Japan Ohayo Gozaimasu

Last updated 24 August 2022

Finally Japan here we come!

My first visit to the land of the rising sun is imminent. Japan has been on my travel radar since my high school days when I studied Japanese in Year 8!  That was quite a few decades ago. So why has it taken so long for me to visit?

Truthfully – I’ve no idea. I’d say there’s been too many other countries in between. But a couple of factors influenced the decision for Japan becoming the next family holiday destination. Two milestones were reached at the end of 2016. My eldest child, James finished Year 12 and turned 18. Mum instincts were telling me these dual milestones could mean this may be my last holiday with him.

So where should we go?  Somewhere fun, family friendly and easy to get around were my preferences. When a couple of friends with similar aged kids booked a skiing holiday to Japan in mid-January, our destination decision was made!

Ski Nozawa

Nozawa Onsen is described as a traditional Japanese ski experience. And current snow reports indicate Nozawa is receiving a good coverage this season. Watch this space for post ski-trip review.  According to the website, unlike other ski resorts, many of Nozawa’s beginner runs are at the top of the mountain. Can’t wait to try these (a knee reconstruction on my left knee in my mid 20s, makes the easy runs my happy place.)

Oh and the onsens (hot steam baths) sounded like the perfect after ski habit to fall into. 

The last time I went skiing was when I took my three lads to their first snow adventure in Perisher three years ago. It was their inaugural visit to the snow and my first time back on the slopes in a long time! Unfortunately one of my lads didn’t ‘enjoy’ the Perisher skiing experience. He’s opted out of the Japan holiday. So, we’re travelling as a tribe of three, not four. 

Maybe less squabbles? One can only hope.

After skiing we visit Tokyo and Kyoto

After the skiing, I was faced with so many choices of what to see and do.  Not wanting to overwhelm my two (and me) with constant travelling, I narrowed it to two cities: Kyoto and Tokyo. The old versus the new.

In Kyoto I have nothing planned, apart from the accommodation. I hope to drag the boys to visit a few historical sites and take in the culture of the old imperial capital. We’ll wing the other days. In Tokyo we’ll see the last of the season’s Sumo tournaments (somehow I managed to wrangle tickets after we do a tour.) Another day we will test ourselves on a six hour cycling tour around Tokyo’s Bay area. Throw in a day to wander around at our own pace and we should get a decent taste of what Tokyo is about.  

And for something different, I’ve booked a traditional Ryokan (Japanese Inn) for our Tokyo accommodation

The countdown is on

Japan – I’m just a little excited to finally meet you. And I’m looking forward to the cold. Brisbane you’ve been obscenely hot these last few weeks!