Japan 2020 – a dream destination!

I have an extremely long travel wish list. I’ve covered some of my dream destinations here and here, and I’m constantly adding new and exciting places to my Pinterest boards. Travel bloggers are largely responsible for this. And in 2019, my social feeds have been filled with Japan. From Ellie aka The Wandering Quinn, to Caroline of Pack the Suitcases, Nela of The Navigatio, and Danielle of Escaping Essex, loads of my favourite bloggers have said konichiwa to Japan. And at the end of March – hopefully right on time for sakura season – Mr Fletche and I will be touching down in Tokyo.

Travel planning is well underway. Flights were the first thing booked. We’ve already had a change of schedule so we’re now landing at Haneda rather than Narita. We’re also landing earlier, which unfortunately means longer before we can check into our hotel and rest. It’s gonna be a long couple of days. Our hotels are now all booked in Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka. I’ve already cancelled and re-booked our Tokyo hotel once to stay closer to a main railway station. This may not be the final hotel switch.

Mr Fletche has two requests. Robot Restaurant. And the Jigokudani snow monkeys. I think we can fit those into the schedule. I’m all about the tradition. I want to take part in a tea ceremony and throw a ninja star. But not at the same time. I’d probably spill my tea.

I also can’t wait to sample the street food of Osaka, to meet the wild deer of Nara, figure out the multiple buttons on a toilet and to reflect on horrors past at Hiroshima. There are temples and shrines to be visited, Kobe beef to be tasted and sake to imbibed. I wanna view the madness of Shibuya Crossing from Starbucks. And I wanna find a tiny patch of grass to picnic under the cherry blossoms. Along with thousands of others.

I’m taking my research so seriously I’m even learning the names of those Pokemon things. Apparently there’s more than just Pikachu. There’s a Squirtle. And a Jigglypuff. I fully expect to come back an expert. And with all the kawaii souvenirs I can ram into my suitcase.

Have you been to Japan? I’m after all your best hints, tips and recommendations!

I’m linking this post up with the January #TravelLinkUp, hosted by Emma, Angie and Binny. on the subject of travel wish lists and plans for the year ahead. Click on the links above for more ace travel inspiration!