We returned early this morning from an amazing two week family holiday to Japan. It is such an exciting country with so much to offer and we managed to fit a lot into our time there. We arranged a Japan Rail pass from Australia which made it easy for us to get around.
Some of the highlights included:
- Tokyo Disneyland and Disney Sea
- Hakone near the base of Mt Fuji, famous for its hot springs and picturesque scenery
- Universal Studios, Osaka
- Temples and Nijo Castle in Kyoto
- Ski area of Hakuba - such a novelty to see snow:)
- Shopping in Tokyo (fabrics, craft supplies, stationery, baking supplies, and electronics)
Thanks to Stephanie and Rumi for some travel tips during our planning stage!
With regard to the shopping, there are a number of great posts that pointed us in the right direction and made finding the stores easy. Our favourite stores were Loft, Tokyu Hands, Nomura Tailor, Okadaya, and Daiso. We also found a chain of second hand book stores in Tokyo called Book.One which had a great selection of craft/sewing books/magazines for 10-40% of the recommended retail price.
Sarah and I have bought a selection of Japanese craft supplies for our giveaway, including an origami kit to make little Japanese girls; some gift bags; trim; fabric; flex frame; and other cute supplies.
To enter, simply leave a comment on this post and we will enter you into the draw. We will select a winner on Saturday 30 January.
Just before I head back to the mountain of laundry, just wanted to show you Sarah's favourite purchases. A beautiful Kokeshi Doll
and a funky pair of polka dotted Sneakers!
Posted by Lisa and Sarah
120 comments:
wow how exciting.........I have a girlfriend who has been over a couple of times shopping and she loved all the craft fabric shopping........
hi lisa and sarah, thank you for sharing the highlights of your fabulous japan trip. glad you had a superb time!
Your post sounds like you guys had a wonderful time and trip.
I hope you will share pics of the trip too.
Thank you for the chance to win.
Fantastic! Sounds like fun! We are heading there in April - Tokyo & a friends lodge in Hakuba. Would love to hear more about the trip & some places you stayed!
Glad to hear that all of you had a wonderful holiday, sounds exciting. I love the doll and the shoes are just gorgeous.Thank you for a lovely giveaway.:)
What a brilliant sounding holiday. Those spotty sneakers are great.
What a fantastic trip! I hope to make it to Japan one day and would be happy if I could just stock up on craft books. Love the spotty converse too!
What fun! I would love to go visit Japan sometime! I'm sure you found some wonderful fabric!
I have never been to Japan, but I have gotten gifts from there, I love all things Japan!!
I love Japanese craft things. They are generally so cute! I bet you had fun shopping in Japan.
Sounds like a fantastic trip, Glad you had a great time !
What fun you must have had. I hope you will share some of your adventures in upcoming posts for all of us who will probably never have the opportunity to travel there. I love the kokeshi doll, too!!karen
Lucky, Girls! You make me want to go back again...
I love how your two favourites show the contrasts of Japan- traditional kokeshi doll vs funky modern fashion;-)
Thanks for sharing your spoils with a giveaway.
Welcome home, it looks like you had an amazing time. Can you post some more photos please?
Linda
Don't you just love Japan? Oh how I heart the beautiful Kokeshi.
Wow... sounds very good... and the funky pair of polka dotted Sneakers are my favorite ones ;-)
Barbara
Wow!!! How I am jealous!!! You are lucky and I'm happy you are back at home :)
Hope seeing lots of photos soon and count with me for the giveaway.
Thank you both :)
I love to see pictures of people`s travels because with only looking at them i travel too ... :)
Thanks for this chance, the price looks amazing! :D
Wow - sounds like you had a great trip!
Love your pics of the trip. Love the Kokeshi doll!!!!!
Hi, What a lovely giveaway, pls count me in.
what a fantastic trip! can't wait to here more.
Welcome home girls! Sounds like you had a wonderful time, and I really look forward to seeing all your Japanese-inspired crafting that I hope will come ;) Sarah, I LOVE your sneakers, a great find!
Now, off to check out your links!
Welcome back - sounds like you had an amazing experience -and how nice to think of all fo your blogging friends.
Oh Wow, it sounds like you had a great time in Japan! I love all the goodies you have bought. The doll is beautiful and the converse is so cool.
I want to go to Japan now....
Ohh I love the doll and the sneakers. Sounds like you and your family had a great time and got to see lots of the country.
My DH and I visited Japan a couple of years ago and we would really love to go again. Our DS is going in March.
Thank you for offering such a wonderful giveaway!
Sounds like you had a great time. Thanks for the chance!
Que lindo debe haber sido estar en esos lugares tan fabulosos, y además llegar con tanta novedades, espero que tenga suerte y puedaganar en tu sorteo...muchas gracias por compartir esto con nosotras.
Saludos Odette
Those sneakers are great! It sounds like a fun time:)
I am entering this for a friend who doesn't blog, who might not even know blogs exist! She loves Japanese things, and it would be so fun to be able to send it to her:)
Thanks, Shawna
How exotice! I can't imagine geisha girls (if that is what they are) dressed up and walking around like that! So pretty and exotic. What an adventure of a lifetime for you.
Welcome home! PLeased to hear it all went well. I have never been there but can only imagine how amazing it would be. Am I expecting to see some Japan inspired craft soon????
I'm very envious. Somewhere I'd love to go but would also find very scarey, we wouldn't be able to speak their language or read their signs.
Glad you had a good time! My daughter (who is also 12) would give her right arm for those Converse sneakers! Love, Amanda xxx
Sounds like a wonderful trip! My sister in Japan a few months ago, and loved it too. She went to a few of the same places. I LOVE those polka dot sneakers! My favorite brand of shoes. Welcome home.
What a great trip and so generous of you to have a giveaway. Glad you had a wonderful time.
wow! how fantastic!
I love those sneakers Sarah!
Japan is one place I have always wanted to go to. I hope that my dream will come true one day and I will visit this stunning country. Love the food and all their cute stuff!
Loving those spotted sneakers!
How fun! Glad it was great, and that doll and the shoes are SO cute!!
Your trip sounded great. Lucky you please enter me in your giveaway.
The shoes are so cute. I love all things Asian which makes since because I was born in Hong Kong and lived there for a while.
I'm dying to visit Japan. I would have a blast buying fabric and crafting supplies.
I'm so envious! I regularly correspond with a Japanese friend near Kyoto, but haven't ever managed to visit her there. Now I'm even more tempted. Glad you had a lovely holiday.
I have always wanted to go to Japan but I haven't had the money yet. One day I hope to live in Japan.
The Kokeshi Doll us really beautiful. It reminds me of a babushka.
My DH and I are always dreaming of a trip to Japan! Sort of a dream/fasination for us and seeing your post makes me want to go even more.
Thank you for offering the giveaway! BTW-Sarah has great taste...I love both of her purchases.
Wow, what a fun trip, I would love to got there someday. My husband was there for about 4 months when I was pregnant with our daughter - who is now almost 21-!
Thanks for the chance to win!
Welcome home! So good to have you back... And such excitement about your trip to Japan! I've always wanted to go there... hope to one day. :o) Can't wait to see photos! Thank you for this very fun giveaway--such treats! Happy days settling in at home again. ((HUGS))
They have the neatest craft supplies! Thanks for the chance to own some. :)
Thanks for sharing! I LOVE those Converse! All of my husband's relatives live in Japan, and I can't wait to go visit (and buy fabric!)
How exciting!!! Your pictures are beautiful - can't wait to see more. I love Sarah's new doll -- so beautiful -- and those shoes! Gasp! Those shoes!!!
What an exciting trip! you packed a lot in a short time! The Converse sneakers are adorable!
Wow, looks like you had a great time. Love your Kokeshi Doll.
welcome home from such an amazing trip! sounds like you really hit some hot spots while there! did you like the food? thanks for sharing your trip with a giveaway!
Sounds like you managed to fit a lot in. Japan is a country I would love to visit. Friends have just returned from a skiing holiday there. Love your spotty converse Sarah!
What a fabulous sounding trip, my daughter has wanted to go over to Japan for so long - to visit sylvanian family world! Look forward to reading more about your trip.
i've just found your blog in the last day or two...how exciting! and what wonderful treats you brought home! please include me in your drawing!
thank you,
jean
Love the polka dot converse!
I am so jealous, i would love to go to Japan, my hubby has been and he always drops these 'oh well when I was in Japan...' comments.... *sigh*
Wow, have always wanted to travel there, looks like a fascinating place full of contrats, glad you had a wonderful holiday can't wait to hear snippets over the coming posts....Happy Australia Day...not too much washing and ironing now!
Wow sounds like a fabulous trip! Love your purchases. Thanks for having such a sweet giveaway :-)
Great Geisha photo!
I love the Kokeshi dolls, arent they just gorgeous!
It's been a few years since I've been and I find myself longing to get back. I miss, oddly enough, the smells the most. Such distinct smells that you hardly encounter over here. Too bad there's such a distance between Europe and Japan...
I LOVE the Polkadot Cons!
Japan must have been wonderful! I ahve always been inspired to go after reading Memoirs of a Geisha. And you were obviously lucky enough to spot one, which I have heard is not always easy.
Love those sneakers!! I would love to go to Japan for a holiday. Sounds an amazing time.
How fun! I absolutely adore Japanese culture! I actually have friends stationed over there right now!
Japan sounds like so much fun, I would love to get there one day, in the mean time I'm going to see if I can find myself some of those con's they are awesome!
This looks fun! All I ever get to see of Japan is the airport! We fly Beijing to the States and always change planes in Japan. Someday we will have to take a couple days and tour!
Those shoes look fast as lightening. Love them. Welcome home.
I love that doll. It is stunning. A tripto Japan is on our wish list but may be some time away.
What a wonderful experience-love those sneakers-welcome back
thanks for sharing the pics! My DD wants to know when your DD grows out of those converse's can she have them? they are so cool! I love the craft items they have in Japan, I have scoped a few websites out, but unfortunately my japanese is non existant AND the google translater, well lets just say its HYSTERICAL!
Lissa
Newcastle
Happy Australia day to you!!!
thanks for sharing the pics! My DD wants to know when your DD grows out of those converse's can she have them? they are so cool! I love the craft items they have in Japan, I have scoped a few websites out, but unfortunately my japanese is non existant AND the google translater, well lets just say its HYSTERICAL!
Lissa
Newcastle
Happy Australia day to you!!!
Love your shoes and the little doll also
Sounds like a great time. I just love those sneakers!!
Welcome home! Good Luck with the washing - sounds like you had a great time.
Happy Australia Day, time to put some lamb on the barbie and just dream of the sushi, Sounds like a bery good deal on the rail pass.
Sounds like you had a fantastic holiday! I lived in Japan for a while and Tokyu Hands was one of my favourite shops too!
Love the polka dot sneakers!
Sounds like you guys had fun! *lurker*
The kokeshi /is/ beautiful, and it reminded me of this crochet pattern
http://suncatchereyes.net/Kokeshi%20Dolls.html
Maybe you'd like to make your own!
I am not sure if your drawing is open to overseas readers, but I wanted to comment anyway. It sounds like you had a perfect trip - especially shopping for craft supplies! I am looking forward to seeing the projects you will not doubt be posting.
(And those are the coolest Converse EVER!!!)
What an exciting trip! Enjoy the craft supplies and thanks for being so generous :)
Sounds like you had a fabulous holiday.
The doll is simply gorgeous.
Thanks for allowing someone to win some great prizes.
Carol :)
Wow, I would give an arm for those polka dot converse....maybe not a body part, but pretty close. My 2 favourite things, spots and converse!
What a fantastic holiday.I'm so envious! I love all the craft stuff you've brought back and can't wait to see what you girls create with it.I've never seen tape like the ones you brought back.Where in Australia can you purchase it? :) Barb.
Sounds like your family had a very exciting rail trip around Japan. What fun shopping in all those different stores (especially the craft ones!)
What an exciting trip! Thanks for the chance to win!
Stephanie@eyeballgirl.com
What wonderful purchases and what a wonderful trip! I am glad to see you back and blogging again!
Oh, I'd love to go to Japan one day! =) It's such a fascinating country. And for a very inspiring one for us crafters too!
What a great time you must have had! Love the funky shoes Sarah got and what a lovely giveaway!
How lovely! What treasures you have brought back from Japan.
I'd love to be included in your giveaway!
Thanks so much.
oh wow girls how exciting for you to have been to Japan, I LOVE the Converses, very sweet, and the kokeshi is adorable, sounds like such a fun time
My daughter has a Kokeshi doll too and loves it. Sounds like a great trip to Japan. Happy New Year.
Wow - how fun this was. Japan is such an interesting place.
What a fun entry! Japan is definitely on my bucket list of places to go! I absolutely love the new Kokeshi doll and the origami kit is sweet as can be, Glad to hear you had a nice trip!
Wow, what a fabulous family vacation. To have been able to accomplish so many things and leave time to SHOP! Wonderful.
Maureen
You are so lucky! I would love to visit Japan and China one day. Their tradional cultures are so fascinating, and I love that they are into stationery!
Wendy xx
japan -- how exciting!! there must have been so much to see and do. all those fabrics and patterns and ideas with so little time. glad to know you made it there and back safely! please count me in your giveaway.
thanks much, rita
I want to go there right now if you can get all that awesome stuff -- love the sneakers - wow
Sarah, Rachel is drooling over your sneakers & I am in love with your Kokeshi doll.
I am looking forward to seeing some of your fabric purchases :)
Janelle xx
konichiwa...i think this is a darling assemblage of cutesiness and kitch! I'd take care of all of it nicely.
Me Me Me! Choose me!!
I have just discovered your beautiful blog via your tutorials and I think I will become a regular now - so many interesting ideas and it sounds like a wonderful holiday
Well ladies, what a great family holiday. I am sure you will share a lot more with us over the weeks.Hope u bought lots of fabric to make some crafty goodies
Best wishes
Sharon
What a great giveaway! I hope to get to Japan sometime soon, so I'm going to make a note of those stores!
Wow! It looks like you had an amazing time! I'm so jealous! I can't wait to see what kind of "imported" ideas you brought back!
looks like a great holiday! love the polka dots!
You lucky girls, Japan!
Glad to see you made the most of it with all of that crafty loot.
I'm going to save your post because I have a chance to travel overseas for work and get to pick my location. Japan was at the top of my list!
Thanks for sharing some of your goodies!
I love your blog. Thanks for sharing. Sounds like you had a wonderful trip! Katie
Do you know Japan wasn't high on my list of "must get there" places but after reading your blog I'm thinking differently. You are inspirational!
I so love all things Japanese. I even have a penpal that lives in Hiroshima. YOu lucky thing getting to visit. I will be waiting a while.
Hello Lisa and Sarah, I enjoyed reading your posts of your recent trip to Japan... I have a small collection of Kokeshi dolls...and deep love of the Japanese culture....love to have a chance in the draw for your Giveaway...Warm Regards Lyn
What a lovely giveaway!
You've bought some delightful things back with you from Japan.
just found you today and love your blog. count me in for the giveaway, that may be the closet i ever get to japan, if i win.
Cute! Or kawaii, as the Japanese would say! Love the kokeshi doll - my daughter has a gorgeous one too.
Jo from Australia
sounds like a wonderful holiday...
It all looks so beautiful - I'm so inspired by the masking tape - so quirky! Thanks for sharing!
Heh! I'm late to the party, but I made it in the nick of time! Forgive me for being fashionably late?
Sooo jealous of the sneakers! And the doll is absolutely adorable. <3
Hi, from Portugal, thanks for the chance to win lovely things from japan,your blog it´s sutch an inspiration :)
Ana
It gives us immense pleasure in nominating your blog for Sunshine Blog Award. What appeals to us and inspires us most is that this blog is shared by Mom and Daughter. We love your craft projects. Wish you all the best. http://craftideasforall.blogspot.com
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Thanks!
Lisa and Sarah