Keith Ward

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…)

25.11.2024 09:19 — 👍 0    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0

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!

24.11.2024 15:29 — 👍 0    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0

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.

23.11.2024 12:19 — 👍 0    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0

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!

22.11.2024 10:24 — 👍 1    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0

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 🍶

21.11.2024 09:54 — 👍 0    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0

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.

20.11.2024 10:29 — 👍 0    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0

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 😀

19.11.2024 16:12 — 👍 1    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0

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!

19.11.2024 09:55 — 👍 2    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0

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! 😃)

18.11.2024 10:03 — 👍 1    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0

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)!

17.11.2024 10:14 — 👍 2    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0

Good luck with the distribution launch - it's a wonderful place to visit if you are ever able :)

17.11.2024 01:29 — 👍 1    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0

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!

16.11.2024 23:55 — 👍 5    🔁 0    💬 1    📌 0

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

15.11.2024 11:23 — 👍 3    🔁 0    💬 1    📌 0