Narai-jyuku Japan's Antique Village in Nagano

...simple lunch at a local soba shop

the main dish was soba (sorry, not in the photo) ...

... tried some old time tools and stuff...

... these crafts looks familiar in Asia....

... experienced a time slip ....

... found some interesting old toys ...

Enjoy a 1 km walk along one of the oldest street in Japan (Kiso Road) and feel the atmosphere of old Japan during Edo era (1603-1868). During the era Tokyo and Kyoto was connected through the Nakasen-do-highway. Off this highway, was the Kiso road, one of the famous road for sightseeing and Narai-jyuku was a village located on this route. This old village has been maintained over the years for historical and academic value.

At Narai-jyuku you can stay overnight at a traditional ryokan (not many choices though) or spend half a day taking a stroll along the street. For those who wants to watch the traditional summer festivals, you should come around August 12-16 for Bon-odori festival. (For photos of festivals: http://www.naraijyuku.com/saiji/f-set.html)

Foreign visitors can take an express bus from Shinjuku to Narai-jyuku. Check out Japanese timetable below, departing 8:10 from Shinjuku station (West Side) and arriving at Narai-jyuku at 12:20. http://www.naraijyuku.com/bus/index.html

Alternatively, it is worth checking a timetable with JR station in Tokyo area for train connection to Narai-station.

Tours Are OK, Walking & Taking Trains Are Exciting Too

I asked a few friends and relatives about what they worry most when they travel in a country where you don't speak the language.   Here are the answers:

1. Afraid of getting lost or not knowing how to get back (to the hotel)

2. Worry they won't be able to go to the right place and enjoy

3. Don't know how to order food

4. Get into trouble at payment (cashiers)

Well, unfortunately if you come to Japan and take tours all day, you will miss all the good spots in town.   Having said that, if you have a crowd phobia, that is you feel uneasy/uncomfortable being in a crowd - where there are many people .... hm, maybe you should stay put and not even take a tour here.   Most popular places in Japan are crowded with people, not only foreign visitors but local people.

If i may suggest, it is best to get familar with the places, major stations, main transportation and hotel surroundings before you arrive.....  maybe, one day.  

Japanese love travelling, especially those sixty years old and above, because they get to travel at cheaper price.   

When i first arrived in Japan, my first visit was the Yebisu Garden Place, just off Ebisu station.   My first impression of Japan from looking at Yebisu Garden Place was "classy, modern, clean, all in one, big, expensive, convenient, signs in English (thank God)"　  http://gardenplace.jp/

If you stay at the Westin (Ebisu), make sure you ask for a room facing the Mt. Fuji... on a clear day the view is magnificent!

From Yebisu,  i took a train to Shibuya, where the crowd is.    12 years ago there was no English announcement on the train like today, so yes, i had to listen hard for the word "shi-bu-ya... shi-bu-ya desu".    Here is what the ride felt like.   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nnHRMK2kpPo

Photo (left) shows how it looks like as you exit Shibuya station walking towards Hachiko*.    

For those concerned about how to take trains from one major city to the next, here is a tool (when you get to the page, click English on the top left hand side):

http://www.hyperdia.com/

Very easy to use, just don't spell the station name wrongly.   Also for first time visitors, maybe it it is good to stick to the green trains, on the Yamanote Line.   Check out JR maps posted earlier.

Then from Shibuya, i took the JR train to Shinjuku.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9tv45T-3Dc8

 When i got off and went upstairs to the Main Entrance, i was shocked to see various other train lines. I think Shinjuku station is where you can easily get lost because of there are various subways and several different trains, including the Narita Express will stop at Shinjuku.    Light ups at Shinjuku Southern Terrace are beautiful at nights, particularly during Christmas, New Years and Valentine Day.

I used to enjoy a nice walk along the Terrace after work, a short break at Starbucks or a brunch at a Japanese cafeteria at the Terrace. 

More photos coming soon!