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.