Final stop – Hakone! I’d say it’s worth the day trip out of Tokyo – cool trams up the mountain, neat pirate ship trip across Lake Ashi, active sulfur springs, and supposedly great views of Mt. Fuji on a clear day (which ours was not…)

Kyoto – where to start? One day is definitely not enough here, but at minimum it’s worth hitting the Kiyomizu-dera temple and the Fushimi Inari shrine. Just be prepared for a lot of walking … all uphill!

Also, it’s well worth a half-day on Miyajima Island when in Hiroshima. The floating torii gate is iconic, but the natural beauty of Mt. Misen and the rest of the island makes the trip worthwhile.

If you’re considering visiting Hiroshima, definitely put it on your list. The Peace Memorial Museum is a must-do, sobering experience, but the city also has beautiful parks and castles to check out as well!

Speaking of Meiji, the Meiji Shrine in Shibuya is also worth a stop. So striking to see this peaceful forest nestled near the busiest street crossing in the world. The barrels of sake from prefectures all around Japan were also ... inspirational 🍶

Kiyosumi Garden is a terrific respite from the fast pace of a Tokyo tour. Fun fact: it was rebuilt during the Meiji era by the founder of Mitsubishi, who donated it to the city nearly 100 years ago.

In a quasi-break from the Japan travelogue, it's here!!!! Namazake Paul's 2024 Sake 🍶 Advent Calendar has arrived - can't wait for December 01 😀

If you have time in Tokyo, catch a kabuki performance at Kabukiza theater. Quintessential Japan – kind of relatable, sometimes incomprehensible, but totally unique & fun! Pro tip – hire a guide to meet you for coffee before the performance and explain etiquette and the plot – you’ll be glad you did!

No bad views from the Palace Hotel Tokyo, from sunrise to sunset. If you’re lucky, you’re also positioned to see Mt. Fuji on the horizon! (No, they didn't pay me to post nice things about them, but they know where to find me if they want to! 😃)

Of course, splurge on at least one meal at the Palace Hotel Tokyo - whether teppanyaki at GO or tempura at Tatsumi, it's well worth it (especially when accompanied by the special 1-1-1 branded sake by Hakkaisan)!

New platform seems to call for new content! Posting a series of "timeline cleansers" celebrating Japan. First up - anyone who knows me can attest to my enjoyment of the Palace Hotel in Tokyo - nothing like enjoying a cold Kirin in the Lounge Privé!

Well, after 11+ years over on the "other" platform, guess I'll give this one a try... here's to blue skies ahead!