JAPAN

   



Useful Information 

Websites for Accommodations 
Itineraries
  • Japan Trip 
    Kyoto, Nara & Tokyo. (2012 - Susan Cohen and Mimi LaCamera)

Amanahashidate 

Useful Information

Japanese Alps

Useful Information
  • kyuhoshi
    What to see and do in the Japanese Alps
Accommodations
  • Takayama Green Hotel
    Great onsen. (2008 - Mimi Santini-Ritt)
  • Kanja, Shirakawa-go
    Gassho-style farmhouse, dinner and breakfast included (2008 - Mimi Santini-Ritt)
Insider Tips
  • Shirakawa-go. World Heritage site, known for its thatched “gassho” (praying hands) roofed farmhouse. (2008 - Mimi Santini-Ritt)
Travel Tales

Kyoto

Useful Information
  • MK Co Ltd - chauffeur, taxi, shuttle, guide service
    Driver/guide - Hisashi Araki gaisyo@mk-group.co.jp +81-75-757-6212
    (2012 - Susan Cohen and Mimi LaCamera)
  • Insidekyoto.com 
    Great "Kyoto's Best" lists and itineraries. I always check the "Kyoto Events" page for festivals (Mimi Santini-Ritt)
  • discoverkyoto.com
    Another good What-to-See website. I also check here for festivals and exhibits (Mimi Santini-Ritt)

Accommodation
  • Hotel Monterey  
    Well located. Large rooms. (2020 - Mimi Santini-Ritt and Teresa Silverman)
  • Citadines Kyoto Karasuma Gojo 
    Well located. Moderately priced. (2018 - Mimi Santini-Ritt and Teresa Silverman)
  • Westin Mikyado 
    Many temples & shrines nearby. Japanese style rooms available. (2012 - Susan Cohen and Mimi LaCamera)
  • Kyoto Tokyu LVK
    Wonderful Japanese breakfast. (2012 - Susan Cohen and Mimi LaCamera)
  • Izuyasu Ryokan - Classic Japanese Inn with multi-course small delectable meals. Private garden. Heavenly, (2008 - Mimi Santini-Ritt)
Restaurants
  • Sushi no Musashi
    Revolving     sushi restaurant in Kyoto Station, on the Hachijo side. Fun, cheap, and you can eat as much or as little as you want – you’re charged by the plate. (2008 - Mimi Santini Ritt)
  • Umenohana in the  Ikenobo International Headquarters complex.
    All tofu restaurant. 15 course meal - each course was delicious. (2008 - Mimi Santini Ritt) 

Insider tips      

  • Sites 
    • Kinkakuji 
      Golden Temple - spectacular       (2012 - Susan Cohen)
    • Fushimi Inari Shrine 
      Thousands of Vermillion Torii Gates. Also spectacular       (2012 - Susan Cohen)
    • Sanjusangen-do 
      Temple with 1001 statues of Kannon.       (2012 - Susan Cohen)
    • Arashiyama Bamboo Forest 
      Amazing       (2012 - Susan Cohen)
    • Gion district
      Must do! Go in the early evening to see the tea houses and perhaps spot a geisha as she goes to her appointments.       (2012 - Susan Cohen)
    • Rokkakudo Temple
      A charming small temple in central Kyoto. Ikenobo World Headquarters is located on the temple grounds. (2008 - Mimi Santini-Ritt)
  • Experiences 
    • Johnnie Hillwalker’s walking tour of Kyoto (http://web.kyoto-inet.) 
      An insider's perspective on the city; off the beaten track. (2008 - Mimi Santini-Ritt)
    • Kyoto's many temples and sites are spread out over the city, so good to have a guide or driver to manage your time most efficiently, but public transportation is good. (2012 - Susan Cohen and Mimi LaCamera)
    • Kyoto has many wonderful festivals. Check to see what festivals are happening when you are there. (2012 - Susan Cohen and Mimi LaCamera)
    • Sample Japanese street food, especially mochi, a glutinous rice cake. Try it with mugwort and try a rectangle of fish paste on a skewer. (2012 - Susan Cohen and Mimi LaCamera)
Miyajima

Useful Information

Insider Tips 
  • Visit Miyajima at high tide to see the celebrated torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine float on the water (2008 - Mimi Santini-Ritt)
  • Go to Nariai-ji Temple on top of the hill in Kasamatsu Park in Amanahashashidate 
    (2008 - Mimi Santini-Ritt)
Travel Tales 

Nara

Useful Information
  • japanguide
    What to see and do in Nara
  • An easy day trip from Kyoto
Insider Tips
  • Visit The Great Buddha Hall │ The Tōdai-ji (todaiji.or.jp)
    Largest wooden structure in the world with the colossal Buddha statue (2012  - Susan Cohen and Mimi LaCamera)
  • "Heavenly" deer
    A multitude of little white tame deer considered sacred in Nara wander about the city. Buy a packet of food from one of the street vendors to feed the deer.     (2012  - Susan Cohen and Mimi LaCamera)
Travel Tales 

Tokyo 

Useful Information
  • GO TOKYO - Official Tokyo Travel Site
    What to see and do in Tokyo
Hotels
  • Capitol Hotel Tokyo LVK
    Very cool. Modern. Best Japanese toilets! (2012 - Susan Cohen and Mimi LaCamera)
  • Imperial Hotel Tokyo
    Frank Lloyd Wright design. Large, many amenities. Well located across from Imperial Gardens. (2012 - Susan Cohen and Mimi LaCamera)
Insider Tips
  • Imperial Hotel has access to many guides. Request an English speaking guide to take you to an older Tokyo neighborhood off the beaten track. (2012  - Susan Cohen and Mimi LaCamera)
  • Museums and Galleries
    • Tokyo National Museum and Ueno Park- Asian treasures. Park is lovely. In the evening, the Toshogu Shrine glows under the lights with its gold leaf carving. (2012  - Susan Cohen and Mimi LaCamera)
  • Sites 
    • Kabuki Theater - Fascinating. Must do, but the plays are very long. No need to stay the whole time. Be sure to get a translation box. (2012 - Susan Cohen)
    • Imperial Palace and Gardens - Beautiful and serene. (2012 - Susan Cohen)
    • Harajuku Street- Mostly dedicated to free spirited teenage Japanese fashion and shops from Hello-Kitty to Goth, Go on Sunday and see young girls dressed as baby dolls! (2012 - Susan Cohen)
    • Ginza - Huge high end shopping district with architecturally fascinating buildings. Go at night when all the creative structures glitter like Times Square.  (2012 - Susan Cohen)
    • Tsukiji Fish Market - Go when it opens! pretty early-to see the wild fish auction and line up at one of the sushi shacks to get the freshest tuna off the boat before the crowds come. (2012 - Susan Cohen) 
  • Don't bother 
    • No need to visit temples in Tokyo if you are going to Kyoto where there are so many spectacular temples and shrines. Do other things in Tokyo. (2012 - Susan Cohen)
    • Spend time in the Asian Museums rather than the Western Museums. You can see western art at home. (2012 - Susan Cohen)
    • Unless you want a camera or computer, avoid the crowded Akihabara electronics area. (2012 - Susan Cohen)
    • Sukiyabashi Jiro is a 10-seat, 3 star way overpriced sushi-only restaurant in a Tokyo subway station. Not worth it, except for the bragging rights per Veronica Heath! (2012 - Susan Cohen)