Monday, 14 March 2016

Dream Destination: Mainland Japan

Tokyo


For those of you that have been following this blog recently, you will know that last month I started a new series called Dream Destinations, to allow me to explore locations for that next trip we might take! The next big escape we will plan (once we have our house stuff sorted, please refer to China post if this makes no sense!) will likely be Asia, as neither D nor I have been before and it is right at the top of our bucket list. Having visited lots of places in Europe and North America, it is time to visit somewhere that will be a lot more challenging to get around and a much bigger culture shock, depending on where we go.

Mainland Japan (which for the purposes of this blog post I will call 'Japan') is the next stop on this series, and as it's a little more manageable in size than China I am going to explore the cities right across Japan that can be hit up in one super-trip.

Why Japan?
As some of you might already know, I am a huge history buff and love anything to do with the world wars in particular. Japan's role in the second world war in particular is fascinating and I want to go there and explore what I can on the ground. Tokyo is a huge metropolis that I want to spend a few days getting lost in and Hiroshima is at the top of my list for a visit. I have visions of cherry blossom trees, tea ceremonies, mountains and lakes, bright lights, bullet trains, fast cars and great food.

Major cities/attractions?

Mt Fuji
  • Tokyo Old meets new in Japan's capital city, home to over 13 million people.
  • Hiroshima This one needs very little explaining, the sight of the devastating nuclear attack by American forces. I imagine it would be extremely surreal to stand in the very place the bomb fell and reflect on the devastation that humans can wreck on one another. 
  • Mt Fuji There are a few towns that offer exceptional views of the iconic Mount Fuji, some nice spa hotels in and around there offer guests the chance to soak in natural hot springs with an uninterrupted view of this dormant volcano
  • Kyoto Large swathes of this city are protected by UNESCO, as so many monuments and relics in the city have been spared demolition of war and foreign forces that other locations in the country have suffered. 
Getting there?
To get from Dublin to Tokyo around October time will set you back £500 (approx) for each person. However, there are no direct flights so watch out for transfer times in airports as this can really make the journey lonnnng.

Getting around?
A Japan Rail Pass costs approximately £285 per person for two weeks, and it allows the user access to the network across the entire country. Alternatively, if the self-guided touring isn't your bag, there are some good tours including this 14 day trip from Intrepid Travel, which will set you back £2535 per person (excluding flights) and hits up some major headline locations, including Tokyo, Hiroshima and Kyoto.

How long do you need? 
I would anticipate a trip to mainland China would take at least 10-14 days to see it properly and at a relaxing pace. 

Autumn in Kyoto
When to visit?
The weather is kindest to tourists in Spring and Autumn, Spring being the time of year when you get to see the famous cherry blossom trees. 

Non-negotiables?
Hiroshima. 
Ground Zero at Hiroshima

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