Wish You Were Here: Two glorious weeks in Japan on a vegetarian diet
Looking to escape? Here’s a recent trip local readers took to Japan. Check it out, then find more reader travel inspiration at www.mercurynews.com/tag/wish-you-were-here/.
JAPAN: Fremont residents Mona Shah and Joe Samagond had a lovely, two-week trip to Japan, where they combined active sightseeing with slower moments of serenity. As vegetarians, they were pleasantly surprised by the growing number of vegan-friendly options.
The couple made several stops on their journey, and Samagond was kind enough to pass along the itinerary:
“In Tokyo, we took a fantastic day trip to Kawagoe, a less popular but incredibly charming town that felt like time had stood still. It’s a complete contrast to modern Tokyo, having retained its historic Edo period atmosphere. We were incredibly impressed by the Meiji Jingu Shrine, tucked within the vast Yoyogi Park. The shrine and its surrounding forest create a peaceful oasis. We hopped on the early-morning Shinkansen, Japan’s incredible bullet train. It was thrilling to catch a clear glimpse of Mount Fuji at exactly 44 minutes into our journey; we’d strategically booked seats on the right side of the train for just that reason. You see it clearly for 14 minutes, in all its majesty.”
Food highlight: Vegan Sushi Tokyo (here the sushi was amazingly delicious; advance reservations are recommended), and Jikasei MENSHO (amazing noodle dishes).
“In Osaka, we absolutely loved Shitennō-ji, one of Japan’s earliest temples and the first ever built by the state. We even climbed the five-story pagoda in the inner precinct’s pebble-covered courtyard.”
Food highlight: Ippudo Ramen.
“We took a delightful half-day trip to Nara, Japan’s very first permanent capital. We encountered Nara’s famous bowing deer, who can be quite enthusiastic when food is involved! The highlight here was the Tōdai-ji Temple, home to the world’s largest bronze statue of Buddha.”
“In Kyoto, we loved the visit to Nijō Castle, the former Kyoto residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo period. The castle complex showcases some of the finest surviving examples of castle palace architecture from feudal Japan. With its fortified layout — consisting of the Honmaru (main circle), Ninomaru (secondary circle) and beautifully landscaped gardens — Nijō-jō Castle gave us a strong sense of historical grandeur, all while maintaining the elegant minimalism so characteristic of Japanese design.
“The Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine, where thousands of vermilion torii gates create a mesmerizing path that winds its way up Mount Inari, is amazing. Dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice, this sacred site predates Kyoto’s designation as the capital. Fox statues — believed to be Inari’s messengers — dot the shrine’s grounds, added an ethereal charm to the already-magical setting. We loved the walk through the towering green stalks of the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove — a truly serene walk and experience.”
Food highlight: Engine Ramen (vegetarian and non-vegetarian, the best ramen we have eaten).
“In Hiroshima, we spent time reflecting at the Atomic Bomb Dome and the Children’s Peace Monument. We make a trip to Miyajima Island, whose highlight was the iconic floating torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine.”
Food highlight: Nagataya, the best okonomiyaki. Get the spicy noodles and all the toppings.
TRAVEL TIPS: Arrive early at both places to avoid the crowds. Both are very close to train stations. Be respectful of local traditions and stay hydrated.
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