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Adventure is out there
  • Andrea and Luke French
  • Luke French
  • Andrea and Luke French
  • Luke French

Adventure is out there

Our travels, to see where the world takes us Read more
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  • Adventure is out there

    Matsuchiyama Shoden Honryuin, Tokyo

    May 5, 2024 in Japan ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C

    Another beautiful temple, we choose to visit this one as its famous for offerings of radish. It was actually surprisingly busy with people praying, and we saw mounds of radishes too!

    There was also the shortest funicular we've been on here, but I appreciated having to take a few less steps at least.Read more

  • Adventure is out there

    Irugi Shrine, Tokyo, Japan

    May 5, 2024 in Japan ⋅ 🌬 26 °C

    Another of the smaller shrines we went to, this one because it has some cartoon character sculptures around the area. It wasn't gimmicky though, and the only people we saw around the area seemed to be locals going to pray which was nice.

    After quite a few hours wandering around we were lagging a bit, so bought a redbull from a vending machine and sat down close to the entrance to enjoy.    Read more

  • Adventure is out there

    Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan

    May 5, 2024 in Japan ⋅ 🌬 22 °C

    We wandered here from Meguro River, stopping at a delicious tofu restaurant where we had tempura, tofu, and drinks all in a traditional setting. Tofu and tempura were exceptional!

    We then wandered into the chaos of Shibuya, experiencing the pedestrian ramble (which wasn't actually as busy as we thought it would be) and then the bright lights of the city.

    You could really get a sense of the scale of the city here, with the high rises off in the distance and the walls of brightly lit advertisements. Somehow even with the mass of people around the area didn't feel imposing, as there was plenty of room to walk around.    Read more

  • Adventure is out there

    See-through Toilets, Tokyo, Japan

    May 5, 2024 in Japan ⋅ 🌬 21 °C

    A bit of a disappointment, as these are the infamous toilets which are supposed to be see-through when unoccupied, and then the walls glaze over when in use. They were continually glazed over, which I guess is the better way for them to be broken!

    Didn't expect to find these on the edge of a park, on what looked to be a gravel parking lot too.    Read more

  • Adventure is out there

    Ueno Park, Tokyo, Japan

    May 6, 2024 in Japan ⋅ 🌬 22 °C

    A huge park that we spent a couple of hours wandering around. The zoo, plus lots of musuems and art galleries, were also based within the park which made it feel like its own touristy area. Not as busy as we thought it would be, given we visited on a public holiday, as we managed to find parts which were secluded and quiet.

    Only complaint was a distinct lack in wildlife! Only a few birds to be seen flying around. Some nice temples scattered across the park to explore though.    Read more

  • Adventure is out there

    Zenkōji Temple, Nagano, Japan

    May 7, 2024 in Japan ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C

    We managed to get the bus up to this temple just in time, as we walked around the main temple site the bell was being ran to show it was closing time! Beautiful large temple that was so serene, glad we managed to visit it briefly.

    The rain had started to get heavier by the time we left, and as we walked down the main street, past tourist shops and eateries that were closing up, we headed towards a traditional Japanese restaurant where we had ramen, soba and tempura that was delicious.    Read more

  • Adventure is out there

    Snow monkey park, Nagano, Japan

    May 8, 2024 in Japan ⋅ 🌫 8 °C

    We headed to the snow monkey park as early as we could, first in line for the express coach there, excited for the day ahead. When we arrived we started the walk up, and noticed the sign stated that the wild monkeys weren't at the park yet.

    We held back, then sauntered along the half an hour walk to the park. Even then there were no monkeys! We chilled some more, literally as it was cold, before decided to go into the park anyway. We waited anxiously for the monkeys to show up, chatting to some brits on holiday, looking around the gift shop, and trying to spot other wildlife in the area. Lunch time came and went, and hungrily we still waited.

    After talking to an employee we got news that the monkeys were on their way, and finally spotted one making their way down. Then hundreds of monkeys descended, swarming over the relatively small onsen area. They ran around people's legs, not scared of us at all, then started playing and running around the area. Small arguments started between monkeys, with shrieking and fighting that dispersed quickly. Never have the words monkey business seemed so appropriate.

    We gleefully took photos of them enjoying the area, trying to remain 1 metre away even when they sat next to us, although they didn't want to use the onsen they were more than happy to eat the food that staff were throwing around for them.

    One of the best monkey experiences we have had, but soon had to head back down the long path to get the bus back so we could actually eat!    Read more

  • Adventure is out there

    Obuse, Japan

    May 9, 2024 in Japan ⋅ ☁️ 11 °C

    A cute little town we visited as we had free transport along the train line. Nice to see a more normal Japanese village, with a couple of temples which were mostly deserted.

    Had to miss out on the sake brewery unfortunately, as technically a travel day!

    The sun was shining, which was appreciated as the wind was cold 🥶    Read more

  • Adventure is out there

    Matsumoto Castle, Matsumoto, Japan

    May 10, 2024 in Japan ⋅ ☀️ 17 °C

    Wow wow wow! This castle was stunning 😍

    With the moat partially surrounded it, the trees in the distance, and the snow capped mountains on the skyline this was a place both luke and I fell in love with almost instantly. The whole feel of the place was very serene too, and after we explored the castle we sat outside enjoying a cold drink and ice cream in the midday sun.

    The castle was beautifully built too, and on the inside you were surrounded by wood all around. You were able to get to the top (on some very steep stairs!) to see the view too - which was stunning. You can definitely appreciate why it was a good place for a castle!    Read more

  • Adventure is out there

    Taisho Ike Pond, Kamikochi, Japan

    May 11, 2024 in Japan ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C

    Absolutely stunning walk around the ponds in Kamikochi. Very easy stroll around, weather was perfect and we didn't even mind carrying our bags as we hadn't properly checked into the hotel yet.

    We had tried to quickly drop our bags off at the hotel and get to Kamikochi for a wander earlier, but bus times didn't cooperative! However, we got to wander for around an hour and explore the stunning location.

    We were even more amazed when we sat relaxing near one of the ponds and saw a golden eagle casually soaring around looking for food.

    Absolutely fantastic walk, and we manage to get back to our hotel, check in, walk to a local pub and have food before getting the bus back to our accommodation to use the onsen so all-in-all a fantastic day!    Read more

  • Adventure is out there

    Hirayu Onsen, Kamikochi, Japan

    May 11–13, 2024 in Japan ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C

    We decided to stay in this area to really enjoy the Japanese alps as much as possible, and we are so pleased with the decision.

    We had a couple of days to explore Kamikochi, and when we weren't there we were enjoying our accommodation and it's private onsen, or exploring the nearby area (while looking out for bears!).

    It was lovely to be in the area, although not many shops and restaurants were open which did make some things difficult. We couldn't get over the stunning views surrounding us though, and we got to see it in sun, rain, and fog over the couple of days.

    We also got the most delicious breakfasts at our accommodation, definitely securing a place in our hearts for this stop.    Read more

  • Adventure is out there

    Kamikochi, Japan

    May 12, 2024 in Japan ⋅ ☁️ 16 °C

    Our second day in Kamikochi we did the main tourist walking loop. This took us around the flat area between massive mountains, and we got to stroll around rivers and lakes.

    Although we didn't see another golden eagle, or the ptarmigan we were hoping for, we saw lots more macaques and some other native birds.

    We were going to head further into the trail, but the weather turned so we decided to enjoy our onsen in the cold weather instead!

    Such a stunning area of Japan which is usually missed off the tourist trail, although it was very popular with domestic tourists.    Read more

  • Adventure is out there

    Shōwa-kan Museum, Takayama, Japan

    May 13, 2024 in Japan ⋅ 🌧 14 °C

    An unusual retro musuem showing life in Japan from 50s onwards, some of the exhibits seemed more like 'hoarded junk' (as luke put it), but there were some gems to be found - the retro games section was cool, and set out like a Japanese kids room too which really set the mood!

    As it was rainy when we arrived in Takayama this was a fun activity to do while we waited to check into the hostel.    Read more

  • Adventure is out there

    Takayama, Japan

    May 13–15, 2024 in Japan ⋅ ☁️ 13 °C

    A fun stop off we hadn't planned to make, but made sense as we used our 4 day travel pass. It was a very touristy location as its mostly used as a base for the Japanese alps.

    This however worked to our advantage, as we found a couple of sake tasting places to try out and found our favourite sake (yuzu ftw for me!), plus we got some nice meals with more sushi and tempura.

    Weather returned to nicer temperatures on our second day so we were able to enjoy wandering around more.    Read more

  • Adventure is out there

    Shirakawa-go, Japan

    May 14, 2024 in Japan ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C

    Another of the stops we had roughly planned when we started researching Japan, this is a traditional village in the mountains. The houses are still lived in by residents, and the fields still worked as normal - but now it's a major tourist stop with buses and coaches coming and going frequently.

    We got there in the morning, and although it was still busy it wasn't overun (yet). The houses were so cute, but it was still the mountain backdrop which stole the show. It wasn't AS impressive as Kamikochi, but still stunningly beautiful to see.

    We enjoyed a traditional lunch here, sat on the floor as we were too embarrassed to ask if they had seated tables, and then enjoyed an award winning pudding that lived up to its reputation.

    A thoroughly enjoyable day out, we escaped on a bus after lunch as we noticed just how busy it was starting to get.    Read more

  • Adventure is out there

    Kanazawa, Japan

    May 15–18, 2024 in Japan ⋅ ☁️ 24 °C

    Although the weather wasn't great for a couple of days while we were here we still enjoyed exploring the area. There were lots of temples and shrines, and the whole city was very well kept. We were pleasantly surprised to find a walking area next to the river, that locals were enjoying too, and couldn't believe our luck when a golden eagle flew really close to us as we crossed the bridge.

    Again I wasn't fast enough with my camera though, and only got a video as it flew away into the distance!    Read more

  • Adventure is out there

    Maeda Tosanokami-ke Shiryokan Museum

    May 16, 2024 in Japan ⋅ 🌧 14 °C

    We were aiming for the samurai residence, but found this musuem to wander round instead! It was interesting to view, with lots of information on samurai dealings (more with the pen than the sword) and a beautiful garden to view (although this was topped by the samurai residence garden!).Read more

  • Adventure is out there

    Gannenji Temple, Kanazawa, Japan

    May 16, 2024 in Japan ⋅ 🌬 15 °C

    After taking a look at the ninja temple (which we wanted to visit but you had to pay, book online, and have a tour in Japanese so we decided to skip) we strolled down the road to find this super cute temple that no one else was exploring. Really quiet and serene, until we set off the motion detectors at least...Read more

  • Adventure is out there

    Ninjabuki Museum, Kanazawa, Japan

    May 16, 2024 in Japan ⋅ 🌬 15 °C

    Fun musuem we went to which had ninja weapons, armour, and you could try shuriken ninja throwing stars! It was inside a traditional house too, making it more atmospheric.

  • Adventure is out there

    Nomura-ke Samurai Residence, Kanazawa

    May 17, 2024 in Japan ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C

    Stunning samurai house with a gorgeous garden. The design felt really modern, with access to the garden from a couple of rooms and views across from the 1st floor.

    Most rooms were bare, with the traditional mat flooring, although there were distinct uses for each room. Really peaceful environment, although it was getting busier and busier as we left!Read more

  • Adventure is out there

    Kanazawa Castle Park, Kanazawa, Japan

    May 17, 2024 in Japan ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C

    Kanazawa Castle wasn't the big draw for us, it was more the surrounding grounds which were amazing. Lovely ponds, beautiful views, and manicured areas which could have come straight from Hobbiton.

    We really enjoying walking around exploring, and although the castle was nice it wasn't as good as Matsumoto! As we wandered around we saw a golden eagle playfully flying around the area too, which was definitely a highlight of the area for us as we hadn't seen one continually for that length of time before.    Read more

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