Japan

…Country of contrasts - modern/traditional, bustling/peaceful, urban/remote, skyscrapers/countryside, simple/intricate food, shy/friendly...

Japan is one of our favorite travel destinations and we’ve visited 4 times in the past 5 years.  We just can’t get enough!  

Similar to New Zealand it offers great hiking, stunning scenery (including the spring cherry blossoms and autumn leaves), and excellent food.  But it is unique due to a myriad of contrasts.  Even within Tokyo, one of the most modern/cosmopolitan cities in the world, you will still find peaceful spots and a strong sense of tradition. The Japanese are extremely friendly although in a fairly shy manner.  

We’ve been able to experience both the big bustling cities (Tokyo, Osaka), remote areas (Hokkaido - Shiretoko, Akan National Park, Daisetsuzan National Park; Kyushu - Yufuin, Aso-Kuju National Park, Kurokawa Onsen, Takachiho Gorge), and the in-between (Kyoto, Mt Koya, Kinosaki, Hiroshima, Miyajima, Yumoto, Nikko, Kamikochi, Takayama). 
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Here are highlights (DINK TRIP Tips) from our various trips so far...for more details or to help plan your own visit, contact us!

Tokyo 

• Staying at the iconic Park Hyatt
• Super fresh sushi at the Tsukiji Fish Market
• Ueno Park for cherry blossoms (Tokyo)
• Awesome Izakaya in Iidabashi (Tokyo - “little Kyoto”)
• Shopping / people watching in Harajuku (Tokyo)
• Best ramen in Tokyo near Shinjuku (Tokyo)
• Baseball game at Tokyo Dome (beer girls!)

Osaka / Mt Koya / Kyoto / Kinosaki / Hiroshima / Miyajima

• Osaka-style okonamyaki and takoyaki...yum!
• Spooky cemetary in Mt Koya and stay with monks at a local temple
• Cherry blossoms in Maruyama Park (Kyoto)
• Walking through the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove in Kyoto
• Onsen hopping in Kinosaki
• Mt Misen hike on Miyajima
• Itsukushima Shrine (Torii gate) at high tide in Miyajima

Yumoto / Nikko

• Hike towards Lake Chuzenji via Senjohahara path (through plains and past a few waterfalls) ending at Ryuzu Falls (Nikko)

Kamikochi / Takayama

• Hiking around Kamkochi
• Beautiful floats and marionette performances of the Takayama Matsuri Festival 

Hokkaido - Shiretoko National Park / Akan National Park / Daisetsuzan National Park

• Hiking in Shiretoko National Park with lots of red fox sightings and even an elk!
• Craft beer and fresh food in Hokkaido
• Viewpoint over Lake Mashu and sulfur vents on Mt. Iozan
• Hiking up Mt Kamifurano and Mt Sandan in Kamifurano, Daisetsuzan National Park with amazing views
• ​Hiking up to Asahidake Ropeway in Daisetsuzan National Park to see the geysers and awesome view

Kyushu - Yufuin / Aso-Kuju National Park / Kurokawa Onsen / Takachiho Gorge

• Walking around Yufuin and Lake Kinrinko
  
• Hiking up the Mt Yufu trail in Aso-Kuju National Park to enjoy the sweeping views
  
• Visiting the Chojabaru visitor centre and hiking around the Tadewara marsh
  
• Hiking along the ridgeline of the Kuju Mountains to enjoy the views
  
• Experiencing Takachiho Gorge by foot and by rowboat