Our lives and travels
We started our day with a visit to the quiet Sompo Museum of Art in Shinjuku, enjoying the "the magic north" exhibition and viewing Van Gogh's Sunflowers. After energy-replenishing fluffy Japanese pancakes, we explored Takeshita Street in Harajuku, encountering unique experiences and animal cafes.
The final days in Kyoto were spent shopping and relaxing before traveling to Tokyo. Upon arrival, we visited the famous Gotokuji temple known for its thousands of maneki-neko (beckoning cat) statues. However, our experience at the massive Shinjuku station was marred by confusion and difficulty, leaving us tired and stressed.
We decided to explore Kyoto by electric-assisted bikes. The day included exploring temples, witnessing the oddity of tourists in kimonos, and encountering cats at Fushimi Inari Taisha. The adventure ended with a creepy detour in the shrine grounds.
While visiting Kyoto, we relaxed with a massage and explored a nearby garden. Later, we indulged in a rejuvenating massage before enjoying dinner at a nearby restaurant. The meal featured shabu-shabu and delightful yuzu sorbet.
The overnight trip to Nara included visits to Nara Park, the Nara National Museum, and encounters with friendly deer. The museum showcased impressive Buddhist art, and the park was filled with deer eager for snacks.
We visited the Osaka aquarium and rode a Ferris wheel. Tired from our journey, we sought a peaceful day and found it at the aquarium. We encountered a Kiwi, enjoyed delicious drinks, and marveled at the world's largest aquarium. Highlights included whale sharks, otters, and stunning views from the Ferris wheel.
Osaka is a trendy city with a strong coffee and food culture. Traveling to Osaka via Shinkansen was seamless, and Dotonbori district offered a bustling amusement park vibe. Exploring local bakeries and a unique hedgehog cafe added more enjoyable experiences to the trip.
We reflect on our journey from Tokyo to Hiroshima, recounting struggles with train ticketing, a heartwarming experience at Hiroshima's train station, and our exploration of the city's history and cuisine. We dedicated a day to the Peace Memorial Museum before venturing to Itsukushima, where we enjoyed the island's tranquillity and local treats.
After a high step count day, we opted for a relaxed morning at a local café before catching a Kabuki show at Ginza Kabuki-za. The Skylight performance depicted family life, and we also stumbled upon the impressive Big Cat Bang art installation. Finally, we visited teamLab Planets for an interactive art experience.
After a five-year hiatus from international travel (excluding the move to New Zealand), we meticulously planned our Japan trip for 5 months, carefully considering our priorities and desires. Upon arrival in Tokyo, we smoothly navigated immigration, transportation, and obtained SIM cards. We explored Ueno Park, visited a museum, and ventured into the bustling Akihabara Electric Town. Finally, we relaxed at a cat cafe before enjoying a fusion ramen dinner.
Chris and Chantal 