With the gardens having been closed as part of the Covid restrictions, we managed a visit here at the weekend … just before our most recent State of Emergency. We walked around the area in dark green on the map, the East Gardens. Covering 210,000 square metres, these gardens were renovated in the 1960’s. Our timing wasn’t great as we have missed the cherry blossom, the roses and the irises! But given that the Imperial Palace is at the centre…
Supermarkets Collecting points for your purchases at supermarkets are a big thing here in Japan. I’m a lazy shopper so use the three supermarkets in my vicinity. Hanamasa (good prices but larger sized packs as it targets the catering industry), Peacocks (middle of the road) & Life (more expensive & partners to Amazon to offer groceries in Tokyo). We decided to succumb to the offer of a Life Point Card and a charming saleslady duly set off installing it on…
Our next stop was Kurashiki and we stayed in the historical area next to canals. Rather different to our canals in Shibaura, these are lined with weeping willows and old restored buildings. The area is very dependent on tourism and it is suffering greatly with the lack of international and very few Japanese visitors. We found a few over-priced antique / bric-a-brac shops with an obsession with Nipper, the HMV dog. I checked since returning and Nipper was a dog…
As wonderful as Tokyo is, it was brilliant to escape for a few days. We travelled to Kobe on the Shinkansen …. 2.5 hours on the train v 6.5 hours driving, and picked up a hire car on our arrival. Although some of the State of Emergency restrictions have lifted, restaurants close at 8 pm with last orders for drinks at 7pm. Too late for a restaurant, our first night’s meal was from a convenience store; it was heated up…
Precision Parking Rainy Season We are now in rainy season … something like 6 weeks of rain in June & July. This is referred to as Tsuyu which translates to plum rain since it coincides with the ripening of plums. But at least it is warm rain! To know whether or not I need an umbrella, a quick look onto the streets beyond the canal tells me – St Mary’s Cathedral We came across this incredible building whilst out walking…
Japan does gardens so well – running water, bridges, trees and some fabulous flowers. What else could you possibly want; I haven’t yet seen a garden that disappoints. And we have yet to see the larger National Gardens that have been closed during these Covid times. New Otani Gardens Just 10 acres in size, this garden is in private ownership as part of a hotel complex but it is free to look around. It is one of my favourite spots…
You know that you are old, indeed ancient, when you are older than a castle! Atami Castle was built in 1959 as a visitor attraction high above the city so giving panoramic views over Atami from the 6th floor observatory deck. Not withstanding the dreadful incident in Italy, we travelled to the castle on cable car. We turned down tickets to the Adult Museum, little realising what further delights were ahead of us. The 6th floor was the viewing deck…
Olympics ….. ??? It is a fascinating time to be here …. the Olympics are certainly a HOT topic! In February the 83 year old head of the Tokyo Olympics Committee, and one time Prime Minister, resigned after his comment that women spoke too much in meetings made headlines around the world. Welcome to Japan; in the Global Gender Gap Report of 2020, Japan was ranked 121st out of 153 countries. What a disgrace! Recently I was attacked online by…
This is the second largest city in Japan … but to me it seems like a continuation of Tokyo since it is less than 30 minutes on the train. We spent time exploring the most recently developed areas, Minato Mirai, along the seafront and only afterwards I realised that I hadn’t seen a single temple or shrine! Landmark Tower Not only coastal views but a tower to view them from …. this one a mere 273 metres though. Flower Festival…
Shogi We came across this game whilst meandering around Tokyo. Shogi is known as Japanese chess, but unlike chess when the pieces have been captured by the opponent, they can then use by the piece as their own. Now I understand the flourish as one of the players slammed down a piece with a ‘take that’ look on his face! I can play chess & draughts but this looks beyond me. Poster at the Railway Station I love this poster…