9 March Moved on to Tokyo

This morning was an early one. Well it was for us as we've been used to leisurely starts to the day!

Up before 7am, bags packed, breakfast eaten and then a trek via several tube and trains to outskirts of Kyoto for a craft morning.

We spent the morning creating a traditional tile from our blobs of clay.

Two hours later this was my effort.

Ian's creation.

They're both very different despite having the same instructions. We've left them to dry out and be fired before they get posted back to us. I wonder what the finished product will look like?

After our creative morning it was a walk to the Shinkansen station in Kyoto for a bullet train to Tokyo. Just over 2 hours to do nearly 300 miles!

Our Tokyo accommodation is along the traditional Japanese style. Futons and sitting on the floor at low tables. Not quite sure how the hips and knees will cope with getting off the floor but we've got 5 days to practice.

We originally thought we'd booked accommodation without a bathroom but after opening every possible door we found the shower and sink area in between in bedroom and the kitchen. For a few minutes I thought I'd have to visit an onsen (a natural hot spring traditionally enjoyed like a normal bath but often communal). Without my swimming costume (it had gone back with Amy to reduce my baggage) it might've been the only option 😄.

Luckily not an option I had to take so we'll be sweet smelling by morning when we go off to explore Tokyo and the surrounding area.

8 March Staying Local in Osaka

After our mountain climb yesterday it was a day staying closer to base in Osaka today.

Peter and I headed out for a bit of shopping. First stop a second hand book shop for Peter to buy some Japanese books and then on to a stationary shop.

There was a bit of a drumming celebration outside one of the shops celebrating it's 300th anniversary!!

We have China Town in London. They have American Village in Osaka!

In American Village they have lamp posts painted like stickmen.

Loads of them and all very colourful.

Another manhole cover spotted.

This is a turning spot for cars. As there's not much space to get in and out of garages they drive onto this rotating circle so that they can then do 90° and drive straight into the lift for parking.

After lunch we took a few tube stops south to Osaka Zoo. Just 500 yen, approx £2.50 entry! Not sure if I've seen a hippo, especially one in such clear water.

Loads of crane nesting above the polar bear. Quite a sight when they were swooping low.

Tonight's dinner was shabu-shabu style. Very thinly sliced meat is swished in a boiling broth before being dunked in raw egg! Other raw ingredients like mushrooms, bean sprouts, cabbage and bamboo shoots are added to the broth. All cooked on your table - you add the ingredients as you want and you can order more as you go.

All finished with ice cream and coffee. A different sort of meal. Not sure I'll be rushing to repeat it though, but all part of the Japan experience 😄.

Tomorrow we'll be making our way across country to Tokyo after a morning in Kyoto doing a bit of arts and crafts!

7 March A Thousand Torii Gates

Today was a bit of a marathon. After travelling on a tube, double decker train and another train to get to the outskirts of Kyoto we had a good 2 hour walk! All to explore Sebon Torii, a mountainside shrine reached by walking along a path to the mountain's summit through thousands of the traditional red Torii gates.

Looks quite straightforward on a map!

Am impressive corridor of gates. Each one sacred.

Luckily there are loads of shrines on the route where you can rest, some with little souvenir shops and refreshments.

Made it to the top.

The summit shrine. Round the sides and back of it are hundreds of mini Torii gates. Each signifying a donation.

Pleased to have the path going down - at last!

No sign of the wild boor or monkeys on our walk. I didn't even appreciate monkeys were in the wild in Japan.

We think this is actual cherry blossom that was visible from the viewing platform as we returned back to our starting point.

I noticed that my the botom of my feet weren't aching today so theyust be getting used to their daily work out 😄.