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

Toshogu Shrine, Nikko

• Use JR Pass to reach Nikko for free. There is a Nikko Line which is faster but costs a lot. Take bus from the station to reach since the shrine is uphill. You can come back down walking.
• The first three gates are the highlight of Toshogu Shrine including the five-storied pagoda, the Yomeimon and the three monkey gate.
• A staircase takes you to all the way up where emperor's shrine is built. The chill air and dense forest around this place gives it a cool aura.

Toshogu Shrine, deep in the hinterlands of Japan, was a perfect beginning of our first trip abroad in seven years. A spiritual centre in a natural habitat and rich with cultural heritage to be listed among the UNESCO World Heritage sites, the shrine near Nikko is a landmark in northern Japan. We started early and thanks to our JR Pass, we reach Nikko without much fuss in no time. A bus would take us to Toshogu from the train station.

Toshugu Shrine, Nikko

Disneyland, Tokyo

• Disneyland is costly and for kids. For the first timers there is some uniqueness that attracts but then thats it. The castle, souvenir shops and food are great.
• Our favourite ride was the splash mountain and Star Wars 3D. Both are new attractions and hence more in line with the new generation.
• Disneyland is built on several movie themes. We both love the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise and so we loved the theme park built on it right near the entrance of Disneyland.

Disneyland was a dream destination. Since our JR Pass was not getting activated till next day and this was a top attraction in Tokyo we went for it. It didn't go too well. Firstly Disneyland is for kids and secondly it rained. Although some of the rides like the roller coaster became more fun, the whole experience was a bummer.

Disneyland, Tokyo