May 11th Ryokan owners were away this morning, so no breakfasts were being made. Handed the key in to their son and set out for the train station on foot, having consumed one of the tofu bars bought yesterday. An … Continue reading →

May 10th Woke up full of anxiety and ready to go home. No reason. Many unexpected challenges on this trip. This pen is running out for one. Solved that challenge. Morning practice seems to have dealt with any other issues. … Continue reading →

May 9th Once again, the day begins to the sound of a crow calling. Is four degrees and there are snow capped mountains outside my window. Plan today is to do some much needed laundry and visit the castle, then … Continue reading →

May 8th The day begins to the sound of rain, crows in the distance and the temple bells. From the ryokan window Travel day. Always interesting. Another delightful breakfast. I have no idea what much of it was, but it … Continue reading →

May 7th Temple bells are ringing and it is raining. Ye gods! The breakfast was good! Inspires one to take up Japanese cooking again. Rice, with a selection of exquisite small side dishes: lotus root, daikon, some, I think mustard … Continue reading →

May 6th I have survived the night. Today is a travel day. Long and dark and full of terrors, as the saying goes. Plan is to arrive at Shibuya station with more than enough time to unravel the labyrinth and … Continue reading →

May 5th Children’s Day Public Holiday Not too bad a night’s sleep, considering. Nothing is open till eleven, if at all, given the holiday. Plan is to make a leisurely walk to the Meiji Shrine and see what unfolds for … Continue reading →

May 4th Made it to the hotel in Shibuya. It was a very long journey. Said goodbye to Tanwyn and Zoe at the airport, but that did not seem quite real. Take off was delayed by about half an hour … Continue reading →

Introduction Back in 2019, it was decided that a solo Japan trip would make the perfect sixtieth birthday present for me. So we planned, booked and began saving. Then we had the Covid years. By 2023, Japan had opened up … Continue reading →