Miyajima, Japan

• Plan Hiroshima & Miyajima together. The Japanese efficiency ensures you will easily cover most of the checklist before evening in both the places.
• The return ticket for Miyajima ferry is covered in JR Pass. The most enjoyable view is when you are in the middle of sea and can view both sides.
• Touch the Grand Torii. It is considered a good omen to visit the most religious relic in Japan.

The ferry transported us to another world. The matter-of-factly Japan somehow vanished across half the mile of sea as we entered Miyajima. In front of us was a green island with lofty mountains that invited you for a trek. The foothills were not bad either - the gigantic orange coloured Grand Torii Gate being the crown jewel. We were told this was one of the top three most scenic spots in entire Japan. I believe it now.

Grand Torii, Miyajima

Osaka Aquarium (Kaiyukan)

• Take a ferry to reach Kaiyukan. It is the fastest way and throws beautiful view of sea and the giant ferris wheel adjacent to the aquarium.
• While the entry and first stage (at top) is remarkable, it is nothing compared to the treasures down the Kaiyukan. Just hurry through the first mile.
• Apart from the gigantic tank that contains the shark tank, the one most enjoyable are the eagle rays near the exit that you are allowed to touch.

Osaka Aquarium was unplanned. We had kept a day for Osaka but we learned that the aquarium is only a ferry ride away. So we took it. To our surprise the aquarium was gigantic and contained seemingly infinite varieties of sea life. The tickets look a bit costly but once you are through, you will not regret an iota.

Shark Whale @ Kaiyukan

Diabutsu, Kamakura

• Take direct train from Tokyo to Kamakura. Alight at Kita-Kamakura which is one station before the last and start walking. You will find shrines and treasures worth the walk.
• Yuigahama beach was a disappointment. Rather take a seat on one of the sea facing restaurants or bar and take a meal.
• Diabutsu is the highlight of this area. The Great Buddha in green surrounded by green is remarkable. Walking around is preferred although tiring.

It always makes sense to visit the nearest beach-town on a sunny weekend and that is what we planned during our stay at Tokyo. Yuigahama Beach is an hour away from Tokyo. There was a direct train from close to our hotel to Kamakura and a 15 min walk from Kamakura station to Yuigahama. On the way we got feedback from a friendly lady on how wonderful the walk is from Kita-Kamakura to Kamakura. It was a good idea. The series of temples and a garden dedicated to the hydrangeas were delightful.

Daibutsu, Kamakura