A month or so since returning from our trip to Japan and I figured I would jot down a bit of a summary.

We are not experienced travellers (but plan to be after this trip) and so we did lean quite heavily on National Travel to put it all together for us.

Basically, we gave National Travel a summary of what we wanted to do and they came up with the Itinerary and, well they kind of nailed it.

First stop, Tokyo – We stayed at the Metropolitan Hotel in Ikebukuro. This worked perfectly as Ikebukuro is on the Yamamoto train line so is an easy trip to everywhere you would want to go in Tokyo.

Everyone knows what Tokyo is going to be like, but its only when you are halfway across a crossing with 5000 of your closest friends, that you really understand. It really does provide that most amazing assault to the senses. With a population of around 14 million, it is so busy but it just works. Things happen in Tokyo that are just so Tokyo. The crammed subway, the fashion, the dedication to impractical footwear, the love of a uniform, people in costume riding go karts on the city streets, bars that only hold 6 people but lots of them, sumo , Team Lab, and Star Duck Tony, not to mention the food. It was a stifling 34 degrees but even in the crammed trains, there is a distinct absence of body odour. I applaud that. What a place.

Our fave prefecture was Shimokitazawa. It had cool bars, the vintage clothing shops, that slight grungy vibe that held it aside from the other epic places. We actually only discovered it on our last day in Tokyo. Oh well, I suppose that just means we will need to head back.

Asakusa Sumo Show was also a highlight. I won’t give any details but would really encourage going along if you can.

Kamegawa – As a surfer, I had a hankering to experience the Japanese surf culture so we took a little detour to Kamegawa.

We arrived in the off season so it was pretty quiet but I managed to score some really fun waves and I was the only non-japanese surfer in the lineup, which is straight up what I was after. The only surf shop I could find to rent a board was owned by a lovely old couple who would have been well and truly in their 80s. They had a little dog and I showed them a photo of my dog which the lady thought was fantastic.

Kanazawa was next on the list and I want to give a shout out to our accommodation. We stayed in the Kaname Inn Tatemachi, which was conveniently located and had the coolest music bar on the ground level, that we settled right on in to. There was a note in the menu not to make requests of the DJ but just to appreciate his choices. That I did and was not disappointed.

Our main reasons for going to Kanazawa were to visit Kanazawa Castle, its associated gardens and the UNESCO World Heritage site, Shirakawa-Go.

Before we went to Japan, I wondered whether I would get castle and temple overload. Well fear not, Kanazawa Castle was just incredible. It is not hard to learn the stories and then just imagine them playing out.

At Shirakawa-Go, is a series of villages and you can wander through the village and actually enter into houses. It really does feel like a step back in time and the setting is incredibly beautiful. When we were there, the weather was unseasonally hot but there were photos of what it looks like in the snow and it looks tantalising. Oh well, I suppose we will just have to go back.

No trip to Japan is complete without a ride or two on the bullet train. It really is that mode of transport that you have heard about and then the experience doesn’t let you down.

I’ve got to say that a lot of the charm of Japan is in the little things. One such is on the train when the conductor (in full uniform) leaves the carriage, they turn around and bow at the passengers before progressing to the next carriage. This is also the customs for all other workers on the train. It’s the little things.

Hiroshima – This part of the trip felt a bit like a pilgrimage that needed to be taken and it was so moving.

It is a beautiful city and so much more than an historic bomb site but that being said, attending the Museum and Memorial was a privilege and puts a real perspective on the concept of nuclear war and the fact that nuclear weapons are still being developed.

Hiroshima Island was spectacular and the Hiroshima culinary specialty, Okonomiyaki is a revelation.

Osaka – We wrapped up our trip in Osaka and absolutely loved this city. Had mini Tokyo vibes and the Shinsaibashi and Dotonburi are really enjoyable and also take it to the next level when the lights come on at night time.

Nara – Was Japan’s capital city before Kyoto and Tokyo. The history associated with the Buddha Statue and the Todaijij Shrine makes it worth the visit. The deer (aka messengers of the gods) are a cute little side note.

We absolutely loved Japan and will definitely be heading back.

And National Travel, you really did listen to our brief and line us up to capture the perfect trip. It felt like the extra effort was made to make sure our trip was perfect and, well it was. Cheers!