Looking for places to visit in Japan

[Chriso]

Hi all,

My wife and i are intending to visit Japan sometime next year. We haven't settled on dates, duration or places to visit yet but I would appreciate any suggestions from the forum.

 

I, naturally enough would like to take in Sword fittings, and to a lesser degree swords. (Museums / Dealers). I would like to think that I may be in a position to bring back a nice tsuba or two. Being Buddhist, I would also like to visit and perhaps stay overnight at a Buddhist temple. I would also like to sample the food, Beer, Wine and Whisky, not necessarily in that order.

 

My wife of course would like to visit gardens, take in Japanese art and visit historic sights, and of course spend the kids inheritance.

 

I would appreciate any suggestions at all from the board members!

 

Regards and many thanks

 

Chris O

[cabowen]

Hida Takayama. Stay at the Sumiyoshi ryokan. You won't forget it....

[Brian]

Check out Koyasan. I think it might be something you would love. Was quite an experience.

http://www.japantravelinfo.com/blog/a-t ... sanctuary/

http://www.Japan-guide.com/e/e4905.html

 

Brian

[Chriso]

Many thanks for the input guys, i'll look them up.

 

Chris O

[Stephen V]

I second Brian's thoughts on Koyosan.

 

Not to be missed and absolutely magic especially on a calm snow covered day in the depths of winter.

 

And Nikko comes to mind as well along with the pilgrim circuit on Shikoku.

 

Damn, going to have to go back for the fourth time now!

 

[Chriso]

Thanks Stephen, it sounds great.

 

Chris O

[IanB]

Chris, Rather than Nikko, or perhaps in addition to it, I would include Kunozan Toshogu in Shizuoka. Whilst Nikko is a sumptuous Shrine, they only have the one armour of Tokugawa Ieyasu and his sword collection that was sadly all burned in a fire in the 19th century (although some have now been restored). In Kunozan are many of the Tokugawa family's armours on display, including Ieyasu's two gold lacquered ones, as well as much else. I would also add the Tokugawa Art Museum in Nagoya if for no other reason than their display of National Treasures and superb catalogues - especially the ones on 'Military Accessories of a Daimyo's Household' and the one on their sword collection . When I was there last there was a naginata on display that made you want to give up trying to collect, as well as the solid gold tea-ceremony outfit which I was told weights nearly a hundredweight!

Ian Bottomley

[Chriso]

Many thanks Ian, from the info that people are graciously providing I think we will have a great trip but I'm thinking that we may be in Japan a bit longer that we planned.

 

Regards and thanks very much

 

Chris O