Traveling in Japan 2/2

My last post was about ways of spending free time in Japan. Naturally, those kind of entertainments are quite expensive to try all of them, but in my opinion it is worth to try at least one to feel the spirit of this country and to get closer to Japanese atmosphere. Today I want to add some information how to pass your time in Japan. If you are going to Japan first time- Honshu is the best choice. Of course passing seven days in Tokyo will not do. Well if someone is just passing by in Japan or do not have time or money to leave Tokyo I recommend small, one-day trips (Yokohama, Kamakura, a bit further Nikko). In case when someone want to see a little more of Japanese land 10 to14 days, Honshu + JR Pass will do :). Write down every city that you are interest in (the list should include cities like : Tokyo, Kyoto, Kamakura, Nara, Nikko, Hiroshima/Miyajima, Osaka), but also try to add some smaller cities, for example- Inuyama, Kurashiki, Matsue (if you will have free time). In smaller cities you can run away from other tourists (foreigners of course), slow down for a second and enjoy tranquillity, see the relics of the past, wooden old cities not consumed entirely by the modernity. In Japan you can find a lot of temples. Firstly everyone is amazed but after tenth your morale will drop slightly :), so I recommend a balanced program of sightseeing. Try to diversify the program by adding castles to visit (Himeji, Matsumoto, Osaka, Nagoya), beautiful gardens to rest in (everywhere!- they love gardens, but the Three Great Gardens in Japan are meant to be the most beautiful ones- Kenroku-en in Kanazawa, where I am going this year :), Koraku-en in Okayama, where I was 2 years ago and Kairaku-en in Mito). Less known tourist destinations : Kurashiki, Okayama, Kanazawa, Takayama, Ise (not much to see but quite nice atmosphere) and lot more. Japan is not only temples, castles, museums and gardens! I encourage to visit one of the national parks, try one of hiking trails (Kamakura) or go to walk on mountain (not climb! I mean to enjoy a bit walking not to exploring the peak of Mount Everest or something ;)- Mount Misen, Koya-san).