As many friends and clients have inquired about experiencing Japan, the Lynch family - Randy, Bev, Zen and cousin Sofia – is happy to share the details of our extraordinary whirlwind visit to Japan over spring break. We had an amazing time. We were pampered, impressed and made to feel welcomed everywhere we visited. Here is an overview of our trip:TOKYO
We arrived in Tokyo Sunday afternoon and our Kipling & Clark representative transferred us by private vehicle to the recently opened Peninsula Tokyo for check in. This was our first visit to the recently opened Peninsula Tokyo - we were most impressed with the very personal, friendly staff, as well as the aesthetic and design of the property. From the Peninsula's "Grand Deluxe" rooms, you have a great view of the Imperial Palace grounds and Hibiya Park. Bev & I think this maybe perhaps the premiere 5 star deluxe hotel in Tokyo.
After arriving the night before, Zen and Sofia had major jetlag, waking at 2am and then ordering an elaborate room service meal of hot chocolate, oatmeal, lox & bagels and pancakes. Later we all walked across the street to enjoy the lush, green Hibiya Park. Like most everything in Japan it was beautiful and meticulously clean. Some details about the hotel: men will love the high-magnification Aliseo shaving mirrors in the Peninsula bathrooms and the always amazing, oscillating heated massage and powder deodorizing Toto toilets--why can't we have these in the U.S.?!
Once we left Takishita, we headed to chic, hip Omotesando for shopping and then onto the beautiful 175-acre evergreen-forested grounds of the Shinto Meiji Shrine. It's hard to imagine that this tranquil, lush place is in the middle of one of the largest cities in the world. The imposing Torii gate leading to the shrine is most impressive, as well as the many colorful barrels of donated sake displayed near the shrine. Zen & Sofia reflected on their dreams and wishes, and left their written messages on wooden plates at the Emma.
Being a decades-long super-fan of the Beatles' John Lennon, Bev had our guide take us on the 1.5 hour long pilgrimage drive outside downtown Tokyo to the John Lennon Museum. Although Bev felt the exhibitions were tilted a bit too much toward Yoko's point of view, we all loved the John Lennon music and fascinating memorabilia.
TRAVELING THROUGH JAPAN
Whenever traveling throughout Japan, the clean, super-efficient bullet train transport system is always a comfortable, satisfying experience. Two reminders though: Firstly, porterage help is *not* available at any of the Japan railway station so you must fend for your own baggage. Secondly, the overhead luggage rack space is limited, even in first class cars. Conventional, large suitcases are a real burden. Alternatively, you may *truck* your bags from Tokyo to outlying areas; we have done this frequently with past clients traveling "heavy".
TOKYO – TAKAYAMA
Tokyo via Nagoya to Takayam is a five hour train rain via the bullet train, which is efficient, clean and fastidiously punctual. Bev and I agree that Takayama is a less pretentious, more egalitarian Japanese Alpine version of Carmel, California.
Because of our whirlwind schedule, we were unable to attend the annual Takayama Spring Festival (Sanno Matsuri) (Apr 14-15). The Festival includes a wonderfully colorful night festival of floats accompanied by marionette performances.
We were able to take a two-hour drive out to Ogimachi and the village in Shirakawa-gu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to many picturesque gasshozukuri farmhouses, many dating back to the 16th century.
NAGASE RYOKAN
Located in the traditional Edo village of Takayama, Nagase Ryokan may seem a bit touristy at first, but be assured staying here is a rewarding experience. The Nagase Ryokan has been operated by the same family for over 250 years! It has only 11 rooms, most with private gardens.
Although the reception area staff speaks English, the room attendants' English is very limited. No worries, however, as you can easily communicate any of your needs. The dinner presentation at Nagase is amazing, as well as the variety of dishes including grilled river fish, Hida beef and crab Nabe. All meals are served in the privacy of your room.
We loved the afternoon stroll through Sannomachi Street, with many historical homes, coffee houses, and sake breweries, many having been in business for centuries!
KYOTO
Traveling to Kyoto in April for the cherry blossoms is becoming somewhat of a tradition in the Lynch Family. Cherry blossoms were literally exploding this year in the backdrop of all the wonderful Kyoto temples and shrines, including Nijo Castle, Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavillion) and Kiyomizu Temple. Perhaps our favorite setting for cherry blossoms is the Heian-jingju Shrine – the many weepy cherry trees in the gardens are heavenly – this is one of the most beautiful, meditative walks in all of Kyoto.
THE TAWARAYA RYOKAN
The Tawaraya Ryokan is considered the most famous ryokan in all of Japan. Our only regret is that we stayed here only one night. It is subtle, high-touch service. The cypress tub and bathroom fixtures are all custom, and the bed sheets are luxurious Egyptian cotton. The outside private gardens are lush and green with a surreal Zen-like ambience. Everything in the room seems in perfect rhythm and harmony: simplistic, understated aesthetic.
FUSHIMI SHRINE
Of course, we returned to our favorite Shinto Shrine in all of Japan, the Fushimi Inari Taisha. You may have seen the bright red/orange torii of Fushimi in the film "Memories of a Geisha." Dating back tot he 8th century, the shrine includes a wandering pathway around three miles up the mountain, lined with hundreds of beautiful red torii, now faded to look orange.
Fushimi is the most famous of several thousand shrines across Japan dedicated to Inar. Inari is the Shinto god of rice, and foxes are believed to be his messengers, hence the many fox statues found along the pathway. Walking up the pathway early in the morning, Bev, Zen, Sofia, and I very much enjoyed the magical, eerie ambience, and the two-and-a-half hour hike.
HYATT REGENCY KYOTO
The Hyatt Regency Kyoto is located in the southeast area of Kyoto near the train station which is very convenient. Its minimalist, Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired design with spacious rooms featuring all the latest amenities. The sliding doors and windows enable guests to bring in fresh air to evoke a modern-style ryokan feeling. The Hyatt Regency is comparable to a stay at the Tawaraya Ryokan, or the Yoshida-sanso ryokan residence.
Despite our many travels to Japan, there always seems to be an impenetrable veil in truly understanding this wonderful land. As David Pilling noted, “Almost every aspect of life in Japan from sumo wrestling and tea ceremony to business, one has a feeling of something other than itself, beyond itself.”
In terms of first-time visitors, one is most impressed with the meticulous cleanliness of everything in Japan, the precise speed and efficiency of the transport (bullet)/transit system, the lovely and subtle Japan aesthetic, and finally, the democratic egalitarianism of the Japanese. We truly enjoy this wonderful place!
You are welcomed to view a sample itinerary of this private luxury tour of Japan at: http://internetmailmanager.com/i/ou.htm?a=156237&b=1159737&c=11405368&d=http:~~kiplingandclark.com~pagesNew~KC_Japan_SpringBreak_itin1.pdf
Our next trip is coming up in early June – Hong Kong and the China hinterlands! Send me an email and I'll tell you more about it: Newsletter@KiplingandClark.com
