So many of us have a travel bucket list—places we simply have to see at some point. Japan is a staple on many of these bucket lists, and for plenty of good reasons! Americans are often fascinated by Japanese culture, and the beautiful landscapes and attractions don’t disappoint. However, traveling to a destination with a completely different culture from your own can be scary, even for a seasoned, over-60 traveler like me! This autumn, I was delighted to visit Japan on a guided tour, and I can’t recommend Collette Travel’s Japan: Past to Present tour enough. It’s the perfect way to see new places without the stress of traveling completely alone. Here are some highlights from my latest international travels!
First Stop: The Hustle and Bustle of Tokyo
Any first-timer to Japan just has to see Tokyo! The largest metropolitan area in the world, there’s certainly no shortage of things to do and see, and my amazing Tour Manager had the hot spots (as well as some hidden gems) covered. We packed all these attractions into three incredible days:
- Shiba Park—Shiba Park is a beautiful green space in the urban jungle! With views of the Tokyo Tower, this is the perfect place for a walk or viewing the cherry blossoms in spring.
- Zojoji Temple—This Buddhist temple features striking architecture and a storied history. Many members of the elite shogun family, Tokugawa, are buried here!
- Ginza—This upscale shopping and entertainment district is always teeming with life! It’s perfect for seeing the blend of modern amenities and historic charm that’s so characteristic of Tokyo.
- Tokyo National Museum—The largest and oldest museum in Japan, this place is home to vast collections of Japanese art and artifacts! Be sure to include the museum on your itinerary!
- Tea Ceremony—Have you ever tried to make your own tea from scratch? And I’m not talking with just a tea bag and water! My tour group had the pleasure of participating in a formal tea ceremony. What a fantastic, multi-sensory experience!
- Tokyo Subway System—The subway system may not be a tourist destination in itself, but it’s certainly an experience! Our fantastic tour manager made sure we navigated the complex system without getting lost.
Off to Ise-Shima
I’m sure we could have spent several more days taking in everything Tokyo has to offer, but soon, it was off to our next destination—Ise-Shima National Park. While in the area, we visited the beautiful Ise Shrine, then set off to Mikimoto Pearl Island. I met some of the inspirational female pearl divers who make such a unique living—much like the pearl divers of South Korea.
The Road to Kyoto
Next, we set off on the Shinkansen bullet train (which hits speeds of 200 mph!) in the direction of Kyoto, another major Japanese city. But on this Collette tour, we made the most of travel days! On the road to Kyoto, we stopped off at the magical Nara Deer Park, where you can get up close and personal with these adorable animals. This is a must-see that too many solo travelers miss! After meeting some new furry friends, we made our way to yet another temple. The Todai-Ji Temple is the largest wooden structure in the world and houses Japan’s largest Buddha. Definitely don’t skip these landmarks in transit to Kyoto!
Kyoto: The Thousand-Year Capital of Japan
After a wonderful time traveling from Tokyo to Kyoto, I was excited to spend a few days in another of Japan’s major cities. Just like Tokyo, the Kyoto area is chock-full of history, nature, and shopping. Collette’s tour included stops at the following:
- Gion—Gion is Kyoto’s famous geisha district where traditional houses line the streets. This area makes for a beautiful walk and is home to plenty of shops and cafes.
- Nishiki Market—The Nishiki Market is another must-see in the city! This eclectic market offers a variety of local specialties. Check my Instagram stories for some of the more adventurous foods available for purchase!
- Arashiyama Bamboo Forest —If you’re a nature lover, you can’t miss the stunning Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. You’ll be captivated by the ethereal scenery!
- Kinkaku-ji—Commonly called the Golden Pavilion, Kinkak-ji is a Zen temple covered in shimmering gold leaf. This place makes an outstanding photo op, if you ask me!
- Women’s Association of Kyoto—I had an amazing afternoon with the WAK! My group had lots of fun with the sushi making class, as well as the sake tasting and an origami tutorial – we each made a crane.
See Japan from Atop Mount Koya
You’ll find little bits of nature throughout the big cities, but if you really want to see something majestic, head up to Mount Koya. We spent a day in a gorgeous mountain town, such a Hallmark movie vibe, and so serene compared to the lively city. We walked into the heart of the awe-inspiring, magical Okunoin Cemetery to the mausoleum of Kobo Daishi, the founder of Shingon Buddhism. We had the unique experience of spending a night in a monastery- sleeping in tatami mats on the floor, enjoying a vegetarian dinner and breakfast, and getting to join the local monks for morning prayers and meditation.
Witnessing the Past and Present in Hiroshima
While Hiroshima might not be as expansive as Tokyo, it’s certainly a vital part of any Japan trip. First up was the Peace Park and Memorial Museum, commemorating the victims of the atomic bombing. Our group also met with an 86 year old woman who experienced the devastating effects of the atomic bomb first hand at eight years old. She talked about what it was like to live in Japan during that time, the aftermath of that terrible day, and how she keeps the memories of those who were lost alive.
After some time in the city, we moved on to scenic Miyajima Island, or “Shrine Island.” This locale boasts incredible scenery, including the picturesque Floating Torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine. After getting a glimpse of the gate, be sure to stop into a local shop for some adorable souvenir chopsticks! Before leaving the area, we also participated in a hands-on cooking class.
Wrapping It Up in Osaka
All good things must come to an end, and this amazing Japan tour ended with a day in Osaka. The Dotonbori district was definitely a highlight, packed with crowds and 3-D store fronts and neon signs. I was sure to sample some of Japan’s exquisite Kobe beef one more time before I packed up my suitcase and headed home!
The Perfect Destination to Go Guided
Everyone deserves the chance to see all that Japan has to offer! However, visiting this country as someone who only speaks English can be daunting. I cannot imagine all the frustration and tears of trying to figure things out there. Very few people know a word of English, and it’s hard to tell a barber shop from a ramen shop unless you go inside. That’s why I wholeheartedly believe that guided is the best way to go! If you have any qualms about seeing beautiful Japan, don’t be afraid to join a group tour. You’ll have just as much fun without the frustration and anxiety of figuring out all the logistics.
In any case, don’t miss out on all Japan has to offer. Collette has several tours that visit Japan, and I’m sure they’re all as wonderful as mine. Let me know about your Japan experiences on Instagram @travelingblackwidow!