I'm going to Japan

[lyriccoloratura]

My husband (!) is on a business trip to the far east, and I'll be meeting him in Tokyo next week. We will also be visiting Kyoto. Does anyone have suggestions of favorite things to do/see/eat? I'm already planning to take an ikebana class while he's in meetings and a day trip to Omiya bonsai mura -- I've gotten really into bonsais in the last couple years.

Thanks!

Lyric-arigato gosaymasu-coloratura

[ganzfeld]

Yes, of course. I can help out with the Kansai area (Kyoto/Osaka/Nara). It all depends how much time you have -- There's a lot to see! I'll PM you.

[Magpye]

I had amazing ramen in Harajuku when I went to Tokyo. I recommend asking ganzfeld to suggest a ramen place. Another thing I really enjoyed was stopping in at little neighborhood shrines when I passed them. They are oases of green and quiet in a giant metropolis.

[Forgotten Fay]

I can't do anything for suggestions, but please takes lots of pictures! I've always wanted to go to Japan! Have a great trip!

~*F.Fay

[Lainie]

Have fun! And I since I haven't said it yet, congratulations on your marriage.

[Mateus]

Climb Mt. Fuji? That's the only thing I was sober enough to remember about my trips to Tokyo back in the Army days....

[Alchemy]

I've spent a total of 6 months in the Tokyo area and I have a pretty extensive list of things to do. What are your interests? Museums? Gardens? Castles? Shrines and temples? Modern architecture? Historical sites? Clubs, bars, and the night scene? Festivals? Concerts?

[lyriccoloratura]

Thanks, everyone!

Ganzfeld, I pmed you.

Alchemy, I just saw your post now. I'm interested in just about everything on your list, plus restaurants and shopping. I love Japanese fashion (the grown up kind). Not interested in Chanel or Vuitton, though, so the Ginza is probably not the place for me to go, at least for the shopping part. I'm a fairly serious gardener, although mine tends to run more towards English-style profusion and vegetables, rather than Japanese serenity. I Have gotten into bonsai, as I mentioned before, but that seems to be not a big deal in Tokyo proper, and I'll have to take the train to Omiya to get my fix. As for museums, I'm not hugely interested in seeing western art -- I can see that in lots of places. I am interested in seeing Japanese art, and craft, as well. So there's no way I'm going to get to do everything I want to -- I'd probably have to stay 6 months for non-stop sight-seeing.

I'm going to be on my own a lot, because my husband has lots of meetings. I don't know if he's expected to go to dinner with these people or not -- if he is, I hope I'm invited, too!

[remigo]

I'm so jealous. I miss Japan loads, but it'll be at least a year before I can save up enough to visit again!

Kyoto is amazingly beautiful at this time of year because of the changing leaves. The colours of the leaves are indescribably beautiful. The golden temple (kinkakuji) is a perfect place to fill yourself with beautiful sights and there are plenty more touristy spots. Kiyomizu and Sanjunsangendo are also must-sees. Don't put your nose up at the "beaten track" - these places are popular because they're amazing. The wikitravel page on Kyoto is quite good.

Originally Posted by Mateus

Climb Mt. Fuji? That's the only thing I was sober enough to remember about my trips to Tokyo back in the Army days....

You can only do that in the month of August...