"Japan" Japan by dancinbudgie

Japan Travel Guide: 19,321 reviews and 53,220 photos

Geisha/Samurai makeover...dorky but fun souveneir

This Time Just Looking!

I lived and worked in Japan for a year back in the 80,s. Most of my time was spent in Nagoya . Sightseeing opportunities were minimal as I worked full time and also cared for my baby son. I developed a love of the country and culture and always wanted to return under different circumstances to see more of it. I spent a month travelling there in April 2007 with my partner and 3 of my children...the eldest, the one who was in Japan with me first time around was off playing cricket in England so couldn't come. we had a wonderful time... better than I had hoped for and would go back in a minute if the opportuniy presented! I plan on filling the travel pages of all the places we visited there with our adventures (when I get around to it). Someone out there might be interested in hearing about them, and it will be fun for me to re-live such a special time!

We wern't ALWAYS lost or in trouble!

Kind Kanazawans!

When I think of our trip to Japan, the first thing that comes to mind are the many truly kind and helpful strangers that we met along the way. First up was a man who must have seen us struggling over our map after the Sumida River trip and approached us to offer assistance. It was so unexpected that it took a moment to realise that we were being addressed ( we didn't realise we looked so completely at a loss), and I felt quite rude for being so slow! on that same day (during the cruise actually), a little girl named Hana shared her chips with Brad. She was only 4 years old and spoke excellent English! In Kanazawa the owners of our Ryokan made a Doctors appointment for Braddy (who began to get sick on this leg of the trip), and then drove us to it in their own car, and picked us up when we were done. All we did was ask where we might find a Doctor! This same couple let me use their personal laundry etc, rather than directing me to the public one. On arrival in Kyoto, Brad had become so much worse that we went straight to the information counter at the station to ask for directions to a hospital. We were having language difficulties when a woman came over and began translating for us. She then bundled us all into a cab and took us personally to the hospital before going on her way. Unfortunately the hospital turned us away, directing us elsewhere. In desperation we decided to check in to our Ryokan and dump our stuff first. The people at this Ryokan immediately saw our distress, insisted we leave the two elder children in their care, called ahead to the hospital, got us a cab and set us on the way. Brad's fever at this point was pushing past 40, so I was quite frantic and have never been more grateful to anyone! The elder kids were less grateful (as i found out later), the care they got while we were gone was so excellent that a maid sat in our rooms with them all through dinner, supervising their meal. They were served raw squid legs (or something like it...they weren't too sure), and being polite little angels (at least with strangers), felt compelled to eat it all!
A man at Himeji Castle came over to us while we were having lunch, and gave us an envelope full of photographs of the castle which he had taken in all the different seasons. A lady in Uwajima (who was obviously on her way to somewhere inportant, stopped when we asked for directions, turned around and escorted us there! Another man on a rainy day in Takamatsu offered to give us his umbrella when we were searching for the post office (he was dressed in a beautiful suit which I am sure would have been ruined!), we declined, but the offer was appreciated. So, you begin to get the picture...people seemed to go out of their way to help us wherever we were. I have not even mentioned the many kind people who not only forgave me for murdering their language, but praised my sorry efforts!

He DID survive the trip!

Last visit to Japan: Apr 2007
Intro Updated Mar 3, 2008
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Reviews (10)

Shrines and Temples Things to Do (8)

It wouldn't be a trip to Japan without visiting some temples and shrines. If you would like to get your 'fix' all in one... more travel advice

Tsumago Town...Finding 'old' Japan - Japan

Tsumago Town...Finding 'old' Japan Things to Do (8)

Tsumago is one of the old post towns along the Nakasendo. The Nakasendo was the road that once connected Edo (Tokyo),... more travel advice

Find Mt Fuji! Things to Do (8)

We planned to spend our last days in Japan around the Hakone area because we wanted that view of Mt Fuji off in the... more travel advice

Cherry Blossom Viewing Things to Do (8)

If you are in Japan in April you simply must take advantage of cherry blossom season. Some of the places we enjoyed the... more travel advice

Warnings and Dangers (1)
Get Your Kids Back!

Hotels (1)
Near the Nakasendo Highway

Travelogues (3)

1 - 3 of 3

Comments (9)

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septem May 2, 2010 at 12:08 PM

Nice pages. Juliana
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lindyz Jun 1, 2009 at 7:30 PM

Tracey Japan looks amazing. A friend of mine has just come back, she loved it but said it was quite expensive.
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trvlrtom Oct 18, 2008 at 9:26 PM

Thanks for visiting my pages too. Looks like your family had a great visit.
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magor65 Oct 12, 2008 at 6:31 AM

Great page filled with informative tips and beautiful pictures. Makeover looks fantastic - you could pass for the Japanese.
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Mr.Sparkle Aug 2, 2008 at 5:56 PM

hey, great Japan tips and cool pix. just finished my Fuji page, come check it out! :-)
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RoseAmano Apr 12, 2008 at 6:43 AM

Cheers for your generous comments, and enjoying reading about your travelling experiences with the children! How harrowing it must have been when your youngest one fell ill abroad, and was relieved to read he recovered without losing his smile!
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monica71 Apr 7, 2008 at 7:31 AM

Thank you for all the tips and the great pictures! Your tips really help a lot with my travel plans!
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angiebabe Mar 18, 2008 at 1:12 PM

How xlent to have got family shots in Japanese gear!great souvenir!Xlent&inspirational page,5 star tips!a destination ive been mixed about but yr tips&pics are great-and Id definitely aim for Cherry blossom time!thanks for sharing your trip.
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fachd Feb 21, 2008 at 3:48 AM

Arigato for your comment on my Hanoi page. I am sure you will enjoy your trip to Hanoi. One day we will go to Japan, btw good tips and great family photo, say gday to Shintaro, sayonara.