TOKYO to TAKAYAMA
After a long delay at immigration and a further delay due to slow moving traffic, we arrived at our hotel in Tokyo well after sunset and could only see the myriad of bright lights and tightly bunched buildings.
Our first day dawned with overcast skies as we toured Meiji Jingu Shinto Shrine, the largest in Tokyo and as well as the Asakusa Kannon (whose name later morphed into Canon cameras.) Buddhist temple. As well as viewing these amazing complexes, it provided a chance to mingle with Kimono clad women and taste sweet pastries from food vendors.
After a long delay at immigration and a further delay due to slow moving traffic, we arrived at our hotel in Tokyo well after sunset and could only see the myriad of bright lights and tightly bunched buildings.
Our first day dawned with overcast skies as we toured Meiji Jingu Shinto Shrine, the largest in Tokyo and as well as the Asakusa Kannon (whose name later morphed into Canon cameras.) Buddhist temple. As well as viewing these amazing complexes, it provided a chance to mingle with Kimono clad women and taste sweet pastries from food vendors.
Our second day in Tokyo, we toured the Imperial Palace Eastern Gardens, it’s history explained by our guide. Clear skies and pleasant temperatures made this truly a “ walk in the park”. Our next stop was to a studio of a famous calligrapher to watch her create the many letters and symbols representing Japan. Although archaic in this time of computers, her demonstration of her art was very interesting. We then walked the streets of the famous Ginza district enjoying a lunch and looking forward tomorrow to our visit to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park.
Leaving Tokyo , we drove inland to visit Mt. Fuji, stopping at the 5th Station, approximately 7500 feet above sea level, we were assaulted by roadside snow, cold wind and zero visibility. This is not what a photographer wishes for. We did visit a Shinto Shrine which did nothing to perk up our spirits. From there we proceeded to Lake Ashi for a short boat cruise, again, not enjoyable for comfort or picture taking.
The evening is spent at a Ryokan, a traditional Japanese guest house. Tonight we sleep on tatami mats, and dress in traditional clothing - Yukata.
Today is a travel day, leaving Hokone to the station at Odawara - riding the Bullet Train to Nagoya and then transferring to the Hida express train (North America, why can’t this mode of travel be mimicked) to our next stop - Takayama. Before proceeding to our hotel we are treated to a Japanese Tea Ceremony, instructed in how to ceremonially make, present and drink this most Asian of beverages.
A full day in Takayama, first walking to the Morning market to purchase ingredients to be used later in a hands-on cooking class at a local Temple. This open air market beside a river provided us with the sights, sounds and smells of this important Japanese city, Following our cooking class, where we ate our culinary endeavors, we tour a restored government house, illustrating Japanese life during the Shogun period. We end our day with a visit to a sake brewery, learning of the brewing process and sampling this fine beverage.
Our culinary endeavors
Slide show
Our journey continues as we travel onward to
Kanazawa and Kyoto in
Part 2.
Kanazawa and Kyoto in
Part 2.