Research, recommendations and meeting up with a small tour ensured a successful and amazing introduction to Japan. After reading numerous blogs and reviews of tour companies, I arranged my trip to cover the classic sights of Japan including the modern city of Tokyo, the peaceful mountains and lakes with hot springs in the Hakone region and the historical areas in Kyoto.
TOKYO
My tour began at the Narita airport which is a 2 hour drive from downtown Tokyo. Fortunately I received a IC Transport Card and directions in the mail before leaving so I knew which train to look for. It is a bit overwhelming to be so independent and self reliant. There was no one with a sign and my name to greet me. I had to figure this out, alone. So after getting my luggage, I found the information center.
I was greeted kindly by English speaking guides who wrote the names of the 2 stops that I needed to get off at to arrive at the station near my hotel. They clearly directed me to the correct track and the trains are well marked.
This first adventure empowered me as the trains were clean and easy to follow. The signs are in Japanese and English and they announce clearly which station is coming up next.
Continue reading “11 Days in Japan: Tokyo-Hakone-Kyoto”
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