Christina’s Journey Journal

Tag: Japan

  • Two days in Japan’s countryside (First Day) 🚂 🎌🌲

    Two days in Japan’s countryside (First Day) 🚂 🎌🌲

    My friends married in the Japanese city of Toyama. I was fortunate to attend and witness the beautiful cherry blossoms 🌸 that spring. After close to 30 years, we are heading back to that part of the country. 🗾

    Where is Toyama on the map? It is across Japan’s main island of Honshu, nestled between the Japanese Alps on one side and the Sea of Japan on another. This picturesque city of approximately 400,000 people is starkly different from the other locations on this trip. In 2025, The New York Times ranked Toyama #30 on their annual “52 Places to Go” list. 

    Ueno Station in Tokyo

    The day began at Ueno Station (Tokyo), where we boarded the train for a scenic two-hour ride across the island and through the Japanese countryside. The changing landscapes, with lush greenery and quaint villages, set the perfect tone for our soon-to-be adventure.

    The city of Korube in the Toyama Prefecture is home to the Korube Gorge, important Dams, and the Unazuki Onsen, a natural hot springs resort.

    One of our friends met us at the Kurobe station and carted us away to our first stop—Kurobe Gorge Trolley Train tour. The starting point for this ~2 hour round trip tour is Unazuki Onsen, a charming hot spring town. Due to an earthquake in 2024, the trolley train goes as far as Nekomata station (fun fact—this station is the only one in Japan with a “neko”/cat in its name).

    The Trolley Train took us on a scenic journey through beautiful gorges, deep valleys, and snow capped mountains, showcasing the dramatic beauty of the area. The leaves are just starting to change—another week and the colors will peek. The views were breathtaking and each picture was postcard-worthy.

    Dashidaira Dam
    The leaves 🍁 are starting to change colors.
    Train with a view!
    The Shin-Yamabiko (Mountain Echo Tree Spirit) Bridge
    Kurobe Gorge is Japan’s deepest V-shaped gorge. There is a bridge that crosses the gorge that is used solely by monkeys! (There is a nearby town where the monkeys relax in the hot springs).
    Construction on the railway began in 1923 and completed in 1937. Sightseeing began in 1953…and today the trolley is nicknamed the “Torokko Electric Train”
    The Yanagibashi Station
    Shin-Yanagawara Power Plant
    In 💚 with the trees!
    View of the Lake Unazuki – Komen Bridge from our hotel lobby. Yes, the water really is that green due to
    due to blue-green algae.

    After the train ride, we checked into our charming hotel, Unazuki Yamanoha. The traditional Japanese style rooms and ambiance made me feel part of the culture.

    The lobby of the
    Unazuki Yamanoha Hotel 
    Our bedroom

    As the evening approached, I was eager to experience something quintessentially Japanese: an onsen. So, I slipped into my yukata (like a robe only better!) and made my way to the female side of the onsen. Relaxing in the natural hot spring baths was blissful as the warm waters eased the tension in my tired legs and provided a moment of true peace as we gazed at the mountains. And yes, you are wearing your birthday suit in the water. (Tattoos must be covered, if even allowed, and we washed thoroughly before entering the water.)

    Dinner was next on the agenda, and I was excited to indulge in local cuisine—still wearing my yukata! The hotel buffet featured fresh seafood and seasonal produce, and rice that Toyama is famous for.

    To cap off this incredible day, I treated myself to a 90-minute massage in the traditional Japanese style (fully clothed in my yukata). It was an experience I would highly recommend.

    Stay tuned for more adventures in this beautiful part of Japan! I am too relaxed (and exhausted😴) to write anymore tonight.

  • Hiroshima – our amazing morning on Miyajima Island🍋 🦌

    Hiroshima – our amazing morning on Miyajima Island🍋 🦌

    From Himeji we made our way to Hiroshima via the bullet train and checked into the Grand Intelligence Hotel near the station. After a bite to eat at a popular restaurant called Caffe Ponte, and ice cream cones 🍦 that put all other ice cream cones to shame, we fell into bed!

    Caffe Ponte in Hiroshima🍊🍋 where they have a gluten free menu!
    Yes, they were as good as they look!🍦 Chocolate ice cream and lemon sorbet.

    We were ready to go by 8:00 am, taking the train to the ferry station for the short ride to Miyajima Island.

    I don’t know how this trip could get any better…but it just did. As we approached, the famous floating Torii Gate of Itsukushima Shrine came into view. During high tide it appears to float on the water, during low tide, roll up your pants and walk out to touch it (we did!)

    The floating torii gate of Miyajima is known as the Otorii. It’s approximately 16 meters tall (52 feet) and was originally built in 1168. Otorii represents the transition between the physical and spiritual worlds in Shinto belief. Mount Misen is the highest peak on Miyajima Island, standing at 1,755 feet, with a history of pilgrimage dating back centuries. The mountain is sacred in Shinto belief. ⛰️

    The deer greeted us upon arrival (don’t touch them!) and we hired rickshaw drivers to show us around.  Fun experience with our “drivers”, Keigo and Akimu.

    The deer on Miyajima Island are a beloved and iconic feature of the landscape that roam freely around Itsukushima Shrine area. They’re friendly yet wild deer (in other words, don’t touch) that are considered sacred and believed to be messengers of the Shinto gods.
    Window shopping 🦌
    Ready for our rickshaw adventure!

    After wading out to touch the torii and take pictures, we high tailed it back to the beach as the tide was starting to rise. We then toured Itsukushima Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

    Entering Itsukushima Shrine to go touch the floating torii.

    Tip: Arrive early during low tide to touch the torii! By the time we were touched it, we were the only ones left in the sea and the tide was rising quickly.

    The floating torii gate has been through several reconstructions over the centuries due to natural disasters like typhoons and earthquakes, as well as wood decay. The current version we saw dates back to 1875, and is maybe the 6th version of the gate
    While fairly shallow this early in the morning, the torii appears to hover above the water during high tide.
    Touching the torii in the Seto Inland Sea.

    Itsukushima Shrine is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In addition to the iconic floating torii gate, the stunning shrine was originally built in the 6th century and dedicated to the goddess of seas and storms, Benzaiten. Surrounded by a traditional Japanese gardens and set against the backdrop of Mount Misen, Itsukushima Shrine is a unique blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty. The vibrant vermilion structures, exquisite craftsmanship, and picturesque setting made this one of my favorites (I have been saying that a lot!).

    Sake wrapped in straw—a sacred offering to the gods.

    Now, let’s talk about the food! Miyajima is famous for its delicious local specialties, particularly grilled oysters, everything lemon, and momiji manju—maple leaf-shaped cakes 🍁 filled with sweet red bean paste or custard. Strolling through the streets, we found charming vendors selling these treats, along with everything lemon.🍋

    A lemon probiotic drink for me and a lemon sake for Jen! I am already craving another one 🍋

    Part 2 in Hiroshima, and a much heavier topic, continues in the next post.

  • Discovering Byōdō-in, “Temple of Equality” — A treasure in Uji, Japan 🐦‍🔥

    Discovering Byōdō-in, “Temple of Equality” — A treasure in Uji, Japan 🐦‍🔥

    Just a short train 🚄 ride from Kyoto, then a 10 minute peaceful stroll through a neighborhood, and voila—you will find Byōdō-in, a Buddhist temple built in the late Heian period. It’s another UNESCO World Heritage Site, originally built in 998 as a temple for the powerful Fujiwara clan.

    This!!!🧡

    The stunning Phoenix Hall (Hoo-do) was constructed later in 1053 to serve as a mausoleum for Fujiwara no Yorimichi. It’s considered a National Treasure and adorned with exquisite carvings and gold leaf accents. This hall is shaped like a phoenix, symbolizing rebirth and eternity. We admired the hall from across the pond and could see the Amida Buddha statue, which stands over 3 meters tall (close to 10 feet). Although we were too early to go inside, they say it is surrounded by beautiful murals.

    To say this is an architectural marvel is an understatement. The design, the intricate artwork, the serene gardens…it all works together and the result is stunning. Over the centuries, Byōdō-in has survived fires and disasters. It is so important, it can be found on the 10 yen coin.

    Don’t miss Byōdō-in if you go to Kyoto…you will never regret your visit.

    Also, on the short walk back to the train station, grab a drink at the most serene Starbucks I have ever been to! 

    The gardens at the Uji Starbucks

    Note—here is where we stayed in Kyoto: Via Inn – Loved all facial products they set out for their guests to use!

  • Japan 3.0 (my 3rd visit)

    Japan 3.0 (my 3rd visit)

    We arrived on Thursday afternoon, October 23, 2025, feeling both exhausted and exhilarated. This is my third visit to this wonderful country, and it never ceases to amaze me. There’s a unique blend of ancient traditions and modern life at every turn. From the first glimpse of Mt. Fuji as we landed at Haneda Airport to the tranquility of the Japanese gardens, this remarkable destination truly takes my breath away.

    My sister and I land in Tokyo.

    Without a doubt, the highlight of my experiences in Japan is the warmth and kindness of its people. Their emphasis on group harmony, politeness, respect, and cleanliness creates incredible interactions each time.

    I have the privilege of being friends now for 44 years with my childhood penpal, Kayoko, and her family. We are staying with her while in Tokyo this time. I am grateful to have this immersive cultural experience.

    After setting in, we went to a neighborhood yakitori grill, where we kicked off dinner with champagne (Kanpai!) and a 6 course meal of different part of the chicken on a skewer. Then it was off to bed after being up for over 24 hours.

    Friday was a very full day on our Tokyo Panoramic Tour, one of the best ways to start to understand a city. From first thing in the morning until dinner, we learned about the history and culture while visiting the Meiji Jingu (Shrine), the Imperial Palace, Odaiba, Sensō-ji Temple in Asakusa, Tokyo Skytree. We capped off the evening with a delicious tonkatsu dinner by the Tokyo station.

    Hey kitty kitty! Starting our bus tour watching this famous billboard.

    I will break up this day with a few posts, below are more details about the Meiji Shrine.

    The largest Torii gate in Japan serves as the entrance to the Meiji Shrine. The Shinto shrine in Shibuya, Tokyo sits on a 170 acre forest with
    120,000 trees of 365 different species. All of the trees were donated by the Japanese people. The shrine is dedicated to the deified spirits of the former Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shoken. When you pass through the gate, it is customary to bow as you walk from the ordinary world to the sacred, and begin your path to the shrine. It was reconstructed in 1975.
    Barrels of Sake wrapped in straw that are offered each year to the memory of the emperor and his wife.
    And across from the sake barrels are wine barrels from the Burgundy region of Eastern France, offered as a remembrance of the emperor who brought Western culture and food to Japan, particularly wine.
    Preparing our bodies to enter the shrine
    Meiji Jingu – Construction began in 1915 using timbers from Kiso in Nagano and Alishan in Taiwan, once a Japanese territory. Materials were used from every Japanese prefecture (there are 47 today in Japan). It was dedicated in 1920, although the grounds were officially completed in 1926. The original building was destroyed during WWII and rebuilt in 1958.

    The cost of the construction was ¥5,219,00 in 1920 (which is roughly $26M today). This was actually about a quarter of the actual cost as much of the materials and labor were donated. Photography is not allowed once you ascend the stairs.

  • 3 Days!🗾

    Getting ready…getting excited…and time to go back after 29 years!🇯🇵

  • Protected: The Christmas Visitor 🇯🇵 🇺🇸

    Protected: The Christmas Visitor 🇯🇵 🇺🇸

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