Jane's Midlife Journey

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…

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…

Japan Day 1 – Flight to Tokyo Friday 6 January 2023 The flight from LA to Tokyo is 12 hours. We have been seated apart, but I spot that there are two vacant bulkhead seats. Together and extra legroom. Win, win. So I ask if we can move. The air hostess says yes. So I…