In April we took an absolutely marvelous trip to Japan. We planned a restful holiday, full of peaceful temples, food experiences, and relaxing onsens, which is just what we needed! Sakura!!! I was worried we might miss the famous cherry blossoms of Japan because the bloom was predicted early this year, but Tokyo and the other places we visited did not disappoint! We found Japan to be a stunningly beautiful country and the cherry blossoms in full bloom certainly framed our experience.
Our first night in Tokyo we stayed at a Capsule Hotel and Spa in the lively Shinjuku area. It was truly unique and they provide everything you need. When you arrive you take your shoes off, put them in shoe lockers and slip into sandals provided before you are able to walk into the lobby. Once checked in you then get a larger locker for your street clothes and personal items. You put on spa pajamas and another set of sandals provided to enter the spa area. There was a dining area, game room, TV area, library, and relaxation areas with massage chairs. In the spa the showers are communal and showering is something that you do while seated, which took getting used to. Relaxing in the onsen (spa) was nice. This one had a stream room, sauna, and hot tub pool. Once you have eaten and relaxed, it is bedtime. The capsules are like enclosed bunk beds with just enough room for one person each, very cozy. Certainly OK for a night, but not for an extended stay, but a great experience in Tokyo nonetheless.
We had a wonderful time taking a ride on the Shinkansen “Bullet Train” from Tokyo to Osaka. The views of various towns, Mt. Fuji, tea plantations, and the countryside were delightful. We also enjoyed the best Bento Box meal we’ve ever had! Osaka has a different vibe than Tokyo. A little more relaxed and gritty. We jumped into the excitement of the Dotonbori area with its food scene and nightlife. We went to Osaka’s amazing aquarium complete with whale sharks circling one of the world’s largest fish tanks. In the Osaka Castle/Park Complex we stumbled upon a free live orchestra concert and had a fun time with Chris dancing in unison with the conductor to the beat of the Village People’s YMCA. These wonderfully unexpected experiences are the best part of travel! From Osaka we spent a day in nearby Nara, famous for its Shinto and Buddhist Temple Complexes and their resident Nara Deer. The deer are wild, but have learned the practice of bowing to entice a treat or two from you. They get plenty with vendors selling grain cakes specifically made for the deer. What a great day we had there!
We then spent time in Kyoto. It is such a big city, larger then I imagined, so we focused on just a few areas to see. We explored Arashiyama in the quiet outskirts of town. We went to the Tenryu Ji Temple & Gardens, hiked the Bamboo Forest trail up to the Snow Monkey Park, explored the village, and then took an old rail line up to Kinkaku-ji to see the Golden Pavilion. It was spectacular! Kyoto is the center of Geisha traditions and culture. Chris really wanted to see the elusive Geisha and our trip was complete when we saw not 1 but a least 5 moving quickly between appointments. We even saw one through a 2nd story window entertaining guests with song and dance. Truly a memorable spectacle!
We then headed to Mt.Fuji and Lake Kawaguchiko. We were amazed, it is not every day you stay at a hotel where the experience is better than the brochure. I am fairly frugal, but since we are on vacation so we splurged a little. The accommodations at La Vista; the view, the onsen/spa, and our suite were all fabulous! Our view looked out over a small valley to the shore of the lake and across to the full expanse of Mt Fuji. To top it off like a typical Japanese Ryokan our set meals were included too and the food was absolutely divine. Before we left Lake Kawaguchiko, we got the money shot! Cherry blossoms ablaze at Chureito Pagoda with Mt. Fuji majestically in the distance on another gorgeous day of our trip. We were enamored with the views of Mt. Fuji from Lake Kawaguchi and had been so fortunate with the lovely weather in Japan! We would gladly stay there again!
Back in Tokyo there are buildings a far as you can see, but as we discovered there are also many parks, green spaces and hidden gardens, where you can escape the bustle of the city and connect with nature. On our last night in Tokyo we celebrated our excellent trip with a superb Sukiyaki dinner and Sakura flavored cocktails. So delicious! Tokyo has definitely jumped into the top 3 position of large cities that Chris and I have ever visited! We love it and will surely be back! Particularly, because Tokyo is so large with such an immense population it is super impressive how clean it is, how efficient everything is run, and how easy it is to navigate once you get the basics down. You feel very safe and welcome there. I know we only scratched the surface, but on our 9 day journey we did not see a single homeless person or anything resembling poverty or inequities that we are so familiar with in the United States. Not sure what they are doing, but it seems to be working well. The food is so varied and delicious there! It is beautiful with so much to see and experience. Most of all the people are very friendly, super-respectful, and helpful. They seem to take great pride in their work and customer service is stellar. We have made friends and will be back to see them again! We highly recommend a visit!