Day Three

We woke up this morning to the sound of the temple gong and drum, so after breakfast we decided on another visit to Senso-ji Temple to take in the atmosphere and visit some parts we hadn't yet seen. It was great to see the locals using the temple grounds for early morning blessings and for just relaxing and reading the paper.




We found a small waterfall and a pond full of large Koi Carp. Dotted around the grounds were various statues of significant historic figures and of course the Lord Buddha.






Time to move on so we walked to the local subway station and caught a train a few stops down to central Tokyo. From here we headed down to a local food court where travelers can purchase a bewildering choice of food for their journey.




This ranges from Bento boxes (a multi -compartmentalized box with delicate Japanese snacks, sushi, rice, vegetables etc) to Thai curries, Kobe Beef, Tempura etc, etc, etc.

Again the place was spotlessly clean. Not a cigarette end or piece of paper or chewing gum to be seen. Even though the place was immaculate, there was still a girl with a miniature vacuum cleaner strapped to her back, going around hunting for dirt!




We boarded our 'Bullet Train' and started our 136 minute journey. We left at 1033 hrs and arrived on schedule at 12.49 hrs - yes the train times are that precise!







Our tickets were checked by a smartly dressed and polite train guard, who bowed to her customers every time she entered or left the carriage. Now I can't see that happening on the 08.15 to Victoria!!!




The guard was able to reliably inform us that we would pass Mount Fuji between 11.10 hrs and 11.20 hrs. Given the weather was slightly overcast we were surprised to be able to see the mountain from the train as we sped along at 120mph!




It was a great journey made more enjoyable by lots of room and by the fact that mobiles must be put to silent whilst on the train. One man actually went to the connecting compartment between carriages to take his call!

Now wouldn't that be nice if in the UK people were that disciplined and considerate!


As I have already mentioned everyone we have met so far have been wonderfully hospitable. From a gentleman on the tube who just started to chat to us and told us, reliably, that it was going to rain in Hikone today, to the two ladies on the 'Bullet Train' who wished us a pleasant stay in Japan! It's been a real joy meeting the locals.















We left the 'Bullet Train' and took a local train for one stop to arrive in Hikone. Here it was a very short walk to our hotel where we dumped our excess stuff and headed out in the rain to visit Hikone Castle. This is one of Japan's national treasures and is popular with Japanese tourists as well as foreigners. Just outside our local guide took us to a flower show where a local horticultural group were putting on a display of rare Japanese flowers and plants.









We then went into the castle grounds and started the climb up the hillside to view the castle and outer defensive gates. This is one of only a few castles left in Japan as many have been destroyed by fire or earthquake as they are mainly constructed of wood.





We were really fortunate as our guide informed us that there was an exhibition taking place of suits of Samurai armour.These had been loaned by various museums and other castle collections across Japan to be displayed in Hikone Castle for a limited period. This was an excellent location for this display, given that it was in a castle owned and run by Samurai Shoguns for many hundreds of years.



There were about 20 sets on display. They made a magnificent sight. There were menacing black sets and the very rare and expensive red suits which take many layers of lacquer-work to produce the red colour. They even displayed, opposite each other, Samurai that had fought and killed the other and received Hikone Castle as a prize of battle.






For those that felt the need you could try on a set of reproduction armour and pose for a picture - not sure who the one with the long hair is?!!!




The main castle is quite elaborate and built over three floors. Once inside there are some step ladder climbs to reach the upper floors. This is made even harder by the fact you are climbing wooden steps in just your socks as you must remove your shoes and carry your them a provided plastic bag! Inside is actually quite bare, but the wooden construction is interesting to see as are the views.




By now the rain was falling harder which was a shame as our next stop was the castle gardens. These were beautiful, even in the rain, and had great views of the castle standing majestically over them.





We were quite wet by now so we finished our tour and strolled back into town to hunt down an early evening meal. We found another noodle shop serving boiling hot stock bowls with noodles and rice.

It was just what the doctor ordered and warmed us all up before we returned to the hotel to relax and drink more Sake!

Tomorrow we are taking another 'Bullet Train' to Hiroshima, it promises to be another enjoyable, although I expect. thought provoking day.

Day Two

What a day! After an interesting breakfast we headed back to Senso-ji Temple to get a view during the day light. It was early so the stall holders were just setting up and there were not so many people coming to ask the gods for blessings. We watched as people lit incense sticks and then inhaled and waved the smoke over themselves to purify themselves.





From there we headed to the river Sumida for a boat trip down river to a lovely tranquil garden called Hamarikyu tei-en. This was where the Shogun in ancient times used to come to relax and hunt wild fowl. Today it is an oasis of calm, with a tea house in the centre where you can sit and watch the world go by and daydream of times gone by. It is a strange feeling sitting in a lovely manicured garden whilst surrounded by modern high rise office blocks of steel and glass!




On the way out of the park we came across a little girl and her mother in tradition kimono dress. She was more than happy, if a little shy. to pose for us for pictures before they both shuffled off in their wooden sandals. Another juxtapose of ancient and modern!




From there we took the train to explore a Shinto Shrine called Meiji Jingu. To get there we had to pass through an ultra modern shopping district and hang out for Japanese youth. This was another culture shock for us to see girls and boys dressed to impress. The latest trend is 'Lolita style', quite a difference from the girl in the kimono!



Inside the shrine we were lucky as there were numerous weddings and festivals taking place. It meant a feast of traditional dress and ceremonies. Everywhere you looked there was a bride being escorted through the grounds by a Shinto priest. It was truly atmospheric and very memorable experience.












After a magical few hours we returned to modernity and caught another train to return to our hotel. It was very busy, but no one pushed or shoved or got annoyed with each other. My impression of the Japanese so far is that they are a polite, proud and gracious people who live by a set of rules which induces respect for everyone. This guides their own behaviour and how they fit within their society. It means no litter, immaculate cleanliness of public transport, ordered behaviour and obeying the law. You feel really safe everywhere, crime is very low and if you dropped your wallet anyone would pick it up and run after you to return it - with its contents! If you have to be in a modern large urban city, Tokyo should be it. Within a couple of days of arriving you very easily become accustomed to the code and rhythm of the city.


We finished the day in a local noodle bar. You get a huge bowl of noodles and a bowl of broth - on this occasion a pork broth with small bits of vegetables and a boiled egg! A great way to bring a wonderful day to a close!

Tomorrow we board a 'Bullet Train' and head for Hikone, home of one of Japan's most impressive castles.

Day One

Arrived on time after a good flight with Virgin Atlantic. The flight only had 146 people on so we managed to move seats and get some extra leg room by an emergency exit - always a good start on a 12 hour flight!

The aircrew were great, a mix of European and Japanese. The girl looking after us was excellent, full of life and very proud of her Japanese roots. She even wanted to read the blog to check we were having a good time!

After being met by Liam, our guide, we used the Sky Line train system to take us into Tokyo and then a taxi to our hotel in the Asakusa district. We dumped our luggage and then headed out, somewhat jaded, but immediately our spirits were lifted as we bumped into George coming back to meet us at the hotel!






He joined us for a stroll around the local area taking in the surrounds of the Sensouji Temple and a stop at an excellent fast noodle bar for lunch, joining many locals slurping our noodles and broth!




We finally gave in around 3pm local time and retreated for a few hours sleep. Refreshed after 3 hours sleep we met the rest of the group, 16 in total with Liam, for a quick briefing about the rest of the tour and tomorrow's Tokyo city tour.



We then headed off to a Japanese restaurant for an excellent meal - mixed dishes of vegetables, raw fish and dipping sauces, stuffed chicken, dumplings, noodles and various alcoholic beverages!




We then had time to take a stroll around the Sensouji Temple which was beautifully lit up. There were still a few people there making offerings - mainly suited city workers on their way home after a very long day at the office! It was a great way to round off our first day in Japan.

Land of the Rising Sun

Dear All,
We are off on Thursday 27th October for another adventure, this time to Japan. It is a country that we have never visited before and it should prove to be a unique and fascinating travel experience.



If you wish to join us as we travel around the country then log in whenever you can for the latest updates. I will try and complete an entry every day, connections permitting.

Being Autumn in Japan we should see some stunning colours as the Japanese maples put on their autumn show!








Our tour will also take in some classic Japanese gardens. These works of art will make for some interesting photographic opportunities. We will travel first to Tokyo and then onto Kyoto, Hiroshima, Nara, Miyajima and also take in some rural landscapes around the Iya Valley. It should be a great trip and that's without taking into account the food!



So join us on our travels and see what delights we discover!