I used to live in Osaka. I studied there for three months while I was in school. Gravitating towards the familiar, I tried to find a job there when I came back to Japan, but was thrown into the madness of Tokyo.
Being in Tokyo ended up being OK, but the first year I was there I went to Osaka 5 times. The following year I went 4, then 2, then 1, and now it's been 3 years since I've been back.
I miss it.
There are tons of things to do in Kansai since there are four major (and historical) cities that make up the heart of it.You can't go wrong in an area that has Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, and Nara within an express train ride of each other.
Tokyo
By the end of my time in Tokyo, I was ready to get out and not look back. Long commutes, heat, crowds; after 4 years it all got to me. After getting out, I found myself looking back and ready to re-enter the madness.
When I do get back, I'm going to have to make a trip down to Kamakura.
Kumamoto
To be fair, I only spent an evening and a night in Kumamoto passing through on my way from Kagoshima going to Fukuoka. My time there was far too short in this castle town and I don't remember much.
But what I do remember, I liked and I have family here now.
Mt Fuji
There's an expression that only a fool would climb Mt. Fuji twice. Well, I'm that fool.
It rained almost the entire hike when I climbed Mt. Fuji in 2003 and when we finally got to the top there was nothing to see.
Next time I go I want to see the sunrise, or there could be a third climb in my future.
Hiroshima
This was another city where I didn't spend enough time. However, most of my time was spent on Miyajima,but that was 13 years ago. I'd like to get back, see the city, and I'll definitely go back to Miyajima.
There is too much history here to pass up.
10 complaints:
I'd like a return visit to all those sites too. Damn, I miss Japan.
Those are certainly great places in Japan. Are you planning to leave Japan soon? Where are you heading next?
Mt Fuji I can see why this is a must - the appeal of climbing a mountain just draws you - wish I could join you next time round!
Take Care
Glad you are getting around.I will have "No, I won't go back" on my Abe Lincoln Blogs on Tuesday. It shows Aoba dori in 1954 and the honey bucket parked in front of a house.
Lina: Come back!
Bartman: I'm not leaving anytime soon. I was just sitting here thinking about how I wanted to go somewhere.
Martin: Yeah, and it's something that almost anyone can do and then say they climbed the iconic Fuji.
Abe: I'm looking forward to it.
If you make your way down to Osaka along the Sea of Japan coast, stop in Kanazawa for a few days. I lived there for 6 months and can tell you it's probably where I made my best Japan memories.
show off -_- some people have to even visit those places the first time *shrug*
:P
Billy: I've heard others say good things about Kanazawa as well. I'd eventually like to take an express train (or local or whatever) along the Sea of Japan coast to the end of Honshu. Someday.
Jamaipanese: No time to go like the present.
I hope my plan to go to Tokyo next year will succeed. *Fingers crossed*
I hope you make it. Good luck to you.
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