Just an amazing tour. I went on my own. I was a bit hesitant – Japan is VERY different – culture, customs, and language. I arranged my solo venture through “Inside Japan”. They did a great job – everything was organized, booked, and documented. I had several great guided ventures: an intro guided tour of Tokyo (and Japan) (a great introduction to the country and my trip); a night time food tour of Osaka, a tour of Kyoto and a full day of bicycling in Kyoto; and, a tea ceremony and musical performance in Kyoto.
I had two over-arching goals: to see the snow monkeys and to eat amazing food. I did both. A third goal – ride the high-speed rail system. The rail system is amazing – I experienced at least four different rial systems that all interconnected. High speed, regional, local, and subway. Every train departed or arrived to the minute at every location. You did not have read Japanese or listen to the announcements – just look at your watch and you knew which station you were at. Oh – the main station in Tokyo is the busiest in the world and is an amazing facility.
I had a number of meals scheduled ahead (a premier yakitori restaurant, for example). I got to stay in several traditional inns. The first one I stayed at I had to figure out the process of setting up my futon (the traditional way) – with no help from the non-English speaking staff. Thankfully – Google worked! I got to bathe in the traditional baths at the second inn.
Although it was December, the leaves and trees were gorgeous. Even better, it was off-season, so there were no crowds. The castles and gardens were beautiful. The markets were fun – and then there were the snow monkeys!
Kyoto was probably the highlight of the cities I visited – but they all had a different character. While Mt Fuji is an amazing sight, I would likely use that day or two differently. A beautiful country – I would love to return and see the many areas I missed.
