Kiyomizu Temple is known throughout Japan for the great views from its main hall. It was founded in 798 and rebuilt in 1633 by Iemitsu, the third Tokugawa shogun. Most visitors come for the views and grounds. A priest from Nara was told in a vision to… “Look for the clear water origin of the [...]
“Travel Tips & Advice on Japan”
Kiyomizu Temple and Meiji Shrine in Kyoto, Japan
July 23rd, 2008 
Sheila Simkin 
Posted in Japan 
Tags: adventure, destination, event, events, food, hiking, information, Japan, Kita Alps, Kyoto, landmark, log, nature, sightseeing, tours, travel 
1 Comment »
Touring Kyoto: Nijo Castle, Shopping and Important Sights
July 22nd, 2008 Sheila Simkin Two days in Kyoto would just about cover the highlights. The big ones are Nijo (Nijo-jo) Castle, Kyimozu Dera, the Golden Paviliion, Kinkaku-ji, and Ohara temples, leave time for wandering the quaint older area of Kyoto, and fill up the empty places in our stomachs with a substantial amount of food. Kate took us to [...]
Posted in Japan Tags: adventure, destination, event, events, food, hiking, information, Japan, Kita Alps, Kyoto, landmark, log, Myorenji Temple, nature, sightseeing, tours, travel No Comments »
Overnighting in Myorenji Buddhist Temple, Kyoto, Japan
July 21st, 2008 Sheila Simkin In nice clean clothes, we rode the Shinkansen (bullet train) part of the way to Kyoto and transfered to the bus, arriving in the afternoon. We were going to spend four nights in a Buddhist temple. How unique is that! Dubious at first, Myorenji Temple …View image…is located in a quiet neighborhood within walking distance [...]
Posted in Japan Tags: accommodation, adventure, destination, event, events, food, information, Japan, Kita Alps, Kyoto, landmark, log, Myorenji Buddhist Temple in Kyoto, nature, sightseeing, tours, travel 3 Comments »
A Relaxing Day At Karasawa Hut in The Kita Alps of Japan
July 20th, 2008 Sheila Simkin The views from, and around, Karasawa hut were breath-taking in more ways than one. It would get darn cold at night and even in the sunshine, a jacket was necessary. Unpacked, if you can call taking out a clean t-shirt and sweat pants unpacking, we gathered at the long tables in preparation for meager dinners [...]
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Karasawa Hut, The Kita Alps Goal For Today in Japan
July 19th, 2008 Sheila Simkin Karasawa Hut at 2,300m/7,500′ was today’s destination and would be home for the next two nights. Karasawa Hut acts as a base for hikers and climbers who are heading to the peaks of Hotaka-Dake and Kitahotaka-Dake both very difficult and strenous climbs. Nonetheless, extremely popular for the Japanese and foreigners. Karasawa Hut is only open [...]
Posted in Japan Tags: adventure, destination, event, events, food, hiking, information, Japan, Karasawa Hut, Kita Alps, landmark, log, nature, sightseeing, tours, travel No Comments »
A Day Hike Up To Tokugo Pass, Japan
July 18th, 2008 Sheila Simkin It’s been sunny but cool. Great weather for hiking. There were scrambled eggs along with the seaweed this morning and no fish with heads on, an improvement. Ready for the day hike, Kate led us off on a 14.4km/9mi round trip hike up to Tokugo Pass. There are quite a few other options for day [...]
Posted in Japan Tags: adventure, destination, event, events, food, hiking, information, Japan, Kita Alps, landmark, log, nature, sightseeing, tours, travel No Comments »
A Mountain Onsen (Hot Springs) in The Kita (North) Alps of Japan
July 17th, 2008 Sheila Simkin From Matsumoto to Nakanoyu Spa in Kamikochi National Park. This solitary inn (onsen) was surrounded by a forest of Japanese beech trees. Onsen is another name for hot springs in Japan. This mountain inn and spa offered five separate natural volcanic hot springs. Some were inside, one for couples only and the beautifully situated outside [...]
Posted in Japan Tags: adventure, destination, event, events, food, hiking, hot springs, information, Japan, Kamikochi National Park, Kita Alps, landmark, log, nature, onsens, sightseeing, tours, travel No Comments »
Training Into The North (Kita) Alps of Japan
July 16th, 2008 Sheila Simkin The few people in our group who had made the arduous trip to the top of Mount Fuji were ecstatic. One who was turned back by Kate at the set time disappointed. We enjoyed just hanging out around the lakes. Would you like more Ryokan Information? All the Ryokans/Inns/Guesthouses provided typical dinners and breakfast throughout. [...]
Posted in Japan Tags: adventure, destination, event, events, food, hiking, information, Japan, Kita Alps, landmark, log, nature, sightseeing, tours, trains, transportation, travel 1 Comment »
Experience A Ryokan/Inn/Guesthouse While Visiting Japan
July 15th, 2008 Sheila Simkin We stayed at Nagiyama Guesthouse, a small family owned guesthouse in Kawaguchi. Settled in, Kate gathered the group together and explained the intricacies of Japanese etiquette. Very important to know before you go and make a total ass of yourself (Ah, yes…been there, done it…) Japanese Bath Ritual: – The Nagiyama Guesthouse in Kawaguchi did [...]
Posted in Japan Tags: adventure, destination, event, events, food, hiking, information, Japan, Japanese bath etiquette, Kawaguchi, Kita Alps, landmark, log, nature, ryokan etiquette, ryokans, sightseeing, tours, travel No Comments »
The Mount Fuji Five Lakes Area in Japan
July 14th, 2008 Sheila Simkin It’s only a few days into the trip and already I’m getting tired of listening to ex-Marine’s reminiscenses. Even more intense today because we’re on the way to Fuji Five Lakes, the same Mt. Fuji that he had to climb in the Marines. Yadda, yadda… Mt Fuji (Fuji-San) is Japan’s highest mountain, 3,776m/ 12,388′. Worshiped [...]
Posted in Japan Tags: adventure, destination, event, events, Five Lakes Area, food, Fuji, hiking, information, Japan, Kita Alps, landmark, log, Mount Fuji, nature, sightseeing, tours, travel No Comments »
