Jo has been exploring Japan and helping her clients plan wonderful trips for over seven years.
Jo’s first trip to Japan was her honeymoon where she took in the highlights and quickly fell in love with the contrast between its ultra-modern cities and beautiful countryside, as well as the country’s amazing food scene. She has since returned six more times to explore nearly the entire length and breadth of Japan, including many lesser explored areas and hidden gems.
Her favorite aspect of Japan is firmly the food, but she also loves the tranquil gardens and hiking in Japan’s incredible scenery.
Visiting Tsumago is like going back in time. The village has been meticulously preserved from how it looked during the Edo Period, which is unique in Japan. Alongside admiring the beautiful architecture, visitors have the opportunity to hike the historic Nakasendo Highway between Tsumago and the equally beautiful village of Magome. This 8.5 km (5 mile) hike is one of the most beautiful in Japan.
Staying in a traditional Ryokan (Japanese Inn) is always a highlight of a trip to Japan and the Hidatei Hanaougi in Takayama is one of my favorites. It combines a traditional esthetic and Japanese hospitality with modern comforts, and it’s always worth upgrading to a room with your own private open air hot spring bath. In the evening, you’ll be served delicious meals with the area’s local specialty, Hida beef.
On one of my first trips to Japan with Audley I was fortunate to have a tour of the geisha districts of Kyoto with an expert guide. I strolled around the geisha quarter while my guide told me stories about their culture and history. After a little wait on an empty street, a door opened and a maiko, a trainee geisha, appeared. She began walking toward us with the distinctive and elegant geisha shuffle that takes many years to perfect, before stopping in the doorway opposite where we stood. I stood there completely mesmerized, and as she entered the teahouse, she flashed us a smile and gave us a little wave, and then she was gone.
