Japan — My Travel Stories

Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo, Japan August, 2017 Post 1: Chuo Our first whirlwind day in Tokyo started with a wake up at 1:45 am for the tuna auction at Tsukiji Fish Market, followed by our first ever sushi breakfast. Big fish! This was the frozen auction. Record auction for a whole fish was $1.5 million US, but typically the choicest parts go for $200/kilo. Mountain of styrofoam. Cleanest subway ever. The seats were velour and not a stain or tear to be found. Ramen will never be the same again. Breakfast.

Kyoto, Japan

Kyoto, Japan August, 2017 Post 1: What a spectacular city full of spiritualism and peacefulness…except for the typhoon that hit just after we arrived. First one ever! Such colours! THIS is how you sit at a low table in some degree of comfort! Zen garden at Ginkaku-Ju (silver pavilion). Arashiyama bamboo forest. Not as crowded as one would have expected. Travelling in style in the bamboo forest. Preparing to hike through the 10,000 Torii gates at the Fushimi Inari Shrine.

Hiroshima, Japan

Hiroshima, Japan August, 2017 Post 1: The Itsukushima Shrine & Hiroshima Peace Park Memorial Morning at Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island followed by a more somber visit to the Hiroshima Peace Park Memorial. Imagine climbing this bridge in the traditional Japanese wooden flip flops! The famous Torii gate in the water. The Peace Clock.

Hakone-machi, Japan

Hakone-machi, Japan August, 2017 Post 1: Hakone-machi Ashigarashimo-gun Hakone = Heaven. Hot springs (onsen), shiatsu massage and fantastic food. That pretty much sums it up. The lovely Hiyori took such good care of us during our stay. Just another amazing meal in our Ryokan Onsen. One of several gorgeous hot spring-fed baths in our Ryokan. Especially blissful after a salt scrub! Oh, another zen-like bath. No, I’m not sharing my food. I need one of these at home! My toes are not out of focus.