At one time Japan was considered a faraway country, out of bounds for most people except for business or trade. For most Indians Japan was what Bollywood brought forth with “Love in Tokyo”, Le gayi dil gudiya Japan ki and Syonara Syonara: (that’s one Japanese word every Indian knows!)
Today things are different.
Japan, which is of course known to be a technically advanced nation, is leaving no stone unturned to market itself as one of the hottest holiday destinations. Inviting the world to see its cherry blossoms in March and April….. As if it’s the only place on the planet to have them. Many countries have these flowering trees and our very own Kashmir, actually boasts of the real Cherry trees blossoming magnificently year after year – but Japan was a totally different experience.
Globetrotting Indians are opting for Japan as their latest holiday destination. Friends and family groups do their own research and planning – but my experience tells me it’s better for senior citizens to select an organised tour operator of their choice, which is suitable and convenient in terms of package, pocket and number of days one would like to travel. Travel companies regularly advertise various packages on social media and newspapers.
For senior citizens there are many advantages to booking a group tour. Let me list a few for you:-
*Your program is set. You don’t have to bother about anything once you
book yourself. Hotels and their bookings are taken care of. Itinerary is well
planned and tested.
*You don’t have to stand in long queues for booking or buying tickets to
museums, rides, parks, trains, cruise, cultural shows etc.
*You have a general clarity about the kind of food you will get. (A warning
for vegetarians….food of your choice can be difficult to get. There is hardly
anything available which doesn’t contain egg.)
When one goes to Japan to see the cherry blossoms (in season), Mt. Fuji, Hiroshima, and the much hyped Shibuya Crossing as well as the statue of Huchiko the faithful dog, are the normal things apart from shopping. And riding on the bullet train. But there is so much more to see and learn and unusual places one must go to depending on your interests.
Around Tokyo: Umihataro Aqua line, which is a four lane bridge and tunnel that extends across Tokyo Bay. It was the first underwater long pass, considered a marvel when it was constructed in the 1990s.
Tokyo Railway Station which is the oldest and the busiest in Japan. The heritage building makes for a pretty picture and is worth a visit.
Team Lab Planets is a tech museum with interesting, enjoyable, engagements, compositions and games which give you an opportunity to have fun with all the senses in unique and unexpected ways. It also has a garden where you become one with exotic flowers. Some super seniors may not be comfortable with all the installations, though kids and youngsters will love the experience. (Note – On advice, certain activity rooms can be avoided)
Tokyo Sky Tree is a major landmark of the Tokyo Skyline. It is a television broadcasting tower with a height of 634 M. When made, it was the second tallest in the world after Burj Khalifa. Lifts and escalators take you up to the viewing gallery to get a 360 degree panoramic view of the entire Tokyo city which is supposed to be the largest city in the world.
Chidorigafuchi cherry blossom park is a spectacular place within the city around the moat of the Imperial Palace. The rows of cherry blossom trees are illuminated in the evening …. While you can enjoy boating in the moat, it is a very pleasurable and relaxing pastime.
In and around Osaka: A visit to the Osaka Castle is much hyped because you can’t go anywhere near it unless you have special permission. The abundant cherry blossom trees in the vicinity are a pleasant site. The hour-long cruise ride on the inner moat of the castle is interesting. Here again with both the sides flanked with cherry blossoms and neatly curated sitting areas and walkways made, before the tall buildings rise up to the sky further away looks beautiful.
One can take day trips to Hakone, Nara, Kyoto, Nagoya, Hiroshima, Nagasaki and other important nearby places. At Nara, which is an erstwhile Royal stronghold, is located the famous Todaiji temple. It is a Buddhist temple complex that was once the seat of power. The ancient 13th century temple houses the world’s largest bronze statue of a seated Buddha. Other huge wooden statues are also very impressive.
Other temples and shrines worth visiting are ITSUKUSHIMA and the famous floating TORI gate on MIYAJIMA Island. Here you will see lots of deer too.
ASUKUSA TEMPLE in the heart of Tokyo, it is the oldest and most visited.
KINKAKUJI TEMPLE, also known as Golden Pavilion, is the most impressive sight in Kyoto. It is a Zen temple and the top two stories are completely covered with gold foil.
FUSHIMI INARI TAISHA is a Shinto Shrine also in Kyoto, is known for its 1000 plus vermillion TORI gates.
When you visit Japan, wearing a Kimono to take photographs is no less than a ritual. Seems to be everyone’s favourite. To attend a tea ceremony can be a memorable experience too, provided you can sit in that position of vajrasan!
Other places worth visiting:-
Your trip to Japan can be worthless if you can’t see Mt. Fuji, which often remains hidden by clouds near the summit. It is a good idea to visit Lake Kawaguchiko, from where the chances of spotting the elusive mountain are better.
Oshino Hakkai is a small, beautiful village. There are eight springs with ponds. The aquifer water from Mount Fiji comes out to the ground to form these little ponds. This is obviously in the vicinity not far from Mt. Fuji in the Hakone region.
Lake Ashinoko, also in Hakone region, is a pretty lake on which you can take a leisurely cruise and absorb the awesome landscapes around. This lake was formed 3000 years ago after the last volcanic eruption of Mt. Hakone.
Drive or use the ropeway to go up and down Owakudani, a volcanic valley which has hot sulphur springs. Here you can even taste the famous black egg and increase your life span by a couple of years.
Nabana No Sato at Kuwana city, near Nagoya is a huge theme and amusement park. The sound and light program is well made and flower display sections are mesmerising to see, while you inhale an intoxicating floral fragrance.
In Nagoya which is largely an industrially rich and active area one could plan to visit the SC Maglev Railway Museum and the Toyota Car Museums to get an insight into Japanese technical design and engineering expertise.
TIP: Language/ communication and food can be difficult for us in Japan.
- Download GOOGLE TRANSLATOR on your phone and learn to use it. It will be very helpful.
- If you are choosy about food and don’t even eat eggs, please carry some food or pre-cooked food packets.
