Our Japan trip is coming up really really soon, you guys!! Niles and I were researching little day trips out of Tokyo and I came across a little town called “Zushi” and got really excited… until I realized that no, of course it is not a town made out of sushi, it’s not even a town known for its sushi stalls or restaurants, it’s just a small fishing town with a really nice bay for windsurfing. Oh well. Niles’s brother Sam has graciously promised me a sushi tour of Tokyo, so it’s not like I won’t be eating my fill on this trip, even if magical towns made out of sushi don’t actually exist.
I still can’t believe we’re doing this. It doesn’t feel real yet! And of course it’s so much money, but we’ve been really frugal to offset the costs. I can’t wait!
I used to live in Japan and I remember the seafood being amazing in Kanazawa. It’s actually famous for it’s traditional Japanese cuisine in general, but especially it’s seafood. I believe it was less than 2 hrs from Tokyo by train.
Other reasons to visit Kanazawa:
- Home of the Ninja Temple (ninjadera or myoruji in Japanese). This is actually even cooler than it sounds
- Kenroku-en gardens are so beautiful. Considered one of the most beautiful gardens in all of Japan. It also doesn’t matter when you visit, Kenrokuen is beautiful in all seasons.
- Kanazawa was spared bombing during WW2 so tons of traditional architecture remains, even dwellings of normal people. This also includes dwellings of low ranking samurai and geisha.
- Kanazawa castle is really well restored. I feel like it was more well restored than osaka castle. Though of course, it lacks osaka castle’s famous view.
Eep, looks like I misremembered the distance between Tokyo and Kanazawa when I looked it up. Probably it’s not suitable for a day trip :(
Take the train to Yokahama to see their China town. Eat roasted chesnuts from the street vendors.
Kamakura is great during the cherry blossoms, but good otherwise to see the shrine there and the giant buddha.
Also, research a good onsen in the countryside with a view. Probably coolest if you have another girl traveling with you since boys and girls will be separated for the bath house.
Be sure your sushi tour in Tokyo includes breakfast sushi at the fish market. Recommend doing this your first day when you wake up at like 4am due to jet lag.
Be sure to go to every 100 yen store possible to buy any momentos, etc. And see the kitchen district in Tokyo.
Oh and drink hot coffee from the vending machines on the street.
Sawii: We were talking about Kamakura! and onsens have been discussed, but I will be the only girl in our group, so … not sure what we’ll end up doing there. :) Thanks for the pointers!!!
You have to let me know if you spot my doppelganger anywhere.
P.S. I love the wasabi tree and the plastic-garnish shrubs. I just realized that this vision is basically your version of Candyland.
@ Isaac: I said that EXACT THING as I was drawing it, that it was my Candyland. :D
Since Sushi is very much only a ‘special occasion’ food in Japan, and very expensive, I can’t imagine a town made of it doing well, haha.