BOOMER Magazine: June 2019

Hikawa Shrine
Snow Monkey Tour Lunch
Zenkoji Temple
All photos courtesy of their respective companies or organizations.
DAY
2
Lace up your comfiest pair of shoes
and start the day on foot with a visit
to Hikawa Shrine, whose red “torii”
gates are visible from the hotel. Arriving
in the early morn means the grounds are
especially spiritual. Continue on foot to
the Imperial Palace, an expansive park-like
area surrounded by a water-filled moat
and home to gardens galore and palaces
aplenty. Other must-see areas—all easily
accessible via the easy-to-navigate, efficient
trains—include Harajuku (the city’s pop
culture and fashion-forward hub whose
side streets are scattered with upmarket
boutiques and cozy cafés) and neonsplashed
Shibuya (home to the famed
“Shibuya Crossing,” which is rumored to be
the busiest intersection in the world). After
a bit of downtime, it’s time to make delicious
memories with an All Star Arigato Food
Tour. The three-hour walking experience
takes you through the sights, sounds, and
tastes of Tokyo most tourists miss. Learn
more about the local’s lifestyle as you dig
into seasonal dishes at five different stops
and see a whole new side of the city.
DAY
3
Though there’s plenty to do
in Tokyo proper, sometimes
a day away—especially
when it involves snow monkeys
swimming in hot springs—provides even
more perspective to a place. Located about
two hours via Japan Rail, a trip to Nagano
and seeing the aforementioned monkeys,
is well worth the early morning wake-up
call. Though doable on your own, I advise
booking a one-day tour courtesy of Snow
Monkey Resorts. A professional guide will
greet you at the train station and take you
on a fun-filled journey to Jigokudani Park for
some up close and personal “monkeying”
around with the wild Japanese macaques
(the most northerly living non-human
primates), followed by a hearty lunch, visit to
Zenkoji Temple, and sake tasting—all while
ensuring you don’t get lost and providing
interesting insight into the country’s culture.
DAY
4
Spend the morning exploring
the impressive wholesale
market, Toyosa Market,
where you can have
sushi for breakfast, shop for
souvenirs, and meander
through three main
buildings (two for seafood;
one for fruits and veggies).
Really early risers can even
catch the tuna auction
between 5:30-6:30 a.m.
Another must-do early
morning adventure is a
trip to the Arashio Beya
Sumo Stable where, on
select days, you can witness
the aspiring wrestlers in
action. After seafood and sumo,
Snow Monkeys
hop on the bullet train for a twohour,
20-minute trip to
Japan’s original capital, Kyoto—a much
quieter, slower-paced city in comparison to
Tokyo. The 10-room Arashiyama Benkei, a
traditional Japanese inn known as a ryokan,
delivers personalized and unparalleled
service from kimono-clad staff. Tradition
weaves its way through every nook and
cranny here, including the delectable multicourse
dinner (kaiseki) that’s eaten in-room
Sushi from Toyosa Market
June 2019 | SacBoomer.com 53