14 strangers walk in to a hostel in Tokyo...sounds like the start to a terrible joke, right? Well, it actually that start of a one of the most memorable stories Im never going to get sick of telling. This story starts out with city skylines, peaceful parks and karaoke chaos (all in the first few days!!). We are then treated to serene settings in the mountains where the only worry is if youll be lucky enough to catch a glimps of the snow monkeys. At this stage, 14 strangers are now creating close friendships, which is helpful when youre sharing an onsen together. Half way through this story, you could be fooled by thinking its reaching its peak when you get sight of the top of Mt.Fuji but youre destined for higher things! It plain sailing through to the best bbq and most quiant castle you could ask for. Weve now matured from monkeying around in the hills at the beginning of our trip (whod have thought?) to meditating like monks. Being blessed with bamboo surroundings and then gazing at the golden pavilion seem like something other worldly, yet there we were. And what a way to end this story than with special samurai session where you have to completely trust your new friends to hit the target and nothing in-between. So, if youre looking for a sign to book the intro Japan trip, this is it. Your story might start off a little different to mine but by the end Im sure youll go home with a smile on your face, friends and memories youll cherish for a lifetime. And, if youre lucky enough to get Michelle or Yoni as your leader youre in for an extra special story!
Overall this was a great trip. We enjoyed the route, the scenery, the food, our fantastic guide (Akemi) and our fellow travelers. A couple of the accommodations might have been better, but the majority were very good.
After spending two weeks in Japan, I learned a lot about their history and cultural as well as overindulging in all of the delicious foods/sweets which I will miss dearly. Some of the highlights I most enjoyed were visiting the snow monkeys, sushi and soba noodle making classes, nature walks including the bamboo forest and Torii gates, and the exciting night life. I couldnt have had a more fun and successful trip without my amazing group leader, Michelle. She did an outstanding job of keeping us all on track especially when things didnt go as planned, recommending places during our free time and even planning group outings for nightly dinners and activities. Her thoroughness, dedication and great communication skills didnt go unnoticed.
