Category: Japan

We started the day with a return to Meiji Shrine, walking through the peaceful forest of Meiji Jingu like we hadn’t just spent the last few days being battered around by Tokyo’s chaos. It’s one of those places that immediately allows you to slow down, right in the heart of the city, its a calm natural space. It was busier than last we came, but we are now into golden week so this is expected but we found some quiet parts off the main path.

No one made a plan for breakfast, so I did. I found a nice little bakery that did loads of French toast options and croissant options with fruit and chocolate, and they seemed to have good coffee too. Taking a seat at the entrance after putting our names down on the waiting list, we sat surrounded by loads of pot plants in a quiet, tucked-away spot right in the centre of town.

Today we went to see Osaka Castle, but there were so many side quests that the whole day felt full of things!

It was time to leave Sendai for the city of Osaka. I mean, Sendai is a city, but as soon as we got into Osaka, this felt like the most CITY of cities.

Well, it turns out I’m ill. I had a sore throat the day before yesterday, and it was worse yesterday with added snot. And today I’ve got headache, back ache, knee ache, snot, bogies, and sore throat, but luckily no coughing. Hopefully this is the worst day and, luckily, it’s a fairly sedentary day meandering around Matsushima Bay.

Today we had planned to go to a flower producer. The photos looked amazing, with huge fields of different-coloured flowers. But a Google review from four days ago said they are not out yet for this season, so we skipped the long drive to this potentially disappointing attraction and opted for Ginzan Onsen. I’m glad we did.

The day started with what can only be described as a character-building experience: Aimi driving us down the mountain from Zao Onsen towards Shibata. Now, I trust my wife with many things in life, but hurtling down narrow mountain roads with sheer drops and enthusiastic cornering is… an experience. I spent most of the journey alternating between admiring the scenery and mentally preparing my will. This little K-car is not built for mountain roads, or enthusiastic Europeans.

Turns out that Aimi insulted her more than we first thought…

This morning we parted ways. If you didn’t know us, you’d think we had a massive fight as we each shot towards opposite ends of the country at over 185mph.

Bullet train, baby!

Kai, Laura and Nath met us after a tasty breakfast sandwich and took us to a makers market they found on the way. Here, a lovely lady tried to convince me to live life without pants. Her handmade underwear would make me strong like Samurai…

I passed