When I went to Japan I learnt some Japanese words and phrases, and a little about Japanese culture. If you have the chance to go I would recommend it - it is a once in a lifetime opportunity and if I had the chance I would definitely go again,

We flew from Heathrow Airport on Saturday 1st of October and arrived in Tokyo early on Sunday morning, We were transported to the Shiba Park Hotel where we had a rest for a few hours followed by dinner at the Tokyo Tower in the evening. After breakfast the following morning, we met our English tour guide. We got the train to view the Meiji Shrine/Harajuku/Asakusa Kannon temple, Nakamise Arcade and go on the Sumida River Cruise. In the evening we went to another restaurant for dinner.

On Tuesday we spent most of the day shopping. On Wednesday we checked out of the Shiba Park Hotel and transferred to the Shinjuku Station for Hakone Yumoto by Odakyu Express train. Hakone Yumoto is part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, less then 100km from Tokyo. It is famous for its hot springs, outdoor activities, natural beauty and stunning views of Mount Fuji. We rode in an aerial tram (Hakone Ropeway) high over the Owakudani Valley (Great Boiling Valley) – a volcanic valley full of active sulphur vents and the hot springs. Later we took to the water on the Lake Ashi Cruise (a full scale replica of a man-of-war pirate ship). Later in the afternoon we transferred to a Ryokan (a traditional Japanese inn) where we were to stay overnight. We prepared for dinner and dressed in traditional Japanese kimonos.