Jane's Midlife Journey

Today we are taking a train which hugs the northern coast of Shikoku for about 100 miles then heads south, still along the coast, to the island’s largest town, Matsuyama. First, breakfast, which is complimentary at the Comfort Hotel. Before approaching the buffet, we must be appropriately dressed in masks and gloves. The food is…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…