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One of my favorite day trips from Tokyo is to the Kofu Region of Yamanashi Prefecture. The area is full of wineries, fruit farms, natural scenery and many sightseeing spots - including Keitokuin. This was a family temple of the feudal lord, Katsuyori Takeda, successor of the legendary warlord Shingen Takeda. The temple is famous as it is the site of a major battle that took place in 1582 - which the Takeda clan lost. There are stones within the grounds designating where Katsuyori, his wife, and his son, Nobukatsu, committed suicide after the loss. There are also graves of fifty of the clan's officers, soldiers, and maids. Although it is not far from the nearest train station (only four minutes by bus from Kai-Yamato), if you visit, its highly possible you'll be the only person there. The temple is easily accessible by car from the Otsuka Interchange (1 hour 45 minute from Tokyo). @excursions_japan #japan #yamanashi #temple #koshu

Enjoyed lunch outdoors at Grigio La Tavola at the Biz Tower Atrium in Akasaka Sacas on a beautiful low-humidity day in late July - a fantastic place to people-watch! My tasty chicken and summer vegetable 'aglio olio e peperoncino' (garlic, olive oil, and chili pepper spaghetti) came with a small salad and a couple pieces of bread for 1000 yen. Add tea/coffee/juice for only 100 yen extra. @excursions_japan #japan #tokyo #akasaka #grigio #foodie #outdoorcafe #italianfood

Although most people are aware of boat cruises in Tokyo Bay and along the Sumida River; cruises from Nihonbashi are also becoming quite popular. Choose from scheduled group tour cruise or reserve a private boat for you & your friends. http://nihonbashi-info.tokyo/cruise/com_tc_nihonbashi https://www.funaasobi-mizuha.jp/english/ http://www.edoventure-cruise.com https://www.limousineboat.com @excursions_japan #japan #tokyo #nihonbashi #tokyocruise

If you are wandering around Nihonbashi, always be sure to take a quick look at the B1 level of the Yuito Complex (beside Coredo Muromachi). They often have interesting free exhibits and events - like this flower carpet that was on display in the spring. Within Yuito, there are also some nice restaurants and an excellent antenna (souvenir) shop for Mie Prefecture. @excursions_japan #japan #flowercarpet #exhibition #tokyo #nihonbashi #yuito

Another photo of Magome Post Town, in Gifu Prefecture, near the border with Nagano. Magome is built along a long, steep slope up the mountain. If you are visiting the Kiso Valley with elderly or physically challenged travelers (or very small children), the post towns of Tsumago and Narai are recommended due to their mostly flat topography. @excursions_japan #japan #gifu #kisovalley #magome #historictown

On the return drive from Kyoto to Tokyo, we took a slightly longer route - along the Chuo Expressway (up through the mountains) rather than the Tomei or Shin-Tomei Expressways (that run close to the coast). Along the way, we stopped at one of my favorite places in Japan - the Kiso Valley. The entire area is really beautiful and the historic post towns of Magome, Tsumago, and Narai are 'must sees'. (I'd rank them in my 'Top 5' recommended places to visit in Japan). Magome is just a short 20 minute drive from the Nakatsugawa Interchange and can easily be explored in a couple of hours. I recommend, however, that you stay overnight in one of the towns and that you take the time to hike between Magome and Tsumago, just like travelers have done for centuries. @excursions_japan #japan #kisovalley #magome #historictown

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