I have always wanted to go to Japan, and have tried many times but something always prevented it. So when it finally happened, I was very excited. This was a short trip, just a few nights in Tokyo, a short visit to Osaka and then some time down in the Wakayama and the Kii Peninsular.
Tokyo is astonishing. I had dreadful jet lag so I certainly saw the sun rise and set several times in the land of the rising sun. Being wide awake, my hotel room was very modern and had a great city view as well as balcony.
We enjoyed good weather. Japan has a diverse climate, with extremes. Tokyo was lacking greenery as a city and I was underwhelmed by the sky scrapers which surround you however the sights were charming and the shopping was excellent.
The bullet train is a must. I loved it but the railway station is something else. The population of this city is incredible; 37 million people live here. When you are trying to find your platform, it feels like the whole population is in the station. The trains are super sleek and super fast and always on time. The Japan Tourist Board offer a rail pass which is well worth it.
I travelled by air to the south of Japan, where I stayed with the Buddhist Monks , learning their way of life and about this ancient religion.
As I said it was a short trip and I will return to see more. Please contact me for any arrangements you might want. Tokyo is great for a stopover on the way to Australia and is often missed out. It was always such an expensive destination but not anymore, in fact the cost of living is much the same as the UK, if not, slightly cheaper.
