Our Spring Blossom Japan

First stop when we hit Japan's shore was the sweet shop for some Wasabi peas, something to snack on while booking our accommodation for the week, clearly we were prepared! After exploring the guide we had a small idea of the different areas in Tokyo and went with Asakusa. Once we arrived above ground we soon found it impossible to find our Ryokan, as the signs were a little out of our language range. But soon enough a Japanese man steered us in the right direction and helped the exchange of money and keys with the hotel (again no English, but lots of smiles and head bows).

After exploring our cute Japanese style room with woven mats, sliding screens and thin mattresses on the floor, we took to the streets and checked out the market and temple in the area. While out we spotted a few restaurants with queues out the door and opted for one - as it had to be a good one if the locals were into it! We later read in the bible that it was the best tempura in Tokyo. We can both confirm the deep fried prawns on rice with an oyster & soy sauce was just that. The markets showed off a few more yummy snacks of the Japanese cuisine, rice crackers of all flavors, puffy pancake like biscuits, rice sweets and lots of packaged food still to explore.

We woke with an idea of getting coffee for breakfast? Hmmm what did the Japanese do for breakfast, well we soon found a cheap noodle house which did noodles and coffee which did the job. With only one day in Tokyo we managed to walk the grounds of the imperial palace, eat the best sushi from a sushi train restaurant and book our very expensive bullet train to Kyoto. The last thing we wanted to do before heading for Kyoto was check out the Tokyo fish market, which feeds the whole city full of fish! Everything is over by 8am so it was an early start. You got the impression you couldn't get any fresher, as a lot of the seafood was still alive in tanks until sold, we finally understood what the large swords were for and left after eating the freshest sushi for breakfast.

Catching the bullet train south to Kyoto with a few Asahi's in hand then passing Mt Fiji on the our right was a very comfortable way to travel. We arrived in Kyoto ready to see more. After dropping our bags at the hotel we tried some traditional soba noodle soup from one of the oldest restaurants surrounded by a cute Japanese garden and slurped our bowls clean. The local food market was very close to the hotel (another Ryokan) so Tom couldn't help himself buy up a few of the city's specialties. That night we checked out one of the most beautiful blossom streets with lights to show them off and even spotted a few real Geisha!

Our first day out, Tom led me on a half day walk around half a dozen temples, all equally beautiful. Stopping briefly in a stunning park with the oldest cherry blossom tree standing centre stage with great fast food stalls to pick from. With all the walking we tried a few nibbles, egg noodle in a bamboo boat, potato on a stick, fish balls and who can forget the banana dipped in chocolate on a stick. We were so fortunate to have timed our trip to Japan over the start of the blossom season. After booking our accommodation with the local tourist office and watching the lovely little Japanese woman jump up and down about blossoms we had an idea it is a BIG deal for the locals. It was confirmed after passing through the park. The engineering that goes into the shapes of the marvelous cherry trees takes precision and patience over a long period of time, but well worth the work! We had been in Japan a few days and I was still waiting to experience a real Ramen. We followed the guide to a brilliant restaurant and weren't disappointed, we even went back again another day it was so good!

So far through the Japan experience we had had blue skies but jacket temperatures and never questioned it. The day it rained we were taking a stroll in another imperial garden, and thought it had put a temporary pause on the sightseeing, but led us to a real free cafe instead. Warm tea or coffee and as many rice crackers you can eat for free. We left with a few boxes of bought crackers for the family as they were so good! We wandered along the walking path, newly developed along a small canal to the Nijo Castle which didn't disappoint with its nightingale squeaky floors for security and amazing murals painted centuries ago. We missioned it to the Fabric Warehouse to see Kimonos being made with true style. I won't lie I wanted one, maybe next time. We cheated a little and caught a bus back to town and boarding through the back and paid on our way out! Just when you think you know it all. With another full day of walking we finished it with more sushi, which was a bit more up market with warm Sake and the sushi placed on the bar as it was made for us. The chief was a true knife artist!

Our last day was the philosophers path, a stunning walk through the falling blossom flowers with the rest of the tourists, but still special. With a few more Real Gold drinks under Tom's belt (like red bull) and a quick stop at the market to buy my Japanese clothing piece! We didn't want to leave but had a train to catch back to Tokyo. Kyoto was a truly gorgeous city and still lots to explore there.

We arrived back in the big city, it didn't steal our heart the first time so we chose another area to stay to see another side to the place. It also worked out closer to the station for the airport the following morning, Ueno. A lot more lights and restaurants and another large park getting ready for more festive events for the spring season. We also discovered hot coffee drinks in the same inventing machines as cold ones! Fancy that! Tom gave the natural hot springs a go at the hotel. The last day of our trip was finished with a view of the city which gives you an idea of just how large it really is, a last minute trip down to Akihabara Electric City technology lane and one last lunch of Tempura with all the trimmings.

It was an expensive week, but worth every penny or yen! The customs set the stage for amazing food, new technology and perfection in everything they do. Even the toilets where all electronic! Flushing sound while you go?

G