Olga Vilshenko Took a Trip to Japan–in the Off Season
Just Back From… Japan
Trip Duration: 2 weeks
Flight Plan: We traveled business class onboard Aeroflot Airlines. I prefer comfortable clothes when traveling so I wore relaxed denim trousers and zipped hoodie jacket. I always pack a few beauty essentials in my travel bag including a lip balm, eye mask, thermal water spray and a hydrating mask. As we had a long 10-hour flight, on my way back to Moscow I used SK-II products that I bought at Tokyo Airport.
Tour Group: I traveled with my husband, three sons and our nanny.
Where I Stayed: We stayed at La Neige Higashi-Kan Hotel in Nagano for a week. This special place has deluxe rooms with a full-size Jacuzzi and boasts an amazing view of the natural surroundings. The entrance hall is in traditional Japanese style and the guest rooms have French accents. We spent another week in Tokyo and stayed at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, one of the most beautiful and comfortable hotels in the world.
Best Thing I Ate: Crab cooked in different ways–raw, steamed and crab soup - as it is one of Japan's most popular seafood dishes, especially during the winter months.
Best Hang Out Spot: Since we were traveling with our children, we went to Onsen, the theme park in Daiba district, and visited Jigokudani Monkey Park and of course, Disneyland!
Best Daytime Activity: Skiing at the Japanese resort, Hakuba. This place is a beautiful national park with wonderful natural hot springs, waterfalls and wild monkeys on the streets.
Best Night Out: When we danced all night in the Oriental Lounge with a 1920s themed jazz party.
Trip Highlight: We want to watch a Kabuki performance–a classical Japanese all-male dance-drama theatre. I was very impressed by the play, colorful costumes and the theatre itself as a form of traditional Japanese art. Many Japanese women attended the performances wearing kimonos!
Could not Leave Home Without: Some Vilshenko embroidered blouses and dresses, knitwear, a sheepskin waistcoat and my mink coat. We were also very lucky to catch a few sunny days so I couldn't leave home without my sunglasses!
Most Inspiring Aspect: I was very inspired by the traditional Japanese kimonos with their rich and colorful prints and intricate embroidery. I had an amazing experience visiting Kamakura, the coastal town in Kanagawa, where I bought a unique vintage kimono and experienced the beautiful ritual of the tea ceremony and the art of growing Bonsai trees. Some of them are over 500 years old!
I wish we had...visited Fuji and stayed there for at least 2-3 days to enjoy the Onsen hot springs and climb up to the top. I have been there before and it left a very strong impression.
Favorite Shopping Trip: We enjoyed shopping in Shibuya, the Mitsukoshi Store and Dover Street Market in Ginza. I also enjoyed visited Beams in Shinjuku where our Vilshenko collection is carried.
Why Japan? My family is fascinated by skiing and during our trip to Aspen last winter we were advised to go to a Japanese ski resort. I have been to Japan once before and since my initial visit, I've always wanted to come back and learn more about the culture.
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