Naoshima, an island in the pacific south of mainland japan, is all about the art. The buildings are art, the art buildings have art in them. A wonderful taste of real and ultra modern japan, but not in a technological sence. Really enjoyed the small passanger ferry over to the 1.5km wide island and staying with a japanese family. From Monet's Lilly's to TV's in the cliffs, Noashima has some awesome sights.
On route from Osaka to the Island of Art is a place called Himeji, famous for its C16 castle.Very impressive upclose, and you can climb to the very top. The Japanese train transport is incredably efficient and also very easy to use. Puts the UK to shame.
Osaka is essentially a smaller tokyo, the Birmingham of Japan, but the sub-culture's that run through its vains produce all the crazy stuff japan is famous for. Today I spend time at a "cat Cafe" - a place you can stroke pure bread cats with a coffee, and also SpaWorld, which is what can only be discribed as a Baths Theme park. All utterly weird but amazing experience's. Thanks to Chris for guiding us round the maze. Other oddities include a chappel in my Hotel on the 8th floor and our PhotoBooth efforts as well as a look at our Royan's Floor grass matts.
The once Japanese capital is a large city scattered with large amou t of temples and shrines. This was what I found at a few of them. Also, the 15 level central train/subway station is a totaly maze.
Kamakura, a seaside town south of tokyo, One gaint Budda and some of the first cherry blossoms of the year.
Been hiking up into the mountain to the dragons tounge falls, riding the bullet train and checking out japans toilet technology.
Nikko is a place 3 hours north of Tokyo, in the hills with world heritage temples and shrines. very impressive stuff.
Moving on from Tokyo after 4 days, walked and walked and done so much. My sleep is playing up a little, but the adventure continues.
Day 3 in Tokyo, Even got to see Biffy Clyro last night at a tiny 350 capacilty venue in suburban tokyo which was pretty mad. Mostly hanging out in the east of the city yesterday, a fishy part of the world.
After a few good nights sleep I tackled more of Tokyo. Squid balls, skyscrapers and backstreets.
