I am so so so excited that in 3 weeks time I leave for Japan - Land of the Rising Sun.
As this is my first time there, I welcome any tips, recommendations and anecdotes of experiences you may have had in Japan...
Briefly, and roughly I plan to stay:
Aoyama
In particular, the Prada store (for its incredible architecture), Dries Van Noten (so different from the Paris store!), and of course, Japanese designers/labels such as Comme des Garcons, Yohji Yamamoto & Issey Miyake
Briefly, and roughly I plan to stay:
- 7 nights in Tokyo (I will have to explore it slowly, as I will get tired easily - possible day trips if I feel I need to see something other than concrete jungle)
- 1-2 nights in Hakone - onsens (natural hot spring baths) with views of Mt Fuji & Lake Ashi
- 7-8 nights in Kyoto (with possible day trips to nearby cities)
Aoyama
In particular, the Prada store (for its incredible architecture), Dries Van Noten (so different from the Paris store!), and of course, Japanese designers/labels such as Comme des Garcons, Yohji Yamamoto & Issey Miyake
Shibuya, Roppongi Hills, Shinjuku & Harajuku
- To explore the famous Shibuya crossing, the incredible neon lights, shops of all these areas...
- Check out the youngsters at Harajuku (as well as the markets on Sunday).
- Visit the Meiji shrine & Mori Tower
- See if I can find any consignment stores with Chanel reissues (any recommendations?)
Ginza & Tsukiji Markets
I plan to explore the famous Ginza strip with its limitless stores, and will pop into Laduree & Pierre Herme as well. I also plan to go to the Tsukiji (Fish) markets, for the freshest fish sashimi/sushi ever...Ginza should be especially beautiful at night with all the christmas lights & ornaments...
Asakusa & the Imperial Palace
Hakone
Time to relax after one week's sightseeing in Tokyo, enjoy the beautiful views, onsens (sadly I will not be able to partake of this activity, but hubby, lil' sister & mom will), a boat trip along the lake...and hopefully...a beautiful kaiseki-style meal...
Then on to Kyoto - where my parents have been staying for the last few months...
Kyoto
Exploring this traditional city of Japan, the many temples, castle, shrines and gardens...Hopefully see a geisha or maiko (geisha in training). Possible day trips to Nara, Kobe (yum...kobe beef), Osaka...
Food:
Looking forward to sampling all sorts of Japanese food (bento boxes, ramen noodles, okonomiyaki, sushi, sashimi, MOS burger...
Hope to buy:
- Vintage kimonos (any recommendations on where to find these?) - perhaps even a furisode, if I am lucky (Japanese wedding kimono)
- Beautiful Japanese crockery/china
- Carved and painted Japanese kokeshi wooden dolls
- Maybe a tatami mat
- Any gorgeous or cute Japanese thing I come across that I must have...
So, any tips/recommendations/stories/experiences?
Thanks in advance!
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