Greetings friends, clients, and Asia colleagues!
Hope you enjoyed reading our Lynch Family Part I April 2010 Japan luxury cherry blossoms trip. Bev, Zen, Zuri and I now wish to share with all of you Part II, including, of course, "Zen's Journal," our brief stop in Koyasan, returning back to our beloved Kyoto, our first visit to the amazing Kayotei ryokan near Kanazawa and then back up to Toyko. Also, we have included a brief preview of our February 2011 - EGYPT 9 day private tour, including a 4 night Nile River luxury cruise.
KOYASAN
Despite the 3 ½ hour travel time from Kyoto (Shinkansen-subway-train-cable car), we thoroughly enjoyed our brief stay in Koyasan. Founded in the 9th century, Koyasan is home to Shingon Buddhism and is considered of one of Japan's holiest mountains.
With over 117 temples and 53 shukubo (think temple ryokan) set in a spectacular forested hills, we found this monastic refuge to be magical and other-worldly. We were pleasantly surprised with the quality, sincere service we received at the Fukushi-Inn (ryokan). The mostly young, male Buddhist staff delivered a delicious, tofu-centered vegetarian kaiseki dinner that we all thoroughly enjoyed. The meal was skillfully cooked without any use of meat, fish, onions, or garlic. Koyasan's Okuno-in Cemetery temple grounds we found to be most interesting. We walked along a eerie, winding cobbled path lined by tall cypress trees with an estimated half million tombs set on both sides. Many noteworthy and peculiar individuals are interned here, including White Ant Memorial built by a pesticide company to honor the thousands of ants that they exterminated!
Koyasan is where we met our Israeli back-packing friend, Moran. Although Moran was intent on backpacking throughout Japan in 30 days, she seemed tired and somewhat disoriented when we first met her on the streets of Koyasan. We felt Moran was in need of some friendly faces and some overdue pampering. Within one day we successfully converted Moran from a struggling budget backpacker to a part of our luxury travel family. Zen, Zuri and Moran would be inseparable for the next two days!
KAYOTEI INN (RYOKAN) - GRADE A
Located in the small hot springs village of Yamanaka, Ishikawa Prefecture, not far from Kanazawa, our stay at Kayotei (1.5 hour by train from Kyoto) was likely our most pleasurable experience during this 8-day Japan trip.
This place has it all - discreet, unpretentious luxury coupled with traditional heartfelt Japanese service. Limited to only 10 sukiya-style suites, General Manager Jiro Takeuchi and his staff can afford to provide singular, high-touch service to each and every guest. Bev, Zen Zuri and I were simply overwhlemed by the personal attention to every detail of our stay - think of Tawaraya service levels set in a green lush environment. Zen and Zuri particularly enjoyed their private onsen/hot springs bath just outside their room on the balcony. An added bonus of staying at Kayotei is its green, forested setting. Bev, Zen, Zuri and I enjoyed a beautiful hike along the verdant winding path adjacent the nearby Dashoji River, clinging to the Kakusenkei Gorge.
KYOTO
When visiting Kyoto we normally spend one or two nights at our favorite high-touch ryokans, Tawaraya or Hiiragiya. Amazingly, two of the most famous ryokans in all of Japan are located directly across the alleyway from each other. It's difficult to distinguish between Tawaraya and Hiiragiya. They both represent the very highest levels of unpretentious luxury, integrating the finest Japanese traditions with contemporary conveniences that seasoned travelers expect. We always follow our ryokan stays with a couple of nights at the Hyatt Regency Kyoto, our much preferred 5 star hotel choice in this beautiful city.
Designed by Japan's superstar design firm, Super Potato, the Hyatt embraces a clean, minimalist update on traditional Japanese style. Zen, Zuri and Bev love the Regency Executive King rooms featuring washi-paper lights, kimono fabrics, and deep cedar tubs. Incredibly, in the four years we have visited the Hyatt Regency Kyoto, we have seen most of the same friendly, smiley faces at the Front Desk/Concierge/lobby area - kudos to General Manager Ken Yokoyama in retaining such a wealth of young talent.
FUSHIMI INARI TAISHA
Fushimi Inari Taisha, located in the southeast suburbs of Fushimi-ku Kyoto, is perhaps our favorite shrine in Japan. (Fushimi is featured in the beginning of the film, "Memoirs of a Geisha"). Fushimi is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the spirit Inari, whose name was derived from "ine-nari" or "growing rice" or "grain". The 4km-long tunnel of thousands of torii gates at Fushimi were donated by individuals, families, and Japanese businesses. Depending on how high you walk along the pathway, this can be a long, somewhat taxing trek. Bev, Zen, Zuri and I very much enjoyed the eerie, magical ambiance of Fushimi.
ZEN'S CORNER
JAPAN HIGHLIGHTS
Hello fellow global kid travelers!
Hope I gave you a good taste of Japan in my Part I journal. Summer camp is coming soon but I still need to finish telling you about our Japan trip, Part II.
OUR FAVORITE PLACE
Zuri and I really loved Kayotei ryokan. What would any 9 year-old kid not like about having their own private room and balcony onsen (hot mineral springs) - Zuri and I thought we were in heaven. Also, our hostess and the food were beyond awesome. For breakfast we chose the American option which was more delicious than any breakfast I've had in Chicago!
We later walked along the beautiful path from Kayotei to the town of Yamanaka. I bought a very cool skull jacket there. One of my teachers at Parker (Mr. O'Brien) wants it for himself and I am officially bequeathing it to him!!
BIGGEST SURPRISE
Meeting our new (back-packing) friend, Moran, at Koyasan. After two days, Zuri and I felt like Moran was our adopted Israeli sister. The weird thing is that Moran loves Japan but does no eat sushi - Moran, we have to talk!
FUNNIEST THING
The Hyatt Regency Kyoto has these really cool clear glass sliding doors at the entrance - so clear that my dad walked right through and really bumped his head! Sorry, Dad, but next time less talking!
MY FAVORITE RESTAURANT - SUSHIIWA IN KYOTO
Zuri and I agree that the sushi at Sushiiwa was the very best of our trip. The salmon eggs (nigiri-ikura) are so good!!!
PENINSULA TOKYO
We spent our last night in Japan at my FAVORITE hotel in Tokyo, the Peninsula. I loved the room's really cool telescope for looking out over the Imperial grounds. Of course, we can never get enough of the incredible TOTO toilets - it's all hands-free! Zuri became obsessed with the Peninsula's room service - I think she has a future in hospitality!
FINALLY - EGYPT!
I love Asia, but 8 trips to Asia in the past 3 years seems a bit too much. Mom and I finally convinced Dad to travel to Egypt next year - we are so excited! Here we come Nile River!
Enjoy the summer and thank you!
Zennia Lynch
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