Two and a half years ago, before we moved halfway around the world to live on this continent, Asia was a mysterious place to us that we didn’t know all that much about. Countries, cultures, and customs all blended together in my mind, where I only had a vague historic semblance of the differences between countries like China, Japan, and Korea. Now we’ve been here for a few years and Steve has built up an extensive knowledge of China’s history, but parts of Asia are still a mysterious place to us, haha. However, over Chinese New Year, we were blessed with a chance to explore and study these mysteries from a firsthand perspective, all while having fun along the way :)
Our latest Asian exploration was a must-see for us: the land of the Rising Sun! We knew that we could no longer get away with living in China and not going to check out Japan…so we went, even though it was COLD!! That’s how determined we were, because Chinese New Year is our time in the winter when we like to escape to warm weather! Actually, I think it was mostly Steve’s desire to see Samurai and Ninjas that drove us to go even in winter, haha.
I just have to say, Japan is hard to plan for! Besides the crazy network of trains and figuring out how to use them in the most economic way (Japan Rail Pass!), the country really just has so much to offer that each place we looked into seemed pretty great. We basically just chose the things we really cared about seeing, and planned our trip around that. Here is how it all played out:
I just have to say, Japan is hard to plan for! Besides the crazy network of trains and figuring out how to use them in the most economic way (Japan Rail Pass!), the country really just has so much to offer that each place we looked into seemed pretty great. We basically just chose the things we really cared about seeing, and planned our trip around that. Here is how it all played out:
#1 Tokyo DisneySea
Steve and I LOVE Disneyland. Together we’ve been to Disneyland, DisneyWorld, Disneyland Hong Kong, and now Tokyo DisneySea. We are slowly working our way around the world to go to all the different Disneylands….which means our next stop would be Paris!!! Heehee maybe someday :)
The cool thing though about Disneyland around the world is that each one is different, and DisneySea in Tokyo is the most unique of all. We journeyed to the center of the earth, explored Aladdin's Agrababa, swam with blowfish in the Little Mermaid’s underwater kingdom, and survived an elevator ride in the Tower of Terror. We had a blast! The only strange thing about it was that it was cold…so unusual for a Disney experience!
Steve and I LOVE Disneyland. Together we’ve been to Disneyland, DisneyWorld, Disneyland Hong Kong, and now Tokyo DisneySea. We are slowly working our way around the world to go to all the different Disneylands….which means our next stop would be Paris!!! Heehee maybe someday :)
The cool thing though about Disneyland around the world is that each one is different, and DisneySea in Tokyo is the most unique of all. We journeyed to the center of the earth, explored Aladdin's Agrababa, swam with blowfish in the Little Mermaid’s underwater kingdom, and survived an elevator ride in the Tower of Terror. We had a blast! The only strange thing about it was that it was cold…so unusual for a Disney experience!
#2 Mt. Fuji
Our first glimpse of Mt. Fuji was actually from the Disneyland Train, and fortunately we were able to get even better views on our next day in Hakone. We were a bit worried that we wouldn’t get to see the mountain up close, because apparently it is often clouded over…and our day started off cloudy. We made our way around the Hakone Loop, which involves a variety of types of transportation with fun sights to see along the way. Of course the main sight was the only one we cared about, and so far Mt. Fuji hadn’t reared it’s spectacular snow-capped head. On the tramway, no Fuji. Along the Avenue of the Cedars, no Fuji. Sailing on the pirate ship across the lake, no Fuji. In the cable car up the hill, MOUNT FUJI!!!! We were pretty excited!! And we loved it even though it wasn’t dripping with delicious Fuji apples like Steve had been hoping for, haha! Though we were able to get some sushi for the way down :)
Our first glimpse of Mt. Fuji was actually from the Disneyland Train, and fortunately we were able to get even better views on our next day in Hakone. We were a bit worried that we wouldn’t get to see the mountain up close, because apparently it is often clouded over…and our day started off cloudy. We made our way around the Hakone Loop, which involves a variety of types of transportation with fun sights to see along the way. Of course the main sight was the only one we cared about, and so far Mt. Fuji hadn’t reared it’s spectacular snow-capped head. On the tramway, no Fuji. Along the Avenue of the Cedars, no Fuji. Sailing on the pirate ship across the lake, no Fuji. In the cable car up the hill, MOUNT FUJI!!!! We were pretty excited!! And we loved it even though it wasn’t dripping with delicious Fuji apples like Steve had been hoping for, haha! Though we were able to get some sushi for the way down :)
After soaking up a day of Mt. Fuji, we were able to literally soak in an open-air onsen at our lakeside hotel later that evening. Onsens are Japanese hot tubs, and they are everywhere. There are a lot of natural hot springs in the country, and the Japanese have perfected the way to take advantage of that! The onsen experience is definitely a cultural one; let’s just say it is not hot-tubbing for the faint of heart. Besides the fact that the only suits allowed are birthday suits (don’t worry, it’s gender-separated!), the water is steaming hot! Neither of us could last longer than 10 minutes in that water, but it didn’t matter, because that’s all it took for us to feel sooooo incredibly relaxed. It was amazingly refreshing, especially in the cold, crisp, clean lakeside air.
#3 Fushimi Inari and a Geisha
In Kyoto, the first thing on our list of things to see was Fushimi Inari. We had heard it was phenomenal, and we had heard correctly. We decided that since the location was used in the filming of Memoirs of a Geisha, that we should see the movie before going. So as we meandered through a temple, sampled our first traditional Japanese meal, and met a real Geisha, our movie was downloading in preparation for our trip to the hundreds of orange torii.
In Kyoto, the first thing on our list of things to see was Fushimi Inari. We had heard it was phenomenal, and we had heard correctly. We decided that since the location was used in the filming of Memoirs of a Geisha, that we should see the movie before going. So as we meandered through a temple, sampled our first traditional Japanese meal, and met a real Geisha, our movie was downloading in preparation for our trip to the hundreds of orange torii.
Well it was worth it! We loved seeing Fushimi Inari after watching the movie (and we may or may not have watched the scene of her running through the torii again while we were there!). Regardless of the movie though, this is the place I most recommend seeing in Japan (from what we saw of course, there's still so much we didn't see)! I never would have imagined architecture like this, but it was really fun to explore! It is a Shinto Shrine with fox statues standing guard, ready to take messages to the gods of wealth and prosperity. Each of the individual torii (orange gates) was donated by a different company, in hopes of being blessed in their business endeavors as a result of their contribution. Most of the people wandering through the torii tunnels were there touring, but there were also a few there to worship. We enjoyed our hike in the woods and were able to experience the color orange in a way we never had before!
Here is where I need to note one of our cultural observations of Japan. As we exited a torii tunnel, we noticed a woman taking a picture of her stuffed animal (Flounder from Little Mermaid) in the grand surroundings. In Disneyland we had already noticed that there were a large amount of people carrying around teddy bears, but we were in an amusement park, so we didn’t really think it was that strange. Once we started noticing though, we saw stuffed animals and teddy bears EVERYWHERE!
We also discovered this article about Japanese stuffed animals going on tours FOR their owners, so that the owners can experience an adventure vicariously through their “pet.” Check it out: http://www.businessinsider.com/japan-teddy-bear-travel-2013-12 From what we noticed while there,, it seems like it is quite natural for people in Japan to attribute very real human emotions and personalities to cute, manufactured things like cartoons and stuffed animals.
We also discovered this article about Japanese stuffed animals going on tours FOR their owners, so that the owners can experience an adventure vicariously through their “pet.” Check it out: http://www.businessinsider.com/japan-teddy-bear-travel-2013-12 From what we noticed while there,, it seems like it is quite natural for people in Japan to attribute very real human emotions and personalities to cute, manufactured things like cartoons and stuffed animals.
#4 Nijo Castle
We really liked exploring Nijo Castle and it’s gardens. Our favorite part was touring the hallways of the castle, mostly because of the Nightingale Floors! The shogun who lived in the castle was so paranoid (or maybe just realistic) about the threat of attack, that the floors were designed to “sing” when walked upon. That way, the samurai who protected the shogun would have a warning before the ninja assassins attacked! We especially enjoyed creating our own “song” in the halls, by dancing around in circles and jumping on the floor when no one was looking, haha.
The view from the castle tower was pretty great too :)
We really liked exploring Nijo Castle and it’s gardens. Our favorite part was touring the hallways of the castle, mostly because of the Nightingale Floors! The shogun who lived in the castle was so paranoid (or maybe just realistic) about the threat of attack, that the floors were designed to “sing” when walked upon. That way, the samurai who protected the shogun would have a warning before the ninja assassins attacked! We especially enjoyed creating our own “song” in the halls, by dancing around in circles and jumping on the floor when no one was looking, haha.
The view from the castle tower was pretty great too :)
#5 The Golden Pavilion
A fun Japanese sight to see! It was complete with a majestic heron welcoming us to the scene. When we arrived it was cloudy, but Steve had a hunch that the sun was about to return, and we rounded the corner just in time for the “aaaaaaaaaaaaaaa” moment as the sun’s rays ignited the gold.
A fun Japanese sight to see! It was complete with a majestic heron welcoming us to the scene. When we arrived it was cloudy, but Steve had a hunch that the sun was about to return, and we rounded the corner just in time for the “aaaaaaaaaaaaaaa” moment as the sun’s rays ignited the gold.
#6 The Ryokan Experience
Our night in a traditional ryokan was one of our most memorable experiences in Japan. It was great because it taught us a lot about Japanese culture, and because we really felt that we were truly in Japan. We were also glad that we had only planned one night in the ryokan, because we may have starved if we had arranged for more meals there! Our dinner was definitely more of an educational experience rather than a delicious one ;).
We sat on the floor in our robes as they brought in dozens of tiny dishes full of strange things. Looking at everything that had been set before me, I honestly wasn’t sure if I would be able to eat ANY of it! Of course, Steve and I don’t especially love fish, and since our ryokan was on an island, pretty much all of it involved seafood of some kind. We were both brave though- Steve tried sashimi for the second time, and I tried an oyster! It was pretty rough though, it seemed like everything we looked at to eat was looking back at us! Even the smallest things ended up having eyeballs!
Our night in a traditional ryokan was one of our most memorable experiences in Japan. It was great because it taught us a lot about Japanese culture, and because we really felt that we were truly in Japan. We were also glad that we had only planned one night in the ryokan, because we may have starved if we had arranged for more meals there! Our dinner was definitely more of an educational experience rather than a delicious one ;).
We sat on the floor in our robes as they brought in dozens of tiny dishes full of strange things. Looking at everything that had been set before me, I honestly wasn’t sure if I would be able to eat ANY of it! Of course, Steve and I don’t especially love fish, and since our ryokan was on an island, pretty much all of it involved seafood of some kind. We were both brave though- Steve tried sashimi for the second time, and I tried an oyster! It was pretty rough though, it seemed like everything we looked at to eat was looking back at us! Even the smallest things ended up having eyeballs!
After dinner they rolled out the futons onto the tatami straw mats. We watched the sun set over the ocean with Mt. Fuji in the distance, and then we slid the paper doors closed and went to bed.
#7 Enoshima
Our ryokan also happened to be on a small island! We climbed through the steep meandering streets to the lighthouse at the top of the peak, stopping to enjoy little sights along the way. We walked down the backside of the island to check out the seaside caves (complete with mythological tales of dragons and goddesses!), and we especially loved the great big birds flying around everywhere! We accidentally sampled some sweet potato soft serve (not as bad as it sounds) and we even experienced an onsen in a cave!
Our ryokan also happened to be on a small island! We climbed through the steep meandering streets to the lighthouse at the top of the peak, stopping to enjoy little sights along the way. We walked down the backside of the island to check out the seaside caves (complete with mythological tales of dragons and goddesses!), and we especially loved the great big birds flying around everywhere! We accidentally sampled some sweet potato soft serve (not as bad as it sounds) and we even experienced an onsen in a cave!
Part 2: by Steve
#8 Edo Wonderland
Edo Wonderland, self-proclaimed “the essence of Japan,” was certainly what I’ve always had in mind whenever I thought of Japan! The whole theme park was an authentic re-creation of Edo (a.k.a. Tokyo) during the Tokugawa Shogunate (1600-1867), the height of the Samurai & Ninja era. The whole staff was dressed as ninjas, samurai, geishas, & old-time street & shop vendors – it was like going back in time! :).
Edo Wonderland, self-proclaimed “the essence of Japan,” was certainly what I’ve always had in mind whenever I thought of Japan! The whole theme park was an authentic re-creation of Edo (a.k.a. Tokyo) during the Tokugawa Shogunate (1600-1867), the height of the Samurai & Ninja era. The whole staff was dressed as ninjas, samurai, geishas, & old-time street & shop vendors – it was like going back in time! :).
And through our journey in time, I gained a whole new appreciation for the ninja – we got to marvel at their stealth & skills through several indoor & outdoor action-packed performances, but our favorite by far was the Karasu Yashiki Ninja House, where two major ninja clans, the Iga & Koga, battle for a secret scroll. The stage is set as the warrior enters his home in the evening with a great storm brewing outside: rain, thunder & lightning! He warms himself by the fire and then hastily unrolls the scroll to examine his treasure; after cherishing the contents, he rapidly rolls it up again ad then tucks it into the folds of his kimono. Then he rolls out his tools, inspecting each for battle-readiness. Once satisfied with the state of his sword, he checks on his throwing stars, small knife, explosive powders, etc. Then he quickly rolls up his case, hides the scroll in a lantern, and then steps outside, as something seems to have aroused his suspicions.
As the sliding paper door shuts behind him, the house lights went out. But this was no ordinary shinobi (“clandestine person”), nor were his two Koga rivals. Lightning flashes, revealing two ninjas, dressed in traditional iconic black with a slit for the eyes, clinging to the walls & ceiling and creeping their way into the Iga home. They’re equipped with classic ninja footwear, designed to make as little sound as possible – which for a ninja is none ;). They scoure the premises for the coveted scroll, and finally discover the secret hiding place. But at that moment, the Iga shinobi charges back in and an epic battle begins, featuring hand-to-hand (and foot) combat, sword clashes, “theatricality and deception” (powerful weapons for the uninitiated) via slamming windows & doors, explosive powders used as misdirection, trap floors & ceilings, acrobatics (including dramatic disappearances & reappearances), until finally the Iga warrior stands alone, victorious!
We were completely blown away – it felt like we had just witnessed a real secret assault on a warrior’s home hundreds of years ago. And we were only feet from the stage, as if we were in the kitchen and they were in the living room. A bit like the assault in The Last Samurai, if you know what I mean ;). I couldn’t imagine a better historical warrior archetype for Batman to model his training after – the way that they could appear in one place one moment, disappear and reappear somewhere completely different the next was breathtaking. Wow – perfect training for The League of Shadows.
As the sliding paper door shuts behind him, the house lights went out. But this was no ordinary shinobi (“clandestine person”), nor were his two Koga rivals. Lightning flashes, revealing two ninjas, dressed in traditional iconic black with a slit for the eyes, clinging to the walls & ceiling and creeping their way into the Iga home. They’re equipped with classic ninja footwear, designed to make as little sound as possible – which for a ninja is none ;). They scoure the premises for the coveted scroll, and finally discover the secret hiding place. But at that moment, the Iga shinobi charges back in and an epic battle begins, featuring hand-to-hand (and foot) combat, sword clashes, “theatricality and deception” (powerful weapons for the uninitiated) via slamming windows & doors, explosive powders used as misdirection, trap floors & ceilings, acrobatics (including dramatic disappearances & reappearances), until finally the Iga warrior stands alone, victorious!
We were completely blown away – it felt like we had just witnessed a real secret assault on a warrior’s home hundreds of years ago. And we were only feet from the stage, as if we were in the kitchen and they were in the living room. A bit like the assault in The Last Samurai, if you know what I mean ;). I couldn’t imagine a better historical warrior archetype for Batman to model his training after – the way that they could appear in one place one moment, disappear and reappear somewhere completely different the next was breathtaking. Wow – perfect training for The League of Shadows.
#9 Kegon Waterfall
Frozen might be a great movie (which we look forward to seeing someday), but it’s got nothing on this partially frozen waterfall!! ;) We got to see it both in sun and shade (sun always makes for better pictures, of course) – and we even got to hear a couple of large ice fragments cracking and crashing down into the rainbow-lit pool below :). Neither of us had ever experienced a partially frozen waterfall before, much less one that is 300 ft tall! All the icicles hanging down, surrounded by snow on the ground, made for a surreal and extremely beautiful scene that we enjoyed both times we visited. We love waterfalls! And if you do too, look out for an upcoming facebook album featuring our favorite waterfalls we’ve seen in our travels!
Frozen might be a great movie (which we look forward to seeing someday), but it’s got nothing on this partially frozen waterfall!! ;) We got to see it both in sun and shade (sun always makes for better pictures, of course) – and we even got to hear a couple of large ice fragments cracking and crashing down into the rainbow-lit pool below :). Neither of us had ever experienced a partially frozen waterfall before, much less one that is 300 ft tall! All the icicles hanging down, surrounded by snow on the ground, made for a surreal and extremely beautiful scene that we enjoyed both times we visited. We love waterfalls! And if you do too, look out for an upcoming facebook album featuring our favorite waterfalls we’ve seen in our travels!
#10 Electronic Tokyo
Tokyo is a major hub for people, naturally, being the largest city in the world. However, what was most interesting to us amidst all that bustle of respectful energy and daily life was the comic/games scene in the electronics district. Sundays are dress-up days (“cosplay,” short for costume play, they call it), and we were fortunate enough to witness the promotion of a new female action-hero game that everyone was really excited about. That was on the ground floor of one of a block full of buildings dedicated to floors on floors on floors of arcade games, claw games, and video games. I had fun seeing the Sega tower, featuring some posters of Sonic the Hedgehog, which was always definitely my favorite game as a kid.
Tokyo is a major hub for people, naturally, being the largest city in the world. However, what was most interesting to us amidst all that bustle of respectful energy and daily life was the comic/games scene in the electronics district. Sundays are dress-up days (“cosplay,” short for costume play, they call it), and we were fortunate enough to witness the promotion of a new female action-hero game that everyone was really excited about. That was on the ground floor of one of a block full of buildings dedicated to floors on floors on floors of arcade games, claw games, and video games. I had fun seeing the Sega tower, featuring some posters of Sonic the Hedgehog, which was always definitely my favorite game as a kid.