The statue was erected in 1901.    Read more

  • Souter SightseeingJapan in AutumnTraveler
    Dinosaurs at the museum
    Interior MuseumMuseum displayMuseum displayMuseum displayDinosaurs at the museumOutside the museumIce cream packagingMt Fuji in the distanceMetropolitan Government BuildingNiagara Falls FountainTokyo at nightTokyo viewDinnerSensoji TempleSensoji TempleSculpture by Sensoji TempleSkytree

    Tokyo - Museum and more

    November 16, 2023 in Japan ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C

    We started by getting a train to the Tourist information office at Ueno Station to get a 72 hour subway pass. Job done we decided to visit the Museum of Natural History and Science. It was free for Malcolm (over 65) so just paid for one 670 yen. It's a great Museum with a good variety of displays. We spent a few hours there then sat in the park while we had an icecream. (Malcolm was impressed with the packaging!) Then we caught the subway to the Metropolitan Government Building to go to the observatory which is on the 45th floor (202 metres). As it's a clear day we were able to see Mt Fuji in the distance. We went to a nearby park and shops for a while and then returned to the observatory to see the view of the city as it got dark. Afterwards we caught the subway back to Asakusa where we had dinner (Ramen for me and stir fry combo for Malcolm). We had a look around Sensoji Temple at night and then walked back to the hotel.Read more

  • Souter SightseeingJapan in AutumnTraveler

    Sea Life and Night Lights

    November 17, 2023 in Japan ⋅ ☁️ 14 °C

    The day started very rainy so we took the opportunity to rest and start sorting our packing. We had some noodles for lunch then headed out into the rain to catch the train to Tokyo Sea Life Park. The rain had stopped when we reached our destination but had kept the crowds away so we enjoyed the exhibits without the usual hustle and bustle. The Aquarium only cost 840 yen after senior discount and Tokyo guide book discount and had some great displays, especially the penguins. We spent a couple of hours there before catching a train to Rappongi where there were some street sculpture and also Christmas Lights. The lights came on at 5pm and were worth the wait, very pretty. To our amusement they had a road warden at the crossing allowing people to take a photo down the road with the walk signal and then blowing his whistle to get them off again. After wandering about for a while we caught the train back to the station near our hotel.Read more

  • Souter SightseeingJapan in AutumnTraveler
    Ri Ri
    Waiting in the Ueno Zoo queueShin ShinRi RiRi RiFlamingos at Ueno ZooUeno ZooUeno ZooRed Pandas at Ueno ZooPanda exhibit a bit laterUeno ZooUeno ZooPagoda at Ueno ZooKid's Club at the ZooGroup in the parkAmeyoko Shopping street UenoSkytreeCanal near SkytreeChristmas tree AsakusaDinner at Asakusa

    Ueno Zoo and more Tokyo

    November 18, 2023 in Japan ⋅ 🌬 15 °C

    Our last full day in Tokyo we decided to go to Ueno Zoo. It has the distinction of being the oldest zoo in Japan as it first opened in 1882. Having booked online we were able to enter quickly once the gates opened at 9.30. It only cost ¥600 for adults and ¥300 for seniors so it was under A$10 for both of us. We headed straight for the Panda exhibit and weren't disappointed as they were both easy to see. The female is called Shin Shin and the male is called Ri Ri. They have been at the zoo since 2011. We spent the rest of the morning exploring the rest of the zoo. After the zoo we stopped for a while in the park then walked along Ameyoko Shopping Street before catching the subway to Skytree. It's very busy in this area as it's Saturday and many families and groups of friends are out and about. We caught the subway back to Asakusa where we had some dinner and did some shopping before returning to the hotel.Read more

  • Souter SightseeingJapan in AutumnTraveler
    Up at sunrise
    Hachikō - Faithfully waiting for the return of his deceased owner for more than nine yearsSculpture at ShibuyaMt Fuji glimpse from the ObservatoryMt Fuji from the ObservatoryObservatoryObservatoryObservatoryUnusually quiet subwayStreet Performance AsakusaAfternoon at Sumida riverSelfie at Sumida river

    Leaving Japan

    November 19, 2023 in Japan ⋅ ☀️ 18 °C

    We leave Japan late this evening so we spent the day redoing some Tokyo sights, riding the subway, and browsing the shops and arcades. We had stowed our luggage with the hotel so we were unencumbered. Our 72 hr subway pass expired at 2pm so we made the most of it until then travelling to Ueno, Shibuya and back to the observatory before having a late lunch/snack of dumplings and rice at Asakusa. We wandered about the Sensoji Temple area before returning for our luggage. We packed our last minute purchases, put our Fox wifi rental in its package for posting and set out for the subway. We had done a reconnaissance and found the best subway entry with an elevator (some stations have many long stretches of stairs). We boarded a train at Asakusa which took us all the way to Haneda Terminal 3 for our flight home.Read more

  • Souter SightseeingJapan in AutumnTraveler
    JR Passes
    JR Passes and reserved seating ticketsShinkansen reserve seating booking machineTourist Information Centre at Ueno StationTokyo Subway Pass for TouristsSubway Pass for TouristsTokyo Travel GuideInfo re Tourist Subway passesHakone PassPublic toilet (ladies)Locker, coin or Suica paymentCoin lockers at railway stationWiFi router and accessoriesThe subwayTactile guides are everywhere for the visually impairedTiny hotel roomFamily Mart meal and drinksScreen order restaurant in Asakusa

    Some Japan travel tips

    November 20, 2023 in Japan

    Just wanted to share some travel tips.

    Before you leave

    Buy a JRail pass. Our itinerary was planned around a 14 day JRAIL pass which commenced on our 3rd day in Japan. Fortunately we got in before the big price rise. The airport JR office wasn't open for our early arrival but we found a JR office at Ueno to trade our vouchers for passes. Also try to book seats on the Shinkansen as early as possible as the window seats are popular. Bookings can be made at JR Offices or via a machine.

    Organise a WiFi router. This proved invaluable to navigate public transport, walking routes and for Google translate. We just made sure it was charged overnight and then carried it with us for shared hotspot. Then with our usual Messenger and Whatsapp there was no need for a Japanese sim. We used Fox WiFi and had it delivered before arrival at our first hotel. We hired ours for 21 days and it cost ¥10742 which was about $A110 in Oct 2023.

    Accomodation Bookings
    We booked all our hotels before we left for Japan and usually stayed 2 nights or more in one place. This gave us full days at destinations to explore. Check in at hotels isn't until 3pm but all hotels we used were happy to store our luggage if we arrived early.

    Cash
    Get some Japanese Yen before you go. We travelled with about ¥97000 about $A1000 which worked well for us for the 3 weeks along with an HSBC global debit card. Many attractions, shops, restaurants and Suica recharge only accept cash.

    In Japan

    Suica Card
    Suica and Pasmo cards are rechargeable cards which can be used for public transport, convenience stores and vending machines. We got a Welcome Suica card at the airport and charged it with ¥4000. We topped it up a couple of times. We used it for the monorail/train journey from Haneda airport to our first hotel. If you have a balance at the end use it at the airport.

    Coin Lockers
    These are great for stowing luggage while you explore if you haven't reached your hotel. There are banks of them at stations and popular tourist spots. Save your 100yen coins to use for them. Some also take Suica cards.

    Convenience Stores
    There are 3 major brands of convenience stores, 7 Eleven, Lawsons and Family Mart. These are great for purchasing ready made meals (they will heat them for you or your motel may have a microwave to use). Also a great selection of hot food, danishes, noodles, ice creams, alcohol and snacks. Some have an eating area as eating as you walk is considered very poor manners. Bring your own enviro bag.

    Transport
    Utilise Google maps including platform and exit information to navigate subways and public transport. There are different train lines owners so check which line your station is on, especially in Tokyo where there is JR, Toei and Metro. In Tokyo we purchased a 48hr and 72 hr Tourist Subway Pass for the metro and Toei subway from the Tourist Information office at Ueno. We used our Suica card once our JR pass expired and for the lines the Metro pass didn't cover. Try to keep your luggage as small and as light as possible to easily stow in the Shinkansen luggage racks.

    Discounts
    There are often discounts for Seniors (over 65) at tourist attractions. All you need to do is show your passport. There are also some discounts available in the tourist brochures.
    Also look out for passes for the area you are in eg Hakone Free Pass.

    Accomodation
    We mostly stayed in large chain hotels such as APA, Livemax, Wing, The One Five and Mystays. All provided good quality shampoo, conditioner and body wash. Hotel rooms in Japan are small so try to pack as light as possible as there's not a lot of space.

    Toilets
    There are plenty of public toilets at tourist sites, shopping areas and train stations. All had western style, most with the added extras of heated seats, bidet cleaning, auto flush etc. In the ladies toilets they even had little seats for Mothers to put their babies!

    Hope these tips help!    Read more

    Trip end
    November 20, 2023
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