I Think I’m Turning Japanese, I Really Think So
Jul 2nd, 2008 |
Welcome to Japan, where Hello Kitty was recently named the Ambassador of Tourism. We are currently in TOKYO!
Bookmark To:
WanderingWhy…
and learning through the wonders of travel.
Carol said:
Hello! I discovered your site by chance by entering the phrase “what would you do with 5 days in japan” as a google search. What popped up was a question posed by you in May, 2008 on a board called BootsnAll! (Gotta love the internet!)
I discovered your website this way and have enjoyed perusing it - well written and nicely done. Sounds like you had an amazing adventure. I can relate to the odd feelings surrounding being “home” after being away - it’s hard to explain how things are the same, but different. Our family just returned from a 3 month adventure in Europe, during which I was introduced to the world of blogging for the first time. Not quite the 548 continent-hopping days you experienced, but with 2 small children and a job on hold back home, we were pretty happy we got the chance to do our kid-friendly version of exploring for our paltry 90+/- days. But I digress…….(as I so often do…)
I read the blogs you posted from Japan, but was wondering if you could pass along any more specifics in terms of things not to miss and/or things to avoid. Did you ever find a good ryokan while you were there? Do you think we could get away with showing up at a ryokan with a 9 and 5 (almost 6) year old in tow? We’d like to experience something like that, but just aren’t sure whether it would be suitable (or available) for the small people.
We’re loosely planning 2 days in Tokyo to superficially absorb the insanity, then 3 days in Kyoto or somewhere else to superficially absorb a touch of old-world(ish) culture. After that, we’ll be in Saipan for a little less than a week, but that’s a bird of a different feather.
Hope to hear from you! By the way, I didn’t notice anything in your travels about Alaska yet…)
Best wishes,
Carol
WanderingSean said:
Hi Carol!
We found a really nice ryokan in Kyoto called Bola Bola. I am sure it would be fine for kids, but 1.)I am not sure how comfortable the kids would be on the floor to sleep, and 2.) I would probably inquire with the owners directly. There were no kids while we were at a ryokan, so I have no experience to go off of.
In Kyoto, I wouldn’t miss Gion, and the kids would probably like the Monkey Park there.
In Tokyo, if the kids saw the movie “Hachiko” I would recommend going to see the statue there at Shibuya station. I am going to refer you to http://www.widewideworld.com for more information on family travel in Tokyo. The place we stayed at in Shinjuku, would not really be kid friendly (Red Light District!). Be sure to check out the food at the 7-11, you can get sushi there!! There are drink vending machines everywhere, and it is fun to guess what something is and then try it. Get a good subway map, the subway system is crazy, but it is the best and cheapest form of transport. Consider a rail pass, but remember that you have to purchase it BEFORE you go, it cannot be purchased in Japan. For a week, and going to Kyoto, it pays for itself. Don’t miss the fish market, the zoo in Ueno park, and Asakusa .
Have a great time!!!