Around the World: Japan
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| Kyoto, Gion Area |
Japan has been at the top of my travel wish list. Learning about the culture and cuisine as I researched for clients, heard about through colleagues and read in publications over the past few years has only sparked a greater interest. Needless to say, I was thrilled to finally be able to experience this fascinating country. As so often happens in travel, the first trip only scratches the surface and reveals even more to discover. I will certainly return one day, God willing, but hopefully without my children as it was not an especially easy destination with an energetic toddler.
Tokyo
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| Shibuya Crossing |
In Tokyo we stayed for the first few nights at the beautiful Shangri-La Hotel. It offers some of the largest rooms in Tokyo and is a wonderful five star option. It is located near the Imperial Palace, Ginza, and directly by the Tokyo train station. Perhaps one of the best perks to staying here is that they offer a complimentary service in which they help you with luggage and walk you to the platform for your train. This was a huge help to us as it is easy to get lost in the maze of the station. It was also extremely nice to have the extra hands to help with luggage.
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| Shangri La's complimentary service to the train |
For the second part of our stay in Tokyo we stayed at the Grand Hyatt in Roppongi. They provided our kids with adorable robes which James proudly wore. We also loved the location next to Roppongi Hills. The shopping and restaurants in the area were great fun to explore and experience.
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| Kids robe at Grand Hyatt |
Kyoto
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| Gion District in Kyoto |
We took the bullet train from Tokyo to Kyoto which is fast and efficient. James loved it and it was impressive to see how fast they travel.
In Kyoto we stayed in a traditional authentic Kyo-Machiya home in Gion. The walls are made of traditional tsuchikabe (mud walls) and Shikkui (white plaster walls). The floors are Tatami which are made from rice straw for the core and Igusa straw (soft rush straw) for the covering. The window covering and sliding patrons are made of Washi Japanese handmade paper. You sleep on the floor on mattresses and sit on the floor on cushions. There is a Tsuboniwa (rock garden) in the back but it is for admiring and not for playing in. It is a fun way to experience Japanese life but would recommend it for families with older children as the home is delicate. I would also recommend only staying a night or two as well as we found the sleeping to be very uncomfortable.
In Kyoto we stayed in a traditional authentic Kyo-Machiya home in Gion. The walls are made of traditional tsuchikabe (mud walls) and Shikkui (white plaster walls). The floors are Tatami which are made from rice straw for the core and Igusa straw (soft rush straw) for the covering. The window covering and sliding patrons are made of Washi Japanese handmade paper. You sleep on the floor on mattresses and sit on the floor on cushions. There is a Tsuboniwa (rock garden) in the back but it is for admiring and not for playing in. It is a fun way to experience Japanese life but would recommend it for families with older children as the home is delicate. I would also recommend only staying a night or two as well as we found the sleeping to be very uncomfortable.
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| Our Machiya Home Rental in Kyoto |
Useful Words and Sayings in Japanese:
1. Hello is Kon-nichiwa
2. Thank you is arigato. Thank you very much is Domo arigato or Arigato Gozaimasu.
3. Excuse me is Sumimasen.
Tips for Travel:
1. The Culture is one that is respectful and somewhat quiet by nature.
2. We experienced restaurants and stores in which English was not spoken easily. We were able to communicate non-verbally but it is helpful to have a Japanese phrase book or app on your phone for assistance.
3. Japan is Expensive! Even buying groceries in the supermarket can make for an expensive meal so it is best to be prepared.
4. Hiring a local guide to help with navigation and getting your bearings in addition to learning about the culture is an advisable investment. As is true of everything in Japan, they are expensive. Expect to pay at least a few hundred dollars for a half day of private touring.
5. Allow extra time at the train stations so you can find the platform in time. The signs or lack of can be confusing.
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| Instructions to Board in Tokyo's Train System |
6. Stay in a Ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) for a night or maybe two. Given the delicate nature of the buildings, it would not be recommended for young children.
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| Kakigori with condensed milk and fresh strawberry puree |
7. Try the food and be brave in doing so! Sushi was invented in Tokyo and so it is an absolute must. It was the best sushi we have ever had! Also be sure to have the shaved ice called Kakigori if you are visiting in the summer.
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| Best sushi we have ever tasted! |
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| Meiji Shrine Ceremony |
1. Tokyo is the largest metropolitan in the world.
2. The cherry blossom is the national symbol of Japan. In April, the trees flower for two weeks, this period is known as Hanami.
3. Tokyo has the most top-rated restaurants in the world. It is home to over 14 three star Michelin restaurants.
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| Iwatayama Monkey Park Kyoto |
Interesting Facts about Kyoto:
1. Kyoto is the former Imperial capital of Japan and a center for culture.
2. Kyoto has several hundred Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines, a castle, three palaces, beautiful parks and gardens, numerous museums, and more than 30 colleges and universities.
3. Nintendo's headquarters are in Kyoto.
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| view from our room at the Shangri La Tokyo |
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