You will walk away with a better understanding and appreciation for the art forms than you will get from any museum – and you’ll have a great souvenir from your trip too!

The Kyoto Handicraft Center offers a variety of hands on activities such as cloisonne making, dorei (Clay bell) doll or fan painting, Koma spinning top making, woodblock printing (ukiyoe), incense mixing (part of the art of koh-do), drawing with gold powder, damascene accessories (gold & silver inlay) and shichimi (Japanese spice) blending.

Each lesson is conducted by Japanese artisans and English translation is provided.  The cost ranges from Y1,890 to Y3,980 and each session takes about an hour.

The center also offers demonstrations by working crafts people and a shop where you can purchase local Kyoto handicrafts.

Located near the Kyoto Imperial Palace, the Kyoto Municipal Museum of Art and the Heian Jingu Shrine, the Kyoto Handicraft Center is approximately half an hour by bus or fifteen minutes by taxi from Kyoto Station and is open daily from 10AM-5PM except for January 1st – 3rd. (Kyoto Handicraft Center Access Map)

Image Credit: Wikimedia, Fan, Japanese

Travel Time

In most cases people have realistic expectations of what can be done within their allotted time frame but other think that the Shinkansen (bullet train) is like a time machine that will whisk them from one destination to another in seconds rather than hours.  They are fast, traveling up to 300 km per hour, but they are not that fast!

One thing that constantly surprises me is the amount of time that it takes to get from point A to point B in Japan, and even within Tokyo.  I love the train system and it is one of the most economical and efficient ways of getting around in Japan but it may take you a little longer than you think to get from one place to another.

To give you an example of this let’s take a look at how long it will take you to get to and from the  Top 10 Tourist Destinations in Japan using Hyperdia, one of the best tools to to use when planning your route about the country by train.

Japan Travel Timetable

* format used is travel time (includes transfer times between trains) /number of transfers – keep in mind that travel time may vary depending on the time of the day.

So let’s look at a typical day of sightseeing in Tokyo.  If your hotel is in Shibuya and you want to go to Tokyo to see the Imperial Palace and then on to Ueno Park, where you can stroll about the temples, visit a museum or two or even rent a boat at Shinobazu Pond before heading back to Shibuya for some people watching and calling it a night you will have spend some time in transit.

From the table above your total time spent traversing the city would be 53 minutes and you would only have to transfer trains two times.  Sounds pretty good right?  But how long does it take to get to the station from the various points of interest on your Tokyo itinerary?  On average you will have to walk anywhere from 5-15 minutes from the station to your destination and back.  That will add another 30-90 minutes to your commute time.

That adds up to a total of anywhere from 83 – 143 minutes spent just getting to a from your destination – a total of up to 2.5 hours of your day that you could be spend just riding the rails.

You Have to Eat

Let’ assume for a moment that you eat breakfast before you head out for the day and dinner upon your return in the evening.  You still need to budget some time for lunch, where you will hopefully dine on some of Japan’s regional food specialties in a great neighborhood restaurant or pick up a bento box or one of the other cheap eats in Japan to eat in a local park.

There goes another hour or so of your day…not wasted but you still haven’t wandered about much yet and 3.5 hours are gone…

Taking in the Sights

Now that’s out of the way we can talk about how much time it take to enjoy the sights at a leisurely pace.  After all this is a vacation and supposed to be relaxing and enjoyable right? If you plan for an eight hour day (remember that’s excluding breakfast and dinner) then after commuting and eating you are left with 4.5 hours to take in the sights.

I know I could spend a that amount of time just exploring Ueno!

If you want to take in a museum that could take anywhere from an hour to two or more.  Exploring the area around the Imperial Palace can take a similar amount of time, more if your want to stroll through the adjacent gardens.  You will want to rent your boat for about half an hour and spend some time exploring the other sights in Ueno park that include temples, shrines and even a zoo.

As you can see your four plus hours are being used up at a rapid pace!

But don’t just pull out your guidebook or pick up a map from the local tourist office and start ticking things off and snapping pictures to show your friends.  You want to take some time to really take in any area you visit and that involves stepping into that interesting alley and wandering past that small shrine or shop that caught your eye.  Sure, take some pictures, but don’t forget to enjoy the experience and remember that photos fade but memories last a lifetime.

It all takes time – how long is up to you but don’t rush yourself and don’t over plan your days.  Build some flexibility into your schedule so that your vacation doesn’t become like work.

Fatigue Factor

You will spend a lot of time on trains and walking to and from the destinations on your itinerary and this can be exhausting.   There is also the mental fatigue resulting from being in a new place where just reading the signs and figuring out which way to go can take its toll on your energy level.

Take advantage of your time of the trains to rest your feet and rejuvenate yourself for the next part of your day.  Make sure to stay hydrated by stopping every now and then at one of the much talked about vending machines in Japan – they really are everywhere!   Get yourself some water but be sure to try some of the other drinks as well.  Some are quite tasty and you might even find a new favorite, or one that’s not so good.  Either way, it’s another memory from your trip to Japan that you get to take home with you.

The End of The Day

If you have a limited amount of time to travel about Japan your days will be full, there is no doubt about that, but don’t overextend yourself and try to cram too much into your itinerary.

For inspiration take some time to browse through the Japan Regional Travel Resources but remember to give yourself some downtime – Japan will still be here if you want to visit again…

You can fit a lot into a short time in Japan but make sure to enjoy the journey!

This is my entry in the June Japan Bog Matsuri, hosted this month by Billy of Tune-In-Tokyo.

Image Credit: Flickr, Citizen Clock, Ginza, Tokyo, E231-5xx @ Tokyo Station, Audience [小野川 / 佐原の大祭秋祭り(諏訪神社秋祭り)] & Hankyu train

Banryutei Rock Garden

Image Credit: Flickr, Zen garden / Koya San

The Banryutei Rock Garden (pictured above) is one of the largest gardens of its kind in Japan.  Located within the precincts of the  Koyasan Kongobuji in Wakayama prefecture (part of the Kansai Region of Japan) the garden encompasses more that 2,300 square meters of raked sand and strategically placed rocks that when viewed from a certain angle appear to be two dragons flying amongst the clouds.

Visit Welcome to Koyasan for information on the sights of the area as well as walking and audio guides.

Ginshadan – The Sea of Silver Sand

Image Credit: Flickr, Zen Garden

Located in front of the Abbots quarters (hojo) on the grounds of Ginkakuji Temple in Kyoto  is an excellent example of a karesansui garden (dry garden) known as Ginshadan or the Sea of Silver Sand.  The Ginshandan consists of a two foot platform of sand that covers 0.71 hectares (1.75 acres) and is said to represent the sea.

Kogetsudai – The Moon Viewing Platform

Image Credit: Flickr, Grounds of Kinkaku-ji

The distinctive cone shaped mound pictured below is also located on the grounds of Ginkakuji Temple in Kyoto.  It reflects the light of the moon in the evenings and was meant to sit on while waiting for the moon to rise from the Higashiyama mountains.

Ryoan-ji Temple Rock Garden

Image Credit:  Flickr, Ryouanji Stones (竜安寺の石）

One of the most celebrated rock gardens in Japan, it is relatively small with only fifteen stones sitting within a seas of pristinely rake white sand.  Located in the grounds of the Ryoan-ji Temple (also in Kyoto) the garden is enclosed by earthen walls and it is impossible to see all of the fifteen stones from any vantage point.

Hashin-tei

Image Credit:  Flickr, The zen rock garden at Kodai-ji

Originally a pond garden, Hashin-tei was redesigned as a karesansui dry garden and the undulating border of moss and stone was once its shoreline.  This garden is also located in Kyoto on the grounds of the Kodai-ji Temple.

Myoshin-ji Temple Gardens

Image Credit: Flickr, black sand and pink sakura

Myoshin-ji Temple itself and three other temples in Kyoto (Taizo-in Temple, Keishun-in Temple & Daishin-in Temple) are home to a number of beautiful Zen gardens that are well know throughout Japan.  The Taizo-in Temple is well known for features such as the karetaki (dry waterfall), horai-san (Sacred mountain), kamejima (island shaped like a turtle) and an ishibashi(stone bridge).

Rocks, raked sand and tranquility – it’s a combination that is well known and recognized worldwide as a Zen Garden.

“The best gardens in Japan incorporate aesthetics that are contradictory in nature but somehow complement each other when employed by a skillful designer”

The Art of The Japanese Garden offers further insight into the design features and qualities deemed essential in a well designed garden.  Be sure to include a visit to one or two gardens of different styles when you plan any trip to Japan – you won’t regret it!

Since 2006, the Kyoto International Manga Museum, in cooperation with Kyoto City and Kyoto Seika University, has taken on the role as conservator and archivist for the vast amount of manga material created every year as well as historical works of the genre.

In 2009, the museum is holding two special

Sugiura Manga Festa

Active in the world of children’s manga from the 1930s through until the 1950s, Sugiura Shigeru was an influential manga artist.  To celebrate 100 yeasrs since his birth the Kyoto International Manga Museum will hold a commemorative exhibition from March 20th – May 24, 2009.

“His well rounded works were known for a cheerful painting style and original fantastic ideas as well as contrary elements such as the depiction of an otherwise classical world through the use of puns and comic stories, and a surreal literary style reminiscent of the Spanish painter Salvador Dali.”

The exhibit includes original artwork, publications, supplementary volumes and books introducing the works of Shigeru Sugiura and you can even become on of  his characters in “Photography Corner” where disguises and faceless cardboard cutouts can be tried on for size.

Kyoto Manga Festa 2009

Running simultaneously with the Sugiura Manga Festa, the Kyoto Manga Festa 2009 offers visitors a number of different events that bring the art of manga together with caligraphy and music through a number of special events.

Manga concerts

On Saturday April 11, 2009 from 2-4PM, experience the music of Nodame Cantabile from the animated television series performed on the piano by Iku Miwa. (Nodame Video – YouTube Link)

On Sunday, May 3, 2009 hear anime songs perfromed by the Kyoto Northern Hills Wind Instrument Orchestra at 2 & 4PM.

Manga Club

Monday, May 4, 2009 finds the Kyoto International Manga Museum transformed into a club space when a painter and a DJ collaborate to create a fusion of art and sound inspired by manga.

For more information on these events, admission and access information, visit the Kyoto International Manga Museum website.

Image Credit:  Flickr, Kyoto Manga Museum

The monuments of Nara and Kyoto are among the many UNESCO World Heritage sites in Japan.

It’s almost impossible to cover all of the things to see and do in these two popular and historic prefectures but some of the highlights will be presented along with resources that will allow you to plan a very personalized trip by clicking through all that the region has to offer.

Kyoto Prefecture

Kyoto is home to over Kyoto on thousand temples and shrines so there is always something new to see and do in Kyoto.

“The old capital of Kyoto has weathered many vicissitudes in its long history of wars and truces. The vivid crimson of the Heian Shrine, built overshadowing the Heian Palace, allows one to imagine what the freshness of that old city must have been like in its youth.”
Source: Kyoto City Web

Visit Nijo Castle where the last Tokugawa shogun returned sovereignty to the Emperor of Japan.

Apply to the Imperial Household Agency for permission to tour the Kyoto Imperial Palace built in 1855.

Visit one of Kyoto’s temples to practice zazen (Zen sitting meditation) and shakyo (copying sutras).

Take in a show at Gion Corner to see witness Maiko & Geiko (Geisha in Tokyo) perform the traditional arts of Kyoto, including Kyogen classical comedy, Kyomai dance, Gagaku Imperial Court music, koto (Japanese harp) and flower arrangement.

Visit Ryoanji Temple, built in 1450 and home to a beautiful example of a Zen Rock Garden.  Hover over the Kanji to navigate the site – English prompts will appear.

Take in one of the annual events sponsored by the Ookini Zaidan, the Kyoto Traditional Musical Art Foundation.

Visit Kinkaku-ji Temple, home to Kyoto’s Golden Palace (pictured top right).

Stay in a traditional thatch-roofed house, learn to make washi (Japanese paper), or take a pottery course at Miyama Town, about 90 minutes outside of Kyoto City.

Take some time to browse through this list of 100 most popular things to do in Kyoto to find something of interest to you or download one of the Kyoto Walking Itineraries (PDF).

Other Kyoto Tourism Resources:

• Welcome to Kyoto
• Kyoto Official Travel Guide
• Kyoto City Web
• Kyoto City Tourism and Culture Information System
• Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) Kyoto pages

Nara Prefecture

Visit the vermilion-lacquered Kasuga Grand Shrine.

See the great Buddha at Todai-ji Temple that stands 15 meters high and was built in 752.

Feed the deer at Rokuen.

Visit the Yagyu Iris Garden where approximately 100,000 Irises full bloom from June to early July.

Peruse the annual Nara event Calendar to make sure you don’t miss anything while you visit.

V isit the Gango-ji Temple, one of the seven great temples of Nara.

Relax at an onsen (hot springs) in and around Nara.

See the seven World Heritage sites in Nara by purchasing a Sekai Isan Gurutto Pass .  A bus visits each site once an hour and passholders can use the bus repeatedly within the day for Y800 (adults).  Learn more about the pass or book a bus tour of Nara.

Download a variety of Nara Maps and sightseeing itineraries from the prefectural government or download one of the Nara Walking Itineraries (both in PDF).

Learn more about things to do and see in Nara Prefecture at Nara, A Journey to the Ancient City or at the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) Nara pages.

This winds up our Closer Look at Kansai – visit Kansai Window for suggested tour itineraries for the area and check back next week when we’ll take a closer look at the Chugoku Region of Japan.

Articles in the Japan: A Closer Look series:

• Japan: A Closer Look at Hokkaido
• Japan: A Closer Look at Tohoku – Part 1 & Part 2
• Japan: A Closer Look at Chubu – Part 1, Part 2 & Part 3
• Japan: A Closer Look at Kanto – Part 1 & Part 2
• Japan: A Closer Look at Kanto – Kanagawa
• Japan: A Closer Look at Kanto – Tokyo Practicalities
• Japan: A Closer Look at Kanto – Tokyo – Part 1 & Part 2
• Japan: A Closer Look At Tokyo:Lesser Known Facts And Figures
• Japan:A Closer Look at Kansai – Part 1 & Part 2

Image Credit: Flickr, 金閣寺　kinkakuji ( golden temple ) kyoto, Geisha Girls in Kyoto, 09, deer crossing in Nara & Kasuga Taisha Shrine VI

#1 Shinjuku, Tokyo

The New York bar where Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson enjoyed cocktails in the movie Lost in Translation offers great views of the Tokyo skyline from Shinjuku.  Approximately 2 million people move through Shinjuku’s vast train station each day and it is the portal to a busy business area populated by modern skyscrapers and fashionable department stores.  One of Tokyo’s best parks, Shinjuku Gyoen is also located in Shinjukju and you can get a taste for Tokyo’s red-light nightlife in Kabukicho (learn about recently released audio tour of Shinjuku at Ping Mag).

#2 Ginza, Tokyo

Ginza is to Tokyo what 5th Avenue is to New York.  This famous shopping district is famous for it’s grand nightly display of colorful neon and almost every luxury store that you can imagine.  The area is also home to some great western style and modern architecture and the main street in closed to traffic on weekend afternoons which make being seen that much easier – because being seen or saying that you have been to Ginza has a certain cache worldwide. (Ginza map)

#3 Shibuya, Tokyo

Shibuya is full of trendy and cool stores that cater to Tokyo’s younger generation.  The famous Hachiko Crossing is one of the busiest intersections in the world and is home to large video screens, funky billboards and one of Starbucks busiest stores in the world.  Catch the energy of the area with a walk around Shibuya.

#4 Harajuku, Tokyo

Gothic Lolitas and Japanese Princesses will vie for you attention in Harajuku.  Takeshita Dori is home to stores that cater to the areas denizens and also offers insight into trendy Tokyo street fashion. In start contrast, only a short distance away from the cutting edge of the Tokyo youth scene you will find the peaceful confines of the Meiji Jingu Shrine. (Harajuku walking map)

#5 Asakusa, Tokyo

Asakusa’s Senso-ji temple and Nakamise Dori, a shopping street leading up to it are well worth visiting on any trip to Tokyo.  The area is also home to a number of famous tempura restaurants an is a short walk from the Kappabashi wholesale district where you can pick up beautiful Japanese dishes, ceramics, iron tea kettles, knives and even one of the plastic food replicas that you will find in almost every restaurant window in Japan.  Asakusa is also the place where you can embark on a cruise of the Sumida river. (Asakusa area map)

#6 Ueno, Tokyo

Ueno Park is home to a zoo, a number of temples, some of Tokyo’s best museums and is one of city’s most famous areas for viewing the Cherry Blossoms each spring.  Just outside the park is Ameya-yokocho, a bustling street market filled with tiny shops and vendors’ carts – pick up a local snack or souvenir or simply stop for a refreshment after a stroll through the park. (Ueno Walking Map)

#7 The Rest Of Tokyo

There is a lot to see in this city with a population that exceeds 12 million and is divided into 23 separate wards.  Other areas that made this roundup of the most popular sights in Tokyo are the ultra modern cities within the city: Roppongi Hills, Tokyo Midtown and Odaiba.  To get a glimpse of how royalty lives you may also want to consider a visit to the Imperial Palace, home to the Emperor of Japan, and the adjacent gardens.

#8 Yokohama

A beautiful port town about a half an hour outside of Tokyo by train, Yokohama is home to one of the biggest Chinatowns in the world and some great examples of foreign architecture.  The Minato Mirai area is home to a modern shopping area and a Ferris Wheel that offers a stunning view of the bay.  See these and all of the other great tourist spots that Yokohama has to offer.

#9 Kyoto

Kyoto can be described as the cradle of Japanese history and culture. Once the capital, Kyoto has an amazing number of ancient temples, shrines, traditional buildings and excellent museums that are well worth visiting.  Kyoto is one of the most beautiful places in Japan and is well deserving of a spot on this list.

#10 Osaka

Osaka, two-and-a-half hours from Tokyo by shinkansen, is home to traditional architecture and the famous Osaka Castle.  About 40 minutes away is Himeji Castle, a World Heritage Site built from the 14th to 17th centuries and nearby Kobe is home to the world famous beef of the same name.  Visit the Osaka and Kobe tourism websites to learn more about theses great cities.

Returning visitors are a bit more adventurous and head for some of the other regions of Japan to enjoy great skiing and hiking in Hokkaido or some of the areas well know for their onsens or spas.  With the slowing of the worldwide economy and an underdeveloped tourism infrastructure Japan has it’s work cut out to increase the number of tourists that visit each year.

I hope that the Visit Japan Campaign is successful as it will allow visitors and foreign residents to learn more about areas of Japan that would otherwise remain undiscovered.

Image Credit:  Personal Collection, Flickr, Sensō-ji Temple (Asakusa, Tokyo) & Japan – May 12th 2007 – Himeji and Osaka Castle 036