As we weren't able to spend any time in Hakodate the previous day we decided to get up early before our shinkansen left at 12:48pm. We paid an extra 2000Y to check out later, at midday rather than 11am so that we could keep our luggage in the room until we returned from our excursion. … Continue reading Japan 2023 Winter Day 5: Hakodate to Aomori
After a chilly night we woke up to a stunning sunrise across Toyako, what a view for our first look at the lake! When we checked in the night before we were able to select between Japanese and Western-style breakfast, and we chose Japanese as with my allergies to wheat, eggs, and milk a Western … Continue reading Japan 2023 Winter Day 4: Lake Toya to Hakodate
We woke up to another beautiful day in Sapporo and after a quick conbini breakfast, we went for a walk around the block to stretch our legs. When we returned I asked the front desk to order us a taxi for a little later as the car rental spot was quite a walk away. They … Continue reading Japan 2023 Winter Day 3: Sapporo to Toyako
We awoke to a clear and sunny day in Sapporo and a beautiful view of snow-covered streets from our hotel window. We were staying at the Daiwa Roynet Sapporo-Susukino hotel, as I had booked everything prior to Japan announcing their re-opening I was able to get a really good deal - two nights for less … Continue reading JAPAN 2023 Winter DAY 2: Exploring Sapporo
Our flight should have got to Japan at 6am but Saturday flights from London to Tokyo now only leave in the late afternoon, meaning we lost a whole day in Japan. Our flight from Heathrow left at 17:45 and we didn't reach Haneda until 15:30 the next day. The new flight route had added 3.5 … Continue reading Japan 2023 Winter Day 1: Planes & snow
Let's go back to Japan!
Our trip on the shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto began with a sighting of some sumo wrestlers! Dressed is airy summer yukata they waited for a train on the other side of our platform! As always when travelling between Tokyo and Kyoto make sure to sit in seats D & E to try and get … Continue reading Japan 2010: Day 8 Kyoto- Kinkakuji and Gion
Many people visiting Japan want to see the elusive and beautiful Mount Fuji. Climbing Mount Fuji is popular with guests from across the world, but you don't get to experience the true beauty of Mount Fuji from up close. Often the best views of Fuji can be seen from off of the mountain itself, and … Continue reading Climb Mount Mitsutoge for perfect views of Mount Fuji
All you need to know to plan your own trip to see the beautiful Mount Fuji
History of Asama Jinja Mount Fuji has been worshipped in Japan for hundreds of years, initially by the Ainu, then Shinto, and finally Buddhism. Fuji is worshipped as a Goddess, giving fertile soils and clear water. To keep her happy eight Shinto shrines were erected around the base of Mount Fuji, with numerous smaller shrines … Continue reading Tenku no torii; Mount Fuji and the torii in the sky
My Nihon 