Well, finally a breakthrough! The travel ban was lifted, and we were able to return to Japan again! Sure, testing required, and a tedius airport experience upon arrival at Narita.

Tokyo is an eclectic city of contrasts - ultra modern skyscrapers, residential bedroom towns, and ancient temples and shrines. In this guide I will give you some ideas for things to do while visiting Tokyo.  The places mentioned here are not necessarily in any particular order. 

Back in the early 1990's we visited Osaka on our way to Kobe.  Frankly I remember very little about that trip.  Then in 2023 we had a chance to stop in at Osaka for a couple of days, and we made the most of it.  I've highlighted some major sights to see if you are planning to spend a day or two in this interesting city. 

Kyoto is the heart and soul of Japan. It's ancient temples and shrines are a testament to the history of Japan, and even its future. Kyoto is a modern city with many contemporary buildings, and even its own tower. But at is core are many of the Japan's most well known and internationally recognized UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Toyoko, Elaine and I visited Kyoto for a three day stay. Here's what we saw.

This past fall we signed up for a bus and ferry tour of Shodo Island and Shimanami Kaido, which you can read about here.  To start the tour we had to take the Shinkansen to Nagoya.  So, at the end of the tour, we decided to stay an extra couple of days in Nagoya to see the sights.  I had always wanted to see Nagoya Castle, so this was my opportunity!

We decided to continue our exploration of the parts of Japan that we had not yet visited with this unique trip to Shodo Island, the Setonaikai National Park, and the islands adjacent to the park. 

Recently I came upon two beautifully restored residences that were built by Marquis Maeda and Prince Asaka, two Japanese aristocrats in first half of the 20th century. This lesson is about the former residence of the Marquis Maeda Toshinori and his family.  His main residence, a western-style building known as the Yokan, is connected by an open pathway to a Japanese style home known as the Wakan.  They are located in Komaba Park, Meguro Ward, Tokyo.

The second residence I came across in Tokyo was built by Prince Yasuhiko Asaka, a member of the royal family with a troubled wartime past.  The design of the home was heavily influenced by his wife Nobuko.  The residence was built on property in Shirokane that was owned by the Imperial Family and bequethed to the young prince at the time of his marriage. The stunning Art Deco interior rooms were designed by Henri Rapin and Rene Lalique.

If you have been following my explolits in Japan you will know that I have written about a couple of estates that were built upon western architectural principles.  The estate built for Hisaya Iwasaki is another great example of Japan's interest in western architecture at the turn of the 19th century.

I have a few destinations northwest of Tokyo for you to consider if you are interested in seeing a bit of nature and even a little hiking.  The first one is in the area between Sawai and Mitake stations, starting at Seiryu Garden Sawanoi-en for lunch, and then a little hike to Mitake Gorge along the Tama River.

My December 2023 visit to Hatonosu Canyon was the beginning of my infatuation with the area along the Tama River beyond Ome.  Nice walking trail along the river and a charming lunch spot were highlights of this day trip.

I took another solo trip out west of Tokyo along the Tama River to Okutama in early November.  Another beautiful sunny day for hiking the Okutama Mukashi Michi Trailhead and a quick peek at Hikawa Gorge.  

Ever wonder where dignitaries from other countries get entertained in Tokyo? I never thought about it until I came across pictures of Prime Minister Kishida welcoming the Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at Akasaka Palace.  I was pleasantly surprised that I could tour this magnificant estate.

One sunny afternoon in December we strolled up to the Ministry of Justice building, or more commonly known as the Red Brick Building.  Getting in to see the museum inside was a bit of a challange, but I have a tip for you so you don't run into a roadblock.

Hatoyama Hall is one of those important residences in Tokyo that many people overlook. Some Japanese folks may know of the Hatoyama family because of their legacy, but your typical tourist will have no idea who they were.  Include me as someone who knew nothing about the Hatoyama's until I stumbled on their little palace in Google Maps.