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Beyond Europe Travel Group Meeting - Sunday 5/31 @ 9:30am Pacific Time

This is a group to talk about places beyond Europe. I will attempt to do a meeting each month, but it will depend on my schedule. Everyone is welcome to participate.

If you already participate in our International Travel Group you know the drill. If this is new to you this is how it will work. When I post the meeting here you need to respond to the post or you can PM me if you prefer. The deadline to request attendance is 7:00am Pacific the day of the meeting. I will email the zoom link an hour or two before the meeting begins. If you have participated in the International Group I already have your email. If not please send it in a PM. Please do not put your email in a reply to this post. If I donโ€™t have your email I canโ€™t send the you the link. The responsibility to provide it is yours.

COUNTRY:
Japan

If there is a country you would like discuss in a future meeting please let me know. We will stick to one country per meeting.

Posted by
555 posts

I wish I could join but I have a birthday brunch to go that day.

I went to Japan solo for 9 days in May of 2023 (after Golden Week). Happy to share some info here or as a follow-up after the meeting. I canโ€™t wait to go back! I went to Tokyo (3 days), Kyoto (4 days), and Hiroshima/Miyajima Island (2 days). I also stopped at Himeji Castle on the way back to Kyoto from Hiroshima which I highly recommend.

One of the highlights for me was a hike on Mt. Kurama (northern outskirts of Kyoto) from Kurama to Kibune. It was "summer season" and a clear day, so this picturesque village of Kibune was magical to walk around and enjoy a meal sitting on a slab over the river. Especially after a hike! I went for the Nagashi Somen ("flowing noodles") and one of the most memorable experiences.

Posted by
12389 posts

Oh, count me in, Andrea! I'm hoping to visit Japan in 2028, so this will be great. I have been there before; in fact I lived in Okinawa for over two years back in the 70s, but I'm really anxious to get some information on it as it is today.

Posted by
6190 posts

Hey, Andrea, I hope to join but again may be 15 or so minutes late, if thatโ€™s ok.

I spent 3 weeks in Japan in April last year, and of course lived there for 8 years ages ago. So I have some language and culture, but Iโ€™m a newbie at being an up to date tourist.

Posted by
2353 posts

Hi Andrea, please count me in. I have my first trip to Japan later this year, and I'm eager to learn from others. I think you have my email, but let me know if not.

Posted by
3408 posts

count me in for an invite, even though the timing might not work since I'll be on CE time.

Posted by
783 posts

Please add me. I have been on one of your ZOOM meetings, so you should have my email on file.
Iโ€™ve never been to Japan, but weโ€™ve signed up for a trip next year with Road Scholar. Looking forward to hearing suggestions about places to visit, etc. since we want to extend our trip a few days after the tour.
Thanks! Carol

Posted by
4999 posts

Please add ne Andrea. We spent 3 weeks in Japan in March of 2025.

Posted by
555 posts

Really bummed to miss this today as I have a brunch to go to.
But my husband was just talking about yesterday how he wants to visit Japan, so my next trip will be with family. Still TBD on time.

Posted by
11580 posts

I just emailed the zoom link for the meeting. Please let me know asap if you didnโ€™t receive it. See you soon.

Posted by
11580 posts

Okayโ€ฆI sent the Zoom link at 8:00 but it didnโ€™t look like it went through so I set up another one that was delivered at 8:29. Please log into that one. Iโ€™m sorry for any confusion.

Posted by
783 posts

Andrea, Thanks for hosting and choosing Japan for your Beyond Europe Zoom Meeting. Fortunately our trip isn't until next year, so I have a lot of reading and "watching" to do. It was great to hear from people who had recently been to Japan and shared their positive experiences.

Posted by
12389 posts

Thanks to Andrea and Jim for hosting! It was a very fun and enjoyable meeting and a bit more casual than the usual ones (which I liked). And thanks to TTM for posting her trip report, which I will now devour!

Also, here is the thread I mentioned that Mary posted a year or so ago. It is now closed to further posts, but there is a lot of information and links there for anyone wanting to do more research at this time on Japan. https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/beyond-europe/japan-5af6c49f-5393-499f-b2aa-6cf6b4392ecb

Posted by
11580 posts

Mardee, thanks for the link to the additional trip report. Itโ€™s easier to be more casual when there arenโ€™t as many people. ๐Ÿ˜‰

Posted by
6190 posts

I agree with Mardee that I really enjoyed the ability to feel like it was all real conversation. Would never want fewer people to attend and contribute, but it was a serendipity. :)