Aizuwakamatsu. We stayed at the Kutzurogijuku
Chiotaki. This is a first class onsen hotel—the hot
bath is on the top floor so at night you get the vista of
the city, below, while you are soaking in the soothing
waters. And the food is fresh, local and excellent.
We spent one day in the popular market town of
Oouchijuku before returning to visit the sake
breweries, the samurai house and the castle.
Yamadera. The 1000-step climb to the top of the
mountain is not too taxing and on the way, in the
Autumn, you see beautiful changing leaves, small
temples, shrines and Jizo statues. It really is an
experience of a lifetime.
Three weeks of Sheer Enjoyment
Sendai. The Westin is a great place to stay—very
close to the train station—amazing view from the
rooms—very friendly service. We visited nearby
Matsushima --so pretty—and so much to see—as
well as Shiogame—with its incredibly fresh seafood.
Part of the beauty of exploring Japan is that there is
always something new to see, taste and experience. In
November 2013, with the support of the City of Tokyo, I
ventured to the Ogasawara Islands.
Hiraizumi. Rent bicycles to visit the two temple
areas.
Again the autumn leaves wholly
complemented the temples, the tall trees, the nottoo-difficult mountain climb and the pond.
Once on Chichijima, we were overwhelmed at the
friendly nature of just about everyone we met. Our
tours were filled with beautiful scenery, wild octopus
trees, hidden beaches and walking trails. On our
second evening we joined a small group to look for
bats and glowing mushrooms. The bats were hiding
that night but we did manage to find one fluorescent
mushroom as well as huge hermit crabs on the beach.
Morioka. The highlight included the main temple and
a wonderful evening at Torayah Izakaya
Steve Gillick: Writer, Photographer and Editor
Our cruise around the island—a snorkeler’s, scuba
diver’s and swimmer’s paradise—was also, for me, a
wonderful photographic opportunity.
We also visited Hahajima—known for its walking/hiking
trails and unique species of flora and fauna that not
only gave rise to the nickname-the Galapagos of the
Orient-but also contributed to the UNESCO natural
heritage designation.
Namahage (see the story in this magazine)
Hirosaki: The castle, temple street and the Neputa
Museum are must sees.
Aomori: Our tour guide, Qiu was terrific and he took
us to so many interesting places that showcase the
history, art and cuisine of the region. The Nebuta
Museum (see back cover) is simply excellent.
Back in Tokyo we stayed at one of our favourite
properties, the Courtyard by Marriott Tokyo Ginza
Hotel: Great comfort, service and location.
r Other adventures in Tohoku will be covered in the
.Spring edition of Travel2Japan.
After returning to Tokyo, we enjoyed ten days
exploring the Tohoku Region, with the support of the
Japan National Tourism Organization.
And every day was filled with amazing “new things”. I
say that because the trend in travel today concentrates
on “what else” you can do. And in Tohoku there is no
much.
A Shinto turtle protects a grave in the Matsudaira
family cemetery in Aizuwakamatsu