Thanksgiving in Japan

Tokyo was the ultimate highlight for me. My favorite part of the trip was just walking the city streets and finding temples hidden amongst skyscrapers. Meiji-doro was just beautiful and very quiet. Don't forget to get your photo taken at one of the multitude of photo booths! Kyoto was beautiful with the autumn foliage just turning. Kiomizu should not be missed, especially if you can go during a lull in the crowds.

Quick Tips:

Pack light, get up early, and eat lots of sushi.

Best Way To Get Around:

It's all about the subway. Tokyo's subway system was easy to use, safe, and convenient. Even Kyoto's limited subway lines got me everywhere I needed to go. Taxis are very nice but very expensive and should only be used when absolutely necessary or when in a hurry.

Taito Ryokan was a homey shared-lodging facility. During busy times, they''ll match you up with other travelers to fill all available free space. We slept on futon in tatami rooms that were very basic but homey and comfortable. It had the atmosphere of a college dorm... with fellow travelers introducing themselves in the hallways. Taito Ryokan only has a few rooms, and one shower room, but I never had to wait for the facilities. Internet access is available in the friendly office for 15Y/minute. The neighborhood in central Asakusa can''t be beat... it''s a bit far from downtown Tokyo but conveniently on the Ginza line and near many interesting temples and shops.

Elegant accomodations, especially on the upper "sky" floors. I had western style rooms both nights with great deep bathtubs and a high tech toilet. The staff was wonderful and anticipated my every need. I quite frankly was unused to the attention!

The street the Miyako is on is lacking for good restaurant choices... of note is the tiny noodle shop towards the river. But, it''''s conveniently located on the subway line and in a good central area of the city.

The hotel amenities include a lovely pool/spa area (summer only), and extensive walking trails for bird viewing through groomed gardens.

Several upscale restaurants and boutiques are available within the hotel.

Internet access is through the business center and is reasonably priced - 10yen/minute.

As well, the hotel staff were happy to hold onto my bags the day I departed. Overall, a good place at a decent value, even if it was quite a bit more than I was prepared to spend. Lesson learned: Always reserve a room in advance before arriving in Kyoto!

Nijo Castle has a beautiful layout with many interesting gardens. The main castle building is sparse with decent English-language captions to each of the rooms. When I visited, entrance cost 600 yen, which I believe was worth it. Like all sights in Kyoto, try to get there before the tour groups so you have a chance for a peaceful visit.

Kiomizu-dera is one of the largest temple complexes, and the most beautiful, in Kyoto. It is built up into the hillside and contains a large pavillion area, a fantastic pagoda, and many smaller temples, in addition to a beautiful path cut into the hills.

The walk up to the complex is strenuous, but passes through many interesting streets lined with traditional pottery shops.

The Otowa waterfall, part of the Kiomizu complex, is where pilgrims can drink the blessed waters for health and happiness.

Meiji-jingu shrine is dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his Empress Shoken who both died in the early 20th century.

It is beautiful, austere, and huge, allowing the visitor to feel lost in huge trees and quiet paths. It is easy to forget you're in the center of one of the world's most crowded cities.

The day I visited, I took a long walk through the paths of the outer garden, and most of the time, I was the only one on the paved path.

The shrine itself was being cleaned up after a harvest festival, and uniformed workers scurried around.

If you see only one religious site in Tokyo, make it Meiji. It had such a peaceful aura and made a wonderful break from the traffic and congestion.

Senso-ji Temple, known locally as Asakusa Kannon, is a temple dedicated to this tiny figure of Kannon pulled in by two fisherman.

It's pagoda, main temple, and several smaller temples are quite popular among visitors and locals. Also spectacular are the small gardens and the long entrance way lined with shops and stalls selling food.

Visit in the morning or the evening, when the crowds are smaller and you have more opportunities for peaceful reflection.

The Taito Ryokan is in this neighborhood, so I visited Senso-ji three or four times, at differing times of the day. Each time, I got a different impression of this fascinating complex.

Don't miss the lovely series of watercolors near the entrance that tell the story of Senso-ji and the fishermen.

I spent most of my time in Tokyo simply exploring the various neighborhoods and streets.

Take the subway and get off in Shibuya or Harajuku for interesting views of youth culture. The various arcades are always fun for silly photo booths or high-tech games you can't really find in North America.

I loved stumbling onto a surprise; a propped up motorbike, or a temple hidden amongst skyscrapers.

Another favorite was perusing the various covered shopping arcades in the early evening hours. From designer apparel to crunchy sesame biscuits dipped in soy sauce, everything was available to buy or browse. Look for 100yen shops to buy cheap but fun souvenirs!

Above everything else, take some time to simply WALK in Tokyo. You'll see more small beautiful details of this amazing city and will come away with more than a simple list of major sights and attractions.