My personal experience visiting Japan

Recently one of our Boscov’s Travel Advisors took a trip to Japan. Read her incredible experience below.

Chrysanthemum Flower

While most travelers think of visiting Japan in the Spring during the Sakura or Cherry Tree Festival, I visited in Fall which is a wonderful time to visit Japan. The weather is still on the warm side and the attractions are not nearly as crowded. Similar to Fall in our New England states, the Fall foliage in Japan is brilliant and breathtaking, especially if you travel into the countryside. Fall also brings the annual traditional Chrysanthemum Festival, known as Choyo, where the flower is celebrated throughout the country with large displays of magnificent blooms. In Japan, there are unlimited experiences and sites to see. Below is just a glimpse of what I experienced and saw on my trip.

Mt. Fuji

While in Japan I visited Mt. Fuji which can be reached by bullet train from Tokyo. Don’t assume that you will be able to get a great, clear picture of the mountain as it is most usually obscured by clouds. You are able to climb the mountain and hike many of it’s trails.  The train transportation system is very good throughout Japan and is easy to use.

In the main cities, you will find that English is widely spoken and understood. Japanese people are extremely friendly and are happy to help tourists who are in need of assistance.

Nagoya Castle

The history of Japan is fascinating and worth learning about. This is a picture of Nagoya Castle which was built in the 1600s at the beginning of the Edo Shogunate after the battle of Sekigahara and now houses a museum and palace that are open to the public. There are a number of Castles like this one throughout the country that you can visit.

The Village of Shirakawa-go

The village of Shirakawa-go is a UNESCO World Heritage site in the Toyama Prefecture where it is like stepping back in time. These original, specifically designed houses have remained unchanged for hundreds of years. The steeply pitched roofs are in response to the amount of snow that the area receives. The community was largely cut off from general access due to the surrounding rugged terrain.  The inhabitants made their livelihoods by cultivating mulberry trees and raising silk worms to produce the silk used to make beautiful kimonos and other silk goods. Some of these buildings are as old as 300 years.

Sensoii Temple, Tokyo

Throughout Japan you will see many Buddhist Temples and Shinto Shrines that are as beautiful as they are interesting. Visiting these shrines and temples are a great way to spend the day and connect with the beliefs of the Japanese.

There are so many wonderful things to see and do in Japan and Fall is a perfect time to visit. This is just a sample of what is available and I can’t wait to go back to experience more of this beautiful country. I recommend visiting Japan to everyone at least once. With our wealth of knowledge, your local Boscov’s Travel Advisor can help you plan your next vacation to Japan too! Contact us today!

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