Even within Asia, Japan is a place apart – a fascinating mix of ancient and modern, East and West. Densely populated cities buzz with traffic, neon lights, and the very latest electronics, while a short train ride away is another century, filled with exquisite shrines, historic temples and tranquil gardens. Japanese culture, with its reverence for natural beauty and aesthetics and its embrace of both the traditional and cutting-edge, makes for a journey rich in contrasts and discoveries. For our family, Japan was an opportunity to explore lifestyles and landscapes unlike anything in the Western world.
Japan offers plenty for everyone to enjoy, from feudal castles to the latest in pop culture. We visited in springtime, when the cherry trees are in bloom – it's an unforgettable sight. Our week-long trip was divided between Tokyo and Kyoto, Japan's two most iconic cities. In Tokyo, my kids loved the gaming scene at the Sega Joyopolis (you'll find video games here that aren't sold anywhere else), but they were just as fascinated by the city's traditional side: the famous Tsujiki Fish Market, the sumo stables, and the Kabuki Theater. A day trip to Nikko National Park, with its beautiful lakes and magnificent shrines, was a welcome break from the city. In Kyoto, the cherry blossoms were at their most spectacular on the Philosophers' Walk. Ancient rituals are still a big part of life in Kyoto, and our visit wouldn't have been complete without a traditional tea ceremony, presided over by a geisha. Other highlights included the Silver and Gold Pavilions, the Imperial Palace, and a slightly less ancient Japanese tradition – karaoke.
