{"id":17353,"date":"2025-12-11T10:01:47","date_gmt":"2025-12-11T10:01:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/blog\/?p=17353"},"modified":"2025-12-11T12:14:56","modified_gmt":"2025-12-11T12:14:56","slug":"tessa-discovers-dreamy-japan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/blog\/tessa-discovers-dreamy-japan","title":{"rendered":"Tessa discovers dreamy Japan"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>In November 2025, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/team\/tessa-dancer\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Tessa<\/a> fulfilled a lifelong dream during what was the most incredible two weeks in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/country\/japan-trip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Japan<\/a>. There were grand, dazzling sights and tranquil, sacred temples, delicious food and sensational views, and plenty more\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/tokyo-trip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\" noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"4032\" height=\"3024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Tokyo-1.jpg\" alt=\"Trip to Japan\" class=\"wp-image-17354\" style=\"aspect-ratio:3\/2;object-fit:cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=800,height=600,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Tokyo-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Tokyo-1.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=375,height=281,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Tokyo-1.jpg 375w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=450,height=338,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Tokyo-1.jpg 450w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=768,height=576,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Tokyo-1.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 4032px) 100vw, 4032px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Tessa at the very top of the Tokyo Skytree<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cIt felt like stepping into multiple worlds in one trip. My stay kicked off in dynamic and iconic <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/tokyo-trip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Tokyo<\/a>, where I stayed at the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/hotel\/park-hotel-tokyo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Park Hotel<\/a> \u2013 undoubtedly one of the most colourful and vibrant hotels I\u2019ve ever visited. The lobby is on the 25th floor so you\u2019re already looking out over the unbelievable Tokyo skyline from the moment you arrive. The hotel itself is filled with art, from rotating installations in the lobby to an entire floor where every room is decorated by a different Japanese artist!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a class=\"none-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/tokyo-trip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\" noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"3024\" height=\"4032\" data-id=\"17360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Tokyo-7.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-17360\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=450,height=600,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Tokyo-7.jpg 450w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Tokyo-7.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=375,height=500,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Tokyo-7.jpg 375w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=768,height=1024,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Tokyo-7.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 3024px) 100vw, 3024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Entrance to the Meiji Shrine<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a class=\"none-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/tokyo-trip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\" noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"3024\" height=\"4032\" data-id=\"17357\" src=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Tokyo-4.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-17357\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=450,height=600,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Tokyo-4.jpg 450w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Tokyo-4.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=375,height=500,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Tokyo-4.jpg 375w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=768,height=1024,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Tokyo-4.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 3024px) 100vw, 3024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Interiors of Sens\u014d-ji temple<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a class=\"none-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/tokyo-trip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\" noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"3024\" height=\"4032\" data-id=\"17364\" src=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Tokyo-9-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-17364\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=450,height=600,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Tokyo-9-1.jpg 450w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Tokyo-9-1.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=375,height=500,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Tokyo-9-1.jpg 375w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=768,height=1024,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Tokyo-9-1.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 3024px) 100vw, 3024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A delicious meal in Tokyo<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThe <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/hotel\/park-hotel-tokyo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Park Hotel\u2019s<\/a> location was perfect too with direct access to the subway. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/tokyo-trip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Tokyo<\/a> is like entering a living contrast. Neon-soaked nights in Shinjuku, quiet corners in Asakusa, old wooden houses tucked between skyscrapers, and steaming bowls of amazing Japanese food in tiny neighbourhood izakayas. I did a variety of tours including a visit to the Tokyo Skytree \u2013 where you can see the city stretching out forever, learned about sumo at Ryogoku and got lost in the digital dreamscape of TeamLab Planets.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-2 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a class=\"none-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/tokyo-trip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\" noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"4032\" height=\"3024\" data-id=\"17355\" src=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Tokyo-2.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-17355\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=800,height=600,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Tokyo-2.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Tokyo-2.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=375,height=281,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Tokyo-2.jpg 375w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=450,height=338,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Tokyo-2.jpg 450w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=768,height=576,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Tokyo-2.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 4032px) 100vw, 4032px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">On board the water bus<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a class=\"none-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/tokyo-trip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\" noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"2305\" height=\"4032\" data-id=\"17359\" src=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Tokyo-6.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-17359\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=343,height=600,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Tokyo-6.jpg 343w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Tokyo-6.jpg 549w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=375,height=656,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Tokyo-6.jpg 375w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=450,height=787,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Tokyo-6.jpg 450w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=768,height=1343,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Tokyo-6.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2305px) 100vw, 2305px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A stall at Tsukiji Fish Market<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a class=\"none-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/tokyo-trip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\" noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"4032\" height=\"3024\" data-id=\"17361\" src=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Tokyo-8.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-17361\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=800,height=600,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Tokyo-8.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Tokyo-8.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=375,height=281,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Tokyo-8.jpg 375w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=450,height=338,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Tokyo-8.jpg 450w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=768,height=576,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Tokyo-8.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 4032px) 100vw, 4032px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The famed Shibuya Crossing<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI also had the chance to explore Asakusa and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/tokyo-trip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Tokyo\u2019s<\/a> more traditional side. Sensoji Temple is full of colour and life, and Nakamise Street is lined with stalls selling snacks and souvenirs that the temple has offered for centuries. We took a water bus down the river, with great skyline views, before heading into Hamarikyu Gardens for matcha in a teahouse in the middle of the lake. We also explored the Tsukiji Fish Market, a perfect stop for the freshest sushi lunch and took part in crossing the road at Shibuya Crossing!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/hotel\/hakone-kowakien-ten-yu\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\" noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"3024\" height=\"4032\" src=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Hakone-4.jpg\" alt=\"Trip to Japan\" class=\"wp-image-17368\" style=\"aspect-ratio:2\/3;object-fit:cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=450,height=600,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Hakone-4.jpg 450w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Hakone-4.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=375,height=500,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Hakone-4.jpg 375w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=768,height=1024,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Hakone-4.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 3024px) 100vw, 3024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Tessa&#8217;s private onsen at Hakone Kowakien Ten-yu<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cAfter three nights in Tokyo, I took the Romancecar train to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/hakone-mount-fuji-trip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Hakone<\/a>. And suddenly, everything slowed down. I stayed at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/hotel\/hakone-kowakien-ten-yu\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Hakone Kowakien Ten-yu<\/a>, which might be the most peaceful place I\u2019ve ever been. My room had its own private open-air onsen, where I relaxed and looked out at the beautiful Autumn foliage (one of the many perks of visiting <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/country\/japan-trip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Japan<\/a> in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/country\/japan-trip\/best-time-to-visit\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">November<\/a>).\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-3 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a class=\"none-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/hakone-mount-fuji-trip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\" noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"4032\" height=\"3024\" data-id=\"17370\" src=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Hakone-6.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-17370\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=800,height=600,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Hakone-6.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Hakone-6.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=375,height=281,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Hakone-6.jpg 375w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=450,height=338,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Hakone-6.jpg 450w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=768,height=576,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Hakone-6.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 4032px) 100vw, 4032px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Cruising across Lake Ashi<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a class=\"none-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/hakone-mount-fuji-trip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\" noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"4032\" height=\"3024\" data-id=\"17372\" src=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Hakone-8.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-17372\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=800,height=600,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Hakone-8.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Hakone-8.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=375,height=281,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Hakone-8.jpg 375w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=450,height=338,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Hakone-8.jpg 450w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=768,height=576,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Hakone-8.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 4032px) 100vw, 4032px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Sculpture of Hakone&#8217;s famous black eggs<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a class=\"none-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/hakone-mount-fuji-trip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\" noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"3024\" height=\"4032\" data-id=\"17375\" src=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Hakone-11.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-17375\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=450,height=600,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Hakone-11.jpg 450w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Hakone-11.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=375,height=500,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Hakone-11.jpg 375w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=768,height=1024,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Hakone-11.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 3024px) 100vw, 3024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Miss Black Power<\/em> sculpture<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/hakone-mount-fuji-trip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Hakone<\/a> was full of highlights. I had a day to explore on my own and went on a boat cruise across Lake Ashi where I saw the Hakone shrine. On a good day, you can see Mount Fuji, but unfortunately it was too cloudy when I was there. I also took the ropeway over Owakudani Valley where the earth literally steams around you \u2013 here I sampled one of their famous black eggs too! I then visited the Open-Air Museum with incredible sculptures against a mountain backdrop and a wonderful Picasso exhibition. I ended my day out with time in my private onsen\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-4 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a class=\"none-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/kyoto\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\" noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"3024\" height=\"4032\" data-id=\"17377\" src=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Kyoto-2.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-17377\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=450,height=600,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Kyoto-2.jpg 450w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Kyoto-2.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=375,height=500,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Kyoto-2.jpg 375w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=768,height=1024,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Kyoto-2.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 3024px) 100vw, 3024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Views from the Kyoto Tower<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a class=\"none-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/kyoto\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\" noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"3024\" height=\"4032\" data-id=\"17385\" src=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Kyoto-11.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-17385\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=450,height=600,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Kyoto-11.jpg 450w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Kyoto-11.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=375,height=500,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Kyoto-11.jpg 375w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=768,height=1024,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Kyoto-11.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 3024px) 100vw, 3024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Sogenchi Teien at the Tenryu-ji temple<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a class=\"none-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/kyoto\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\" noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"3000\" height=\"4000\" data-id=\"17376\" src=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Kyoto-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-17376\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=450,height=600,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Kyoto-1.jpg 450w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Kyoto-1.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=375,height=500,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Kyoto-1.jpg 375w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=768,height=1024,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Kyoto-1.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 3000px) 100vw, 3000px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Tessa&#8217;s glimpse of a geisha<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cNext, I travelled by the aptly-named bullet train to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/kyoto\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Kyoto<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/country\/japan-trip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Japan\u2019s<\/a> beautiful bygone capital, which is pure magic. Everywhere you turn there are temples, shrines, tiny streets lined with old wooden houses, and lantern lit lanes in Gion where you might see a geisha slipping by \u2013 I was lucky enough to see one of them on my last night!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-5 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a class=\"none-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/kyoto\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\" noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"2928\" height=\"3904\" data-id=\"17379\" src=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Kyoto-4.jpg\" alt=\"Trip to Japan\" class=\"wp-image-17379\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=450,height=600,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Kyoto-4.jpg 450w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Kyoto-4.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=375,height=500,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Kyoto-4.jpg 375w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=768,height=1024,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Kyoto-4.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2928px) 100vw, 2928px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The torii gates at Fushimi Inari Taisha<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a class=\"none-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/kyoto\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\" noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"2132\" height=\"4032\" data-id=\"17380\" src=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Kyoto-5.jpg\" alt=\"Trip to Japan\" class=\"wp-image-17380\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=317,height=600,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Kyoto-5.jpg 317w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Kyoto-5.jpg 508w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=375,height=709,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Kyoto-5.jpg 375w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=450,height=851,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Kyoto-5.jpg 450w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=768,height=1452,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Kyoto-5.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2132px) 100vw, 2132px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Taiko drum at the Samurai studio<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI explored the famous Fushimi Inari Shrine with its thousands of vermillion torii gates. It was magical walking through that area and a dream come true for me. The next day, I had a Samurai experience, which consisted of wearing traditional Samurai clothing, learning real sword forms, wielding an actual katana to slice a goza mat, and finishing with zen meditation.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-6 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a class=\"none-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/kyoto\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\" noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"3024\" height=\"4032\" data-id=\"17391\" src=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Kyoto-18.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-17391\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=450,height=600,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Kyoto-18.jpg 450w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Kyoto-18.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=375,height=500,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Kyoto-18.jpg 375w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=768,height=1024,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Kyoto-18.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 3024px) 100vw, 3024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Delicious dishes at the Nishiki Market<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a class=\"none-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/kyoto\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\" noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"3024\" height=\"4032\" data-id=\"17386\" src=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Kyoto-12.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-17386\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=450,height=600,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Kyoto-12.jpg 450w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Kyoto-12.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=375,height=500,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Kyoto-12.jpg 375w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=768,height=1024,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Kyoto-12.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 3024px) 100vw, 3024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The statues at Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a class=\"none-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/kyoto\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\" noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"2143\" height=\"3992\" data-id=\"17382\" src=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Kyoto-8.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-17382\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=322,height=600,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Kyoto-8.jpg 322w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Kyoto-8.jpg 515w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=375,height=699,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Kyoto-8.jpg 375w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=450,height=838,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Kyoto-8.jpg 450w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=768,height=1431,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Kyoto-8.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2143px) 100vw, 2143px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Stone Buddha at Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/kyoto\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Kyoto\u2019s<\/a> food scene was another huge highlight. I spent time wandering Nishiki Market, sampling snacks and tiny treats between the stalls. I spent the rest of the day touring Kyoto, where we visited Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion (which really does glow in the sunlight!), Ryoanji\u2019s meditative and mystery-filled rock garden, and Kitano Tenmangu Temple.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/kyoto\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\" noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"780\" height=\"1685\" src=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Kyoto-19.jpg\" alt=\"Trip to Japan\" class=\"wp-image-17392\" style=\"aspect-ratio:2\/3;object-fit:cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=278,height=600,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Kyoto-19.jpg 278w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Kyoto-19.jpg 444w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=375,height=810,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Kyoto-19.jpg 375w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=450,height=972,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Kyoto-19.jpg 450w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=768,height=1659,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Kyoto-19.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Kyoto-19.jpg 780w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 780px) 100vw, 780px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Nara deer looking for a snack<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI also took a day trip to Nara, where you can wander among over a thousand friendly deer that bow for treats. Todaiji Temple is amazing too. The scale of it, and the giant Buddha inside, is really special to see. Kasuga Taisha Shrine, with its endless lanterns, felt like wandering through a sacred, softly glowing forest.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-7 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a class=\"none-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/kyoto\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\" noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"3024\" height=\"4032\" data-id=\"17387\" src=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Kyoto-13.jpg\" alt=\"Trip to Japan\" class=\"wp-image-17387\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=450,height=600,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Kyoto-13.jpg 450w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Kyoto-13.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=375,height=500,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Kyoto-13.jpg 375w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=768,height=1024,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Kyoto-13.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 3024px) 100vw, 3024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Bamboo Grove in Arashiyama<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a class=\"none-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/kyoto\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\" noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"2095\" height=\"4032\" data-id=\"17389\" src=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Kyoto-16.jpg\" alt=\"Trip to Japan\" class=\"wp-image-17389\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=312,height=600,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Kyoto-16.jpg 312w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Kyoto-16.jpg 499w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=375,height=722,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Kyoto-16.jpg 375w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=450,height=866,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Kyoto-16.jpg 450w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=768,height=1478,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Kyoto-16.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2095px) 100vw, 2095px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Matcha ceremony<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a class=\"none-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/kyoto\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\" noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"3024\" height=\"4032\" data-id=\"17390\" src=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Kyoto-17.jpg\" alt=\"Trip to Japan\" class=\"wp-image-17390\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=450,height=600,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Kyoto-17.jpg 450w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Kyoto-17.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=375,height=500,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Kyoto-17.jpg 375w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=768,height=1024,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Kyoto-17.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 3024px) 100vw, 3024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Tessa trying her hand at matcha making<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cMy favourite day in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/kyoto\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Kyoto<\/a> might have been heading west to Arashiyama. The Bamboo Grove swaying high above us, seeing the famous Japanese snow monkeys, the serene Tenryuji Temple, and cycling through the rural landscape was incredible. The day ended with a private tea ceremony, learning about every graceful movement that goes into preparing matcha. It was such a unique and fascinating experience. Here I learned the phrase, <em>Ichi-go ichi-e<\/em>, a profound Japanese concept meaning \u2018one time, one meeting\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-8 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a class=\"none-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/hiroshima-trip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\" noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"3024\" height=\"4032\" data-id=\"17395\" src=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Hiroshima-2.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-17395\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=450,height=600,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Hiroshima-2.jpg 450w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Hiroshima-2.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=375,height=500,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Hiroshima-2.jpg 375w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=768,height=1024,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Hiroshima-2.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 3024px) 100vw, 3024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Hiroshima Peace Memorial<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a class=\"none-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/hiroshima-trip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\" noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"2682\" height=\"3555\" data-id=\"17396\" src=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Hiroshima-3.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-17396\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=453,height=600,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Hiroshima-3.jpg 453w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Hiroshima-3.jpg 724w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=375,height=497,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Hiroshima-3.jpg 375w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=450,height=596,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Hiroshima-3.jpg 450w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=768,height=1018,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Hiroshima-3.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2682px) 100vw, 2682px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Hiroshima Gokoku Shrine<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a class=\"none-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/hiroshima-trip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\" noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"3024\" height=\"4032\" data-id=\"17397\" src=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Hiroshima-4.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-17397\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=450,height=600,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Hiroshima-4.jpg 450w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Hiroshima-4.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=375,height=500,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Hiroshima-4.jpg 375w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=768,height=1024,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Hiroshima-4.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 3024px) 100vw, 3024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Enduring Peace Monument<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cFrom <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/kyoto\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Kyoto<\/a>, I caught the bullet train again, this time heading west to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/hiroshima-trip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Hiroshima<\/a>. My hotel was a short walk from the Peace Memorial Park and visiting the museum was deeply moving. It\u2019s the sort of experience that stays with you, offering both sorrow and hope. Hiroshima Castle, beautifully reconstructed, added another layer to the city\u2019s story of resilience.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-9 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a class=\"none-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/928\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\" noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"3024\" height=\"4032\" data-id=\"17398\" src=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Miyajima-1.jpg\" alt=\"Trip to Japan\" class=\"wp-image-17398\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=450,height=600,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Miyajima-1.jpg 450w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Miyajima-1.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=375,height=500,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Miyajima-1.jpg 375w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=768,height=1024,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Miyajima-1.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 3024px) 100vw, 3024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The floating torii gate<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"3024\" height=\"4032\" data-id=\"17404\" src=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Miyajima-7.jpg\" alt=\"Trip to Japan\" class=\"wp-image-17404\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=450,height=600,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Miyajima-7.jpg 450w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Miyajima-7.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=375,height=500,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Miyajima-7.jpg 375w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=768,height=1024,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Miyajima-7.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 3024px) 100vw, 3024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Tessa enjoying the views from Mount Misen<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"3024\" height=\"4032\" data-id=\"17403\" src=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Miyajima-6.jpg\" alt=\"Trip to Japan\" class=\"wp-image-17403\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=450,height=600,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Miyajima-6.jpg 450w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Miyajima-6.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=375,height=500,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Miyajima-6.jpg 375w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=768,height=1024,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2025\/12\/Tessa-Miyajima-6.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 3024px) 100vw, 3024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Buddhist statues at Daish\u014d-in&nbsp;temple<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThe next day was a day trip across to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/928\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Miyajima<\/a>, which felt like stepping into a postcard. The floating torii gate truly is as beautiful as everyone says, especially when the tide is high. I explored Itsukushima Shrine, walked through maple-filled parks, took the ropeway up Mount Misen for incredible views and visited Daisho-in Temple. I tried the famous maple-leaf-shaped cakes too, which are delicious!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cFinally, I was transferred to Hiroshima Airport for my journey home, feeling so grateful! Everything about <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/country\/japan-trip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Japan<\/a> exceeded my expectations and I already want to return to explore more of the country!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Fancy doing a similar thing? Take a look at Tessa&#8217;s full <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/trip\/6b92372f-0061-4aa1-8d86-c89e9850dd57\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">trip to Japan<\/a> or start building your own from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/start\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">scratch<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><div id=\"timbuktu-wp\"><link rel=\"stylesheet\" href=\"https:\/\/fonts.googleapis.com\/css?family=Merriweather:700|Open+Sans:300,600\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/country\/japan-trip?action=DesignATrip&wId=001&countryName=Japan&countryId=139\" class=\"no_underline timbuktu-test-class\" target=\"_blank\"><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_container image-included\"><div class=\"timbuktu_banner \" data-entity-type=\"country\" data-country-id=\"139\">\n                    <figure><img src=https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/countries\/kodak_images\/000\/000\/139\/original\/iStock-1003196328.jpg?w=500&h=634&auto=format&fit=min&dpr=2&q=50&crop=center center data-country-id=\"139\" class=\"timbuktu_desktop_image\" alt=\"Japan Image\"><img src=https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/countries\/kodak_images\/000\/000\/139\/original\/iStock-1003196328.jpg?w=768&h=309&auto=format&fit=min&dpr=1&q=50&crop=center center data-country-id=\"139\" class=\"timbuktu_mobile_image\" alt=\"Japan Image\"><\/figure><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_copy\"><span class=\"timbuktu_destination\" style=\"color:#128d8d\">Japan<\/span><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_heading\">Design your own trip<\/div>\n                        <span class=\"timbuktu_works\">Choose a destination, pick your properties and we'll do the rest<\/span>\n                        <div class=\"timbuktu_button\" style=\"background-color:#128d8d\">Design a trip<\/div>\n                        \n                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div><\/a><\/div><br><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The &#8216;Land of the Rising Sun&#8217; was everything it promised and more<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":33,"featured_media":17407,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[175,113],"tags":[9115,8159,8109,8127,9116,8988,8120],"class_list":["post-17353","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-outabout","category-timbuktu-team","tag-hakone-mount-fuji","tag-hiroshima","tag-japan","tag-kyoto","tag-miyajima","tag-tessa-dancer","tag-tokyo"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Tessa discovers dreamy Japan - Timbuktu<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Tessa embarked on the journey of a lifetime, through the history, temples, markets and serene sights of Japan.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/blog\/tessa-discovers-dreamy-japan\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Tessa discovers dreamy Japan - Timbuktu\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Tessa embarked on the journey of a lifetime, through the history, temples, markets and serene sights of Japan.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/blog\/tessa-discovers-dreamy-japan\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Timbuktu\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/timbuktutravel\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" 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