Quick-stop in Transit
Hakata is best known for two things: being home to the largest wooden Buddha and Hakata Ramen. We tossed our bags in a coin locker at the station, halfway between Kumamoto and Hiroshima. It was raining on and off, so our walk was brisk. We saw a number of temples on the way, including one, […]
Storming the Castle
A quick 45 minute Shinkansen ride dropped us at Kumamoto Station. The city is best known for it’s castle, Kumamoto-jō, which was completed in 1607. The original was burned after a 50 day besiegement in 1877 during the Satsuma Rebellion, the last stand by the samurai against those who were making their way of life […]
Blooms and Volcanoes
Arriving in Kagoshima in the late afternoon, we checked in and relaxed for a bit before heading back out for dinner. It was great to see Miwa, who was in town for the weekend as well! She had been an exchange student to Cape Cod around the same time I was in Japan, and it […]
Nagasaki: The Bell Rings at 11:02
Nagasaki Peace Memorial A morning train ride brought us up to the north part of Nagasaki. We first entered the Peace Memorial Hall for Atomic Bomb Victims, which has a circular, outdoor walk to clear your mind before entering. We both knew today was going to be heavy but there is no real understanding until […]
Shinkansen to Nagasaki
The first Shinkansen voyage of the trip was a long haul. We left from Odawara Station, south of Yokohama. It was the first day the Japan Rail Pass was valid, and we were excited to start getting our money’s worth. The pass is only for visitors, and must be purchased before you arrive in Japan. […]
Hakone
Hakone and the surrounding area is a traditional gateway for people from Yokohama and Tokyo to escape the city and get out into nature. The area is mountainous and forested, and there are lots of things to do. Mt. Fuji is close, and if it isn’t covered in clouds you can get a gorgeous view. […]
Kamakura
Kamakura was the capital of Japan from 1185 to 1333. It was a time of great battles and feuds, but eventually a leader called Yoritomo set up his base at Kamakura, near those loyal to the Minamoto clan. The base remained a center of power for this shogun and his heirs until it was weakened […]
Home
The following day, my former homestay sister picked us up to spend a few days with her family. On the way, we took a long, relaxing detour to Sankeien, an expansive park with lots of trees flowers and a small lake, opened to the public in 1906. There are also a few relocated buildings, including […]
Yokohama Reunions
Arriving at Yokohama Station, I felt like I was back on my old stomping grounds. I lived here for about a year, my senior year of high-school and the summer after. I haven’t been the best at keeping in touch with my Hodogaya High classmates, but that didn’t stop us from putting together a little […]
Tokyo Continued
Since we used Choice Hotel points for our night in Tokyo, we were in a great, central location. The room was small but comfortable, and included a vast assortment of options for breakfast. There were eggs and Japanese sausage, salads, soups, onigiri (rice balls) in different flavors, bread and pastries, juice, coffee and tea. We […]