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.
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.
Chris and Chantal 