Category Archives: Japan

Kyoto ~ Red Torii Gates and the Gion Historic District

Posted on October 15, 2026 by Tim and Joanne Joseph

October 11, 2026 ~ Kyoto, Japan Tim was still walking a little gingerly and doing some serious uphill hiking did not sound like a good idea for him. Since the site we originally planned on seeing this morning was not … Continue reading →

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A Day Trip to Nara, Japan ~ Bowing Deer, a Giant Buddha and a Toy Museum

Posted on October 14, 2026 by Tim and Joanne Joseph

October 10, 2026 ~ Nara, Japan We originally considered either taking an organized tour from Kyoto to Nara, or hiring a private guide/driver to take us. But after doing a little research and watching a YouTube video we decided that … Continue reading →

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Kyoto’s Golden Pavilion & Arashiyama: Temples, Gardens and Bamboo

Posted on October 11, 2026 by Tim and Joanne Joseph

October 9, 2026 ~ Kyoto My first trip to Japan was back in 2000 and the first city we stayed in was Kyoto. My strongest memory of that city was the magnificent Golden Pavilion. I was wondering if a revisit … Continue reading →

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Shinkansen Bullet Train from Tokyo to Kyoto

Posted on October 11, 2026 by Tim and Joanne Joseph

October 8, 2026 Japan’s famous bullet train, the Tokaido Shinkansen, connects Tokyo and Kyoto in as little as two hours and ten minutes, reaching speeds of around 177 miles per hour. The route opened in 1964, just before the Tokyo … Continue reading →

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Birthday Celebration ~ Team Lab, Asakusa, Senso-ji and Sushi

Posted on October 8, 2026 by Tim and Joanne Joseph

October 7, 2026 ~ Tokyo Team Lab What a truly unique and fun way to celebrate my birthday! It is almost impossible to put into words what Team Lab is all about, but maybe this will give you an idea. … Continue reading →

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Tokyo ~ Peaceful Gardens, Shibuya’s Scramble and a Faithful Dog

Posted on October 7, 2026 by Tim and Joanne Joseph

October 6, 2026 ~ Tokyo, Japan Meiji Shrine Meiji Shrine is a peaceful retreat tucked into a vast forest in the heart of bustling Tokyo. Established in 1920, this Shinto shrine honors Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shoken, who … Continue reading →

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Shrines and Temples of Nikko

Posted on October 5, 2026 by Tim and Joanne Joseph

October 5, 2026 Another very long day with an early start. Up at 5:30 to allow time for breakfast and to be ready for a 7:00 pickup. We had arranged a private driver to take us to Nikko. It was … Continue reading →

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First Taste of Tokyo: Ramen, Subways & the Tokyo National Museum

Posted on October 4, 2026 by Tim and Joanne Joseph

October 4, 2026 Greetings from Japan! I’ve noted the date as October 4th, but a reminder that since we crossed the International Date Line that we are actually a day ahead of our family and friends back home in the … Continue reading →

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Wrap Up ~ Scavenger Hunt and Progressive Trivia

Posted on October 3, 2026 by Tim and Joanne Joseph

October 3rd, 2026 Short and sweet. It was finally warm enough and smooth waters to enjoy being back outside. We are arriving in Tokyo tomorrow morning, which means that activities that have gone on for almost two weeks, needed to … Continue reading →

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Around the World, One Bite at a Time

Posted on October 2, 2026 by Tim and Joanne Joseph

October 2nd, 2026 On the ship, I normally start my day with a small serving of some kind of protein like corn beef hash with an egg on top and some fresh fruit such as chunks of cantaloupe and honeydew … Continue reading →

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