The lonely rock forms of Matsushima Bay, bristling with pines and worn with cave-like holes, are the quintessential inspiration for old Japanese art and modern photographers alike. The area boasts the honor of being one of Japan’s iconic “Three Scenic Views.” If you find yourself hugging the coast up north on your trip, it’s easy to spend a day trip here exploring the scenery.

Nearby Sendai was our hub for the trip. You can read about 5 things to do in Sendai here.

Matsushima Bay Boat Cruise

The best way to see the islands is, of course, a boat tour around them. We booked through Marubun Matsushima Kisen Co. for the “Cruise A” loop that departs Matsushima for a 50-minute narrated adventure. An English voiceover gets non-natives up to speed between the pilot’s announcements, so you don’t need to worry about being left out of the cruise highlights. Although based on the passenger laughter, the Japanese version is much more humorous.

The islands are fantastic, and bear some interesting names and lore.

Godaido Temple

This small wooden temple occupies an islet near the pier. It’s worth a quick look if you are killing time before your cruise departs, but if you are prioritizing a visit to any other islands on a time crunch, I would recommend the following….

Fukuurajima Island

A small fee gets you over a 800-ft bridge, and onto a network of trails inside a scenic botanical garden. The views from everywhere are beautiful, the trails well laid out, and the canopy of plants impressed me a tinge of adventure. We found a worn rope to descend to an isolated beach, and another inlet where shells peppered the ground and white herons swooped over the tide.

Oshima Island

We found ourselves the only visitors to this mysterious island just south of the train station. Buddhist priests once carved their own places of meditation into moss-flecked rock, now overgrown with tree roots and occupied with forgotten stone tablets and spiritual effigies. Dappled by the late afternoon sun and touched with a whisper of wind, this place felt especially mystical. We followed a tree-lined path to an overlook of the bay, and left over a series of cherry-red bridges.

Enjoy the scenery, but don’t forget about the seafood options for lunch! I also tried beef tongue, a Sendai delicacy (or tourist trap) – I’ll leave that decision up to your judgement.

MORE JAPAN TRAVEL:
HOW TO SPEND 10 DAYS IN JAPAN | TOKYO | HAKONE | KYOTO | NARA | KOBE | HIMEJI | OSAKA | SENDAI

The post What to See in Matsushima Bay, Japan appeared first on Roaming Hills.

Get ready to hanami.

Miyagi’s capital city of Sendai is a less-traveled tourist spot, and more famous to the casual traveler as the victim of 2011’s destructive tsunami, which wracked the coast. But the resilient Sendai has recovered in stride, and offers travelers to Japan a more laid-back and local experience to the traditional tourist track.

My sister had digs in Sendai’s suburbs for the last year, so we had a bonafide guide to some of the best cultural sights and things to do. In early April, the city’s northern latitude made it one of the last to boast cherry blossom season and the coveted art of hanami: flower viewing in a public park.

1. Hanami

It’s a party in the park, where that park is draped in the white-pink of sakura blossoms, hanging overhead like clouds and scattering silky petals on your picnic blanket. Oh, and you can drink with your friends. BYOB or stock up goodies and booze from the nearby food booths.

Nishi Park was our daytime choice for a stroll, and the place was already filling with happy revelers enjoying the spring sunshine. In April, we’d been pushing the envelope to catch any cherry blossoms at all; Tokyo and Kyoto had long since withered with the rain. But up north, it was still splendid.

At night, we snagged a tarp, some convenience store favorites and a box of cakes and set up shop at the popular Tsutsujigaoka Park. As the lantern lights came on and the sun went down, we had a blast with this local pastime in good company.

If you’re planning a summer trip instead of spring, Sendai’s famous Tanabata Festival takes place every August.

2. Zuihoden

The mausoleum of the Masamune clan is striking for its vivid colors and serene cedar forest. The complex introduces you to the clan’s history and legacy. I’d recommend seeing this first and catching the “Loople” tourist bus up the hillside to the castle next.

3. Sendai Castle

Sendai Castle (also known as Aoba) was the effort of legendary Date Masamune of the 1600s, an iconic city figure nicknamed the “One Eyed Dragon.” While only some foundations of his castle remain, the man is immortalized in a great statue on horseback on the top of the hillside. Head up for views of the city, a peek at a beautiful shrine and a chance to try gift goodies in the city’s famed flavor, zunda (green soy bean).

4. Eat & Shop

If your Japan trip will be packed with temple sightings, shinkansens and landmarks like ours had, it’s important to slow down for a bit to enjoy something the country does best: food and shopping. Sendai was the perfect place for a slice of life. We cavorted through malls and sampled some fun restaurant chain classics like Bikkuri Donkey.

5. Take a Day Trip to Matsushima Bay

One of Japan’s alleged three “best scenic views” is a quick 30-40 minute train from the city center of Sendai. Check out our half-day island experience in my blog here.

MORE JAPAN TRAVEL:
HOW TO SPEND 10 DAYS IN JAPAN | TOKYO | HAKONE | KYOTO | NARA | KOBE | HIMEJI | OSAKA | MATSUSHIMA

The post 5 Things to Do in Sendai, Japan appeared first on Roaming Hills.

Yes, we ate beef!

I’m a planner. Our international trips are lovingly guided by my color-coded timetables and intensive research. But sometimes, you just have to go with the flow. So when I was handed a literal sign when we arrived in Kobe station from an early morning in Himeji, we took off on an adventure I couldn’t have planned better myself.

Our main objective: Get Kobe beef. Other than that, I’d had a loose idea of heading toward the waterfront and Mariken Park. But as I exited the station turnstile, something plastered on the wall caught me eye. A cable car. To say I am a fan of gondalas, ropeways, chair lifts, trams, and buckets on cables of all types is an understatement. Could my husband be convinced to humor me with a second cable car ride in Japan, after Hakone?

My plans went out the window as we perused the wall advertisement. A ropeway to an herb garden? And there’s a waterfall? It sealed our fate, and after some on-the-fly Googling we had a plan set to ride the ropeway to the Nunobiki Herb Gardens and descend via a hiking trail. But first, beef.

Wakkoqu

I’d learned already not to dismiss mall food or station food in Japan. The illustrious Wakkoqu is both, an atmospheric steak restaurant that is both in a mall and attached to Shin-Kobe station. When we arrived and selected a lunch course, we were whisked to a chef-manned flat top grill, and the fun began.

First came soup, and our big bottles of Kirin, followed with a salad and warm rice. Our chef and I spoke in broken Japanese and English as he artfully arranged roasted veggies, spices and other delicacies on our first plate. Then came the Kobe beef and cheek trimmings, sliced up before our eyes and accompanied by a medley of sauces and toppings. There is an order in which to dip, sprinkle and devour that he taught us. You’ll have to go yourself to learn.

Shin-Kobe Ropeway

Even as much as I had been anticipating this cable car ride, I was blown away by the views. The ropeway lifts off into the Rokko mountains, as the city skyline and steely waters of Osaka Bay come into sight over a dense forest.

As we rode, the beautiful patterns of flower gardens and glass greenhouse domes unfolded beneath us, specked with visitors moving through the trails. Oh, and there was a waterfall. I sat back and enjoyed the ride. I’m kidding – I was sitting giddily on the edge of my seat taking a hundred videos and pictures.

Nunobiki Herb Gardens

The charming gardens are much more than a bundle of blooms. A tudor-style village awaited us at the top, and you can bet any building you entered smelled lovely. Twelve outdoor and indoor gardens lined a pathway down the mountainside, including the tropical Glasshouse and a manicured field of seasonal tulips.

As we descended, we had a picture taken near the middle station of the ropeway just as some wind and drops of rain began to pick up. It was time to find out waterfall and catch the evening shinkansen to Sendai.

Nunobiki Falls

I’d tell you how to find the hiking trail down from the middle station, but in truth, we messed up and started heading down a narrow vehicle road for a while before realizing our error. After correcting (read: scrambling down a hill with a mesh retaining wall) we hit our trail and the payoff.

It was a magical moment. A small group left just as we arrived, and we had the scenery to ourselves. Beautiful plumes cascaded into tiers of pooled water. It was a view I’d have hiked miles for at home, but it’s accessible in a quick 10-minute walk from the train station. Don’t miss the second section at the dam.

We made our shinkansen with time to spare (and just before the skies opened up with heavy rain), and fantastic memories of a spur-of-the-moment half-day in Kobe.

MORE JAPAN TRAVEL:
HOW TO SPEND 10 DAYS IN JAPAN | TOKYO | HAKONE | KYOTO | NARA | HIMEJI | OSAKA | SENDAI |MATSUSHIMA

The post Half a Day in Kobe, Japan appeared first on Roaming Hills.

Himeji Castle

Himeji’s “White Heron” Castle is your prototypical architectural beauty, a snowy white-sided fortress with feudal roots and a complex worthy of a half day of exploration.

Himeji’s relative proximity to Kyoto makes this an easy day trip. You’ll arrive into the Himeji station, where you can ditch bags in a locker, and walk the mile over the city’s surface streets to Himeji Park. We arrived before the complex opened at 9am and strolled through the adjacent Peony Garden before purchasing tickets. A combo ticket offered admission to the Koko-en Garden. If you’ve yet to explore a traditional Japanese garden, it’s well worth the time.

As you converge through the exterior gates and wind through baileys, you’ll notice something right away: It’s impossible to take a bad picture of this castle. Photogenic and resplendent in white, the towers of Himeji snatch at the eye from every angle as you walk beneath its shadow.

Inside the complex, you’ll shed your shoes into provided bags and ascend six stories inside the keep. The bare-bones interior ushers you up narrow ladders and past restored defensive features, plus plenty of English signs describing its construction and restoration. At the top, you can peak out the windows onto the roofs at the fish-shaped talismans, believed to protect the structure from fire.

Back outside, you’ll be able to snap some pics from an especially flattering angle in the bailey. On the complex’s flank are additional towers and corridors you can explore, but miss-able if you are pressed for time. We spent two hours to see it all.

Check the official website’s annual congestion forecast for a better idea of crowd size. Even on a spring Saturday, we had no trouble because of our early morning start. Enjoy, and remember: It’s your big chance to use this relevant emoji!

Koko-en Garden

If you have time to extend your stay in Himeji and bought the combo ticket, Koko-en Garden is just around the corner. The themed sections are stunning, and a great way to get acquainted with traditional Japanese garden layouts. Part of the castle complex is visible just over the garden’s main bridge.

What’s next after Himeji Castle? On a previous trip, our next stop was Hiroshima. But this time, we hopped on a quick JR line to Kobe. You can read about the second half of our day here.

MORE JAPAN TRAVEL:
HOW TO SPEND 10 DAYS IN JAPAN | TOKYO | HAKONE | KYOTO | NARA | KOBE | OSAKA | SENDAI | MATSUSHIMA

The post Half-Day Trip to Himeji Castle appeared first on Roaming Hills.

Japan’s former Imperial capital, Kyoto, draws visitors eager to step back into the past: The city’s traditional shrines, temples and scenic outdoors are laden with history and an old-world character.

My own Kyoto experience was a dichotomy of space: Packed into crowds ogling temples, then suddenly completely alone on a mountain trail. It was all worth it, and thanks to an early waking schedule, I was able to experience the highlights without fuss.

Kyoto is a rich and vibrant city quintessential to any trip to Japan. If you are visiting as part of a larger exploration of the country, like I did in 10 days, spending 48 hours in Kyoto will allow you a glimpse of what makes it so lovely.

Getting Around

If you’ve traveled in Tokyo, you’ll remember how easy it is to get anywhere by train. Kyoto has its own established system, but it doesn’t quite cover the same ground. Highlights such as Kinkaku-ji, the famous golden pavilion, require a little extra planning and rides on the bus. Be prepared to walk more.

Templed Out

Have you encountered the phrase “templed out” bandied around in your research yet? It’s a very real phenomenon where sightseers tackle an absurd number of ancient temples, and get weary of them as quick as you can say “But Lonely Planet told me to.”

Don’t overextend yourself to check all of Kyoto’s famous temples off the list, because if you visit without intention, they’ll start to run together. Find two per day that strike your fancy and enjoy them as they are intended: A meditative garden walk, steeped in architecture, history and beauty.

From my two visits to Kyoto, I would recommend prioritizing Tenryuji and Kinkakuji in Arashiyama, and Kiyomizu-dera and Nanzenji in Higashiyama.

Day 1: Arashiyama & Hiking Kibune to Kurama

Arashiyama (West)

This sight-seeing district on the city’s west side is famous for its serene temples and riverside walks in the foothills of the mountains. It’s a fair distance from the city center, and took me almost 40 minutes by train in the morning, but worth the effort.

FIRST MORNING ACTIVITY

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

The region’s most popular site is a lovely walking path flanked with forests of towering bamboo stalks. We started on the eastern end and walked west, passing by the entrance to Tenryu-ji and noting it for later – now was the time to enjoy the grove before the crowds.

At 8 in the morning, the paths were nearly empty and we exchanged expressions of wonderment with another couple who was surprised to find the area was peaceful. Bamboo leaves swirled in the air as they fell from their towers above, and morning light shone through the stalks.

But at 10 am? It’s a different story. We walked the main street behind the grove later in the day, and spotted throngs of crowds pouring in and out of the walkway, packed almost shoulder to shoulder.

EARLY MORNING

Arashiyama Park

Include a walk through this hillside sanctuary after the Bamboo Grove to escape the crowds, or to continue a peaceful morning.

My original choice had been to visit the tea-house, Okochi Sanso, but it was still closed for the morning; we opted to wander around the park instead for a bit.

Alone and enjoying the heavy skies and peaceful sounds around us, we found ourselves at the Arashiyama Park Observation Deck that overlooks the Katsura River. The views here of the river valley were incredible, and we were joined by others watching to see the Sagano Scenic Railway round the bank.

A steep rock path descended the hillside to the waterfront. We took it and strolled along the Katsura all the way to the historic Togetsu-kyo Bridge.

MORNING

Tenryuji Temple

If you are going to do one temple in Arashiyama, this is an excellent choice. One of Zen Buddhism’s five greatest gems, Tenryuji is a shogun-era slice of longstanding beauty, and offers visitors a stroll through a traditional scenic garden with mountain views.

Exploring the interior is a separate ticket, which I would recommend for the experience of soaking in the garden scenery while reposing on tatami mats.  There’s also an up-close view of a large painting of a cloud dragon on sliding screen doors.

LUNCHTIME

Saga-Toriimoto Preserved Street

This Meiji-era styled street is historic for its traditional townhomes, now fashioned into stores and eateries. It might be worth a combined detour to see the Adashino Nenbutsuji Temple, but we went only with the intention of grabbing lunch and discovered we had arrived too early for anything to be open.

We were able to browse a store and picked up a nice pair of chopsticks. The 30-minute walk from the Bamboo Grove area was long but a pleasant introduction to gorgeous, upper-class Kyoto homes, sporting neat moss gardens and two-story traditional wood facades. The neighborhood ramen shop we stumbled into was also a nice touch.

AFTERNOON

Kinkakuji

Standing resplendent in gold over a reflecting pond, the “Golden Pavillion” is a photogenic Zen Buddhist temple that tops most visitor’s lists in Kyoto. The three-story building is best glimpsed from a spot by the entrance, but take the path around the back to get a new perspective and a lovely stroll through a traditional garden.

Getting to Kinkakuji requires some walking and a bus ride, and a chunk of transportation time, but it is worth the effort.

LATE AFTERNOON

Kurama to Kibune Hike

Leave the crowds and streets behind you on this half-day mountain pilgrimage to Kurama-dera temple, easily accessible via a train trip from the city and achievable in a few hours of your afternoon on the first day. When my partner and I look back on our trip, this comes up as one of our favorite adventures in Japan, let alone Kyoto.

We departed Kinkakuji via bus and exited at the Demachiyanagi train stop. To be completely honest, we fell asleep on the bus and missed our stop by a few, but enjoyed the walk back along the sunny Kamo River, where joggers, picnickers and tourists lined the banks. From Demachiyanagi, we took the scenic Eizan line to Kurama.

Some sources will suggest hiking this backward to avoid the uphill climb, starting in Kibune and ending in Kurama. Don’t do it! The hike unfolds beautifully as it is intended: A story through shrines, lanterns and pathways to the temple gracing the mountainside, then a gentle decline through a forest at the end. Plus, it’s a great fitness hike!

Start at the red tengu statue and proceed through the towering temple gate up the steps. The lantern-lined pathways lead you by peals of laughter from a nearby children’s nursery, where carp-shaped koi-no-bori flutter in the breeze above you.

Off to the side are waterfalls and mossy stone tori gates.

A view unfolds of a massive pine tree, framed by the gate of the Yuki-jinja shrine. Throw in a coin, ring the bell, bow twice before clapping twice, then bow again to express your respect.

Climb a winding pathway flanked with red lanterns and wooden gates as you ascend. Appreciate your legs, your lungs, and the quiet beauty of the mountainside as you work your way uphill. You’ll approach a platform trimmed with red overlooking a valley of trees, and a temple structure with a deck you can walk out on.

Delicate white flowers and brilliant red lanterns line one of the last stone staircases before the temple.

You’ve made it! Kurama-dera sits proudly in a field of blossoming trees, decked with white globe lanterns and perched on the edge of a sweeping mountain view. We spent time wandering the courtyard and resting, filled with appreciation and rush of energy from the hike.

And it’s not over yet. The actual “peak” of the hike is after passing the temple, designated by a fenced stone marker. The path has transformed again into a wilderness of tall trees and roots. In April, the path was scattered with velvety camelia blooms.

A small shrine stands sentinel in the forest. As we descended down the stone stairs, completely alone, I felt balanced and reflective. The end of the path in Kibune is a red bridge over the creek.

From here, you can walk through the old town to grab something to eat, or start walking back to the Kibuneguchi train station. There is a bus stop along the way to your left, but we had already committed to the 30-minute stroll as an extension of our hike. There are some lovely falls along the side of the road to enjoy, but this trek is a bit awkward overall, as cars and buses pass you often on the sides of the narrow street.

Day 2: Higashiyama & Fushimi-inari

The historic region of Higashiyama to the east of the city center is nestled in mountain foothills, and claims some of Kyoto’s oldest and best-preserved buildings. Spend a day here exploring temples and historic streets after visiting the iconic Fushimi-inari south of town.

EARLY MORNING

Fushimi-inari Shrine

If the Kurama to Kibune hike was my favorite adventure in Kyoto, then this mountaintop climb through crimson torii gates is a very close second. While the area can be appreciated just from its shrine grounds, the real treat is the two-hour walk to the top of Mount Inari. Start as early as 7 or 8 am to experience it without crowds.

We arrived via the 25-minute JR line train from Kyoto and begin our exploration at 7:30. The main hall, giant red gate and fox statues around the grounds are worth checking out before you start the hike, or you can leave them for after the trail gets busy later on.

Dedicated to the god Inari, a patron of business, the shrine and its mountain pathways honor Shinto traditions with rows of 10,000 red torii gates donated by organizations.

The journey is surreal and beautiful. In the early morning, there are just enough people around to get your photo taken by someone, but at times you will be alone under the rows of gates, dappled with morning light through the forest leaves. Foxes, miniature shrines, stone altars and shopfronts decorate the sides of the path as you ascend.

There is a view overlooking the city about halfway up. From here, you can head back down or continue to the summit. There is an interesting cluster of stone shrines at the top.

EARLY LUNCH

Nishiki Market

For a lunch break, look no farther than the covered rows of Nishiki Market. While technically not in Higashiyama, it’s a quick walk from the train station or across the Kamo River.

Bring plenty of coin change and have fun. A popular choice here is a quail egg-stuffed octopus on a stick, and while I didn’t grab one of these, I did have grilled octopus and green onion, charcoaled dango, a fish cake with pumpkin, hot buttered scallops and much more.

NOON

Nanzenji

Tucked into the mountainside in the northwest corner of Higashiyama, Nanzenji is a beautiful 13th-century temple with some surprising architecture: A massive entrance gate with a balcony you can climb, and a huge brick aqueduct with a pathway on top.

Nanzenji is a stop on the southern end if you are exploring the Philosopher’s Walk, a beautiful pathway that takes you to and from Ginkakuji (the Silver Pavilion). I had visited before during cherry blossom season and enjoyed it, but decided against it this time around.

AFTERNOON

Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka

The famous lanes of Kyoto’s past draw crowds in rented kimonos and souvenir shoppers. Traditional restored rows of wooden buildings invoke a true feeling of Japan’s past, but the sheer amount of humanity funneling through reminds you that it is, indeed, modern day.

Duck into a store or grab a coffee to refuel and relax. We waited a few minutes for a drink and some beans to take home at the beloved Arabica.

AFTERNOON

Kiyomizu-dera

The venerable hillside temple is a majestic sight, integrated into nature with an impressive veranda overlooking Higashiyama below. The complex includes a walk through its dark, wooded interior, heavy with the smell of incense, and outdoor paths by waterfalls, a hand-washing ritual and gorgeous pagodas.

If you are visiting during any of this grand temple’s “Illumination” night-viewing dates, make sure this is an evening destination instead. My first visit during March at night was truly magical.

Currently, Kiyomizu-dera’s hall is covered with restoration scaffolding, but is still accessible and worth a visit.

NIGHT

Gion & Pontocho Alley

Evening is an excellent time to explore two of central Kyoto’s dining and entertainment areas. The Gion District is famous for its geiko sightings, wood merchant structures and high-class eateries, especially around the Shirakawa area, lit strikingly at night. I saw a few geiko taking pictures with their businessman clients.

Across the Kamo River, nearby Pontocho Alley isn’t a district, but a narrow walkway packed with dining, drinks and patrons out for an evening stroll. I had booked reservations in advance for a traditional kaiseki dinner—a pricey but gourmet multi-course meal, prepared and delivered to us at a bar where we took off our shoes and sat on floor cushions.

Our chefs were wonderfully friendly, offering their best English attempts at the descriptions of fish, pickled spring vegetables and savory bites that graced our plates one after the other. Armed with a plastic-wrapped English to Japanese dictionary, we managed to puzzle some things out. It was my most memorable meal and a great end to our Kyoto trip.

MORE JAPAN TRAVEL:
HOW TO SPEND 10 DAYS IN JAPAN | TOKYO | HAKONE | NARA | KOBE | HIMEJI | OSAKA | SENDAI | MATSUSHIMA

The post Kyoto, Japan: A Two-Day Itinerary appeared first on Roaming Hills.

“It’s like if Blade Runner was happy.”

I don’t know if there’s a better description than my husband’s of Dotonbori, a neon-lit, canal-side tourist hotspot in Osaka. Gaudy, glitzy and packed with throngs of foreigners sampling street food, it was a total surprise and a fun way to spend an evening in Osaka.

We had just come from visiting serene temples and forested shrines during a half-day visit to Nara. Popping out of an alleyway after departing the Namba station, we found ourselves dwarfed by neon lights, giant foods that served as restaurant signs and a shimmering canal packed with literal boatloads of tourists.

We’d come hungry. Dotonbori is well-known for its street food scene, so we dug right in.

Osaka-style takoyaki is a twist on the popular fried octopus balls. These came with chopped spring onions, a healthy dose of mayo and ultra-thin bonito flakes, so delicate they warped in the heat from the octopus. This stand, located somewhere along a northbound covered shopping street leading to the canal, got an A+.

We approached the canal and let our eyes wander over the scene. Cheap street food beckoned from every corner, and we loaded up on skewers, crab legs, dango and vegetables fried every which way.

Any and all streets will have good food—just try searching “okonomiyaki” on Google maps in the area, and you’ll see how I despaired just now trying to find the “one” we ate at.

The fact that the “one” evades me is tough, because I would recommend it in a heartbeat. We were whisked up three tiny floors to a table with a hot grill. I ordered a whiskey highball, defined as Dotonbori-style: It came extra-sweet and with a stick of Pocky. Our okonomiyaki appeared before us with a spatula to divvy out slices. Packed with crab and doused with more mayo and bonito flakes, it was the perfect way to end a day of eating around.

Bring your appetite, lots of change and cash, and enjoy.

MORE JAPAN TRAVEL: 
HOW TO SPEND 10 DAYS IN JAPAN | TOKYO | KYOTO | HAKONE | NARA | KOBE | HIMEJI | SENDAI | MATSUSHIMA

The post Eating Around Dotonbori in Osaka appeared first on Roaming Hills.

One of Japan’s ancient capitals, Nara, is now famous for its illustrious temples and friendly deer. If you are already visiting Kyoto or the Kansai region, it’s worth a stop for temple-hopping through the park and meeting the wildlife along the way.

We spent a half day in Nara before hitting up the nightlife and eats in nearby Osaka. If you have a JR pass, the JR Nara Line can whisk you there from Kyoto in just 45 minutes.

Getting to Nara Park

The JR station is about a 30-minute walk from the heart of the park, but you’ll be entertained along the way by shopping, food and some early deer and temple sightings. I couldn’t resist stopping for some chocolate-stuffed taiyaki, which we enjoyed on a seat beside Sarusawa Pond. If you are here and see a stray Olympus lens cap, that’s mine. It popped off somewhere around the area and I became very familiar with the ground around the Kofuku-ji Temple complex.

Feeding the Deer

We walked past the Nara National Museum to enter the park, and excitedly purchased crackers to feed the first roaming band of deer we saw. You’ll find stands along the way with a bundle for a hundred yen and some change. My tip: Don’t feed the first deer you see. Aggressive and pushy, they felt entitled to everything on our bodies: The crackers, my bag, our coats around our waist, the handle of a protruding umbrella. It was fun and lots of deer snot came away with us, but as we delved deeper into the park and saw more polite and reserved deer, I wish I had a few nibbles left for a less hectic interaction.

Many of Nara’s deer, once considered divine and now protected as national treasures, will bow for a cracker reward. Hold the cracker up visibly and you’ll be honored with a head bow (or two, or three, depending on their insistence).

It may seem obvious, but don’t pet them. (Ever heard of hand foot mouth disease?)

Kasuga-taisha

We had set aside time for two temples: Kasuga-taisha to the southeast, and the venerable Todai-ji toward the north side of the park. The walk to Kasuga shrine takes you through a forest of hundreds of stone lanterns, draped with moss and navigated by the occasional deer. I loved the thick tree roots snaking around the grounds, and an old wisteria wound on a trellis, just starting to bloom for the spring.

Todai-ji

The world’s largest wooden building until the late ’90s, Todai-ji, is a sight to behold as you walk through the outer gates. The Buddhist temple complex was rebuilt twice after fires and houses a massive bronze cast of the Great Buddha. The crowds will circumnavigate you through the interior hall, where you can admire other Buddhist statues – still dwarfed by the centerpiece – and watch (or participate) in a strange ritual: wriggling through a small hole in one of the temple’s wooden pillars. The Buddha’s “nostril” is said to grant a bit of enlightenment to those who can fit through. As I watched Japanese school kids squeeze in, I figured my first time through as a skinny teenager on a past trip was enough enlightenment for one life.

A full day in Nara permits time for museums and temples, but even with a half-day, I enjoyed feeding the deer, a snack, a beautiful walk in the park, admiring temples and souvenir shopping (be ready for adorable deer-shaped everything).

MORE JAPAN TRAVEL:
HOW TO SPEND 10 DAYS IN JAPAN | TOKYO | HAKONE | KYOTO | KOBE | HIMEJI | OSAKA | SENDAI | MATSUSHIMA

The post A Half Day Guide to Nara, Japan appeared first on Roaming Hills.

If you’re traveling to Tokyo, it’s common to reserve a day for a getaway and explore regions nearby: Nikko, Kamakura and Hakone are popular picks.

Hakone is the local’s choice for hot spring resorts and, if you’re lucky, a view of Mt. Fuji over stunning Lake Ashi. Go here if you’re interested in experiencing a traditional ryokan (inn), onsen (hot springs) or want to try your luck at Fuji-sightings.

This tiny mountain town is also well known for Owakudani, a volcanic valley spewing sulfurous gasses, accessible at the top of a ropeway. And the whole region, from the town to the lake to the sulfurous cone, is an ancient caldera! Where the western edge collapsed is the access point, including the Hakone-Yumoto station you will arrive in from Tokyo.

This can be done in a day trip with a return to Tokyo, but I would recommend staying the evening to experience a ryokan, if it’s in your budget.

Transportation

There’s no direct train into the towns of Moto-Hakone and Hakone-machi that flank the lake, so your options for arrival are a bus from the station or, the more popular choice for sightseeing, the Hakone Course. Grab a Hakone Freepass that allows for access to the transportation circuit, and drop off your bags with the carry service located in the station so they will be waiting for you at your resort. This was effortless and inexpensive to do. Lugging large bags on the trains and cable cars would have been a nightmare.

1) Hakone-Tozan train from the train station to Gora, an awesome track that switchbacks up the volcano’s incline

2) A short cable car ride from Gora to Sounzan

3) A ropeway from Sounzan to Owakudani, the volcanic center

4) A ropeway from Owakudani to Togendai-ko, a waiting station

5) The Hakone Sightseeing Cruise, a veritable pirate ship that crosses Lake Ashi to stop at Hakone-machi and Moto-Hakone, in that order.

6) From here, you can explore the area before checking into your inn, or grab a bus back to the Hakone-yumoto station.

Owakudani

This active volcanic valley is where you can peer at the yellow plumes of sulfur vents that power the region’s famous hot springs. The best view is from the ropeway on the way in, which dangles you directly above it, but the lookout on top is interesting as well.

If you’re at all interested in what you’re standing on, you should check out the inexpensive GeoMuseum, an informative walkthrough of the region bolstered with English descriptions of the volcano’s formation and how the sulfur activity is harnessed for the hot springs. This is where I learned the word 火山, kazan, for volcano – very literal kanji for “fire mountain.”

The best snack at the top is without a doubt the famous black eggs (kurotamago), boiled in the spring water until the shell turns black. Eating an egg is said to add seven years to your life—but don’t eat many more because, you know, cholesterol. They came in hearty packs of five, so rather than waste food my husband and I sat, salted and stuffed our faces with more boiled eggs than I’ve eaten in the last two years of my life. Hello, longevity?

On a clear day, you’ll see Mt. Fuji in all its glory from the top. While we were exploring, there was a buzz in the crowds and attempts at photos as we saw a part of her snowy caps through the parting clouds. On the way down the ropeway to Togendai-ko, more magic was happening. And by the time we were boarding the ships, I got a real treat.

Lake Ashi

Boom. Fuji! I was so excited we lucked out on the weather for this view.

Moto-Hakone

Our day continued after departing the boat at its second stop. We grabbed lunch at Shinsho Soba to try the area’s traditional noodle dish. They’ll hand you a limited English menu on entering, but if you can, get the regular menu or just order the “Tenseiro:” Delectably-flavored traditional noodles plus fresh-fried tempura.

Nearby Hakone Shrine is well worth a walk up mossy steps under a canopy of cedars. Follow the instructions to cleanse your hands in the purification fountain depicting the shrine’s honored spirit, a nine-headed dragon said to live in the lake. At the bottom of the shrine at the lake’s edge is a beautiful crimson gate. I didn’t feel like waiting in line for the picture, but if the crowds aren’t too busy it’s a beautiful photo opp.

Old Tokkaido Highway

As hikers and history buffs, our next stop had to be walking a preserved section of the Old Tokkaido Highway. This once-important trade route once connected Edo to the Hakone Checkpoint, and was notorious for its difficulty. Our modern section was a breeze, and a scenic escape to decompress from the crowds earlier in the day and the glamour of Tokyo. As we trod on the same stones as visiting dignitaries and tradesmen in 1618, we were completely alone. Educational signs and markers with English led the way.

We stopped in Amazake-chaya tea house about a mile in, a traditional 1600s rest house serving refreshments to refuel. The interior was dark, soothing and warmed with the thick smell of charcoal smoke. We sat at communal tables and I talked in broken Japanese while sipping amazake, a hot, sweet rice drink. If you continue down the road for a few more minutes, you’ll arrive at a bus stop that will take you back to town. We didn’t have time for the full walk into Hatajuku.

Hakone Chekpoint

From Moto-Hakone, we walked alongside the lake and then on the other side of the street through the Ancient Cedar Avenue. After our walk on the section of the cedar-linked Tokkaido Highway, this was beautiful but not as serene. Hakone Checkpoint was a brief but interesting reconstruction of the Edo-era military presence where travelers were scrutinized for arms and women were detained in attempts to flee their captivity in the capital. I enjoyed the view of Lake Ashi from the watchtower.

Ryokan

We stayed at Yuugiriso, a mid-range resort off a convenient street in Hakone. This was my second ryokan stay, and it was just as lovably confusing and awkward as the first. The traditional Japanese inns are typified by some luxuries not common in Western resort life: The requirement to wear provided (and always too-small) slippers; a multi-course in-room meal prepared in rounds for you while you kneel at the table; a man that comes in after dinner to move said table and prepare your bedding on the tatami mats; and gender-separated hot spring baths, where you are required to go completely naked, and emerge wrapped in a yukata—you know how to wrap a yukata, right?

We had fun and I tried my best to converse in Japanese with our doting room maids. The meal was outstanding, but we opted out of trying the separated hot springs, going instead together in the private family bath. I know I made it sound somewhat unapproachable, but it was the most memorable place we stayed and great exposure to different customs. We got breakfast in a common area the next morning, too, and marveled at the picked fish and boiled veggies alongside a yukata-clad German couple.

MORE JAPAN TRAVEL:
HOW TO SPEND 10 DAYS IN JAPAN | TOKYO | KYOTO | NARA | KOBE | HIMEJI | OSAKA | SENDAI | MATSUSHIMA

The post A Getaway in Hakone appeared first on Roaming Hills.

Old temples. Tall skyscrapers. Serene teahouses. Packed sidewalks. It’s all part of the experience in the world’s most populous metro area, where you could live a lifetime and never really see it all.

Building your own Tokyo itinerary based on your interests is important, because the city caters to so many types of people: Culture buffs, art lovers, pop culture geeks, photographers, and foodies, among them. Tokyo is a place where shopping and kicking around at an arcade are just as much options as joining throngs of locals at temple festivals and cultural sites. It’s up to you. Here’s what I did traveling Tokyo in 3 days, on the hunt for cool photos and cultural districts. Oh, and Disney.

This is part of my full 10 days in Japan itinerary.

Day 1: East

1. Tokyo SkyTree

Get there when it opens to beat the lines, ride the elevator to the 350-meter (1,100 ft) Tembo Deck, and enjoy the panorama of the city you’re about to explore. There is an additional cost for the 100 meter higher Galleria level, but I didn’t see the necessity.

2. Ueno Park

In cherry blossom season, this is a hotspot for hanami, the practice of picnicking under the trees. We missed the blooms, but the park was still packed with locals enjoying a sunny day. The street food is fabulous.

3. Tokyo National Museum

We spent three hours in the country’s largest and longest-running art collections, soaking up everything from history to elaborate tapestries to samurai swords. On my first trip, I’d also really enjoyed the Edo-Tokyo Museum for history of the city; it’s about 20 minutes away by train a good addition or alternative if you have time.

4. Asakusa

It’s best to approach this ancient temple in order: Start at the Kaminarimon gate, walk north up the busy Nakamise shopping avenue, take a look at the guardian statues inside the Hozomon Gate, and finally approach the Senso-ji temple itself. Is Asakusa Kagetudo the world’s best melon bread? Wait in a quick line and see for yourself.

5. Kappabashi-dori

Walk west from Asakusa toward Kitchen Town, a district supplying chefs and kitchens with cookery and supplies. There’s also homegoods to take back (I’m the proud owner of beautiful plates) and stores dedicated to plastic display food.

6. Himiko Ferry

James Bond kindly loaned out his personal submersible ferry for public transportation along the Sumida River. Nah, not quite. But get tickets early in advance today so you can ride the veritable spacecraft on a tour beneath bridges to dock at Odaiba for the evening. Beer, wine and more are available on your ride!

7. Odaiba

This man-made island sports shopping malls, entertainment and an awesome view from the beach of decks of Aqua City toward the Rainbow Bridge (go at night). Oh, and there’s a small-scale Statue of Liberty on the skyline.

Day 2: Tokyo DisneySea & West

1. Tokyo DisneySea

While geographically closer to Odaiba, you’ll want to arrange a Tokyo DisneySea for the moment it opens in the morning. If you play your Fast Passes right, you’ll get to see it all without long waits. It’s an awesome Disney park. Keep an eye out for locals in couple’s costumes.

2. Shinjuku

If you’re looking for a free view, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building has a free observation deck (just be prepared to wait in a long line – we skipped this). Shinjuku Gyoen Garden is another popular option for hanami. We used our time in Shinjuku to take in the skyscrapers and find a dinner of curry udon.

3. Harajuku

Takeshita-dori is a popular street for trendy, funky fashions. As a teen, this was one of my trip highlights; I loved eating a crepe on the street, browsing bizarre costumes and goofy food-shaped accessories and just soaking up the atmosphere. On my return trip, I’d missed the party – the storefronts shut down before 8 pm. Go during the day if you want the experience.

4. Yoyogi Park & Meiji Shrine

Tucked into the serene center of a wooded park is a historical Shinto shrine and beautiful garden. Again, I saw this on my first trip and missed it from poor timing on the return. It’s a peaceful moment away from the excitement of the city (but don’t expect to be alone, either).

5. Shibuya

This bustling commercial center draws locals and visitors for shopping and nightclubs. Its famous sights are the lights along Center Gai shopping street, the memorial to devoted dog Hachiko, and the intersection where vehicle traffic halts for a pentagonal pedestrian scramble. I loved watching the flow of people from the street, then getting another look from an elevated corner window in the Hikarie shopping plaza.

Day 3: Central

1. Imperial Palace East Gardens

While you can’t tour the actual Imperial Palace, the lovely East Gardens are a nice way to spend a morning admiring manicured flower beds, wooded paths and the remains of castle foundations, all surrounded by a ring of distant skyscrapers.

2. Tsukiji Fish Market

If you’re reading this after October of 2018, it means this 80-year-old hub of Japan’s seafood industry has moved to its new digs in Toyosu, and I’ve lost all credibility to tell you what’s what. But until then, here’s my hot take: You can go just to say you went. The outer market with food vendors is just OK, but the inner market is more interesting, where vendors sling fish corpses and octopus tentacles dangle out of buckets. Apparently the early morning tuna auction is the real show-stopper. And there is great fish to eat anywhere around. But it’s not really something locals do.

3. Hamarikyu Gardens

Just a quick walk from Tsukiji is Hamarikyu Gardens, a lovely Edo-period park with one of my favorite places inside: The Nakajima No Ochaya teahouse, perched on an island, approachable beneath wysteria-covered walkways. If you haven’t tried traditional Japanese tea before, this is a good place to dip in your toes: Order a tea and a sweet, and read the provided card for instructions on sipping and turning the cup.

4. Ginza

I’m not a shopper, so I just came for the glittering night in lights in Tokyo’s high-end department store district and food by the train tracks in Yurakucho.

MORE JAPAN TRAVEL:
HOW TO SPEND 10 DAYS IN JAPAN | HAKONE | KYOTO | NARA | KOBE | HIMEJI | OSAKA | SENDAI | MATSUSHIMA

The post Traveling Tokyo in 3 Days appeared first on Roaming Hills.

Things to do in Japan are so varied, it seems almost improbable. Over 10 days, I peered out on the world’s most populous metro area from the deck of the world’s second largest tower—and walked humbly under the cypress timbers of one of the world’s largest wooden structures, housing the world’s largest bronze Buddha.

I crossed the country in a 200 mph bullet train for the opportunity to toil up a sacred mountain pathway lined with 10,000 crimson tori gates.

I ate artful dinner delicacies of firefly squid and fern sprouts, but not before a breakfast of matcha-flavored convenience store doughnuts.

My husband and I were packed like sardines in a throng of humanity in rush-hour Tokyo, and were completely alone on a Kyoto mountain trail littered with pink Japanese camellia blooms.

And I’m fully convinced that, if you wanted it to, your trip to Japan could be entirely different. It’s the beauty of a country that’s easily navigated, friendly to English speakers and wide open for your travel plans (and imagination).

We had 10 days: Here’s how we did it.

JAPAN TRAVEL TIPS

• Buy a JR Pass.
  If you plan to take more than a couple high-speed shinkansen trains around the country, a pass more than pays for itself. We took a total of six, almost all with seat reservations that are free with the JR Pass (and somewhat expensive without). We also were also able to utilize our pass on specific JR lines within Kyoto, and up to Matsushima from Sendai. For a 10 day trip, I purchased a 7-day pass and started them after we left Tokyo. Options are for 7, 14 and 21 consecutive days. I purchased from Japan Rail Pass by Japan Experience. You must order this in the mail before you leave for Japan and take the order exchange form with you to redeem.
• Get out a lot of cash at a 7-11 ATM when you arrive.
  In Europe, I took out too much cash; we were able to use our MasterCard for most things. But Japan’s plentiful access to cheap street and station food, small souvenir shops, inexpensive museum tickets and cash-only Suica transportation card refills meant we were using almost only cash, with the exception of more expensive meals. Some places aren’t able to take a card at all. Bring a change purse for all the 500 yen and 100 yen coins you’ll be spending frequently.
• Rent a pocket wi-fi.
  This was a game-changer. I constantly have my nose in Google Maps even in my own city, so being able to carry around my own source of wi-fi for directions, updates on train schedules and on-the-fly restaurant recommendations was critical. For just $80, we rented the Premium level from Global Advanced Communications, and it was waiting for us at the post office in the Narita airport.
• Learn a little Japanese.
  Albeit rusty, I had some high school level Japanese language rattling around in my head still, and some experience from traveling a decade ago. This made it smoother (and very enjoyable to practice) to interact with waiters, cashiers and subway/train attendants. English signs and announcements are everywhere, and it’s a tall order if you haven’t already been studying it, but you’ll feel a lot more at ease with some basic pronunciation of pleasantries and a couple questions. Feeling ambitious? Learn katakana, the writing system used commonly for phonetics of foreign words, to unlock even more as you travel.

HOW TO SPEND 10 DAYS & TOP THINGS TO DO IN JAPAN: AN OVERVIEW

ARRIVE

The bewildering hours after unsealing ourselves from the airplane seat were for running errands (the fun kind): Pick up the wi-fi rental, retrieve cash from a 7-11 branded airport ATM, exchange a JR Pass at the ticket counter (we opted for this later), and load a Suica card with money from machines near the station. While pricey, the Keisei Skyliner is perfect transportation from Narita to the Ueno Station—quiet, spacious and fast—and eliminates at least one instance of navigating luggage on the subway.

3 DAYS IN TOKYO
Read the full blog

EAST

1. Tokyo SkyTree. Beat the crowds with an early arrival and marvel over the city you’ll be exploring from the 350 meter Tembo Deck.
2. Ueno Park and the Tokyo National Museum. Enjoy cherry blossom (sakura) blooms if it’s the season, and explore Japan’s largest art and archaeological museum, the Tokyo National Gallery.
3. Asakusa. Wander up Nakamise shopping street toward Senso-ji, a popular Buddhist temple.
4. Kappabashi-dori. “Kitchen Town” is a short walk away and boasts an eclectic mix of specialized stores hawking restaurant equipment and fun kitchen souvenirs.
5. Himiko Ferry. Depart from the Tokyo Cruise Terminal in Asakusa aboard a veritable spaceship, and get acquainted with Tokyo’s bridges.
6. Odaiba. Catch a stunning sunset over the water from the beach or balcony of Aqua City shopping mall.
7. Tokyo DisneySea. This was a can’t miss as a Disney fan and a fun deviation from sightseeing.

CENTRAL & WEST

1. Shinjuku and Shibuya. If it’s sakura season, try Shinjuku Park or Yoyogi Park and Meijii-Jingu Shrine. Immerse yourself in the famous Shibuya Scramble pedestrian crossing.
2. Ginza. Even if you don’t get out the wallet, take an evening to admire a glamorous shopping district, or find cheap eats along the train tracks in Yurakucho.
3. Imperial Palace East Gardens. Explore castle ruins and a beautiful compound.
4. Tsukiji Fish Market. Swim like schoolfish through crowded alleys of the Outer Market in search of skewered snacks and the perfect sushi.
5. Hamarikyu Gardens. Skyscrapers flank a manicured Japanese garden, the perfect background for traditional tea and a sweet in the serene Nakajima tea house.

1 DAY IN HAKONE
Read the full blog

1. Hakone Ropeway Course. A Hakone FreePass gets you aboard all transit in a loop from the station, from a train that switchbacks uphill, to an incline car, to a series of gondolas.
2. Owakudani. In the middle of the your ropeway journey is a chance to oggle sulfurous steams rising from a volcanic crater and eat black eggs (kurotamago) boiled in the hot water, famed to prolong your life.
3. Lake Ashinoko Cruise. Board a pirate ship from the lake’s northern edge bound for town and cross your fingers for a glimpse of Mt. Fuji.
4. Eat soba. It’s Hakone’s speciality.
5. Hakone Shrine. Pay your respects at a shrine hidden in the forest, and take the steps down to the torii gate at the edge of the lake.
6. Old Tokaido Highway. Hike in the footsteps of Edo-area merchants on original cobbles, and stop at thatched-roof Amazake Chaya for a traditional sweet rice drink.
7. Hakone Checkpoint. Visit a reconstruction of a fuedal traffic control point (don’t miss the view of the lake from the watchtower).
8. Cedar Avenue. Massive trees line this serene walk.
9. Relax at a ryokan. The area is bubbling with hot springs heated from the region’s volcanic steam, making traditional inns (ryokan) a popular pastime.

1 DAY IN NARA AND OSAKA
Read the full Nara and Osaka blogs

1. Nara Park. Befriend herds of local deer with offers of crackers as you explore the area’s shrines.
2. Kasuga-taisha. Mossy stone lanterns lead the way to Kasuga shrine, notable for its bronze lanterns and draping spring-time wysteria.
3. Todai-ji. Once the word’s largest wood structure, this staggering landmark houses the world’s largest bronze Buddha.
4. Osaka’s Dotonbori. Let the sun set and sharpen your appetite before exploring an eclectic riverside district of neon signs, cheap stall eats and entertainment.

2 DAYS IN KYOTO
Read the full Kyoto blog

ARASHIYAMA (WEST) & NORTH

1. Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. Early birds get the peaceful photo opportunities at this beautiful stroll through a bamboo forest.
2. Tenryu-ji Temple. Opt for the inside and outside combo ticket for a chance to observe a gorgeous Zen garden while kneeling on the hall’s tatami mats.
3. Arashiyama Park. The Summit Observation Deck offers a stunning scene over the Katsura River. Find the steps down so you can walk along its banks toward Togetsu-kyo Bridge.
4. Kinkakuji. The iconic Golden Pavilion, embellished with gold leaf, is a striking image from its perch on the edge of a garden pond.
5. Kurama to Kibune. Seeking solitude after Kyoto’s crowds? You’ll be mostly alone on an unforgettable wooded hike to shrines between the towns of Kurama and Kibune, just north of the city.

HIGASHIYAMA (EAST) & SOUTH

1. Fushimi-inari. Resplendent with bright-red torii gates, this hike is best done in the early a.m. and a rewarding journey to the top of Mount Inari.
2. Philosopher’s Path and Ginkakuji. The Silver Pavilion sits at the beginning of the stone Philosopher’s Path that winds under hundreds of sakura trees. (I did this only on my previous trip when the trees were in full bloom).
3. Nanzen-ji. The highlights of this Zen Buddhist temple are the massive entrance gate and a stoic brick aqueduct from the Meiji Period.
4. Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka. Follow the flow of rented kimono-clad visitors past shops and restaurants that demonstrate some of Japan’s most traditional wooden architecture.
5. Kiyomizu-dera. The renowned hillside temple is still worth a visit even under scaffolding (renovations end in 2020).

CENTRAL

1. Nishiki Market. Got change? You’re going to love spending it all on food stalls here.
2. Pontocho Alley. Dinner and drinks await along the edges of a tiny ancient alleyway. Splurge for kaiseki, a traditional multi-course dinner that’s exceptionally good in Kyoto.
3. Gion. Go at night to spot geiko (a term more commonly used than geisha in Kyoto) with clients in an upscale nightlife and dining district. The area around the Shirakawa Canal is especially pretty at night.

1 DAY IN HIMEJI AND KOBE
Read the full Kobe and Himeji blogs

1. Himeji Castle. Explore the grounds beneath the towering gaze of one of Japan’s most beautiful castles, and ascend inside the main keep.
2. Kokoen Garden. A combo ticket with the castle also gets you into a serene garden just down the street.
3. Eat Kobe beef. A shinkansen will whisk you to Kobe in just 15 minutes from Himeji, where you’ll find plentiful options for the city’s famed delicacy.
4. Shin-Kobe Ropeway. Look out over Kobe’s stunning skyline and seaport while you hang over a waterfall and delicate lines of colorful gardens on your way up the mountainside.
5. Nunobiki Herb Garden & Path. At the top of the cable car line is an alpine-styled plaza dedicated to the art and aroma of herbs. Stay a while or start the walk down the path to the Glasshouse, Oriental Garden and Flower Garden.
6. Nunobiki Waterfall. Continue walking down to a spectacular sectional waterfall, practically hidden in the hillside just a short walk from Shin-Kobe station.

2 DAYS IN SENDAI AND MATSUSHIMA
Read the full Sendai at Matsushima blogs

While not the first choice of many first-timers to Japan, I took the opportunity to visit my sister, who lives in works in Sendai. An alternative is to spend one day in Hiroshima and Miyajima (which I experienced on my first trip), then a second day to add to Kyoto or Tokyo. 

1. Sendai Castle. While little of the original structure remains, it offers a spectacular viewpoint over the city and photo opp of the Date Masamune statue.
2. Zuihoden. Date Masamune’s final resting place, and those of his son and grandson, are jewel-colored mausoleums in beautiful woods.
3. Hanami at Nishi Park and Tsutsujigaoka Park. It’s just you and the locals celebrating the art of eating and drinking in the park under fantastic blooming cherry trees.
4. Matsushima Sightseeing Cruise. Up the coast is the seaside town of Matsushima, and one of the “three views of Japan” epitomized by a 1600s scholar: A bay of picturesque pine-clad islands.
5. Fukuura-jima Island. Traverse the long cherry-red pedestrian bridge and explore an island bursting with plant life, hearty trees and sandy beaches.
6. Oshima Island. This mysterious island was once a meditation place for monks, and you can wander past their alcoves carved into the rock.

RETURN

Our last day was actually after returning to Tokyo, so we spent the morning and early afternoon in some of the places I mentioned above (combining Ginza, the Imperial Palace Gardens, Tsukiji, and Hamarikyu) before a 6 p.m. flight. We collected our backpacks from station lockers and got to Ueno to take the Skyliner again back to the airport, a couple hours early to pad any issues with an international flight.

If you want to read more about our travel in each city, with more logistics and thoughts justifying why we enjoyed certain things and hindsight on others, I’d encourage you to check out the full guides for each place, coming soon.

JAPAN TRAVEL ITINERARIES:
TOKYO | HAKONE | KYOTO | NARA | KOBE | HIMEJI | OSAKA | SENDAI | MATSUSHIMA

The post How to Spend 10 Days in Japan: Our Itinerary and Tips appeared first on Roaming Hills.