Tokyo, the addictive capital
Go enjoy a Japan 10-day express route : hotels, temples and attractions that you can not miss when time is limited.
**TOKYO (THREE NIGHTS) **
HOTELS
Andaz Tokyo : This wonderful hotel (which you can book through the Kiwi Collection) is located on the upper floors of the tallest skyscraper in the capital, Toranomon Hills. From the rooms we enjoy privileged views of the Japanese Eiffel Tower, the Tokyo Tower. Andaz Tokyo impresses, and not only for its views and its magnificent rooms, but also for its excellent treatment and its values: forget about the reception; Upon arrival you will find some large tables where you will be received as if you were at home. A hint: stop by his gym, right? who would not like to wake up in a pool overlooking Tokyo?
Shangri-La Tokyo
Following the concept of all its hotels, Shangri-La Tokyo offers us a luxury stay in style . Its classic decoration makes you feel like in a palace as soon as you enter, or better: that you feel like a princess in a palace. Luxurious rooms with breathtaking views and a selection of international restaurants: are you more into Japanese food, Italian or do you prefer some tapas?
MANDATORY STOPS
Tsukiji Fish Market: An experience that deserves a good morning to observe how fish auctions are held in the Japanese country; afterwards, don't hesitate to delight yourself in one of the market's restaurants to eat the best fish. We recommend that you take a walk to find Japanese products unknown in our land, seaweed that you have never seen, nuts... a total immersion in the most traditional Japanese gastronomy.
Shibuya: the neon neighborhood and where you will find the famous crossroads with the most pedestrians in the world (also, it is perfect to go for a drink in the afternoon or after dinner).
Sensoji Temple : one of the most famous Buddhist temples in the entire country and the oldest in the city.
harajuku: yes, this is the street that everyone will have told you about, this is where you will find groups of young people totally dressed up as any anime, with totally shocking colors. Without a doubt, one of the funniest neighborhoods to understand the concept of 'urban tribe' at a glance. And above all: you will find thousands of crêpe stalls, you have to try them, they seem taken from another planet.
harajuku
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden : in cherry blossom season, that is, spring, it is a sight for the eyes.
Yakitori Street: you have to go there for dinner, a small street under the train tracks, so narrow that barely two people can fit in at the same time, and full of Japanese just out of work eating. There you will find the real Japan.
THE ONE DAY GETAWAY
dedicate a day to Nikko. It is one of the main Japanese tourist destinations, named a World Heritage Site in December 1999 and is one of the most important centers of Buddhism in Japan. (125 km from the capital, that is, less than two hours by train) .
**KYOTO (FIVE NIGHTS) **
Three hours separate Tokyo from Kyoto by train. My recommendation is to stop at the Mount Hakone during the trip and spend the day to, at night, return to Kyoto. Hakone is known for being a tourist spot, due to the spectacular views of the mountain and its lake, and for its Onsen , Japanese hot springs, a luxury to relax and spend a full day. In fact, it would also be advisable to spend the night in Hakone and continue the next day to Kyoto.
HOTELS IN KYOTO
Stay in the suburb of Arashiyama , on the outskirts of the city center and one of the main points that we have to visit. Here is the katsura river , with its incredible landscape (it is mandatory to cross the togetsukyo bridge , where we will find 360º views of Arashimaya and its spectacular beauty).
At Arashimaya my two main recommendations are:
Hoshinoya Resort : It can only be accessed by boat from the Hozu River pier, and the beauty of the journey will not leave you indifferent. You will find yourself trapped between the magnificent mountains covered with trees of all kinds of colors, as well as meeting fishermen and families kayaking or sailing in peace in the mornings.
Hoshinoya was built from a riverside village, and its architecture is defined by silence, beauty and luxury , all these qualities were wanted to maintain from the first moment. Hoshinoya more than in a resort, you will feel like in an authentic Japanese house. It is an experience, more than a simple lodging. You should not miss his " morning Stretch ” in its gardens and under the huge trees that make up this resort, its authentic Japanese breakfast and its exquisite restaurant, book in advance!
** Suiran, A Luxury Collection Hotel ** - Much in the style of our previous resort, Suiran is also located at the foot of the Katsura River, offering a festival of beautiful Japanese gardens. It is the perfect accommodation for those seeking peace and quiet , as well as exclusivity. It is a 15-minute walk from the main station and less than five of the main attractions.
MANDATORY STOPS
Visit the Arashiyama neighborhood: As we have mentioned, here you will find many of the main tourist attractions, the ideal would be to dedicate a full day to it and visit the Tenryū-ji temple , one of the five largest Zen temples in the city, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. don't miss the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Kameyama Park, Togetsukyo Bridge and, above all, try their delicacies made with matcha, such as matcha ice cream, chocolate and matcha cookies, also the Tofu donut and, of course, the octopus fritters.
Visit the Golden pavilion or rather, Kinkaku-ji , is part of the historical monuments of ancient Kyoto, the pavilion functions as a shariden, housing relics of the buddha.
Fushimi Inari Taisha : one of the saturations that I liked the most in the city. It is at the top of Kyoto, so prepare the water and a couple of snacks, although along the way you will find several Japanese street food stalls that you will have a hard time resisting. In any case, it is a more than deserved walk, the views from the top are incredible and how could we return home without having a photograph among the famous red toriis?
Kiyomizu-dera : a set of Buddhist temples worth visiting for the spectacular ravine on which it is built (attention sailors: there is a significant climb on foot and cars can hardly pass due to the number of people going up; go with supplies of water but do not worry about food since you will find numerous Japanese snack shops along the road) .
If you have time you should do a day or half day excursion to the town of nara , which is 45 minutes away by train. Its best known attraction? Nara Park , which is riddled with free deer ; this is also where the Todai-ji Temple , a Buddhist temple that houses a giant statue of the Vairocana Buddha (_Buddha that shines throughout the world like the sun)_.
For lovers of matcha tea, or tea in general, visit the tea fields in the Uji region or enjoy its culture at the hands of the farmers (if you are interested I recommend that you take a look at the experience offered by Obubu tea).
* Since last fall 2016 Iberia launched its direct flight from Spain to Tokyo ; its business class includes exquisite services such as extra legroom, to be able to sleep comfortably throughout the flight, or its gourmet menus (upon request online) to make you feel like you are in Japan.
Dedicate yourself ten days and discover the true Japanese essence