 |
 |
 |
First timers - a few ideas and recommendations
The ideal first time visit to Japan will take in destinations that highlight the many contrasts and dichotomies that make up this fascinating country. The best access points for any itinerary are Tokyo or Osaka and either of these two dazzling cities will and ensure your holiday gets off to an electric start.
The temples, shrines and garden of Kyoto and Nara are not-to-be-missed examples of traditional culture and religion. Sights such as Kinkaku-ji and Kiyomizu dera in Kyoto or the gardens and Daibutsu (Big Buddha) in Nara are important World heritage sights which played a key-role in the formation of Japanese history and the country’s cultural values. Kyoto is also home to the only thriving geisha district remaining in Japan and we can arrange walking tours of the area as well as evening entertainment with a Maiko or Geisha.
Surely the most recognisable symbol of Japan is Mt Fuji and a stay in the Hakone National Park is a great stop for any first time visitor. The park flanks the southern slopes of this imperious mountain and – weather permitting – affords stunning vistas of soaring peak. For some their Japan visit is not complete without making the 6 hour climb to the summit of Mt. Fuji and this can be arranged during the official climbing season of July and August. Others prefer the more relaxing option viewing Mt Fuji from the lake-side or whilst riding one of the cable cars that criss-cross the region.
Apart from Mt Fuji, Hakone is also famous for its natural hot-spring baths (onsen) and a dip in the relaxing therapeutic waters is a quintessential experience for any visitor. As a country, Japan has a lot of Geo-thermal activity so there are a large number of hot-spring resorts dotted all over the country. As well as Hakone, you may like to consider the waters of Naruko Onsen in Northern Japan, Yudanaka Onsen in the Japan Alps, (where you may share your bath with snow monkeys!), or the relaxing beach resort of Shirahama onsen where you can gaze out to sea whilst soaking in the hot-springs.
After your wild ride around the cities, heritage sights, gardens, hot-springs and ascent of Mt Fuji, you might like to top off your trip with a real get-away experience; perhaps a visit to Mt Koya for a stay in Buddhist temple lodging in the stunning natural surroundings; or maybe you’d prefer some time on the beautiful beaches of Shimoda. Whatever I this you want to do and see on your first visit to Japan, let us know and we’ll do our best to make sure you have a fantastic trip.
BACK TO TOP
|
|
