World Traveller: 7 Continents, 90 Countries, 871 Days Overseas
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Monday 11 May 2015
Highlights: Shrine Gates at Fushimi Inari-Taisha, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Sushi train.
An early morning start leaving our hotel in Hiroshima for Kyoto that include two trains, the first was about 1 hour 30 minutes to Osaka and then another 15 minute bullet train to Kyoto. Our hotel (Ibis Kyoto) was right across from the station so a quick bag drop at reception and we were off to see the Shrine Gates. (more…)
Sunday 10 May 2015
Highlights: Shukkeien Garden, Miyajima Island Hike, Okonomiyaki dinner at Atom Restaurant.
About half our group enjoyed the optional activity of a visit to the Shukkeien Garden a short walk from the hotel. The garden was tranquil having a very zen like feel. The fish were not afraid of man and were almost jumping over themselves to be feed by us humans. (more…)
Saturday 9 May 2015
Highlights: Morning Prayers, Burning Ceremony, Monument to the Children, Hiroshima Peace Museum
After a night sleeping on the relatively comfortable thin mattress on the floor it was an early morning wake up to join the monks in their 6.30 am prayers and chanting to welcome the day and acknowledge both the evil and the good Buddha in us all.
Friday 8 May 2015
Highlights: Karukayado Monastery, Konpon Daito Temple, Konkobuji Temple, Oku-no-in Cemetery, Meditation with a monk.
Today we moved to Koyasan, taking a number of trains, buses and a funicular to get to the height of the mountain. Due to the travel style with limited space we had sent our main bags onto Hiroshima while just taking a night bag for today and tonight.
Funiculars are always fun and the train rides highlighted some great sights assuming you aren’t afraid of heights that is and their were many straight drops of the side.
Thursday 7 May 2015
Highlights: Osaka Castle
Today begins my next G Adventure tour, Japan Expess: Osaka to Tokyo. So this meant checking out of my single room and into a twin that I will later be sharing with fellow G Adventure traveller Alexander Taplin for the next 8 nights. (more…)
Wednesday 6 May 2015
Highlights: Shinkansen Bullet train to Osaka
Tuesday 5 May 2015
Highlights: Traditional Japanese Lunch experience, Great Buddha, Hasedera Temple, Old Japanese Houses
Another day tour with Sunset Tours meant I had little trouble finding the departure point and at 9.15 am we were off for a big day of discovery. Luckily the weather today was perfect, 21 and a little overcast, just right for walking around in big crowds. The 90 minute drive to Kamakura gave me a real chance to see something other than the urban sights I’d seen so far.
Monday 4 May 2015
Highlights: Marriage Ceremony, Asakusa Kannon (Buddist) Temple, Meiji Shinto Shrine, Boat cruise
Today I organised a day tour around Tokyo called the Panaoramic Toyko Day Tour which included a Bay Cruise. I was happy that I managed to navigate the train system and find my way to the Bus Terminal for the tours start without issue.
Sunday 3 May 2015
Highlights: Mini Earthquake
My second Sri Lankan Airlines flight in a few hours and this was more like an international flight. Despite leaving near midnight local time we were served dinner after take off and 6 hours later (about 2 hours out from Japan) also served breakfast. Thumbs up for this airline for their service. I expect I’ll travel with Sri Lankan Airlines again when I actually visit Sri Lanka and maybe as a transit hub for other destinations.
Saturday 2 May 2015
Highlights: Tight Indian Airport Security, Transit at Colombo Airport
Today was all about getting to Tokyo back that meant I had to get there via Sri Lanka as a transit. So this ended up taking over 19 hours from leaving the hotel in India, transiting in Colombo and then arriving at the Nariata International Airport in Japan.
Nathan's Insights 