Hi Lily,
We are back safe and sound and happy. We had a wonderful time. I would go back to Japan tomorrow if I could I took about 700 photographs or so!
Tokyo is an enormous city, however for the massive population it didn’t feel crowded where we were and the transport system ran like clockwork. There was a lot of English in Tokyo, signage and on the trains, and we managed quite well I thought. Loved the hotels and locations we stayed in, and the Nozomi was fabulous.
The autumn leaves were AMAZING!
We were lucky to see a Shinto wedding, on a Friday, at the Meiji Shrine. Also lucky to see lots of little girls and boys in very special Kimonos for the name day festival, after the15th, when it is less crowded. The parents are very happy for you to photograph their kids in their special Kimonos and the traditional boy’s outfits.
The Ghibli Museum was also a highlight, for me and Calem. So pleased didn’t miss out. Calem wanted to live in a house like that. Really beautiful stained glass windows and interesting objects all around.
After seeing Enkoji Temple, a group of young women – students, with bicycles actually walked us the short distance to the bus stop, as it was getting dark around 4.30 pm! Can you imagine any where in Australia where that might happen?
Overall we had a ball in Kyoto, though there was less English and the trains and buses seemed more complicated, we adapted fine. We saw 3 Maiko, only quick enough to photograph one. Butterflies of the night indeed.
However there was no photo opportunity with the Maiko after the show on the tour we did, the guide didn’t know about it? Overall the Tea Ceremony and walk through Gion was another highlight for us, we both really loved it.
Qantas was great, really good service and yummy food. We didnt sleep well, but that’s to be expected.
Next time I’d love to see more of Japan, Hiroshima, Mt Fuji (only saw it from the plane), Nara, Osaka, Takayama and Kyoto again.
Thank you for your kindness when my Mum rang up during our holiday.
Thanks so much again Lily,
Warmest regards,
Kate
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