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3 places to see Mt. Fuji (save + share this post): 3 places to see Mt. Fuji (save + share this post):

If you don’t have enough time to spend days in Hakone visiting Mt. Fuji it’s easy to take a day trip here from Tokyo. It’s only about 90 minutes by car and we spent the day exploring the area. There is a swing at the top for an additional fee where you literally swing into Mt. Fuji and they have a souvenir shop and small food vendor to purchase snacks.

Location 1: Mt. Fuji Panorama Ropeway which cost ¥900 for adults and ¥450 for children for a roundtrip ride on the cable car. They do sell one way cable car tickets if you want to hike down the mountain.

Location 2: Kawaguchi Asama Shrine, there is a small fee of ¥100 per person but children are free. This place is really only for pictures besides the view there isn’t anything else to do. They have it set up with a line to capture photos in front of the tori gate and each group has 3 minutes to take pictures, yes they actually time you, to make sure the line keeps moving.

Location 3: Arakurayama Sengen Park where you’ll need to climb 398 stairs or take the curved paved path to the top for views of the mountain and Chuerito Pagoda. The stairs are a straight shot but the path makes it accessible for strollers and wheelchairs.

We were truly blessed to be able to see Mt. Fuji as it’s often not visible. When I visited in 2015 we made the trip here and it was gloomy and cloudy and we couldn’t see anything. We did go to the base of the mountain on that trip and do the ice cave exploration so all wasn’t lost but I am so happy Jordyn and I got to see the full mountain with our own two eyes on this trip!

There are lots of other places you can view Mt. Fuji but with only one day we couldn’t visit them all. The other 7 best places to see Mt. Fuji are on a boat tour on any of the 5 lakes that surround the mountain (Kawaguchi, Yamanakako, Saiko, Shojiko, or Motosuko), Koyo-Dai Lookout Platform, Sanko-Dai Lookout Platform, Oshino Hakkai Springs, Fuji Q Highland Amusement Park, Rooftop of Fujisan Station, Shin-Fuji Station Platform and in Hakone.

Have you ever seen Mt. Fuji’s beauty? Would you add this to your Japan itinerary if you haven’t?

#mtfuji #lakekawaguchiko
How we spent 48 hours in Kyoto (save + share this How we spent 48 hours in Kyoto (save + share this post):

1. Start your day at Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. We arrived here at 7:30am and there were quite a few people here already. We didn’t visit but in Arshiyama you can also visit the Monkey Park to see the Japanese Macaques (snow monkeys).

2. Head to Kinkaku-ji to see this stunning Temple of the Golden Pavilion. They open at 9am and we arrived at 8:45am and by time the opened the door at 9am the line was extremely long.

3. Walk through the gorgeous Tori Gates at Fushimi Inari Taisha. Before or after your visit be sure to walk through the street vendors for some amazing food. We tried noodles, mochi and just enjoyed learning more about the local foods. We visited here around 11am and even though it was so crowded if you want photos without people wait until you’re walking through the gates to exit and there are often moments where the area is empty, just be a little patient. 

4. Book a session at @kyoto_samurai_experience to learn about the history of the Samurai, watch a demonstration and get to try your hand at using the samurai sword yourself.

5. Eat your way through Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka. You will be able to walk through these narrow streets (with some hills) and try ice cream flavors such a matcha, green tea, white peach, Sakura (if in season), Black sesame, caramel and more and yes, we tried them all! There’s also tons of mochi and other treats. You’ll find the Starbucks with a traditional Japanese home interior here as well as Yasaka Pagoda and Kiyomizu-dera Temple, be sure to visit.

6. Walk around Gion and catch a Kabuki show at Minamiza Theatre.

7. Visit Daigo-ji temple, it’s not frequented by a lot of tourists so it’s rarely crowded and you can have a moment on zen here!

While we didn’t have time this visit as the weather altered some of our plans on my last visit to Kyoto in 2015 I also visited Ginkaku-ji (the Silver Pavilion), Nijo Castle which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ryoanji Temple and highly recommend going. 

Some other things we were interested in but just didn’t have time for were a calligraphy class and if you are into manga you can visit the Kyoto International Manga Museum.
This is your sign to rent a kimono in Kyoto! It wa This is your sign to rent a kimono in Kyoto! It was an honor to be dressed by Japanese women & taught about the Kimono. Here’s everything you need to know about renting a kimono & a tiny history lesson on them(save + share this post):

1. Originally kimono was the Japanese word for clothing but is now used to refer specifically to traditional Japanese clothing. Kimono’s date back to the Heian period of 794-1185 and were every day wear until western culture was brought to Japan.

2. There are 8 layers in a kimono in addition to the Tabi (white socks) which are specifically made to wear with Jori (traditional Japanese shoes). Even though there are 8 layers it doesn’t take long to be dressed.

3. Today kimonos are mostly worn for special occasions such as NYE, weddings, gradations, tea ceremonies & summer festivals. But geishas, maikos, kabuki actors and a few traditional professions wear them every day.

4. We rented our Kimono’s from this shop https://kyoto-kimonorental.com/kimono/. It’s less than a 5 minute walk from Hokan-ji. We made a reservation in advance but you will find kimono rental shops all over Kyoto. They open at 9 and you have to return the Kimono’s by 5.

5. They offer multiple packages which vary in the type of material the kimono is. The package I got was the ¥4,900 ($37.50) one and Jordyn’s child price was ¥3,900 ($29.87). You can get your hair and makeup done for an additional ¥1,200. The value of the yen is down now so be sure to check exchange rates whenever you make it to Japan for accuracy.

6. This shop offers photo packages directly through them or you can take your own or hire a separate photographer.

7. If you’re worried about renting a kimono and wearing it in Japan being seen as cultural appropriation, don’t be. I obviously can’t speak for every Japanese person but from hearing it first hand from Japanese people in Japan and the large amount of Kimono rental shops all over Japan encouraging visitors to try kimonos, the Japanese are so excited to see foreigners embracing their culture and wearing kimonos respectfully! We received so many compliments from the local community as we explored Kyoto this day.

📍Daigo-ji temple & Hokan-ji
After spending 48 hours in Osaka we went to Kyoto. After spending 48 hours in Osaka we went to Kyoto. Here’s how to get here and where we stayed (save + share this post):

1. You can take the Shinkansen (bullet) train from Shin-Osaka Station to Kyoto Station if you have the JR Pass and it will only take you 15 minutes. If you don’t have a JR Pass the Shinkansen ticket costs about 1,420 yen (right now that’s about $11). 

2. If you don’t have the JR Pass you can take the Hankyu Kyoto Line or Keihan Main Line. These are regular non express trains and will increase your travel time to from 15 minutes to 45-55 minutes but they only cost 400 yen (about $3) so you can save money, especially for a large group.

3. There is also a bus that leaves picks up at Hotel Keihan Universal Tower, Universal Studios Japan and Namba and goes to Kyoto Station. I’m not sure of the costs.

4. If you flew into Osaka you can also take the Haruka Express train from the airport to Kyoto Station. 

In Kyoto we stayed at The Chaper Kyoto which is a Marriott property. The rooms are on the small side but the hotel is clean and modern. There is a bus stop down the block which we could take to get to Gion in 9 minutes. The room was about $240/night since it’s busy season.

The weather this time of year is pretty sporadic. Some days it was hot and sunny and some days cool and gloomy so definitely pack a variety of attire and bring some layers and the weather changes throughout the day. Will be sharing our itinerary soon.

Have you been to Kyoto? If you have other accommodation recommendations please share them below to help others!

📍Fushimi Inari Taisha
Want to visit Super Nintendo World at Universal St Want to visit Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Japan? You need to know this (save + share this post):

1. Just because you have tickets to the park doesn’t mean you’ll get into Super Nintendo World, it requires a timed entry ticket. These do run out so it’s not a guarantee you’ll be able to enter! If you get your park tickets in advance you might be able to grab an advanced booking in the app but if these are all gone by time you get your tickets you’ll need an area timed entry ticket. These are only available the day you’re visiting & you can only attempt to get it once you’re actually in the park! We got to the park when they opened at 8am & there were only two entry times left so arrive early! You can get them on the app (you must grant the app permission to see your location so they know you’re inside) or you can go to one of the ticket kiosks.

2. To really enjoy you’ll need a power band which are sold for about $35. If you don’t have one you can walk around & go on the 2 rides but you can’t play the games & collect coins.

3. The wait times for both rides are usually 1-3 hours! To avoid this you can purchase an Express Pass (most people said this reduces wait times to a mere 15 minutes). Express Passes were sold out the day we went so we only got to ride Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge but not Yoshi’s Adventure. To avoid the 2 hour wait for Mario Kart we actually went through the singles line. We did end up in two different karts but we only waited 20 minutes to ride instead of 2 hours. Yo Shi’a Adventure doesn’t have a singles line or we would have done that too!

4. If you want to eat at Kinopio’s Cafe you also need a timed entry ticket so be sure to grab this as soon as you get inside Super Nintendo World. It’s usually a 1-2 hour wait once you get your timed entry ticket.

5. Once you leave you cannot reenter (if timed entry tickets are required at the time) so be sure to do everything you want before leaving.

Universal Studio Japan is extremely popular & tickets do sell out often so buy in advance. The most popular sites to buy them are Klook (where we bought ours) & KKDay.

Hope this helps! Who has Super Nintendo World on their list?
How We Spent 48 Hours in Osaka (save + share this How We Spent 48 Hours in Osaka (save + share this post):

1. Kicked off the day trying soufflé pancakes, you’ll find restaurants all over the city that sell these. We personally had them at Belle-ville Pancakes.

2. Visit the Cup of Noodles Museum where you can make your own Cup of Noodles logo and then customize the flavor and toppings for your noodles. They also offer a ramen making class here in addition to the museum where you can learn the history of the company.

3. If you’re visiting in March check to see if the March Sumo Wrestling Tournament is taking place at Edion Arena Osaka. If so def try to get tickets in advance (they go on sale a month prior) or arrive early to get same day tickets. It’s a fun afternoon.

4. We also did a Tea Ceremony class but photos/videos weren’t allowed.

5. End the first day getting cheesecake at the infamous Rikuro’s for their jiggly Cheesecake.

6. The other day spend at Universal Studios Japan for thrilling rides, shows and to relive your childhood at Super Nintendo World.

Where to stay in Osaka? The W Osaka is gorgeous but a little pricey and the Fairfield by Marriott is more budget friendly with nice, modern clean rooms just less amenities and smaller rooms (will post stories of both so you can see).

How to get to Osaka from Tokyo: We took the Shinkansen bullet train which takes 3 hours but is such an experience as it goes up to 199mph. Be sure to sit of the right side of the train for views of Mt. Fuji. You can also take a quick flight!

Other things to do in Osaka we didn’t travel time for:

1. Visit the Osaka Castle

2. Go to the top of the Umeda Sky Building

3. Go out in the Dotonbori

4. Walk around Kuromon Market

5. Watch a show at the National Bunraku Theater

6. Explore the Sumiyoshi Shrine

Which activity would you most want to do? If you’ve been to Osaka before what other recommendations do you have?

#osakajapan #travellingwithkids #cupofnoodles #universalstudiosjapan
6 Ways to Earn Delta Skymiles without flying! (SAV 6 Ways to Earn Delta Skymiles without flying! (SAVE + SHARE this post):

1. Link your Lyft and Skymiles accounts to earn 1 mile per $1 on US rides and 2miles per $1 on airport rides.

2. When booking Airbnb stays go to delta.com/Airbnb instead and you’ll earn 1 mile per $1 spent on airbnbs.

3. Order groceries online with instacart? Go to instacart.com/delta to link your accounts and earn 1.5 miles per $1 spent. If you’re new to instacart you can also get 3 months free.

4. Link your Starbucks account with your Skymiles account at delta Starbucks.com and you’ll earn 1 mile per $1 spent at Starbucks. Plus on days your flying with Delta, you’ll earn DOUBLE stars at Starbucks.

5. Sign up for SkyMiles dining at  Skymilesdining.com and is link your credit or debit card. Every time you use your card at a participating bar or restaurant, you’ll earn between 1-5 miles per $1 spent.

6. And nope you don’t have to use a Delta credit card to get miles for any of the above, no matter how you pay you’ll earn BUT is you do pay for them with a Delta co-branded credit card (there are several and depending on which one you have) you can earn anywhere from a additional 1-5 miles per dollar spent on purchases, even if they aren’t Delta airline tickets.

The cash price for the flight we took to Tokyo was $2,600pp so it would have cost me over $5,000 for this since it’s peak travel to Japan (never in my life would I pay that, we would have went somewhere else). Instead I only paid $118 total by using all of these ways to earn Delta miles over the past few years which gave me enough miles to redeem even though we don’t get to fly Delta on a regular since they don’t have the strongest presence at MIA airport as it’s American’s hub.

Do you use travel credit cards and/or points and miles from loyalty programs to offset the cost of travel? If so what are your favorite ones? Let’s all travel for less!

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The Best Christmas Markets in the USA

October 25, 2022      California, Colorado, Destinations, Georgia, Illinois, Nevada, New York, North America, Texas, Wisconsin

The holiday season is finally here and Christmas markets are a fun way to get into the spirit of the season. You can stock up on some of the most unique Christmas gifts and holiday treats and they’re a great way to enjoy all the festive sights, sounds, tastes, and smells that they have to offer. Also known as Christkindl Markets since they originate in Europe (check out The Best Christmas Markets in Europe here) don’t feel sad if you can’t make it to Europe as this list of the best Christmas Markets in the USA give some of the European markets competition!

The Best Christmas Markets in the USA on the East Coast

Union Square Market, New York

New York City is one of the most magical places to spend Christmas and a Christmas Market is the perfect stop to add to your itinerary. More than 100 booths fill Union Square Park for its annual Holiday Market. You can discover unique items made locally and abroad. You’ll also be able to find coupons for local businesses offered at the information booth. This is a great perk if you want to save money during the holiday.

Open: November 17th-December 24th 2022 – More information here.

Downtown Holiday Market, Washington DC

Kickoff your holiday season at DC’s one-stop winter wonderland. The Downtown Holiday Market is Washington DC’s outdoor holiday shopping village and features a variety of different small businesses and entrepreneurs. Located in the heart of the district, embark on a unique, safe, and secure shopping experience amongst over 70 vendors. This holiday market also features 6 different food vendors who will be providing delicious treats and hot beverages. Stay entertained with live performances by talented local performers.

Open: November 18th-December 23rd 2022 – More information here.

Christmas Village, Baltimore

Another great traditional Christmas market is Baltimore’s Christmas Village in West Shore Park. Inspired by the famous Christkindl Market in Nuremberg, Germany, this market offers an indoor and outdoor experience filled with the smell of warm waffles and gingerbread. You’ll walk through a variety of wooden booths and vendors selling German foods, drinks, and sweets, so make sure you arrive hungry. The shopping is just as generous as you’ll find plenty of international holiday gifts, jewelry, ornaments, and high-quality arts and crafts.

Open: November 24th-December 24th 2022 – More information here.

The Best Christmas Markets in the USA in the MidWest

Old World Christmas Market, Wisconsin

Reminiscent of the centuries-old Christkindlesmarkt of Nüremberg, Germany, the Old World Christmas Market at The Osthoff Resort Wisconsin offers the warmth of holiday tradition. Under a massive heated tent decorated with fresh evergreens and festive holiday décor, stroll through multiple aisles of booths. Discover a variety of unique items made both internationally and locally. Find hand-carved smokers, nutcrackers, stained glass, and so much more. Delight in the many delicious German foods offered at the Old World Food Court including hot glühwein, sauerbraten, dumplings, schnitzel, potato pancakes, red cabbage, pulled pork and apple strudel. You’ll also be able to take a horse-drawn wagon ride while you’re there. Looking to ski or snowboard while visiting? Check out our winter itinerary for Wisconsin Dells to add more adventure to your trip. If you head back to Wisconsin in the summer or fall, I highly recommend spending some time in Door County, see our itinerary here.

Open: December 2nd-December 11th 2022 – More information here.

Holidazzle, Minnesota

Get into the holiday spirit at downtown Minneapolis’ holiday tradition, Holidazzle. This holiday festival is for people of all ages to come together and be jolly. Holidazzle features local people, places, and products to highlight the food, art, and lifestyle of the city. Holidazzle is a great place to explore the uniqueness of Minneapolis and celebrate wintertime around entertainment and fun.

Open: November 25th-December 18th – More information here.

The Christkindl Market, Chicago

While Christkindl Markets have their roots in Europe, The Christkindl Market Chicago is one of the most authentic traditional Christmas markets in the USA. If you plan to spend your Christmas in the states but want a taste of a traditional European market this is one of the perfect holiday markets for you and your family. This German holiday market offers plenty of unique items from abroad, family-friendly events, and intercultural activities. Looking to plan some other family friendly activities while visiting Chicago, check out our Chicago with kids itinerary here.

Open: November 18th- December 24th 2022 – More information here.

German American Society of Tulsa Christkindl Market, Oklahoma

Experience all of the wonder of a German Christkindl Market without having to take a flight at this unique holiday market in Oklahoma City. The German American Society of Tulsa Christkindl Market is decorated top to bottom with Christmas touches including plush trees, twinkling lights, garland, ribbon and much more. Enjoy the variety of local artisans, crafters, and vendors stationed throughout the market. You can find plenty of different items like candles, jewelry, books, decorations, wine, and more. Indulge in the various hot and fresh German foods featured here that are sure to feed your holiday spirit. Explore the market’s Bethlehem Village which features over 100 figurines. You’ll also be able to participate in a raffle for a quilt made by members of the German American Society of Tulsa.

Open: December 2, 3, and 4, 2022 – More information here.

The Best Christmas Markets in the USA in the South

Texas Christkindl Market

Enjoy the magic of a German Christkindl Market in Arlington at the Texas Christkindl Market. The almost 70-year relationship between Arlington and its sister city, Bad Königshofen, is what inspired Texas Christkindl Market to start its first season back in 2011. At this holiday market explore a variety of wonderfully handcrafted gifts, collectibles, and exclusive merchandise from Käthe Wohlfahrt that is also offered at the popular Rothenburg ob der Tauber Christmas Village in Germany. Make sure to bring your appetite to this market as you’ll find a roundup of traditional German desserts, entrees, cocktails and side dishes. If you end up in Austin, Texas you have to explore some of our favorite things to do there which I have written out in this itinerary.

Open: November 25th-December 23rd 2022 – More information here.

Atlanta Christkindl Market

Taking place in The Buckhead Village, Atlanta Christkindl Market offers a unique and family-friendly holiday market experience. Enjoy authentic German food and drinks, discover a variety of items and holiday gifts, and take pictures with Santa. Bring your friends and family to this festive event and explore the various vendors that will be at this Christmas market. Be sure to explore more than the Christmas Market in Atlanta as the city is filled with amazing sites and food, check out our things to do in Atlanta itinerary for ideas.

Open: November 25th-December 24th 2022 – More information here.

The Best Christmas Markets in the USA on the West Coast

Nevada City Victorian Christmas

Stroll through the lamp-lit streets with the smell of roasted chestnuts in the air as you explore the array of vendors that Nevada City Victorian Christmas has to offer. Enjoy the Christmas treasures, live entertainment, and Victorian touches that make this holiday event so special. There are holiday activities for all ages that your family will love. You will also be able to indulge in festive treats and take pictures with Father Christmas.

Open: Sundays-Dec 4, 11, & 18 and Wednesdays-Dec 7 & 14 – More information here.

The Great Dickens Christmas Fair & Victorian Holiday Party

The Great Dickens Christmas Fair in Novato California is a one-of-a-kind immersive adventure into Victorian London. A truly unique experience, this festive holiday party features hundreds of costume players performing and interacting with visitors. Explore over 140,000 square feet of music halls, pubs, dance floors, and shops. Victorian costumes are not required to attend, but encouraged. Stroll through an array of shops inspired by London and try various delicious foods including, English bangers and fish ‘n’ chips, exotic Greek delicacies, French onion soup, and enticing desserts.

Open: November 19/20, 25/26/27 and Dec. 3/4, 10/11, 17/18 – More information here.

Georgetown Christmas Market, Colorado

If you love a traditional Christmas celebration that takes you into nostalgia the Georgetown Christmas Market in Clear Creek County Colorado is where you want to be. Walk through a bustling Christmas market and enjoy the smell of roasted chestnuts, the sight of beautiful Christmas lights, horse-drawn wagon rides, and more. Not only will you be able to delight in holiday shopping, you’ll get a visit from St. Nicholas and festive live entertainment, including a Santa Lucia Children’s procession. Colorado is one of the best ski areas in the USA as well so definitely check out Keystone Ski Resort or plan a fun few days in Denver while you’re visiting for the Christmas Market.

Open: December 4th-5th & December 11th-12th 2022 – More information here.

There are plenty of amazing Christmas markets to visit in the states, some that will even give you a taste of Europe. I hope you get to make it to one of the best Christmas Markets in the USA. Did you find this article helpful? If so, please share it!

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Hi! We’re The Hambricks

Hi! We’re The Hambricks

If kids live there, kids can visit! That's our motto and you'll often find us exploring destinations most don't find "kid friendly". We've traveled to 35 countries on 6 continents with our children since they were 10 weeks old and share tips to make it easier and affordable. But mom and dad are people too so we also write about solo travel, baecations and girlfriend getaways.

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