My only visit to Japan (so far) had me travelling solo (unusual for me). A joined me for 3 days at the end of my trip. Japan was and continues to be fascinating for me. The culture, the food are all slightly mysterious and intriguing. Having studying Japanese art and architecture for 3 years as part of my university degree I loved seeing the buildings and temples that I had previously only seen in books.  Without speaking Japanese it was surprisingly easy to get around. Japan is set up for tourists and despite warnings to the contrary from people in Hong Kong locals helped me out no end and I was never lost or confused for long.

When: April 2004

Where: Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara and a day trip to Nikko (outside of Tokyo)

How: I flew in and out of Tokyo Narita from Hong Kong. I took the bullet train between Tokyo and Kyoto. Kyoto was fully booked for hotels so I stayed in Nara and took the train into Kyoto from there (easy and just 30 minutes away).

Weather: I went in spring which was mostly sunny but cool (not shorts & T-shirt weather). The best bit was the blossoms in season

Food: I was a little intimidated to go into Japanese restaurants alone, so I ate ‘lunch boxes’ from convenient stores a lot. These were remarkably tasty. With A. we had some great sushi near the fish market and his friends took us out to a couple of restaurants. Rice, noodles and fish are the staples. All very fresh and well presented.

Sights: Kyoto: the fashion suburbs and districts – awesome for people watching. Kyoto: The Golden pavilion, the silver pavilion, the zen garden, the cherry blossoms and the Japanese photographing and having picnics with the blossoms. Day trip to Himeiji Castle Nara: The Todai-ji temple, the Horyu-ji temple

Surprises: how I managed without speaking Japanese and how friendly everyone was (this was only a surprise because I had been warned how tricky it would be)