So, I have to say, this has been a hard one to keep under wraps. You guys know how I like to run my mouth. But I didn’t want to say anything until I had my hot little plane ticket in my hand. No jinxing and all that. Well, I have my hot little plane ticket in my hand [well, on the desk beside me] so I am going to share with you what I will be doing next week. 😀
I’m About To Go International, People! I’m Going To Japan!
Friday morning I will start my loooooooooooong series of plane rides that will have me ending up in Izumo, Japan, sometime Sunday! I would tell you what time that is, but I cannot read Japanese and my ticket is in Japanese, so it shall be a surprise to all of us. 🙂 First, I will hop on a plane in Greensboro where I will end up having a 4 hour layover in Chicago. I have to say, that rocks. I hate short layovers because they stress this girl with no spatial reasoning skills whatsoever out. And, one of my most favorite people ever, Rhiannon, lives in Chicago. I haven’t seen her in 10ish years and we plan to meet up on my layover. Fabulous!
Then I will fly from Chicago to Tokyo. I will get there around 8:30 Saturday night and stay the night there. Then, the next morning, I will fly from Tokyo to Izumo.
Now, to tell you what I will be doing in Izumo! My itinerary is for 5 days and is pretty long so I will hit some of the high points. Be sure to follow along on social media while I am there as I will post as often as I can. I am really not all that familiar with Japan and I am very excited to get some education and culture!
Monday, March 5th
One of the most ancient and important Shinto shrines in Japan.
A feudal castle in Matsue in Shimane prefecture, Japan. Nicknamed the “black castle” or “plover castle”, it is one of the few remaining medieval castles in Japan.
Tuesday, March 6th
Bizen Asafune Token Village
A beautifully preserved historical district with scenic illumination that provides a fantastic glimpse into an old-time Japanese townscape.
Wednesday, March 7th
The Awa Odori Hall is a museum in the city of Tokushima where visitors can learn about Awa Odori, watch displays of the dance and sample local products. It is located at the base of the 280m-high Mount Bizan.
Suspension bridge made of vine.
The Oboke Ravine Pleasure Boat travels down the Yoshino River, offering the passengers scenic vistas of the grandeur of nature’s handiwork as they glide through the ravine. Crystalline schist resembling marble sculptures rise above the boat on both sides.
Thursday, March 8th
Kuribayashi Park
The oldest spa in Japan, which is said to have 3,000 year history.
Friday, March 9th
One of Japan’s 100 Castles, Matsuyama Castle in Ehime can be accessed via ropeway. We will introduce this beautiful historic castle and a nearby major festival.
Be sure to follow along with my Instagram and Twitter accounts where I will be posting as often as possible while in Japan!
