The mountain looked very high. Though the cheery route map at the trailhead appeared to indicate that small children regularly raced to the top.
Blooming Aijisai, Flitting Tombo, and…Pooh Bear
Our good hiking friend Aki recommended that we visit the Mimurotoji Temple in Uji, a short train ride to the south of Kyoto. He said that in early June the temple's famous hydrangea garden (in Japanese, aijisai) would be in bloom. He was right!
Hiking Into the Unknown: Sort Of
Sometimes it's fun to look at a map and say "I wonder what going there would be like?", and then just go and see without trying to find out anything in advance...
The Extraordinary Koko-en Garden at Himeji Castle
Walking through the Koko-en Garden, located near the entrance to Himeji Castle, I imagined it to be centuries old. I was stunned to learn later that it was built in 1992!
Himeji Castle, 1333 to 2017: Rebuilt, Restored, Remarkable
Himeji Castle is largest and finest surviving example of feudal Japanese castle architecture. It's just about a one hour ride on the Shinkansen from Kyoto and we were very glad we made the trip!
Bikan in the Rain
Tourists come to the small city of Kurashiki to see an area that looks much like it did in the 17th century: the Bikan merchant quarter, which is centered around an ancient stone-line canal.
The Bamboo Forest
A stroll through the famed Sagano Bamboo Grove of giant Moso bamboo...
Nara is Ideal for a Self-Guided Temple Tour on Foot
The helpful woman at the Nara Tourist Information Center (Kansai Main Line Railway Station) placed a copy of the city map on the counter and quickly sketched out a route for us to see "the best sights in Nara" as requested by Rosemary. That was the start of a wonderful day of walking...
When You Live in Kyoto, Parking at Home Can be a Challenge
In Japan a population of almost 127 million lives in an area less than the size of the state of Maine. Which means home parking can be challenging in the city...
Shopping for Norens
A noren is a partial height hanging fabric with vertical slits that serves as a room divider. They are often seen at the entrance to small shops. We went out shopping for them...
Electric Travels 