1) The document summarizes the author's 10-day independent travel around Japan, visiting several major cities and sites. 2) Some key stops included Tokyo, where the author visited popular areas like Akihabara, the Skytree, and Studio Ghibli Museum; Hakone, where they stayed at a traditional ryokan and saw Mt. Fuji; and Kyoto, where they saw geisha and learned about sake making. 3) Additional destinations were Osaka, where the author experienced a tea ceremony, and Tobu Nikko in the mountains, where they viewed waterfalls and changing maple tree colors.

1. Japan Travel Profile:
November2012
Whilst I was travelling in Japan I purchased a Japan Rail Pass that allowed me to travel on the
Shinkansen (Bullet Train) on the JR lines which took me to some of the major tourist spots. This was
one of the most cost effective ways to see Japan as well as being able to ride a uniquely Japanese
method of transport! I also used a Pasmo Pass which allowed me to travel on local lines where the
rail pass was not accepted on; this is equivalent to an Oyster card in London. I spent 10 days
travelling independently around Japan which I loved and wished I could have stayed out there
longer!My Japantour startedand endedin TokyoandI lovedeveryminute of it.
Tokyo:
Tokyo was an amazing way to start and end my trip. I got to explore around in a vibrant city where I
found some of the most beautiful hidden temples among the large buildings in Tokyo. Such gems
that you would not expect to see in the hustle and bustle of Japan’s capital. The highlight of Tokyo
was visiting the famous Tokyo Sky tree which overlooked most of Tokyo from above. I have to say
that the sight was amazing and would highly recommend it. I also visited the infamous Akihabara.
Akihabara is also known as the electric district for its electronic goods stores, maid cafes, and lots of
anime and manga merchandise. They call it the electric district because its vibrant colours on the
buildingsfilledwithotakugoods(games,manga,anime andrare collectoritems).
I also took it upon myself to visit a Manga university where I got an amazing chance to show off
some of my art work and getting the chance to meet and greet manga artists and getting the time to
learnnewskillstoimprove myownwork.
On my last day in Tokyo I visited the infamous Studio Ghibli museum famous for Hayao Miyazaki art
work and film creations and getting the chance to have a sneak peek into his next movie! Some of
his famous movies include Spirited Away, Howl’s Moving Castle, Kiki’s Special Delivery Service and
more.
Hakone:
Whilst visiting Hakone I got the chance to stay in a traditional style Ryokan. A Ryokan is a traditional
Japanese inn that originated in the Edo periods which catered for passing travellers. It was amazing
to experience to follow the traditional Japanese way of travelling. It had traditional tatami matting, I
used special toilet slippers and I slept on a very comfortable futon on the floor and even got to use a
Yukata, which is used whilst staying in hotels and after a shower. I also had the luxury getting to try a
hot spring that was sourced from a sister volcano from Mt Fuji, this was so relaxing. My highlight
visiting Hakone was getting the chance to see Mt Fuji up close on a clear day, trying traditional black
eggs cooked in sulphur in a nearby hot pit by Mt Fuji, as well as a cable cart ride over the mountains
and a pirate boat ride across Lake Ashi withspectacularviews!

2. Kyoto:
Whilst visiting Kyoto I visited the Gion district which is known for Geishas, I was fortunate to see a
fully-fledged Geisha in a traditional Japanese Kimono and hair accessories. I also visited a Sake bury
to learn how sake was made which was very interesting. At the end of the tour I got the chance to
taste the homemade Sake, this was very strong. Whilst in the area I went to a local restaurant where
theyusedthe Sake residue tomake misosoupandinfuseditintoobentoboxes.
I also Visited Toei Kyoto Studio Park which is set in the Edo period, this was a great experience as I
got the chance to experience what it was like in that period seeing samurai battles, traditional food
being made and visiting ninja camps. I was amazing to use a shuriken, although I couldn’t throw it
that far.
Osaka:
My Travels in Osaka took me to a traditional tea ceremony house where I got the chance to
experience how to make traditional green tea and how to follow the correct stepsin drinking the tea
in special cups. Whilst in Osaka I visited the Osaka Tenman-gu shrine where I got the chance to see
traditional prayers during the morning, as well as getting my fortune read and receiving a good luck
charm.
Tobu Niko:
On one of my spare days when I first arrived in Japan I travelled to Tobu Niko one of the world’s
national heritage sites. This was a beautiful place to visit full of natural wildlife trees, lakes and water
falls. I took a small peddle boat out on one of the small lakes to get a better view of some of the
surrounding areas. Whilst I was in Tobu Nikko I visited Kegon Waterfalls, I got the chance to see this
fromabove and fromdownbelowthiswasbeautiful tosee!
Whilst up in the mountains I got the chance to see the change in colours on the maple trees which
was lovelysighttosee withmulti-coloursfromgreen,red,orange andblack!