Hi,
Loving the site, as usual.
If it's easy enough, give me a top ten (or so) places in Japan to visit. We're hopefully going to be there in April, and any inside info is much appreciated!
Thanks,
Nic

Hello Martine,
This brought back a lot of memories as I did the same trip in the snow many years ago with our two kid in tow.
The Toshogu was built as the last resting place for Tokugawa Ieyasu (he had 3 after he died) His tomb is up behind the main buildings.
The place and setting is magnificent, but for my taste, a little over the top.
The lasting memory of the trip to Chuzenji was the bitter cold, thank God for those waiting rooms.
One thing about Winter in Japan it sure keeps those foreign tourists away.
Thanks for the journey back.
Perhaps if you put a note in the money box you might get lucky!
Regards
Uncle Don.

Hi Nic,
pop the following places into your agenda:
1. Nikko (temples & mountains)
2. Kyoto (temples and culture)
3. Big bad Tokyo (amazing city)
4. Kamakura (temples and beaches, close to Tokyo)
5. Hiroshima's peace park & museum
6. Miyajima (island near hiroshima)
7. Okinawa (south, tropical)
8. the deep north, very cold, very remote. haven't been there yet but i will....
9. disneyland and disneysea (great great fun) and universal studios in osaka (near kyoto)
erm....there are so many more places to go and things to see. this is kind of a list of what i know and what i've heard about.... i haven't had much chance to visit many places yet.

Now Uncle Don, yes, winter in japan does indeed keep the tourists away - the temple complex was quite empty, preparing for the great slam of new years day.... can't believe you thought nikko was over the top, i thought it was magnificent! yes the heated waiting rooms were quite a relief. hmmm, now notes. i could try that but what if it blows away...? ;P

Thanks Martine!

We're just starting to plan everything now, so this will be a good jumping point.

That was the way with the Tokugawa's, lots of money to pay the best artists, lots of multi-colours.
They did not know the word 'shibui'. Not to say people should not go there for the workmanship and the setting though.
If you get a chance go to Ise Jingu on a quiet day, it is an altogether different experience.
Also Kanazawa has its own charm as well.
Forgot to say the quality of the photos, when blown up, are really good.
The nightingale wistle man was the second best, the first was the best of course, I like the trendy hat.

Some strange feeling seized me when I read your comment, Don.
Does Don's post look strange here?
No. So Don, what is the point in your comment?
There always has to be some point.
Nothing personal tho.
regards,
Anderson