Home Stay In Rural Kyoto

For a true Japanese Experience, Japan Roads would like to suggest a home stay in Kameoka (rural Kyoto). This experience is included in our Rural Discovery Tour. This independant tour will guide you to a off-the-beaten-track part of Japan. The tour gives the opportunity to stay with a Japanese family in a traditional house. With the Rural Discovery Tour you will bring you to amazing landmarks in Kyoto, the Himeji castle.... but the main attraction of this tour is the home stay in Kameoka.

This rural home-stay will give you stories that you will remember long after your photos have faded. While talking with your hosts you will learn how Japanese live, and experience something beyond traditional sightseeing.

Fukiko will provide you a variety of experiences that only her can give. She will cook traditional Japanese dishes for you; using fresh ingredients from her organic garden. If you like; she can dress you in one of her beautiful kimonos, Fukiko likes Kimonos very much and owns a fantastic collection. You will also have a chance to meet a Maiko (a geisha in training). Fukiko will also tell you the fascinating story of her family and ancestors.

A stay with Fukiko will introduce you the Japanese traditions, the bravery of the Japanese people, the research of excellent... but you will also learn about yourself and how to enjoy life in a traditional Japanese way.

To learn about the 7 rules for happiness in the Japanese style, please see the video,

This video was produced by Susan Macaulay, Creator & Curator of AmazingWomenRock.com (Amazing Women Rock), when she visited Fukiko's guest house in 2008. The original post is here:

7 Rules for Happiness Japanese Style

She also made these videos about the trip:

Fukiko Makes Me Beautiful in a Kimono

Fukiko's Mother; Inside the World Of an Aspiring Geisha

We hope the above has piqued your interest in this tour. If you have any questions or wish to sign up for a tour please Contact Us.

Volunteer for Japan

On October 7, 2011, I joined a group of 41 volunteers to with the the clean up and reconstruction of Rikuzentakata-shi in Iwate Prefecture, Japan. This is one of the coastal towns most severely hit by the March 11 tsunami.

Our group

 Yoko Matuura from WhyNot? JAPAN (http://www.whynotjapan.com/) took on the difficult task of organizing the volunteer trip. Thank you, Yoko! The initial plan was to go to Ishinomaki, but when Yoko called Volunteer Center (http://www.ngo-jvc.net/en/touhoku.html) she was told that they only needed volunteers that could drive/operate heavy machinery. Thankfully, she didn’t give up, and managed to find a Volunteer Center with staff who knew of a location where we could be of service.

The morning of October 8th we arrive at Volunteer Center where we changed clothes and got the necessary tools. Before heading out, the Center staff explained the risk and safety procedures to be followed. For many of us, myself included, it was the first time to do such work.

Mr. Sato from the village explained that we would spend 2 days cleaning up a field so that it could be used for farming during the next planting season. Saito is one the survivors and he really was special person, kind person and very friendly. I personally was afraid ask him any question about March 11th and the only thing he told me is kowakatta mada shinjirarenai!, which means “I was scared and still cannot believe what happened”. You could tell by his hard work and dedication that he would not rest until his village was back to the way it was before the tsunami. Please never give up Saito-san we are all with you!!!!

Mr Sato and Sawako

While in Rikuzentakata-shi we met Jamie El-Banna who has been working on the clean up and rebuilding efforts since June 2011. He has been living in a tent in Ishinomaki, where we were originally planning to volunteer. Jamie was very helpful and we cannot thank him enough for all of his hard work, Thank you, Jamie!!

Jamie El-Banna with us

As part of our volunteer service, we were asked to attend a festival at a local shrine that happens once every four years. During the special festival, men climb up a large ladder to battle with a makeshift dragon. It was truly inspiring to see the city coming together in celebration while they are still trying to heal from this year's tragedy.

Rikuzentakata Festival

This trip was wonderfully organized and I hope that I was able to help the people of Rikuzentakata even if it was only a little bit. It's been 6 months since the tsunami and earthquake now, but they could always use more help so please volunteer!

Marco Ferrari
Japanese Guest Houses

***
Japanese Guest Houses
Create Your Own Japanese Experience
Japanese Guest Houses
Japanese Inn Reservation Service
http://JapaneseGuestHouses.com

Japan Roads
Getting You Into the Japanese Culture
http://JapanRoads.com

Rediscover Travel Blog
http://www.JapaneseGuestHouses.blogspot.com

Autumn in Japan

Japanese cherry blossoms (Sakura) are a famous national celebration, and crowds from all around the world come every year to enjoy spring in Japan. But there is another natural event that worth the visit; the autumn leaves colors. Leaves turn to yellow, orange, red, purple, ruby, vermilion…giving a mystic atmosphere to some places. The Japanese summer is really hot and humid, and though Japanese enjoy the summer, I have a feeling that they are impatient for autumn to start and finally being able to enjoy the autumn colors and an outdoor activity without getting sunburn.

Today I would like to give some basic advice and recommendations on how to enjoy those autumn colors.

When to go to see the most beautiful autumn colors?

Because Japan stretches from north (Hokkaido) to south (Okinawa) the autumn actually happens at a different time. In Hokkaido the autumn might starts as early as September while in Okinawa there is no specific autumn due to the tropical weather. But in Kyushu the autumn starts only by the end of November.
Though nature is not an exact science, in the central part of Japan, the best time is November.

To know the progression of the autumn leaves, some websites publish very detailed reports:

Japan Guide – Autumn Color Report
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2014.html
This website is in English and they update the color of the leaves in the most popular spots.

Yahoo Japan – Autumn Color Report
http://weather.yahoo.co.jp/weather/
This one is in Japanese and seasonal (From September to December) but you don’t need to understand Japanese to actually find the information you are looking for. When the Autumn Report will be available, usually by the end of September, you will see a big red Maple leave, just click on it to see the Autumn Color Report. This is the most detailed report; every single spot in Japan is listed. The Maple leaf symbol beside the location selected will change from green to red; red being the best moment to go.

Where to go?

Kyoto is probably the most popular and crowded spot but still it worth the visit. During the second half of November, places such as Tofukuji, Arashiyama, Kiyomizudera will be surrounded by beautiful autumn foliage.

In Hokkaido, the Daisetesuzan National Park is the first place to have autumn colors every year. The mix of colors, between yellow and red in the middle of mountains or along rivers and lakes offers some particularly nice spots in early October.

The Fuji Five Lakes, with a view on the magnificent Mt Fuji, is one the most popular. In addition it is possible to find some quiet and not crowded places around the Mt Fuji. It is advised to go there in late October to enjoy the autumn colors.

The Tateyama Kurobe Alpen Route; in the Northern Japanese Alps is famous for the great amount of snow fall but also for its beautiful autumn colors. Because of its elevation range the autumn can be enjoyed from late September to early November.

The Miyajima Island is one of the three most scenic places in Japan, so anytime is good to visit this place, but the middle of November would be a great choice. Few autumn colors can be seen around the Miyajima Torii (gate) and the Itsukushima shrine; but in the Momijidani Park laterally “Maple valley” there are plenty.

My special recommendation;
The Mino Park, this park is located only 30 minutes from the Osaka city and is a small valley full of Maple trees. I went there last year, and sincerely it is beautiful. Walking in this forest of Maple trees is something that I enjoyed a lot, and I recommend this place that few foreigners know. Extra surprise, you might see some monkeys walking beside you.

Don’t forget, that every interesting place in Japan can become crowded very quickly, I suggest you to go to the above places as early as you can in the morning or late in the evening. Of course it is also better to avoid weekends. That way you will avoid making lines….and you will have a better light for your pictures.


Which tree to enjoy in autumn?

Of course the Maple tree (Momiji in Japanese) is the most beautiful tree in autumn. Maple trees are native of Japan; nowadays there are other a hundred of varieties. The shape and colors of their leaves can be very different from one another; thin, long, round, red, yellow… Cultivated ones, with the most shining colors can be seen in temples especially in Kyoto or in Japanese gardens.

Another famous tree in Japanese autumn is the Ginkgo (Icho in Japanese). This tree will not turn red but into a bright yellow. This is very common in the cities, along the streets and parks. I agree that the yellow of the Ginkgo is beautiful, but I would add that this tree produce some fruits that really stink, so take a deep breath before you go around one.


What to eat during the Japanese autumn?

Like every season autumn brings specific fruits or vegetables. Japanese have a passion for the Matsutake, this mushroom popular for its smell and flavor can be compare to the Truffle in Europe. If they are as good as expensive they must be delicious!

Chestnut (Kuri in Japanese) is a typical product to eat in autumn. Japanese chefs can cook almost anything based on Chestnut; soup, sauces, cakes, ice cream… Some Japanese farms will suggest you to pick up Chestnuts by yourself. Fruits always have a better taste if you can select them on your own directly on the tree!

Now if you go to Mino Park, you will have to try the Momiji Tempura (Fried Maple leaves). It is probably not the most tasty Japanese dish, but it’s interesting to know that we actually eat the leaves of a Maple tree.


Personally, I am so impatient to see the autumn coming.

Attractions are everywhere in Japan,

Following our last post, I would like to give you more examples of interesting things that you can find anywhere in Japan. All you have to do, is to pay attention around you while you are in Japan.

For some Japanese to play with costumes is a real life style, here is a very cute butterfly. To see some "cosplay" in Osaka, the best place is in Americamura, near Namba.

For some costume, they really make huge efforts and probably take hours to be ready. At least they bring some colors and smile,...

If you are in Japan now, you know that it is really hot. Good news, Japanese have many great ideas ! The bar on the above picture, will welcome you with a temperature of -2 degrees Celsius (about 28 degrees Fahrenheit) ! This bar, in Shinsaibashi (Osaka) opened in June and will keep its business until September. The only problem, is that you would have to wait for about 1 hour outside, because it's so popular.

Sightseeing with your eyes open

While you are in Japan, of course you will have to visit popular landmarks such as Mt Fuji, temples in Kyoto, Miyajima… Those places are a must; but your travel is not restricted to the touristic spots, there are plenty of surprising things in Japan, everywhere, you just need to look around you.

The staff of Rediscover Japan lives around Osaka, so we would like to show you some examples of interesting things that we found near Osaka.

High-school baseball tournament in Koshien.

If you are in Kansai now, or within Sunday August 14^th, why don’t you go to see a baseball game at Koshien. They are now holding the National high-school baseball tournament. This tournament is one of the most popular even in Japan. Games are on the air on two different national channels; great atmosphere; 40,000 people in the stadium everyday for 2 weeks…and some seats are free !

Square watermelon

If you like fruits, you might be surprised by the price of fruits in Japan. To grow a fruit in Japan is more or less an Art. How about this square watermelon, for 130 US Dollars!! I hope they guarantee the taste for this price.

Nice bicycle !

This bicycle is probably not easy to ride, but looks great. If you cannot afford a real Harley-Davidson this might be a good alternative...

Japanese Guest Houses phone guide

Most tourists want to call home at least one time while they are traveling in Japan but this is not always easy or cheap. Below are 5 options but we recommend either option numbers 4 or 5 as they are the least expensive.

Option 1,
Use your cell phone in Japan...
Most of the foreign phones do not work in Japan and the ones that do can be very expensive to you. If you have a smart phone like an iPhone or Android you may have better luck but due to data charges this can also be a very expensive option. In fact, we recommend you to keep your smart phone on “airplane mode” and only use it to connect to the Internet by WIFI. Japan is famous for new technologies but free WIFI spots are not as common as it can be in other countries. Please ask your hotel front desk where you can access free WIFI.

Note: Even your cell phone provider says your phone will work in Japan please read all the fine print and understand what the actual costs are.

Option 2,
Use your hotel phone…
Nowadays the in-room phones are mostly used for room service, wake up calls and emergencies. For an international phone call this option would work but this will be very expensive and I do not recommend it.

Option 3,
Renting a Cell Phone in Japan...
This is a very convenient alternative, you just pick up the rental phone at the airport when you arrive in Japan and drop it off on the way back home. However please be careful as the rental fee is usually very attractive but the calls can be very expensive and its not ideal for calling overseas. Many rent a phone companies charge over 100 yen per minute for outgoing domestic calls. Here is a list of rental cell phone companies:
http://www.rentafonejapan.com/
http://www.myjapanphone.com/
http://www.jcrcorp.com/
http://www.narita-airport.jp/en/guide/service/list/svc_19.html
(These are just listed for your convenience and not a recommendation of service, please research carefully.)

Option 4,
International Phone Cards...
This is one of the best and most reasonable solutions for calling home and is one of the two options that we recommend. You can use International Phone Cards with a very competitive rate to call overseas. Depending on the Phone Cards, they can be used from public phones or rental mobile phones. Phone cards are sold at convenience stores, kiosks, on the Internet and vending machines.
http://www.callingcards.com/index_japan.asp?origsel=Japan
http://www.nobelcom.com/
http://www.rebtel.com/
(These are just listed for your convenience and not a recommendation of service, please research carefully.)

Option 5,
Use Skype to call...
If you are at a WIFI spot you can use your computer, smart phone (iPhone, Blackberry, Android...), or iPad to make free calls to others while on Skype. You can also use Skype to make cheap calls to land lines around the world. At Japanese Guest Houses and Japan Roads we use Skype to contact each other between the US and Japan. It works great and if the person you are calling has Skype then it is all free. Once you are away from the WIFI area make sure that you put your smart phone or other device on airplane mode.
http://www.skype.com

Tourism in Japan 4 months after the quake,

Tourists are coming back to Japan, booking their holidays, planning their itineraries. Vincent Penez situated in Japan reports on the current state of the local tourism industry.As you know on March 11th Japan was hit by massive Tsunami causing terrible damages especially to the Fukushima nuclear plant. Four months later, the Japanese nation is gathering all its resources to rebuild the Tohoku area, fix the Fukushima nuclear plant and prove that Japan is safe to travel.
The tourists are more welcome than ever to help Japan. We already received many testimonials from tourists explaining how the Japanese people are thankful for tourists coming to Japan.
People have the image that Japan is a very small island nation, in fact Japan's 143,600 square miles make the island slightly smaller than California. From its northern most point in Hokkaido to its southern most point in Okinawa it is 1,400 miles or the distance from New York to Alabama.

The most popular tourist destinations are located far away from Fukushima. Tourists are coming back step by step and the Gion festival in Kyoto (ending on Sunday, July 17th) was really crowded as every year.
Hopefully, tourists will understand that while the damage to the Tohoku area is extreme, it is very far from most tourist destinations. Our company has two offices, one in the US and one in Japan. Our Office in Japan is located near Osaka and life for our staff is normal without any interruptions. Our President also brought his family to Japan for the summer just like every year.
I personally live in Osaka and I would like to say that I did not change anything in my daily life after the quake, tsunami or nuclear accident and I still practice the same hobby as before. I go to work, take the same packed train every day, go out with my friends… And since I like to ride bicycle I still do it, maybe even more than before though it is now very hot and humid in Japan, I sincerely feel safe in Osaka.
Below are some links that explain the current situation in Japan and show that Japan is safe:

• Disaster Prevention and Nuclear Safety Network for Nuclear Environment http://www.bousai.ne.jp/eng/
  This site shows real time maps of current radiation levels in Japan. As you can see the radiation level in most of the country is normal.
• International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) http://www.iaea.org/About/japan-infosheet.html
  To me this is the most important link as the IAEA has nothing to gain from you traveling to Japan. They are simply stating the facts.
• Japan is already rebuilding and the areas hit by the tsunami are much cleaner than before and people are living their normal live again. To have a good idea of the situation in Tohoku please check the following link: http://photogallery.thestar.com/1006372

The most important information I would like to give is that tourists who canceled their travel to Japan after the quake are now coming back. Most of them are planning to visit Japan in autumn and some are already making reservations for spring 2012.
By Vincent Penez

Is it a good time to visit Japan ? Yes !

I would like you and others to know that this is a very nice time to visit
Japan.  We found that there were very few Caucasian tourists most places
that we went.  We asked the staff everywhere we stayed how business was and
it was way down for all of them.  They have had almost all their
reservations from the US canceled.

Tokyo Tower

Before leaving for Japan I worried that the "mood" in Tokyo and Kyoto would
be one of depression and sadness.  I did not find that at all.  People in
Japan were gracious and welcoming as usual.  We found marketplaces and
stores were bustling and vibrant, the temples and shrines were full of
visiting Japanese students and their teachers who were giggling and looked
like kids anywhere out on a field trip.  Restaurants may not have been as
crowded as usual, I wouldn't know, but many that we went to were full of
Japanese patrons.

We did experience some of the electricity savings measures:  some places did
not have air conditioning on and we were there during a hot spell . . .
temperatures in 20's C some days and it was a little bit uncomfortable in
some locations.  The hotels and hostels we stayed at had individual room A/C
that we could turn on and set the temperature as we wished.  Also many, but
not all of the escalators in the train stations were turned off.  But if you
needed an elevator they were running.

I personally would urge Americans who were considering visiting Japan to go
now or soon.   Other than where the devastation has occurred it remains an
incredibly beautiful country in every way.  The Japanese people are happy to
see us and by spending our money in Japan we are helping their economy, and
the people whose livelihood depends on tourism.

 I lived in Japan for several years as a child and this is the first time I
returned, many years later.  Much has changed in Japan since then, but I
found that it overwhelming retains the unique cultural and physical
characteristics that make it so interesting and enjoyable to visit.

Thank you for this opportunity to share my impressions.

Sincerely,
Diane Saulter

Cycling in Nara

People that are only watching and listening to the Western media might have a terrible image of the situation in Japan. I sincerely think that those media are looking for some sensational stories to sell and they do not realize how much they can be destructive for the whole Japanese Nation. I live in Osaka for about 2 years and I did not escape to France (I am French) after the March 11^th.

What I would like to say here is that I did not change anything in my daily life after the quake, tsunami or nuclear accident and I still practice the same hobby than before.

I go to work, take the same packed train everyday, go out with my friends… And as I like to ride bicycle I still do it, maybe even more than before.

Tea field

Every Saturdays I take my bike from Osaka, I try to reach roads with less traffic. This time I have decided to go to Nara.

When I first came to Japan, I only used trains to move around Kansai, and in my mind Nara was really far from Osaka. Once I could reach Nara by bicycle, I realized that Nara, Kobe, Osaka and Kyoto are really close to each other and that actually the trains between each city are pretty slow. Between Osaka and Nara there are about 50 kms (about 30 miles), if I am in a good day I need less than 2 hours to arrive at the Nara Park in the center of Nara.

The Nara Park is a huge park located on the East side of the city. The park is actually connected to mountains and wild spaces. This park is popular for its giant Buddha statue, the Todaiji, temples… and for the hundreds of deer that make this park so special.

One of the best inns to spend a night around the Nara Park is the Kankaso ryokan; this traditional ryokan is indeed within the Nara Park.

Here you can see a picture of my bike in front of the Kankaso building.

http://www.japaneseguesthouses.com/db/nara/kankaso.htm 

Kankaso

 From the Nara Park I could climb the Mount Wakakusa, and later I found some tea fields, what a surprise! Tea fields do not exist in France or even in the whole Europe, so for me it really is an exotic landscape. I also found out that many of my Japanese friends did not know about tea fields in Nara.

Nara Park

So from Osaka and in less than 4 hours by bicycle, I could see the Nara Park, many deer and tea fields; a very enjoyable day.

Vincent Penez

A Birthday celebration in Japan !

I traveled to Japan from 11 to 22nd April 2011: Tokyo, Nagoya, Takayama, Kyoto, Nara, Himeji, Koyasan and return to Tokyo. The voyage has been organized by me, without travel agencies. I was traveling accompanied by my adolescent son. He completed 17 years old at 14th April, when we were at Takayama. We had the opportunity to see Takayama Spring Festival. That`s wonderful. About  your question: what is happening after the quake in these cities, I answer that we felt always secure,  even at Tokyo, were we felt others quakes. We saw the Japanese people living normally, calm. When I told to my family and friends in Portugal that I would maintain my voyage to Japan as planned, some tried to discourage me because they were afraid that something could happen to us. But I answered that I was reading news from several countries and the WHO did not put any restrictions to  voyages to Japan. I´m a doctor, I had to believe it. It was also my way to help Japan in such difficult moment.

Mount Koya

And I am happy because I decided this way. I had the gift  to see hundreds of Sakura plenty of flowers and so many others beautiful things and to know a little of Japanese culture. All were so nice, helping when we were confuse, looking at the map. Japanese approached us, asking if we needed help and, if they didn´t know, they asked to others. And so We did our voyage. At the end my son said " Everything has been better than I had imagined". My son will never forget this anniversary.

By Georgina Maia

Travel in Japan in April 2011

Myself and my mother traveled to Japan on 8/4/11 - 27/4/11. We found the people welcoming and really willing to help tourists with only a very basic grasp of Japanese. We flew into Kansai and traveled to Osaka, Nara, Koya-san, Kanazawa, Takayama, Nagoya, Hiroshima, Miyajima & Kyoto. I can safely say that had I not known about the chained disasters (and been watching the news and travel advisories very closely before leaving), the only indication I would have had that there was a problem within the country was the sheer lack of other tourists. We spoke to many of the hotel, ryokan and hostel staff while traveling and all mentioned the huge numbers of visitors not in attendance. One particular hotel told us that they usually would usually at that time of the year have no vacancies, but that this year we were their only visitor during that week.

Takayama

Many of my colleagues spoke of fears before I left such as lack of food, electricity cuts, transport breakdowns and nuclear radiation. Indeed I had originally been intending to travel with a friend who chose to pull out a fortnight before departure. Once into the country however, the only example I experienced over the 20 days was 1 train not able to get through due to a signal box further up the line being hit by lightning.
Essentially, from what I was able to tell, in areas not directly affected by the quake, tsunami & malfunctioning power plant, life seems to be going on as usual. During the cherry blossom period Hanami parties were going on, in Takayama the Spring Festival was in full swing and the Kyoto markets were as amazing as I'd heard they could be. I think that many tourists have been put off by sensationalist media journalism and it's a real shame as it has really hurt the Japanese economy more than anything else.

I hope that this information has been of some use to you and your website. If you would like any further information or clarification on areas, please don't hesitate to e-mail me.

Kirsten Stroak

Travel information from our guest

We were in Tokyo at the end of March and Kyoto the beginning of April. As we had never been to Japan before it seemed that life was carrying on as usual. The only things we know we missed in Tokyo were
the observation floor of the Metropolitan Government Building which was closed to tourists, the tuna auction which was also closed to tourists. The JR train was not going to and from Narita airport at the end of March or mid-April.

Ginkakujin

People we spoke to who had been to Kyoto before during cherry blossom season said it was very quiet this year, but we found it pretty busy, especially on weekends when it was very busy. We were able to get into visit the Katsura Imperial Villa which had been fully booked when we tried to reserve in mid-February in advance for early April.

In Kanazawa we were the only ones in the lovely garden and wonderful tea ceremony at Gyoku-sen-en and it was also easy to get into the Myoryuji Temple...both of which require a reservation 1 to 2 days prior.

We found that people were really happy to seen us foreigners and we had a fabulous trip.

JL, Canada

Guest's visit to Tokyo, Nagoya, Gifu, Takayama, Shirakawa-go,...

My parents and I have been traveling around Japan between April 10th and

23rd. (And I live in Gifu City).

Some information on the areas we went...

TOKYO... N'ex had just started services again. We had absolutely NO TROUBLE

with any train/ subway delays/ route closures because of 'blackouts'. Though

we were mostly using main routes.

Nagoya

We actually felt several earthquakes while in Tokyo! We had some big shakes

in our hotel (sorry, not booked through JGH!), but they felt 'stronger'

because we were on the 10th floor, in a new building that is built to sway.

We also felt several as we were in the depa-chika (department store

basement) in Ginza. They announced (in japanese) the earthquake warnings...

several STAFF and general public came over to us and asked if we understood/

were ok (very touching!).

Many of the conbini (convenience stores) still had a limit of 3 small or 1

large water bottles purchasable per person. (to avoid un-necessary

stock-piling).

Many subways/ train stations had only half their platform lights on, still

plenty to see by, and a little more relaxing on the eyes! Many stations had

also turned off most of their escalators off.

We'd heard that many of the large TV billboards/ neon lights were off...

however, while we were there most were on... just as normal...

Oh, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observation Deck was

closed...

Nagoya, Gifu, Takayama/ Shirakawa-go, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka (other places we

visited) were all 'business as usual', no power saving or anything

special... if you didn't know better you'd have no idea of the disaster in

northern Japan! They've generally calmed down now, but there have been lots

more people out on street corners collecting donations for Red Cross and

other charities to help out... (and alot more donation boxes on shop

counters).

While there are definitely alot less foreign tourists, there is still lots

of domestic tourism. We were in Takayama for the second day of their

festival, and there were heaps of people. Kyoto was full of people,

especially japanese school groups (and we saw more foreigners in one day in

Kyoto than in the whole two weeks elsewhere!). I was in Shirakawa-go again

last week (May 4th) and it was packed with people.

Actually this spring has been pretty cold, so the sakura where a little slow

blooming in many places, and I guess people haven't really been getting out

as much... things are picking up again and more domestic tourism is

happening. I noticed alot of the smaller, local spring festivals were

cancelled in April; but the big events are still on, and people are looking

to regain more happiness.

Locally around Nagoya/ Gifu I have noticed that shelves are generally fully

stocked, there is no shortage of supplies. ... the only shortage I've

noticed is some cigarette brands... but that doesn't bother me!

We noticed in the more tourist places (Ryokan Shimizu in Kyoto; info center

by Asakusa in Tokyo etc) that the japanese people were even more welcoming,

and grateful that we foreigners were still travelling to their country; it

was very sweet!

I actually haven't really heard anything lately about radiation levels

around the country; I guess there are no major concerns from the Fukushima

nuclear plant for people outside the evacuation areas. At least the

government/ world are thinking about/ investigating the safety of other

nuclear power plants (my nearest in Shizuoka is going to be shut down

hopefully... a good idea, considering they're still predicting a massive

quake to hit the central japan region; an event that is 'overdue'!).

SO, come back to Japan everyone... life goes on as usual! ... it's kind of

nice at the moment, because some places are a little more peaceful, less

crowded... but on the flip-side, you miss the experience of the crazy

crowds... although, then again, Osaka was mad... the station and

Shinsaibashi shopping areas were packed!

Hope this has been a little help, please feel free to email with any

specific questions and I'll attempt to help with my knowledge!

Regards

Charlotte Newman

Guest's travel in Japan from March 22nd to April 12th,

Having just returned from Japan last week, I've got a pretty good idea of what is happening in some of the major cities outside the quake/tsunami zone.

Shinjuku

We were on a 3 week trip March 22 - April 12. We stayed about one week each in Tokyo (first), Hiroshima (second), and Kyoto (last). This was our fifth extended trip to Japan in as many years, so we have a good feel for what "normal" is compared to our experience this year.

While we were in Tokyo, we closely followed the news reports regarding the Fukushima nuclear crisis, as most people in Tokyo did, but most people continued on with their lives normally. We stayed in Shinagawa, and along with the rest of central Tokyo (all around the Yamanote Line), we did not experience any planned power outages. The blackouts were only rolling through outlying areas of the metropolis. Also, there were no changes to the Yamanote schedules. I do know that the Narita Express train was suspended, but resumed on an altered schedule on April 4. Also, various night spots (like Shibuya) shut down early to conserve electricity. It was a bit eerie to see that area dark at night. But since such energy-saving measures were put in place, Tokyo Electric found that demand was not as high as anticipated and ended the rolling blackouts in Tokyo-to. We did not notice any shortage of food or water in central Tokyo. Convenience stores seemed to be well
 stocked with basic necessities. We did see, however, at a few restaurants (including Jonathan's) limited menus due to some highways being shut down and transportation of some goods not getting through.


There's not much to say about Hiroshima and Kyoto. Everything seemed completely normal in those cities. Everyone went about their business normally. Plentiful food, water and electricity. Obviously, foreign tourism was down, but there were still plenty of Japanese tourists in the major spots in Kyoto and Hiroshima. Aside from the ryokan we booked through your service (in Atami - everything seemed very normal there as well), we stayed at a ryokan at Ogoto Onsen on Lake Biwa. I hadn't been there before, but the ryokan was bustling with business, so I can only assume it was business as usual for them (on a Monday, no less).

Well, I hope some of that information gives you an idea of at least what I experienced on the trip.  Thanks again for a wonderful service!

Sincerely,

Ken Leiding

Guest's testimony after the quake

Hello everyone, please find here a testimony from one of our guests about the travel situation in Japan;

We arrived in Osaka the day after the quake. We traveled through Kobe, Koyasan, Hiroshima, Nagasaki, Unzen, Kurokawa and Kyoto. The disaster appeared to have no impact on most people living in the areas we traveled though, though obviously some people must have had relatives in the quake/tsunami area. We did notice that some people were traveling from the area north of Tokyo, to the southern areas, to put distance between themselves and the area of disaster, eg some ski resort areas were closed for fear of avalanche from aftershocks.

Osaka's castle

Many Japanese people are concerned that the disaster will effect tourism. My daughter attended a science conference in Kobe and many people who were going to attend the conference did not come, or arrived and flew back home immediately.

The media appeared to be over-reactive with their reports. The media was claiming that there was no power, food or water in Tokyo and that radiation levels were dangerous. I don't think that was entirely true.

I am so glad we decided to go ahead with our plans. I adored Japan and the people of Japan. The food, accommodation and sights were wonderful. We felt very safe in Japan but tried not to look at the news reports. I will travel back to Japan in the future and I will promote travel to Japan to people here in Australia.

I spoke with travellers who arrived in Tokyo the day after the disaster and they said they did not feel there was an absence of food, water or electricity. They (like us) wondered why people back in our home countries were so worried about us. People at home were getting all their information from the media unfortunately.

One of the things I noticed, as a follow-on to the disaster, was that groups of corporate people as well as monks were on the streets of Kobe, pleading for donations to help the disaster victims. I admired their ccommunity spirit and gave money to as many groups as I could.

Regards, Jo-Ann Kafer

Refresh in Kibune,

Kyoto, the ancient capital of Japan, the richness of its past, traditional Japanese palaces, gardens…this picture of the city sounds idyllic. However if you plan to visit Kyoto and the Kansai area during summer you will quickly learn that it is incredibly hot during summer.

When you come from a dry summer country such as France, like me, your whole body will make you forget about temples, garden… and ask you to find a cooler place to rest.

Kibune

 

This cooler place exists; of course you can stay in your air-conditioned hotel’s room, but more seriously if you wish to enjoy your trip around Kyoto, I deeply recommend a day or two between Kurama Onsen and Kibune.

Within less than one hour by train, you will arrive at the bottom of the Mount Kurama covered by centenary Japanese cedars. Two pretty rivers embrace the mountain, bringing a cool breeze. Enjoy this cool breeze with my feet in the river was such a relief… It is surprising to be surrounded by nature so close from Kyoto.

Kurama Onsen

Coming from a busy and hot city, Kurama and Kibune are an excellent choice for relaxation, especially if you decide to take a bath in the hot spring bath of the Kurama Onsen.

The walk from Kurama to Kibune gives a chance to visit the Kurama-Dera Temple and discover the fantastic or mysterious Japanese cedar roots.

Japanese cedar in Kurama

 

In Kibune, the attractions are the Kawadoko terraces; every restaurant in Kibune has its own Kawadoko terrace. This terrace of Japanese tatami mats is literally disposed above the Kibune River. The Kaiseki lunch might seem overpriced however the experience worth every penny. The river is running about 50 centimeters under the terrace refreshing while you enjoy your traditional Kaiseki meal. If you are lucky, you might see women wearing Kimono, giving the perfect harmony to this place.

Kawadoko in Kibune

 

Now all you have to do is take a deep breath before going back to Kyoto…

Kibune

If you would like to stay in a traditional ryokan around Kibune or Kurama Onsen, I recommend the following ryokans:
http://www.japaneseguesthouses.com/db/kyoto/hiroya.htm
http://www.japaneseguesthouses.com/db/kyoto/kurama.htm

By Vincent Penez