Top 5 experiences to have on a tour in Japan
From the muted cherry blossoms to the bright red shinto shrines and towering Mount Fuji to the skyscrapers of Tokyo…
Group Service Specialist Angus B. has been on many Go Ahead tours, most recently went on one of our Japan tours. From the muted cherry blossoms to the bright red shinto shrines and towering Mount Fuji to the skyscrapers of Tokyo, he shares his top five favorite moments he had on his trip.
1. Seeing the cherry blossoms in bloom
Cherry blossoms are an obsession in Japan. The trees bloom for a short time in the spring and light up the landscape with bright magentas, pale pinks, and everything in between.
2. Capturing a picture of the tallest peak in Japan
Mount Fuji is very hard to see, as it is usually shrouded in clouds, but I was lucky to catch a great photo of the mountain from my hotel in Hakone.
3. Learning about Japan's history and culture
Shinto shrines are an important part of Japanese religion, history and Culture. The orangey red color of many shines punctuate cities and towns all over Japan. The old wooden structures stand in stark contrast to the prevalent skyscraper and the bright color really pops in darker natural settings.
4. Exploring local neighborhoods in Kyoto
In Kyoto, the Gion neighborhood is known for traditional wooden structures and is considered the geisha district. Making our way to dinner at sunset, we walked through the old narrow alleys, lit by the always present red paper lanterns.
5. Walking on the streets of the capital of Japan
I grew up in a small town, and currently live in Boston, so Tokyo was by far the biggest city I have ever been to (over 13 million people). Everything grows upwards! There are skyscrapers as far as the eye can see. From the top of the Metropolitan Building you really get a sense of just how big Tokyo is.
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It was Jamie’s homestay in Germany that made her fall in love with travel (and her studies in Florence that really sealed the deal). When she’s not writing and sharing the magic of seeing the world with others, she’s usually on the lookout for her new favorite memoir, testing out recipes at home, or visiting her family on Cape Cod.
