It’s been a great trip. But all trips must come to an end, and this one is no exception. We woke up around 7:00 and got ourselves organized for the day and the long journey home. We had one stop, like on the way here as we were going from Tokyo to Seoul, then from Seoul to Vancouver.
Read MoreA Last Day in Kyoto, then Back to Tokyo
A final half-day in Kyoto included a pre-dawn climb up Fushimi Inari Taisha's iconic torii gates and a visit to Uji's spectacular Byodo-in temple. After a fun chat with local scouts, it was time for a final matcha, then a ride on the Shinkansen back to Tokyo for a last ramen before heading to the airport.
Read MoreA Trio of Temples on Our Last Full Day in Kyoto
To beat the crowds, we started at the quiet Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple, filled with unique statues. After enjoying the serene memorial statues at Adashino Nenbutsuji and a mini bamboo grove, we sampled delicious Wagyu beef for lunch. We then braved the insane crowds at the beautiful Kinkaku-ji before retreating. Our final night included shopping for luggage and a superb shabu-shabu Wagyu dinner.
Read MoreExploring Kyoto
Our first full day in Kyoto started early at Kiyomizu Temple, beautiful despite the crowds. We explored the traditional streets before visiting Nanzen-ji Temple, which featured an impressive aqueduct. We then strolled the busy Philosopher's Path. After street food at Nishiki Market, the evening was spent exploring Gion, capped by sushi and a few stops at local craft beer & whiskey bars.
Read MoreA Last Glorious Day in Kamikochi
A relaxed last day in Kamikochi after two huge hikes! We enjoyed the best weather of the trip, with clear views of the Hokta Range and Mt. Yakedake. After a final French toast breakfast, we explored the north path, spotting a rare Japanese Pygmy Woodpecker. The highlight was encountering a troop of macaques near the village center. A slice of apple pie later, we boarded the bus to Kyoto.
Read MoreThe Dakesawa Grind
A punishing but rewarding day in the Japanese Alps! Waking at 5:30 AM, we did an 8km hike to Taisho-ike Pond for sunrise views of Mt. Yakedake. The "easy" part done, we tackled the ascent to Dakesawa-goya Hut. The vertical climb was brutal on tired feet, but the views from the hut were stunning. After a hot lunch, a treacherous descent, we were rewarded with beers and an essential onsen soak.
Read MoreA Big Day in Kamikochi
An early start in Kamikochi led to stunning mountain views, a 30.5km hike to Yokoo camp, and unforgettable encounters with Japanese macaques. We savored a gourmet breakfast and a well-deserved onsen soak, capping a day of breathtaking alpine scenery and invigorating adventure.
Read MoreOff to Kamikochi
Today we made our way from Tokyo to Kamikochi in the Japanese Alps. It was a 5-hour bus ride that took us from the urban chaos of Tokyo to what may well be one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen.
Read MoreOne Last Day in Tokyo (for a While)
Our last Tokyo day mixed rain-kissed city views from the Government Building with bohemian vibes in Shimokitazawa and Akihabara's electronic allure. We navigated massive crowds at stores, savored ramen, and indulged in fish-shaped treats before a memorable yakitori dinner in Omoide Yokocho and a perfect Japanese whiskey experience, capping off an unforgettable week.
Read MoreExploring Shinjuku and Shibuya
From tranquil Meiji Shrine crowds to Harajuku's wild pet cafes and Shibuya's iconic scramble crossing, dive into a day of Tokyo's sensory overload. Discover hidden gems, bustling alleys, and neon nights in Shinjuku, experiencing the city's vibrant contrasts and unforgettable energy.
Read MoreBack to Japan - The Imperial Palace and Exploring Shinjuku
Early start for the Imperial Palace East Gardens viewing, followed by a transfer to a hotel in lively Shinjuku. We immediately checked out the busy station and spent the afternoon exploring the beautiful Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. Evening brought drinks at a rooftop bar and then immersion in the tiny, character-filled alleys of Golden Gai for whiskey.
Read MoreTeamLab Planets and More Exploring on a Rainy Day in Tokyo
The day began with TeamLab Planets, a mesmerizing, full-body immersive digital art experience. Then we grabbed fresh tuna at Tsukiji Outer Market; explored the sumo district, admiring the massive Edo-Tokyo Museum and the solemn Tokyo Memorial Hall. A river cruise to Asahi Beer Tower for drinks followed by Harry Potter then ended the day with delicious Miso Ramen at Ramen Street in Tokyo Station.
Read MoreAsakusa, Sensoji Temple, Kappabashi and Akihabara
Explore Tokyo in a single day, from the ancient serenity of Senso-ji Temple and the specialized kitchenware shops of Kappabashi Street (where I bought a Japanese chef knife!) to the neon-lit, pop culture paradise of Akihabara's Electric Town. Discover local quirks, from maid cafes to the discount madness of Don Quijote.
Read MoreTokyo Fish Market, Hamarikyu Gardens and Ginza
Our Tokyo adventure began with a 4:15 AM wake-up call for the Toyosu Fish Market tuna auction—a fascinating, loud, and smelly spectacle. After a fresh sushi breakfast and a stroll through the market, we explored the historic Tsukiji Outer Market before unwinding at Hamarikyu Gardens. We finished the day shopping in Ginza & enjoying dinner at Tokyo Station. 26,053 steps later, a well-earned rest!
Read MoreOur Trip to Japan!
The first post (of many) on our two-week Japan adventure! Follow our long journey from Vancouver to Tokyo, including a stop in Seoul. An easy Narita airport arrival, and the first impressions of a high-rise hotel near the massive Tokyo Station. After 17 hours of travel, it's straight to bed for a 4:15 AM start—the world-famous Tuna Auction awaits! Get ready for Tokyo, Kamikochi, and Kyoto.
Read MoreFredericton - Visiting with Tabitha
The last part of our trip was spent in Fredericton, visiting with Tabitha, Colton and Tom. We hadn’t really spent any time with them for ages, and since we were in the “neighbourhood”, it seemed the perfect opportunity to do so. We had a bout a day and half to explore Fredericton, before driving back to Halifax for the flight home on Sunday afternoon.
Read MoreExploring the Bay of Fundy
Our first real day in New Brunswick was spent exploring the Bay of Fundy, at Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park before driving up to Fredericton to spend some time with Tabitha and Colton. It was another full day spent exploring, and a long day of driving. But I finally got my lobster!
Read MoreThe Start of the Cabot Trail
Our Cabot Trail day started early, with a bunch of new birds added to the life list (you’ve been warned). We spent the day driving, admiring the stunning beauty of the place and making a couple of stops to do some short hikes (and to feed the bugs….) It was an amazing day.
Read MoreNova Scotia Roadtrip - Off to the Cabot Trail
This part of our trip was taking us from Halifax to the start of the Cabot Trail. We made a short stop at Fairview Lawn Cemetery to see the Titanic Gravesites, then took a brief diversion north and west to see Wolfville and the Annapolis Valley. Then it was the long drive across the middle of the province to the start of the Cabot Trail, and our great little cabin in the woods.
Read MoreA Weekend in Halifax
After the excitement of graduation day, we still had a couple of days to explore Halifax before we were heading out of the city. We had Saturday with the Harrisons and then Sunday we were meeting Mitchell to explore the Citadel. The weather was not looking promising, but we’d make the best of it and see as much as we could!
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