I went to eleven places altogether -
Osaka, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Fukuoka, Hakone, Hakuba Alps, Kumamoto, Aso-san, Beppu, Tokyo, Nara.
大阪 - 京都 - 広島 - 福岡 - 箱根 - 白馬山麓 - 熊本 - 阿蘇山 - 別府 - 東京 - 奈良
Hakuba AlpsMy favourite was Hakuba Alps. The ski view there was incredible! It was a week before the peak and only a couple of runs were opened. I was doing a green run - which apparently was of intermediate level by Mt.Hotham's standard. The breathe-taking view of Hakuba village, separated from the outside world and surrounded by mountains, is well known to many foreigners and hence attracted many of tourists. Mt. Fuji is visible from the top of the mountain. An absolutely amazing place, oh - and much cheaper than Australia too. Kyoto and Hakone were also in my top-list.
Kyoto is a modernised traditional city of Japan. In Kyoto, one could see the past and future within the same space. Kyoto is a very neatly organised city and having a bike is more than enough to cover all distance. I spent ten days out of my trip there. Temples were old and grand; streets were new and tidy. Gion is overdrawn by after-work business people seeking relaxation in bars and restaurants.
Hakone - you can see Mt.Fuji from Hakone!Hakone on the other hand, was the most important check point of Tokyo (Edo) in the Edo period. Located in the coastal area of Japan, it has an amazing view. If you stand tall and look afar across the lake, you can see Mt. Fuji. This place has reserved a lot of its history. One of my favourite place in Hakone was The Old Street. Its a highway around the mountain by the sea. On the right hand side I could see the dark green trees of Winter, while on the left a very quiet lake.
My favourite sightseeing spot was the Inari Shrine. If you had watched Memoirs of a Geisha, there was a scene where the little girl was running through the Thousand Gate to make a wish. I was there - YES! I also completed the walk - which took FOREVER! but RELLY did worth doing it.
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