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Takamatsu in 1 Day
Japan consists of four larger islands plus over 6000 smaller islands. We spent most of our trip on the main island, Honshu. Today, we are travelling to the country’s fourth largest island, Shikoku. According to my guide book, the island is “synonymous with natural beauty and the pursuit of spiritual perfection”. Shikoko is also renowned…
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Okayama in 1 Day (including Himeji Castle)
Today, we travel 125 miles west from Kyoto to Okayama. Technically, this can be done on the bullet train in under an hour. However, along the route lies one of Japan’s top tourist attractions; Himeji Castle. So, we will be taking two trains and stopping en route to explore Himeji and its famous castle. Okayama…
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Osaka in 1 Day
Osaka, Japan’s third largest city, is only 30 miles from the ancient capital of Kyoto. So, it makes sense, to me at least, to base yourself in one city and visit the other. We opted to make Kyoto our base and do a day trip to Osaka. How to get to Osaka Osaka can be…
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Nara in 1 Day
We spent one day in Nara, visiting from our base in nearby Kyoto. Nara, Japan’s first permanent capital, is famous for its temple containing a large Buddha statue. And its park full of friendly deer. This charming city is just 26 miles south of Kyoto, thus a popular day trip. How to get to Nara…
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Kyoto: Top 10 Things To Do
Kyoto is a bustling, modern city interspersed with ancient temples and shrines, where geishas can be spotted amongst suited office workers. It’s a fascinating place to visit and also makes an ideal base for exploring further afield. We stayed in Kyoto for five nights. We spent three days sightseeing in Kyoto and made day trips…
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Kyoto in 3 Days
Kyoto is a bustling, modern city interspersed with ancient temples and shrines, where geishas can be spotted amongst suited office workers. It’s a fascinating place to visit and also makes an ideal base for exploring further afield. We stayed in Kyoto for five nights. We spent three days sightseeing in Kyoto and made day trips…
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Hakone in 1 Day
Hakone, which overlooks Mount Fuji is just 60 miles from Tokyo and hence a popular day trip from the capital. However, if, like us, you are planning to continue your travels east from Tokyo, it makes sense to stay here overnight. In addition, the town is renowned for its Onsen hot spring baths. So, for…
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Nikko in 1 Day
The scenic town of Nikko is a World Heritage Site consisting of shrines and temples set in a cedar forest. Situated 80 miles north of Tokyo, Nikko is a popular day trip to add onto a Tokyo itinerary. The town has been a centre of Shinto and Buddhist worship for many centuries. In the 17th Century, the Tosho-gu Shrine…
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Tokyo: Top 10 Things To Do
We spent three days exploring Tokyo, trying to mix a range of different attractions whilst fitting in some of the most iconic Japanese experiences. Here is my pick of the Top 10 Things to doon a visit Tokyo. How to get to Tokyo There are two main airports serving Tokyo; Narita and Haneda. We arrived…
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Tokyo in 3 Days
We based ourselves in Tokyo for the first five days of our three week tour of Japan. We spent three days exploring the city itself, followed by two day trips; to Nikko and Hakone. Below is my itinerary for a three day visit to Tokyo. Note: We were lucky enough to visit during a sumo…
Jane's Midlife Journey 