Left My Heart in Tokyo has become the theme song for our holiday. We visited different parts of Japan this time round, and spent more time exploring Tokyo (apart from just shopping). We have had some requests for more photos/details of our wonderful trip so here is a run down of our holiday.
In Tokyo we saw the following attractions, many of which are in the beautiful Tokyo Bay area:
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| Statue of Liberty, Tokyo Bay |
- Visited Sega Joypolis, a three floor indoor amusement centre featuring lots of virtual reality rides. This was a big hit with the teens!
- Panasonic Centre, a showroom of the latest products and technologies from the Panasonic Corporation. We are a family of science geeks and love all the latest gadgets etc.
- Sunshine City Mall (this had great shopping including Loft, Shinzi Katoh, Daiso) and visited the Sky Deck on the 60th Floor which has a 360 degree view of Tokyo City Centre.
- Revisited the Tokyo Disney Sea, a fabulous Disney Park that is centre around different themed ports each with a selection of attractions including rides and shows. This is our favourite Disney Park and visiting in winter was great with no queuing.
- National Museum of Emerging Science a great science museum which also has demonstrations of the Asimo robot.
- Tokyo Tower and Wax Museum
- Plus shopping in Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Harajuku.
We visited the town of Nikko which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for Shrines and Temples.
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| Sacred Bridge, Nikko |
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| Hear No Evil, Speak No Evil, See No Evil, Nikko |
We also spent a day at the nearby Edo Wonderland, a amusement park set up in the Edo period complete with Ninja’s popping up when you least expect it. All the staff wore costume and there were some great shows going on. Being in the middle of winter, in some of the performances we were the only people in the audience.
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| Magician, Edo Wonderland |
Next we went to Shiga Kogen , the largest ski resort in Japan. It had been 15 years since I last skied (in Colorado) and I am pleased to say it is like riding a bike. It was Sarah’s first time skiing but she picked it up well and was able to snow plough down the beginner slope with ease:)
From there we went to Matsumoto famous for matsumotojo built in 1592, and also explored the Nakamachi district which is famous for its handicrafts.
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| Matsumoto Castle, Mastsumoto |
Then it was back to Tokyo for some last minute shopping before heading home.We had a brilliant trip and it was relatively easy to navigate the train system to get around. I would love to go back one day, preferably in spring to see the cherry blossoms.
Looks like an amazing time!
The big smiles on your beautiful faces say it all!
How amazing. Definitely some perks to travelling in winter, no lines, no bookings required etc. Plus skiing! I would love to go to Japan one day, when I’m finished swanning around Europe! Glad you had a great trip, love the photos, bet you found a heap of inspiration.
Thanks Lisa, i think i could look at those photos all day long and here the history of them.
The photos of Nikko look stunning. It must have been an amazing time.
sounds amazing Lisa what a fabulous time. My eldest daughter (18) has saved for ages and learnt Japanese and now she is too nervous to go on her own and doesn’t think she will. do you think she should do a tour group thing first then stay on there on her own? Would that be a good idea. It seems such a shame she may not go now
Such loveliness ones again and I love those happy smiles.
Hi Lisa, What a lovely memory for you all to remember. Thanks for sharing the photo’s. Kind regards, Anita.
How exciting! The pictures are amazing! It certainly sounds like a great place to visit! Thanks for sharing!
Gorgeous–filled with such amazing architecture. I’ve always loved the shrines and bridges. The Japanese know how to celebrate beauty. The Cherry Blossoms in bloom are a site to behold.
Lisa, dear, I am so happy I can see you on the images!!! You look so sweet! And I can say you hava a beautiful family!!!
Tha pictures are wonderful!
Love!! Bela
Wait! Is that You and Sarah??? You guys are so cute and happy! Looks like you had a wonderful trip. Thanks for the run-down — if I’m every lucky enough to go to Japan, I’ll have a list of wonderful places to visit!
A wonderful trip! Thanks again!
gorgeous gorgeous photos Lisa. Japan is certainly a beautiful place!
How weird to see a Statue of Liberty in another country! I had no idea of the variety in Tokyo, so it’s fun to see it through your eyes. Looks like a fabulous trip! I love that this has turned into an annual tradition for your family. Also fun to hear you picked up skiing again – good for you!
Oh I have enjoyed reading about your Japanese visit. I lived there for 18 months years ago and your photos reminded me how much I want to go back for a visit. You have many of the same photos I have!
Brilliant photos! I love those monkeys. Thanks for sharing some more!
Oh wow! You went to some of my favourite places! I have been thinking about going to Edo Wonderland next time I’m there – is it worth it you think?
Great photos even if they have made me homesick 🙂
You are so lucky! I too LOVE Japan. I lived in Tokyo for 2 years. But now I am in Seoul, Korea and having the time of my life!
Your Japan trip looks so fabulous! Glad your fam had a wonderful time. 🙂
“Wow” 😉
Beautiful places … Japan would like to meet one day …
Beautiful photos.
Kiss