JapanMiyagiMiyagi GunJōnaiMatsushima Eki38°22’48” N 141°4’2” E
May 15, 2016 in Japan ⋅ 🌙 13 °C
We decided to check out one of the areas affected by the 2011 Tsunami. Matsushima Bay also happens to be one of the iconic sites used to promote Japan. We were there early so managed to beat theRead more
JapanIwateTateishiKoromo Gawa39°0’6” N 141°6’9” E
May 15, 2016 in Japan ⋅ 🌙 16 °C
We thought that the dude in Nikko was doing pretty well in the history stakes but he was out shone today by Kiyohira, the first lord of the Fujiwara clan. He built the Chūson-ji Temple in around 1100Read more
JapanAomoriYanagimachi40°49’19” N 140°44’51” E
May 16, 2016 in Japan ⋅ ☀️ 17 °C
Today we headed off reasonably early for Aomori via a Hayabusa Shinkansen which moves along at a fair clip of 320 km per hour. If you have never experienced the efficiency of Japanese high speed railRead more
JapanAomoriMayachōHirosaki Jō Ato40°36’27” N 140°27’51” E May 16, 2016 in Japan ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C
So are we. Given the fine weather in Aomori though we decided to check out Hirosaki Castle. This involved a train and bus journey to Hirosaki and then a short walk to the castle. The original castleRead more
JapanAomoriNishitsugaru-gunOkamachiFukaura Eki40°38’54” N 139°55’39” E
May 17, 2016 in Japan ⋅ ☀️ 15 °C
No not the West Coast Eagles! Rather, we decided to head to the west coast of Japan today. Was looking to get on one of the Joyful Trains - the Shirakami Resort train down to Akita but left our run aRead more
Janet Hanson Spectacular scenery & amazing weather - even managed to squeeze in an ice-cream by the seaside while waiting for our return train 😊
JapanHokkaidoShiomichōHakodate-hantō41°45’34” N 140°42’17” E
May 18, 2016 in Japan ⋅ 🌙 13 °C
Well folks we have finally made it to Hokkaido. We caught the Shinkansen from Aomori to Hakodate this morning. This part of the Shinkansen system only opened on the 26 of March this year and involvesRead more
JapanHokkaidoSapporo-shiKita-rokujōNishihatchōme-eki43°3’36” N 141°20’54” E
May 19, 2016 in Japan ⋅ ⛅ 14 °C
Well it finally had to happen, we have joined the ranks of the Japanese road commuters. Thanks to Janet's Japanese language skills and more than a modicum of patience we managed to successfully hire aRead more
JapanHokkaidoSapporo43°3’15” N 141°21’55” E May 19, 2016 in Japan ⋅ ⛅ 13 °C
Tonight we explored Sapporo city. Definitely the pick of all the Japanese cities that we have visited so far. Well laid out and vibrant with lots of folk out and about. In a stroke of luck weRead more
JapanHokkaidoOtaru43°11’27” N 140°59’41” E
May 20, 2016 in Japan ⋅ 🌙 16 °C
Today we took in more of Japan's west coast, we headed up as far as Shakotan and then worked our way back to Otaru which is famous for its canal & glass art. Lots of tunnels along the way and stillRead more
JapanHokkaidoKamifurano-chō43°28’26” N 142°38’34” E
May 21, 2016 in Japan ⋅ 🌙 17 °C
Today has been more of traditional Japanese experience. We pointed the trusty Wingroad - well up until the female English GPS operator went on strike, she did eventually return but it took someRead more
