Enoshima is a small island off the coast of Kamakura and an easy day trip South of Tokyo. Enoshima Island is known for its legend of a five headed dragon. It is said that Benzaiten, the goddess of good fortune, arts, music and knowledge, subdued a five headed dragon that was terrorising the area. He…
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Kamakura is an easy day trip South of Tokyo, it boasts shopping, mountain trails and a giant buddha statue. Shopping street From Kamakura station to the Tsurugaoka shrine is Komachi-dori street, excellent spot for shopping! From traditional crafts to dried fruits, chocolates and Japanese anime characters. And of course lots of places to stop and…
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Nari also known as Narai-juku (juku means post town) is a traditional town on the Nakasendo trail, the old trading route between Kyoto to Edo (now Tokyo). Narai was the half way point and the wealthiest of the post towns. It boasts the longest stretch of houses and ryokan along the 1km main street which…
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Kiso-Hirasawa is a traditional lacquerware town in the picturesque Kiso valley. Kiso-Hirasawa grew during the Edo period as a town well known for it’s mastery of lacquerware. It sits just outside the post town of Narai, on the old trading route (Nakasendo trail) between Kyoto and Edo (now Tokyo). Although it is on the Nakasendo…
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Matsumoto is the second largest city in Nagano and is best known for the dramatic black crow castle. It is the gateway to the Japanese Alps and a popular spot to access Nagano, Kamikochi, Kiso Valley and Takayama. What to do in Matsumoto Matsumoto Castle The most famous landmark in Matsumoto is the Crow Castle,…
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If you are looking for somewhere to escape the heat of Japanese summer, explore nature, go for a hike or just a walk, if you are looking for a camping adventure or a stay in luxury then Kamikochi is exactly what you are looking for! We stayed here for two nights (although you can visit…
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Hiking Mount Tateyama is like walking on top of the world with majestic sweeping mountains above a sea of clouds. Walking along this mountain ridge line with the track sloping down on your right and left and views in all directions is something you cannot capture on film and something you will remember for the…
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Food We love the food in Japan and so of course, we want to bring home Japanese food! Fortunately, Japan has so many perfectly packaged food souvenirs. These beautifully presented treats are due to the omiyage culture in Japan. Omiyage is the social obligation of bringing back small gifts from trips for family, friends and…
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The famous tuna auctions of the Inner Tsukiji Fish market have moved to Toyosu, however, the original outer markets and stalls are still on the original site. The outer markets are well worth the visit for fresh sushi and sashimi and more fish products than you can imagine! Some stalls will cut the fresh tuna…
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Some of my dear family, friends and colleagues are planning their trips to Japan and I’ve been asked about what to pack. Besides the obvious, there are some additional things you will need when travelling in Japan. Passports and Visas Passports – make sure they are still valid for 6 months after you plan to…
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