{"id":7933,"date":"2020-04-24T13:43:07","date_gmt":"2020-04-24T12:43:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/?p=7933"},"modified":"2021-06-17T15:08:38","modified_gmt":"2021-06-17T14:08:38","slug":"japan-with-a-twist","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/japan\/japan-with-a-twist\/","title":{"rendered":"Japan with a twist"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>When most people first think of a<a href=\"\/japan\"> Japan holiday<\/a> what tends to pop into their minds are the iconic spots like Tokyo, Mount Fuji and Kyoto; Tokyo for its modern culture and technological marvels, Mt. Fuji for its natural beauty and iconic status and Kyoto for history and culture. Taken together they form the \u2018Golden Route\u2019 of Japan and are not to be missed. <br> However, there\u2019s far more to this wonderful country than just the well-known attractions. Our Japan Expert, <strong>Elena Cowdry<\/strong>, shows you the lesser known gems along the way that you could enjoy on a <a href=\"\/tailormade-tours\/\">tailor-made tour<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2>Tokyo<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"536\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/shutterstock_363803078-1-1024x536.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7936\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/shutterstock_363803078-1-1024x536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/shutterstock_363803078-1-300x157.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/shutterstock_363803078-1-768x402.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/shutterstock_363803078-1.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Let\u2019s start with the capital Tokyo. First on your list will undoubtedly be the Tokyo SkyTree, Sensoji Temple and the Imperial Gardens. Once you have those ticked off why not head to Hamarikyu Gardens? An immaculately landscaped garden on the banks of the Sumida River that features tidal seawater ponds, there\u2019s a lovely tea house on one of the islands where you can escape the frenetic city and enjoy the lovely views. For a bit of culture visit the Sumida Hokusai Museum, dedicated to the ukiyo-e artist Katsushika Hokusai. Hokusai is famous for his woodblock prints of Mount Fuji and The Great Wave off Kanagawa. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"536\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/shutterstock_1322408384-1024x536.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7937\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/shutterstock_1322408384-1024x536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/shutterstock_1322408384-300x157.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/shutterstock_1322408384-768x402.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/shutterstock_1322408384.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2>Kyoto<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"536\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/shutterstock_1408629329-1024x536.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7938\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/shutterstock_1408629329-1024x536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/shutterstock_1408629329-300x157.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/shutterstock_1408629329-768x402.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/shutterstock_1408629329.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Kyoto was the ancient capital of Japan for over a thousand years and the must-sees reflect that history.  There\u2019s the Ryoanji Temple with its exquisite Zen garden, the dazzling gold Kinkakuji Temple and the stunning hilltop views from the Kiyomizu Temple, not to mention the vermillion tori gates at the Fushimi Inari Shrine. To truly immerse yourself in the city, I\u2019d also recommend walking the Philosopher&#8217;s Path &#8211; a stone path, approximately two kilometres long, which follows a canal lined with cherry trees, between Ginkakuji and Nanzenji. It\u2019s particularly lovely during Cherry blossom season, take a look at our <a href=\"\/japan\/best-time-to-visit\/\">best time to visit Japan pages<\/a> for more information. For something a little different, travel to the western outskirts of Kyoto and visit the Monkey Park of Arashiyama. The park is home to over a hundred Japanese macaques, has some lovely walking trails and boasts beautiful views over the city.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"536\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/shutterstock_1429028834-1024x536.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7939\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/shutterstock_1429028834-1024x536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/shutterstock_1429028834-300x157.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/shutterstock_1429028834-768x402.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/shutterstock_1429028834.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>Philosopher&#8217;s Path<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2>Mount Fuji<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"536\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/shutterstock_529559383-1024x536.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7941\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/shutterstock_529559383-1024x536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/shutterstock_529559383-300x157.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/shutterstock_529559383-768x402.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/shutterstock_529559383.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Following the traditional Golden Route, the next stop would be Mount Fuji. The classic itinerary would be to travel up to Mt. Fuji 5th Station for the view or exploring Lake Kawaguchi, one of the five lakes that surrounds Mt. Fuji. My recommendation after visiting the 5th Station would be to explore Aokigahara. Known as the \u201cSea of Trees\u201d, Aokigahara is a forest a thousand metres above sea level at the foot of Japan\u2019s most iconic mountain. Due to the previous eruptions of Mt. Fuji, there are many rocky outcrops and caves and the forest thrives amongst the lava landscape. The densely thicketed trees and rocks absorb the sound, which gives a real sense of solitude. Explore the natural phenomena and enjoy a moment of quiet to yourself in this plush green forest! <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"536\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/shutterstock_1283408074-1024x536.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7940\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/shutterstock_1283408074-1024x536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/shutterstock_1283408074-300x157.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/shutterstock_1283408074-768x402.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/shutterstock_1283408074.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2>Japanese Alps<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>After enjoying your time in the area of Mt. Fuji and Hakone, I generally recommend travelling through the Alps of Japan, heading to Takayama, and then on to Kanazawa. <br> On the way to Takayama though, there is a place called Gujo Hachiman, a small town known as the Venice of Japan due to the many waterways that flow through it. Although small, the town has a lot of history, and the waterways still function much like they did in the 17th Century. <br> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"536\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/shutterstock_404972989-1024x536.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7942\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/shutterstock_404972989-1024x536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/shutterstock_404972989-300x157.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/shutterstock_404972989-768x402.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/shutterstock_404972989.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>While visiting this town, why not participate in a slightly more unusual activity \u2013 food replica workshops? In Japan when you visit restaurants, you will see in the majority of them, a model replica of what the meal looks like. This is especially helpful for us when we are unable to understand the language, but want to try something more authentically Japanese, rather than playing it safe with Western food, but it also allows us to still play it relatively safe, because we can see what we should be eating. It is a massive thing in Japan to have food replicas, and they have grown in popularity to include keychains, or hair accessories, or earrings that look like food, so why not join a workshop and try your hand at it? I made a smart phone holder that looks like spilt ice-cream! <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2>Takayama<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Takayama is often considered to be a \u201cLittle Kyoto\u201d as it is a smaller traditional city, and are also less frequented by tourists, giving a little bit more of an authentic feeling to the area.<br> Why not extend your stay in Takayama to visit a hidden gem \u2013 Hida Osaka? About 30 minutes away from Takayama the area is known for its naturally carbonated hot spring water, which is drinkable, but also the spectacular local beauty, including over 200 waterfalls. Once again there is plush green forest, a stark lava plain from an ancient volcanic eruption and the forest is full of wildlife, including bears! I\u2019d recommend hiking with a guide as they will know the lay of the land and what to do should you encounter one of our furry friends. Enjoy this refreshing break from the cities, taking lunch in the wild, and experience a tea ceremony in a totally different way to the norm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"536\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/shutterstock_788049235-1024x536.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7943\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/shutterstock_788049235-1024x536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/shutterstock_788049235-300x157.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/shutterstock_788049235-768x402.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/shutterstock_788049235.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2>Gokayama <\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Finally, on your way from Takayama to Kanazawa, a lot of people will visit Shirakawago, a village within the alps that is a UNESCO World Heritage site, with traditional thatched roof houses. It really is beautiful but I want to recommend instead, staying in Gokayama overnight. Gokayama is a smaller, less frequented village, similar to Shirakawago. Seek out the traditional Minshuku accommodation, which is similar to a guest house. The owners will prepare typical home-cooked Japanese meals using local produce grown on the mountains. It is an experience that is not typical but is the epitome of Japanese hospitality or \u2018Omotenashi\u2019. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"536\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/shutterstock_1627033708-1024x536.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7944\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/shutterstock_1627033708-1024x536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/shutterstock_1627033708-300x157.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/shutterstock_1627033708-768x402.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/shutterstock_1627033708.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>To get started planning your  tailor-made <a href=\"\/japan\/tours\/\">Japan tour<\/a> call 0808 2230 955<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p> For the lowdown on when to go, take a look at our&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/japan\/best-time-to-visit\/\">Best Time to Visit Japan<\/a>&nbsp;page <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"249\" height=\"353\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/LR_SML_WWT_JAPAN_Cover_2020_21_Brochure_0929.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7435\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/LR_SML_WWT_JAPAN_Cover_2020_21_Brochure_0929.jpg 249w, https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/LR_SML_WWT_JAPAN_Cover_2020_21_Brochure_0929-212x300.jpg 212w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 249px) 100vw, 249px\" \/><figcaption>Order your Japan brochure<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Discover the lesser known delights of Japan with our tailor-made touring expert.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":20,"featured_media":7944,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"spay_email":""},"categories":[12],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v19.0 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Japan with a twist<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Discover the lesser known delights of Japan with our tailor-made touring expert.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/japan\/japan-with-a-twist\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Japan with a twist\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Discover the lesser known delights of Japan with our 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