Tsukiji Fish Market (O) and to Kyoto, and sightseeing in Kyoto and Uji

 

For the early risers there is the option to visit the famous Tsukiji Market - best known as one of the world's largest fish markets, handling over 2,000 tons of marine products per day. For those who choose to rise at a more civilised hour we commence our rail experiences with the 500km journey from Tokyo to Kyoto in just over two and half hours aboard the excellent Japanese ‘Shinkansen’ service. Running at speeds of up to 320 km/h, the Shinkansen is known for punctuality (most trains depart on time to the second), comfort, safety and efficiency.

 

Around lunch time we will arrive in Kyoto, the world famous ancient capital city of Japan since the 8th century.

For the first time visitor to Kyoto, we will take you to Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion), which is a symbol of Kyoto and one of the historic buildings most representative of Japan. For those who have visited the Golden Pavilion, you may enjoy to visit nearby Ninnaji Temple or Ryoanji Temple. Ninnaji Temple - also known as Omuro Imperial Palace as a member of the Imperial Family used to serve as Ninnaji's head priest - has 200 cherry blossom trees in the precincts of the temple. Ryoanji Temple is known as Japan's most famous ‘rock garden’ consisting of a rectangular plot of pebbles surrounded by low earthen walls, with 15 rocks laid out in small groups on patches of moss. The contrast between the grey stones and the pink blossoms is striking.

 

On the second day we visit to the Arashiyama district on the western outskirts of Kyoto. Enjoy the relaxing walk in the bamboo forest and the picturesque bridge that crosses the Hozugawa River. Then we head to the world famous national treasure of Kiyomizudera Temple - literally "Pure Water Temple", which is one of the most celebrated temples of Japan because of its wooden stage supported by 139 giant pillars without the use of nails, and positioned 13 metres above the hillside below. Enjoy the spectacular view of the numerous cherry trees below that erupt in a sea of colour in spring, as well as of the city of Kyoto in the distance.  In the evening we head for Gion district and Ponto-cho which is the most famous geisha district. If you are lucky you may spot Geiko and Maiko on the way to work. Enjoy the evening stroll along the Kamo River and you can dine at one of the restaurants which has an open air terrace over the river.

 

On the last day in Kyoto, travel south to Uji, situated between Kyoto and Nara – the two ancient capitals in Japan. 

We visit Byodoin Temple Phoenix Hall – the design on the Japanese 10 yen coin. The reflection of the spectacular symmetry construction on the water is striking and attracts many visitors.

For morning tea we enjoy green tea produced in Uji, as it is also famous for its fine quality green tea since the 1100s. Then we return to Kyoto and visit Nishijin Kimono Textile Centre, where you can see a beautiful Kimono show or learn about the Nishijin-ori belt, which are high-quality brocades, manufactured in Kyoto. For a souvenir from Japan, join us to visit the craft centre where you can purchase both books about Japan, as well as traditional art work at reasonable prices and of a high quality. Three nights in Kyoto.

 

Fisherman’s village Kii Nagashima and Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Road

 

After bustling cities, we head off the beaten track. The small fisherman’s village of Kii Nagashima in Mie prefecture, where you can see and experience Japan more deeply. The local community will show us their daily life and extend hospitality. We visit an old residential house for refreshments, and then experience strawberry picking - a popular activity for Japanese in spring time – we believe they will be the sweetest strawberries you’ve ever eaten. In the afternoon we explore the fisherman’s district guided by locals. We will see the fishermen’s house, a shrine which is respected as a guardian god by fishermen, and their community hall. Enjoy afternoon tea listening to their story being passed from generation to generation with its handmade shadowgraph display.

Dinner tonight is a seafood BBQ with locals, admiring the sunset in front of the fish market. We will enjoy their hospitality and build friendships with them.

 

Next day we visit the impressive Kumono Kodo Centre which is made from more than 6,500 Owase Hinoki (Japanese cypress) and houses a permanent exhibition on the nature, history and culture of the area. We then visit the shop/factory of Owase Wappa, the Japanese traditional Bento box made from high quality Japanese cypress growing in this area. The shaved and boiled cypress are carefully bent and tied with bark from cherry blossoms and then finished with lacquer. We visit one of the sacred pilgrimage routes through Kumono Kodo forest.

For lunch today enjoy a simple Japanese bento luncheon prepared by our new friends. Experience a thrilling drum and musical performance by the local community with young and old alike performing just for us.

 

Enjoy a traditional Japanese bath overlooking the sea and the fine meal using the freshest local ingredients.

Two nights in a lovely ryokan on the water’s edge.

 

to Kagoshima, Satsuma Kiriko, Senganen Garden

 

Journey south to Kagoshima by Kyushu shinkansen. Then visit Satsuma Kiriko museum and factory, Shoko-Shuseikan Museum exhibiting the culture and maritime activities of the Shimazu clan when Japan began exposure to western society. and the beautiful Senganen Garden with views over Sakurajima Bay. Board a ferry to Sakurajima island for sunset views over the bay and city.  Three nights in Kagoshima.

 

Aso Crater, Takamori by Minami-Aso Railway, Kumamolto Castle Illumination

 

Today visit the scenic countryside around Aso crater, with an enjoyable ride on two special trains that climb into and through the crater itself. One, privately operated, and we plan to ride on their special open sided tourist train on this small private railway journey along a scenic stretch of track to the centre of Kyushu at Tateno.

Lunch in the small town of Takamori, and then we return to Kumamoto. If the cherry blossoms are good, you may like to enjoy the illuminations at Kumamoto Castle, specially arranged for cherry blossom viewing.

 

Kirishima Mountain National Park by tourist and steam trains

 

A day exploring the mountains, rivers and hopefully cherry blossoms around Kagoshima and Hitoyoshi – enjoying Kirishima’s rich greenery. This morning we join the Hayato no Kaze Limited Express and travel along the edge of Kagoshima Bay before climbing into the mountains to Hayato and Yoshimatsu. Here we change to the Shinpei Limited Express and enjoy spectacular views of the Kirishima mountain range as we experience the magnificent ascent through the steep pass, around a spiral loop and over switchbacks. A key attraction of these journeys is not only the spectacular scenery, but the interesting stops en route where you can alight briefly from the train to meet locals on the stations with local produce to taste and for sale. To inspect the old rail stations and steam locomotives on the route. In Hitoyoshi you can have lunch in an historic restaurant that has served fresh eel for over 100 years.  We then join the restored steam train ‘SL Hitoyoshi' for a journey along the scenic Hisatsu Line to Kumamoto. At Kumamoto we board the Kyushu Shinkansen and return to Kagoshima.

 

 Ibusuki, Chiran & ryokan sand bath

 

After breakfast we join the Limited Express Ibusuki no Tamatebako - the train’s name comes from the legend of an undersea kingdom called Ryugu which has been handed down to Ibusuki.  We enjoy a one-hour coastal journey with grand views of Sakurajima Island and Kinko Bay. Ibusuki is famous as an onsen town that is known for its hot sand baths, where bathers are buried in naturally heated sand. A simple but excellent Italian luncheon is enjoyed in the Satsuma Denshokan - a spectacularly designed museum that introduces the history of Satsuma (modern day Kagoshima) around the beginning of the Meiji Period (1868-1912) with a focus on local ceramics.

 

Next day visit the town of Chiran. Noted for its traditional samurai houses and gardens, with a preserved quarter we will explore. Then to the kamikaze pilots memorial museum to understand this aspect of Japanese history. Then to the Flower Park Kagoshima – located near the southern tip of the Satsuma Peninsula, about a kilometre north of Cape Nagasakibana. It is a large, attractive park with about half a million plants of more than 2 to 400 different varieties. We enjoy luncheon here and explore, before returning mid afternoon to the ryokan to relax and enjoy the traditional Japanese accommodation.

 

Our accommodation in Ibusuki is at an excellent local ryokan, with traditional rooms and fine food. Ibusuki is surrounded by sunshine, sea and land, and is a treasure trove of rich sea and mountain food. Our meal is a seasonal taste of the surrounding local foods – after a refreshing sand bath (O)Two nights in Ibusuki.

 

to Tokyo and arrive Australia

 

By Shinkansen to Tokyo and the next morning arrival back in Australia. The conclusion of our wonderful winter festivals tour of Japan by Rail.

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