TOKYO—The Japanese capital is all dressed up for the holidays and people are bundling up to head out and enjoy the sights. Many flock to the brick-lined Yebisu Garden Place to see its solar-powered Christmas tree, hear live music, and marvel at the Baccarat Eternal Lights chandelier. Five-metres tall, three-metres wide, and adorned more than 8,400 crystal parts and 250 lights, it’s a mesmerizing display, symbolic perhaps of the hopes people here have for the future. After the pall that fell over this country following the March 11th disaster, most are looking forward to a brighter 2012.
That includes the folks who work in tourism. The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) says foreign visits dropped 73% in the days after the earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear accident. But with time, and thanks to a Herculean effort to salvage a $19.4 billion (CAD) industry, travelers are returning. As of October, visits were only down about 15% overall.
“It is recovering rather quickly,” says the JNTO’s Manoru Kobori. “Probably by the springtime when we see the cherry blossoms in full bloom we will see almost the same level as the year before (2010).”
If you’re considering a trip to Japan, here are some ideas you might want to add to your itinerary christmas flowers japan blogs .
TOKYO This is a city of neighbourhoods and parks. Set aside time to walk the small side streets of Ebisu, Daikanyama, Omotesando, Shimokitazawa, and Koenji. You’ll stumble upon small cafés, standing bars, boutiques, and hole-in-the-wall restaurants. If you’re in the city in April, stroll along the river in Nakameguro to see the cherry trees in all their glory. Take a break from pounding the pavement in these great green spaces: Yoyogi Park, Ueno Park, Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, Happo-en.
KAMAKURA Once the de-facto capital of Japan (1192-1333), Kamakura now is a laid-back beach town. An hour’s train ride from Tokyo, go during the week to avoid the crowds. Start with breakfast by the sea at bills restaurant in the Shichirigahama neighbourhood. Then go for a stroll on the sand and watch the surfers ply the waves. After that, see the sights, including the Hasedera Temple, the Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, and the Great Buddha.
KYOTO Many of this city’s temples and shrines are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. But take time to visit some of the smaller places of worship, such as the tiny Daihikaku Sensoji Temple, which is perched on a hill in the western Arashiyama district. You’ll be pleasantly surprised. And why just visit a temple when you can stay in one? The Shunkoin Temple offers rooms with private bathrooms and a shared kitchen. Email Reverend Taka Kawakami to make a reservation.
KARUIZAWA Generations have been coming to this town, located in the foothills of the Japanese Alps, to enjoy hot spring resorts (onsen), the colours of fall, and the cool of summer. Karuizawa is a one-hour high-speed train journey from Tokyo. The old Mampei Hotel, where John and Yoko once stayed, is still open. A modern-meets-traditional resort worth seeing is Hoshinoya Karuizawa, with its public-access onsen and riverside shopping and restaurant village.
IZU PENINSULA The perfect weekend getaway. In summer and early fall, Tokyoites enjoy its beaches, the best outside of Okinawa. Shimoda is one town worth checking out. Consider staying at White Beach Hotel, a place with functional rooms, a fun atmosphere, and good food (plus it’s 30 seconds from Ohama beach).
YAMANASHI PREFECTURE If you’re looking for a good day trip from Tokyo, head to this prefecture, Japan’s version of the Napa Valley. Yes, Japan makes its own wine with domestically grown grapes, and while it’s not yet on par with New Zealand or California, it’s getting there. Go to the Budo no Oka Center (Grape Hill Center), where for $14.50 CAD you can sample from hundreds of bottles in the “tasting cave.” Once your thirst has been quenched, head upstairs and have a barbeque on the terrace, with a view of the surrounding hills and vineyards christmas flowers japan .
TOHOKU Hoping to give back while you’re in Japan? Get in touch with the non-profit organizations that are doing good deeds in the devastated Tohoku region. Christine Lavoie-Gagnon, a Quebecer and long-time resident of Japan, started an international group called NADIA in the days after the disaster. She and her volunteers have been cleaning and fixing up homes in the city of Ishinomaki. Register for trips on their website.
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