Who: Jennifer Poticha and Sheryl Davidson of Douglas County, Carol Henderson of Littleton and Toshi Yoneji of Lakewood
Where: At the outdoor Meiji-Mura Museum in Inuyama. The Azumayu spring water foot bath in the bathhouse was a great place to warm up. In the summer, the foot bath is cool. The museum has more than 60 buildings, mostly from the Meiji era (1867-1912), re-erected inside the grounds.
Best meal: Sukiyaki at the Moritaya restaurant in the impressive Kyoto train station. Overlook Kyoto while they cook dinner at your table.
Best deal: Buy sushi in bento (lunch) boxes in the convenience stores, grocery stores and the train stations.
Best time to go: In the spring cherry blossoms are blooming. July to August if you want to climb Mount Fuji. You can stay in a hut, eat a much-appreciated meal and bunk with up to 500 of your new acquaintances.
Best travel tip: Limit the number of temples you visit in order to take time to enjoy them and relax in their peaceful gardens.
