Not confident in making the reservations myself, I arranged the trip via "Inside Japan" so that everything went very smoothly. Transfers, Japan Rail and IC card were prepaid, and meant that all was in place and worked very well.
We visited the family in Tokyo, then went to Nikko and of course Kyoto before returning to Tokyo. The ten days went in a flash!
We visited Hama-rikyu Gardens after meeting up with the family.
George was on good form!
The Asakusa Temple was near to our hotel in Asakusa.
We then took a bullet train and local train to Nikko - the famous bridge is right next to a busy road, but the large complex of temples and shrines are very peaceful.
One of the buildings at Nikko.
Beautiful walks from one area to the next.....
The mountains in this area still had snow on them, and a few cherry trees were still in blossom...
I had spotted on the map that it was possible to walk up the mountain to the Shiraito waterfalls, and this proved to be one of the memorable experiences of the trip - a walk through an 800 year old forest of cedar trees - some were considered sacred.
On to Kyoto via bullet train - we were only able to see a few of the sights here. This is the famous Fushimi Inari shrine - the crowds meant that it was difficult to get a photo without people in it, although it was less busy as one ascended the mountain.
Mike ringing a temple bell in Gion ....
Another walk - a train to Kurama, then walking up the hill to Kurama shrine and across to Kibune. Again, very memorable walk although there were many fallen trees from the typhoon the previous year.
We took the little train from Kibune back to Kurama and went to an onsen ( public bath) there - an experience!
A hot outdoor bath with a view of a cedar forest....
I can't say that we were too adventurous with food - but we did order something for a lunch snack not knowing what we would receive - here it is, hot red bean soup with dumplings...
We also ordered ramen from a little shop near the hotel in Kyoto. The tax/rates system must be very different in Japan, as there were hundreds of little shops and restaurants that would simply not be viable in England.
We took a bus to Ginkakuji temple (the Silver Pavilion). The garden is especially famous and is lovely.
It had been cloudy on the way down to Kyoto and Mt Fuji was hidden, but on the trip back to Tokyo, we were rewarded with views of Fujiama. Everyone rushed to take photos.
Our last day and the start of Golden Week (ten days of national holidays).... very busy. Luckily Tom had a bright yellow jacket and we were able to spot him and move slowly towards him. This is Meji Jingu, the Shinto shrine associated with the Imperial Palace. Also, the place where George had his naming ceremony...
A final meal with Tom - ordering was via Ipad.
Back to work now, but with some good memories of a lovely trip. It was good to see where Tom, Reiko and George live. We'll have to wait and see whether they remain there or move on....
