More Trips

Korea6 April 24


Japan10 November 23


Taiwan5 April 23


Korea5 November 22


Korea4 May 22


Cape Otway April 21


Japan9 October 19


Frangland July 19


Korkong April 19


Japan8 October 18


China4 April 18


Japan7 October 17


Taiwan4 March 17


Japan6 October 16


Europe May 16


Japan5 November 15


Korea2 March 15

Even More Trips

HongJapWan March 2014
Sichuan March 2013
Tokyo3 October 2012
China2 August 2012
Japwan March 2012
China November 2011
Korea September 2011
Taiwan March 2011
London3 June 2010
Japan May 2010
London2 February 2010
London September 2009
SE Asia December 2005

Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - Page 9

Day 25 - Tuesday, 14 November 2017

Value extraction

Hiking Mount Toyama in Nikko

I paid for my train pass, so I am going to extract as much value as possible from my train pass.
It costs $100 for 3 days, yesterday I extracted $88 value.
Today I decided the expensive option was to go to Nikko, for a rest day, which would cost $50 if not for the pass, I am already easily ahead. That makes me feel very justified in my purchase.

I have been to Nikko before, everyone has, but last time I was really sick, having got sick the day before starting my Japan trip, then nearly dying on the plane. So my memory of Nikko is fuzzy.
What I can remember is that I thought it was far from the station to the bridge / temples. It is not. This goes to show that the last time I went I really was sick at the time.
Anyway, my rest day turned into a small mountain, and then it was raining again, although its due to stop any time now, so thats ok, I hope.

Working backwards, its time for observations from the train.
The first part of the journey is the bullet train from Ueno to Utsunomiya.
I remember Utsunomiya as the place where a senior citizen set himself on fire at the local government office to protest land taxes, he died, but I digress.
On this bullet train there were lots of salary men, working on laptops, and many of them, the majority, exhibited the same strange behaviour.
If you picture the keyboard area of a laptop, there is a touchpad in the middle, most people use that, I am using it now in fact, I dont travel with a mouse.
Anyway, salary men all like sticky notes glued to the to the smooth area just to the left of the touchpad, and they write stuff down on there constantly, whilst sitting at and using a computer. I know its hard to type in Japanese but what are they needing to write down?
Next, they dont use the touchpad. Ever. They all have corded mice, plugged in, and resting on the smooth area just to the right of the touch pad.
This adds up to one of the most cluttered unergonomic things I have ever seen.

My next observation comes on the train between Utsunomiya and Nikko, another 45 minute ride (getting to Nikko takes ages). This train is full of mainly German tourists, and I noticed 3 things -
1. Many of them still carry around an actual video camera. Not just using their photo camera to take videos, but a dedicated video camera. Are they even still being manufactured?
2. They LOVE the paper printed German tourist guide to Japan. Different groups of Germans were following along in the same guide and all got up to look at the same thing at the same time as we went past, repeatedly. Quite amusing.
3. One of the groups of Germans had left their wet clothes in the washing machine, and decided to wear them anyway. The smell of mouldy clothes was horrific! I dont know how they could stand it.

Now for some pictures of Nikko everyone takes, and some no one who speaks English has ever taken before.

Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - Here is a very grey Utsunomiya station area, shot through a closed window. On the train between here and Nikko the sun came out, which I was not expec

Here is a very grey Utsunomiya station area, shot through a closed window.
On the train between here and Nikko the sun came out, which I was not expecting. That did not last.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - I was quite thrilled with this photo, the bullet train splits in half soon after this stop, half goes to Yamadera, half to Sendai. I managed to snap i

I was quite thrilled with this photo, the bullet train splits in half soon after this stop, half goes to Yamadera, half to Sendai. I managed to snap it as another one was speeding past.
Also you can clearly see how one of those trains has its nose retracted back into its own nose. I was fascinated.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - Arriving at Nikko and I got to admire the huge mountain vista. I remembered admiring it last time with better weather and a camera with zoom capabilit

Arriving at Nikko and I got to admire the huge mountain vista. I remembered admiring it last time with better weather and a camera with zoom capabilities also.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - This is the Nikko main street area. Its a bit overrated in my opinion, or a bit tired.

This is the Nikko main street area. Its a bit overrated in my opinion, or a bit tired.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - The photo EVERYONE takes. The main temples in the hills are still closed for rennovations, for the next 20 years and the last 10 years it seems. They

The photo EVERYONE takes. The main temples in the hills are still closed for rennovations, for the next 20 years and the last 10 years it seems. They have constructed a shed over it and painted a temple on the outside of the shed. Seriously.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - So instead, I found a path to climb over behind a hotel.

So instead, I found a path to climb over behind a hotel.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - Quite a good view from down here, then things got weird.

Quite a good view from down here, then things got weird.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - The path continued up another hill, I could appreciate this tree.

The path continued up another hill, I could appreciate this tree.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - Then I could appreciate this shrine in the hills.

Then I could appreciate this shrine in the hills.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - The path then descended into the back of a resort, closed obviously, as you can see their pool is bright green. The signs pointing to the exit all lea

The path then descended into the back of a resort, closed obviously, as you can see their pool is bright green. The signs pointing to the exit all lead down stairs to locked doors, I was trapped!


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - That is not a lawn! Its a pond. If you fall in you will die. There is no fence. I had to carefully step around it, go through a workshop shed, and cli

That is not a lawn! Its a pond. If you fall in you will die. There is no fence. I had to carefully step around it, go through a workshop shed, and climb down some landslide barriers into a car park to find a way out!
It is very weird to me that a sign posted trail lead me to here.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - Back on track now, I like the look of that little peak to the right, lets go investigate.

Back on track now, I like the look of that little peak to the right, lets go investigate.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - A mountain trail! Mount Toyama. So much for my rest day, lets run up a hill. This one had lots of concrete gates, was very steep, but only took 45 min

A mountain trail! Mount Toyama. So much for my rest day, lets run up a hill.
This one had lots of concrete gates, was very steep, but only took 45 minutes. I was the first person up here for the day judging by the spiderwebs.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - In amongst the tool slim cedars was the occasional spooky tree like this. I liked this path a lot.

In amongst the tool slim cedars was the occasional spooky tree like this. I liked this path a lot.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - And there is Nikko as seen from the top. With fog over the hills in the background. It was getting dark and starting to drizzle.

And there is Nikko as seen from the top. With fog over the hills in the background. It was getting dark and starting to drizzle.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - The hills across the valley. All the WORLD HERITAGE SITE!!! shrines are in amongst those pines in the valley.

The hills across the valley. All the WORLD HERITAGE SITE!!! shrines are in amongst those pines in the valley.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - Possibly the last STANCE of this trip. A good one cause I am in my Chinese commando pants and favourite ten year old long sleeve t-shirt.

Possibly the last STANCE of this trip. A good one cause I am in my Chinese commando pants and favourite ten year old long sleeve t-shirt.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - I really like the mountain backdrop view. A shame the light wasnt better.

I really like the mountain backdrop view. A shame the light wasnt better.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - There are bigger mountains off in the distance as well, behind a lake. Climbing these is possible but not on a day trip. It takes too long to get to N

There are bigger mountains off in the distance as well, behind a lake. Climbing these is possible but not on a day trip. It takes too long to get to Nikko, then the bus to the mountains is another hour at least.
You would have to stay in Nikko to do it. I suspect Nikko is really really boring at night!


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - Once I got back to the station area I found out I had to wait 50 minutes for the train. No problem, I found a supermarket with a public seating area i

Once I got back to the station area I found out I had to wait 50 minutes for the train. No problem, I found a supermarket with a public seating area inside, with a microwave, free tea, toilets.
Basically you buy your stuff from the supermarket, heat it up if required, sit and eat it. $4 lunch, no problem, thanks for your hospitality.


Night of the long exposures

Don Quijote in Asakusa

First of all, the same girl is still at the lonely part of Ueno station trying to convince foreigners she needs money to get back to Kyoto because her parents are worried about her.
She saw me coming, probably with a huge grin on my face, and ran away.

Tonight I walked in the other direction to the other night and took in Asakusa and the Skytree. I still havent been up the Skytree, because it costs money, where as the Tokyo metropolitan building and the Gifu government building are free.
Anyway, both areas visited tonight provide opportunities to set your camera on something, set a long exposure time, shut the aperture, set the timer, and stand like an idiot whilst people wonder what you are doing. So thats what I did.

Also, it stopped raining at the exact time the revised forecast said it would, perfect timing for me.
Oh and also also, I had delicious Taiwanese beef noodle soup in Japan. Taiwan beef noodle > Japanese ramen. I knew this already, tonight it was reconfirmed.

Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - On my way to Asakusa I passed a street full of shops making what I presume are dislay cabinets for your dead relatives ashes. Very interesting. They a

On my way to Asakusa I passed a street full of shops making what I presume are dislay cabinets for your dead relatives ashes. Very interesting. They are big believers in setting up competing stores right alongside each other in all Asian countries.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - Then I went down a shut street of local shops which at night become garage doors. I am waiting to see the garage door shop shut behind a garage door.

Then I went down a shut street of local shops which at night become garage doors. I am waiting to see the garage door shop shut behind a garage door.
Just one lonely taxi spoiling my view.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - DELICIOUS BEEF NOODLE SOUP. Noodles made by hand in store.

DELICIOUS BEEF NOODLE SOUP. Noodles made by hand in store.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - DONKEY

DONKEY


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - The covered streets around Asakusa were a mix of open and closed. Theres lots of nice places to eat around here, but I had already chosen the best.

The covered streets around Asakusa were a mix of open and closed. Theres lots of nice places to eat around here, but I had already chosen the best.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - The junk gift shop street, with a tour group charging towards me.

The junk gift shop street, with a tour group charging towards me.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - Heres a long exposure, because there was a sign to rest my camera on.

Heres a long exposure, because there was a sign to rest my camera on.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - This is a short exposure, handheld, nothing for camera to rest on.

This is a short exposure, handheld, nothing for camera to rest on.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - This one is also handheld, nice lighting though.

This one is also handheld, nice lighting though.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - Now for a trio of long exposures, firstly just the skytree. Getting the camera steady in portrait orientation took a lot of effort and holding my face

Now for a trio of long exposures, firstly just the skytree. Getting the camera steady in portrait orientation took a lot of effort and holding my face right and not breathing.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - Next a long exposure of a different sort of red bridge.

Next a long exposure of a different sort of red bridge.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - And finally, the final long exposure of sky tree and friends.

And finally, the final long exposure of sky tree and friends.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - The actual skytree is of course atop a sizeable shopping mall, and food court. I had never been here at night, food court looks ok.

The actual skytree is of course atop a sizeable shopping mall, and food court. I had never been here at night, food court looks ok.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - On the top level they have a xmas market going on.

On the top level they have a xmas market going on.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - And of course an 'illumination'.

And of course an 'illumination'.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - Last one for this evening, skytree in all its phallic glory.

Last one for this evening, skytree in all its phallic glory.


There are currently 3 comments - click to add

mother on 2017-11-14 said:

favourite shot of the night is the under bridge one. you really should go up the sky tree one day. there are a lot of interesting things in there. It's not just about the view.


David on 2017-11-14 said:

probably at least 2 weeks past their best, although the grey skies dont help


jenny on 2017-11-14 said:

I really really like the red trees at Nikko.


Day 26 - Wednesday, 15 November 2017

Between the tracks

Hiking from Musashi-Itsukaichi to Mitake over multiple peaks

Its my last full day in Japan, so I decided to hike from one train line to another.
My journey went west, with the hiking starting at Musashi-Itsukaichi, last station on the aptly named Itsukaichi line, heading up along a loooong ridge over Asoyama, Hinodesan and arriving at the upper cable car station of Mitakesan, before ignoring the cable car and running down the service road to the station on the Ome line at Mitake.

The scenery was fantastic, so I took a lot of photos, especially the scenery at Mitake at the end which had nothing much to do with the hike.

Getting back from Mitake took over 2 hours, which I was not expecting. When I sat down, the guy next to me decided to clean his ears, with a hook thing, and a tissue to wipe large amounts of wax into. This was very concerning.
More concerning was when the train started to empty out a bit, some people were still standing, every other seat was full including the ones reserved for old people, yet I had 5 empty seats next to me! The carriage rearranged themselves to not sit near me. Racism at its finest.

So thats it, final hike over, feet still in perfect condition, all hail my shoes. I think I managed to fit in more good hikes than any previous trip despite missing 1 due to my mild cold. This can only be achieved in Japan due to the combination of mountains and trains.
Now onto the pics, whilst I think about what to have for my last dinner on this trip.
I think I type whilst too often when I should type while.... I also use '.....' way to often, using it at all is too often.

Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - After a relatively fast train ride compared to the extended ride home, I arrived at Musashi-Itsukaichi station. A nice, quite large town. I stocked up

After a relatively fast train ride compared to the extended ride home, I arrived at Musashi-Itsukaichi station. A nice, quite large town. I stocked up on calorie mate and pocari sweat and got going. I had read this hike would take 7 hours.....
It didnt, I covered the nearly 25km in just over 5 hours, but that involved lots of running.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - The first part of the hike took me up a well manicured path to a temple. It was more like a large informal garden. This actually made it a bit annoyin

The first part of the hike took me up a well manicured path to a temple. It was more like a large informal garden. This actually made it a bit annoying, as there were lots of paths, I decided just to keep heading up.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - There were even tunnels of camelia bushes like this near the temple itself.

There were even tunnels of camelia bushes like this near the temple itself.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - I may be old, but I am not yet old enough to go birding. Theres lots of birds to see though. I noticed later on there were solar sensors mounted in so

I may be old, but I am not yet old enough to go birding. Theres lots of birds to see though.
I noticed later on there were solar sensors mounted in some trees with cameras and infra red lights to film things at night. Bears or birds?


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - The view of Itsukaichi, and other cities up the valley beyond from the temple.

The view of Itsukaichi, and other cities up the valley beyond from the temple.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - The temple itself was a bit underwhelming for such a path and garden. Although there were strangely no other people. The weather was very good if a li

The temple itself was a bit underwhelming for such a path and garden. Although there were strangely no other people. The weather was very good if a little grey, but the sun was making an occasional appearance.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - It was now ridge time, with big trees, no view for hours. This was a rare glimpse of a view, nice wires.

It was now ridge time, with big trees, no view for hours. This was a rare glimpse of a view, nice wires.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - The ridge trail was up hill the whole way, but pleasently so, I ran most of it. There was one group of other people, I later worked out they had caugh

The ridge trail was up hill the whole way, but pleasently so, I ran most of it. There was one group of other people, I later worked out they had caught the cable car up and were hiking downhill all day.
Lazy, I do not respect you.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - There was quite a lot of logging in this area, and I could hear chainsaws. Logged areas provided an opportunity for a view. Thats Tokyo in the distanc

There was quite a lot of logging in this area, and I could hear chainsaws. Logged areas provided an opportunity for a view. Thats Tokyo in the distance.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - Logging AND wires. A winning combination.

Logging AND wires. A winning combination.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - It wasnt all cedars, you can see some yellow / red leafed (leaved?) trees here also.

It wasnt all cedars, you can see some yellow / red leafed (leaved?) trees here also.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - Great light for this photo, with the logged trees replanted for future logging. They need a lot of logs in Japan to keep making steps on hiking trails

Great light for this photo, with the logged trees replanted for future logging. They need a lot of logs in Japan to keep making steps on hiking trails.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - And after a few hours, I was at the summit of Hinodesan, and there were suddenly other people, I would soon realise why.

And after a few hours, I was at the summit of Hinodesan, and there were suddenly other people, I would soon realise why.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - Across the valley there is the upper cable car station, the path between Hinodesan and Mitakesan was very well maintained staircases.

Across the valley there is the upper cable car station, the path between Hinodesan and Mitakesan was very well maintained staircases.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - Still the brave souls that have made the 20 minute trek across from the cable car have put on all their alpine gear.

Still the brave souls that have made the 20 minute trek across from the cable car have put on all their alpine gear.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - Have a bit more of the same view, I now realise this was almost the same as the other photo!

Have a bit more of the same view, I now realise this was almost the same as the other photo!


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - And heres my huge stupid head to ruin the shot, maybe for the last time on this trip!

And heres my huge stupid head to ruin the shot, maybe for the last time on this trip!


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - After the short skip across the valley to Mitakesan, I found myself in tourist paradise, with streets of little restaurants and chopstick shops. Its q

After the short skip across the valley to Mitakesan, I found myself in tourist paradise, with streets of little restaurants and chopstick shops. Its quite high up, the road down is an amazing engineering feat as I would discover....


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - Just look at these wonderfully maintained steps to the top with colorful trees and stone tablets declaring a shinto-fatwa on non pure blooded Japanese

Just look at these wonderfully maintained steps to the top with colorful trees and stone tablets declaring a shinto-fatwa on non pure blooded Japanese.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - Have some over-exposed leaf view. Colors nearly blew up my camera.

Have some over-exposed leaf view. Colors nearly blew up my camera.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - The shrine / temple on the top was extensive and possibly brand new, like the steps leading up to it.

The shrine / temple on the top was extensive and possibly brand new, like the steps leading up to it.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - Further behind it is an older bit not many people were interested in.

Further behind it is an older bit not many people were interested in.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - Hmmm, still more mountains. Actually ALLLLL the mountains around this area have extensive hiking trails, hundreds of them!

Hmmm, still more mountains. Actually ALLLLL the mountains around this area have extensive hiking trails, hundreds of them!


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - Time to head down. I skipped what I thought was a cable car which is actually a fernicular (cable pulled) railway. Japan has painted the track through

Time to head down. I skipped what I thought was a cable car which is actually a fernicular (cable pulled) railway. Japan has painted the track through the forest bright red, cause historic.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - This is the bottom of the 7km road down from the top station. It was quite an amazing piece of engineering, uncomfortably steep. Cars going up it woul

This is the bottom of the 7km road down from the top station. It was quite an amazing piece of engineering, uncomfortably steep. Cars going up it would surely overheat.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - I thought I was at the bottom, but no, still a lot more steep road. This is a wider road cars drive up to get to the bottom station of the cable railw

I thought I was at the bottom, but no, still a lot more steep road. This is a wider road cars drive up to get to the bottom station of the cable railway, and those that went past me did indeed smell like they were burning.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - Finally I came out on the main highway, what a vista! I thought this would be the last photo, but no....

Finally I came out on the main highway, what a vista! I thought this would be the last photo, but no....


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - Other than the wires, what an amazing view! This was a footbridge across the river. The people down there are fly fishing.

Other than the wires, what an amazing view! This was a footbridge across the river. The people down there are fly fishing.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - The photos are not doing the scale of this justice, also the lights a bit crap in this one, but thats fine, more to come!

The photos are not doing the scale of this justice, also the lights a bit crap in this one, but thats fine, more to come!


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - In the middle of the town of Mitake theres another bridge across. I was early for the train so I got to walk over. Down there is a kayaker battling th

In the middle of the town of Mitake theres another bridge across. I was early for the train so I got to walk over.
Down there is a kayaker battling the current.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - And then surely, saving the best photo for last. The amazing river, the mountains, the town on the side of the cliff. A great day indeed. I will one d

And then surely, saving the best photo for last. The amazing river, the mountains, the town on the side of the cliff.
A great day indeed. I will one day come back to Mitake and climb more mountains, at least ten hikes start from here. The town was full of cyclists, rock climbers, kayakers etc.
I was amazed when the train came that the platform at this remote station in the valley with no phone coverage was completely full on a week day.


The last supper

Eating ramen beneath Tokyo station

Time to head out and have my last dinner in Japan, unless my flight is cancelled.
Leaping forward, Ueno station has been a source of crime and villiany, tonight on my way back the police had 3 male youths, probably in their 20's, hand cuffed.
Nothing too special about that although you might not expect to see it in Japan. However they were all crying, despite being tough guy men, and speed apology bowing repeatedly. I was amused by this greatly. I am easily amused.

My road to my last supper took me through familiar grounds of Ueno to Akihabara to Kanda to Tokyo. Very bright and colorful, quite busy, great weather, lots of food options.

Not much else to report, apparently gay people might be able to get married in Australia soon, and suffer like non gay married people, Australia made the world cup soccer finals and Italy did not, Robert Mugabe is under arrest following a possible coup in Zimbabwe and Saudi Arabia has secretly arrested the president of Lebannon who has been forced to resign and tell everyone via twitter everything is fine.

Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - If only I had seen this place earlier, where were you a month ago!

If only I had seen this place earlier, where were you a month ago!


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - I briefly considered this for dinner, because it is bright red and warning I will die of death by chilli. But it was too close to my hotel, have to ke

I briefly considered this for dinner, because it is bright red and warning I will die of death by chilli. But it was too close to my hotel, have to keep walking.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - Akihabara 1 - have I ever been here at night before?

Akihabara 1 - have I ever been here at night before?


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - Akihabara 2.

Akihabara 2.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - These people are all standing around on a street corner kind of away from any shops. Almost underneath the highway overpass, all looking at their phon

These people are all standing around on a street corner kind of away from any shops. Almost underneath the highway overpass, all looking at their phones. At least 100 people.
So yes, Pokemon go is still popular in Japan.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - Kanda is also quite a bright colorful place at night. A few junior wannabe Yakuza with the head sets and black gloves hanging around.

Kanda is also quite a bright colorful place at night. A few junior wannabe Yakuza with the head sets and black gloves hanging around.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - I made it as far as Tokyo station, and descended into its underground shopping streets and kitchen streets. This is their 'illumination'.

I made it as far as Tokyo station, and descended into its underground shopping streets and kitchen streets. This is their 'illumination'.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - The predictable last supper, a bit more ramen, in a smoking bar. I also got the 5 tiny gyoza. I then had to negotiate my way out of a combo meal which

The predictable last supper, a bit more ramen, in a smoking bar. I also got the 5 tiny gyoza. I then had to negotiate my way out of a combo meal which involved a beer.


There are currently 6 comments - click to add

David on 2017-11-15 said:

Thanks for reading Harry, Ozstig and any other new readers who are not just my mother or one of her alternative personalities!


Harry on 2017-11-15 said:

I've been enjoying reading through your website for the past few days. Sort of traveling vicariously through you. You take great pictures of many places I want to see myself one day.


mother on 2017-11-15 said:

I am often ostracised on trains as well. It is because they are scared you will speak to them and they won't understand. Have an uneventful flight home.


David on 2017-11-15 said:

I always assumed the train behaviour of locals not wanting to sit near me is because I am travelling as a single male.
I assumed you wouldnt receive the same treatment travelling as a family.
Today was particularly obvious, I posed for and took a selfie of me and the spare seats, but only using my phone camera, hence I havent posted it here.


mother on 2017-11-15 said:

last picture is great. I think the racism is increasing from the news stories I've seen on NHK lately. It seems that with the increasing number of foreign tourists who are unaware or don't follow Japanese rules, the locals are getting pissed off. Understandable, as I find a lot of them annoying too.


ozstig on 2017-11-15 said:

I'm not sure if the racism is getting worse or if I just noticed it more on this trip but we had many experiences where people would hop on a train then hop off again when confronted with the possibility of having to share a carriage with a western family.


Day 27 - Thursday, 16 November 2017

Narita procedural update

Exploring Ueno before heading to the airport

Here is my procedural update from Narita airport.
The airport terminal is small and dated, lacking in anything interesting to do, but thats ok its not long until my flight.
This may not even be the last update, I have hours to waste in Singapore, so who knows, perhaps another boring update from their crappy lounge they provide for Virgin platinum members.

Getting here was easy, the fastest train leaves from Ueno where I was staying.
Before that I walked around the parks at Ueno which I am already familiar with. Fascinating update! Heres a few pics.

Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - First I appreciated a steam train, which for an unknown reason was at the natural science museum. So natural.

First I appreciated a steam train, which for an unknown reason was at the natural science museum. So natural.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - This is a mobile floating wooden tea house, made by an artist, it gets moved around the country.

This is a mobile floating wooden tea house, made by an artist, it gets moved around the country.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - These cats are squinting into the glorious sunshine.

These cats are squinting into the glorious sunshine.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - So then I also squinted into the glorious sunshine.

So then I also squinted into the glorious sunshine.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - My traditional reeds shot, I think I have taken this shot 3 trips in a row.

My traditional reeds shot, I think I have taken this shot 3 trips in a row.


Back to Japan for even more - Oct and Nov 2017 - My disappointing airport lunch to use up the last of my Yen. I am going to stock up on drinks for the plane because Singapore Airlines dont seem to be

My disappointing airport lunch to use up the last of my Yen. I am going to stock up on drinks for the plane because Singapore Airlines dont seem to be able to supply water in anything other than a single gulp sippy cup once every 9 hours.


The end

There are currently 0 comments - click to add

fine....

Contents

Day 0 - Saturday, 23 March 2019
  Retrospective
Day 1 - Saturday, 21 October 2017
  26 hours door to door then more
  I want to murder your children
Day 2 - Sunday, 22 October 2017
  The journey is still not quite over
  Typhoon Lan
  Saturation point
Day 3 - Monday, 23 October 2017
  Fortunate train cancellation
  Wasted ramen opportunity
Day 4 - Tuesday, 24 October 2017
  Lost on twin peaks
  The new shiny Tokyo
Day 5 - Wednesday, 25 October 2017
  Snot pump
  Bus confusion
Day 6 - Thursday, 26 October 2017
  Mountain goat
  Shimizu ghost town
Day 7 - Friday, 27 October 2017
  Train to mountain stroll ropeway beach bus
  Second opinion
Day 8 - Saturday, 28 October 2017
  Drowning in a sea of tissues
  Artful rain dodger
Day 9 - Sunday, 29 October 2017
  Rain concentrator
  Better than forecast
Day 10 - Monday, 30 October 2017
  Equal best ever scenery
  Its not Halloween
Day 11 - Tuesday, 31 October 2017
  Thwarted
  Halloween was Saturday
Day 12 - Wednesday, 1 November 2017
  The temple run
  Lost in expansion
Day 13 - Thursday, 2 November 2017
  My trusty old friend is a shining light
  Umeda me a hamburg steak
Day 14 - Friday, 3 November 2017
  Primordial typhoon deer attack
  Resurrection
Day 15 - Saturday, 4 November 2017
  The wind arrived
  Surprisingly great
Day 16 - Sunday, 5 November 2017
  First everybody then nobody
  Pyramids of Sannomiya
Day 17 - Monday, 6 November 2017
  The turn for home
  You would never ever get wet
Day 18 - Tuesday, 7 November 2017
  Exposed
  Short visit to big city
Day 19 - Wednesday, 8 November 2017
  Castle in the fog
  I have seen all of it
Day 20 - Thursday, 9 November 2017
  Decline
  Resurgence
Day 21 - Friday, 10 November 2017
  Clinically clean
  Ready for action
Day 22 - Saturday, 11 November 2017
  All the views
  Here are your shops
Day 23 - Sunday, 12 November 2017
  I have returned
  Ueno to Shinjuku is not far
Day 24 - Monday, 13 November 2017
  Central mountain route
  Surprise downpour whilst tired
Day 25 - Tuesday, 14 November 2017
  Value extraction
  Night of the long exposures
Day 26 - Wednesday, 15 November 2017
  Between the tracks
  The last supper
Day 27 - Thursday, 16 November 2017
  Narita procedural update
  The end