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Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - Page 7

Day 19 - Wednesday, 13 November 2019

No ice just blue skies

Climbing Mount Bandai from Inawashiro station

Today was the longest hike of the trip so far. Unless I get lost somewhere on my 3 remaining hiking days, it will likely remain the longest hike of the trip.
The weather was absolutely SUPERB. I cannot overstate that. I had seen photos taken just 4 or 5 days ago from near the summit of Mount Bandai that showed a similar amount of ice to that which I experienced on Mount Zao. Probably taken on the same day as I climbed Mount Zao then I guess. There was no ice at all today, and taking my jacket was a mistake. Shorts would have been fine!

The hike today can be split into 5 distinct sections.
1. From the station to the ski fields.
2. From the bottom of the ski fields to the hiking trail.
3. From the hiking trail to the plateau.
4. From the plateau to the emergency shelter.
5. From the emergency shelter to the summit.

Then you have to do them all again in reverse.
Most people would not walk, or run as I did from the station to the ski fields. In fact most people use a completely different much shorter trail approaching from the west which meets up with the trail I used at the Emergency shelter. Going this way requires a car, but would halve the time taken.

Getting back to the station at the end of the day was a mad sprint. I ran the last 5km at ridiculous speed, wearing my jacket, and had a full sweat going on as I made the train by 5 seconds. Missing it meant a 90 minute wait for the next one! It sure was exhilarating to run so fast at the end of a long day. Then the train was quite full of people looking at me trying to figure out why I was wearing a jacket and sweating profusely.

Lots of pics today, the very bright sun ruined some of them, as did the farmers smoke which created a terrible haze. The sky was amazingly blue at times, the difference between bright sun and dark shadows made it impossible not to clip exposure levels in some shots.
Thats enough text, lets do the photos.

Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - The peak at the back is Mount Bandai. Theres a cliff with rocks that you will see later, so you have to hike around the back to get to the summit.

The peak at the back is Mount Bandai. Theres a cliff with rocks that you will see later, so you have to hike around the back to get to the summit.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - I passed a shrine on my way up to the ski field but had no time to explore, just enough time for this leaf shot. As you can see a tv crew was filming

I passed a shrine on my way up to the ski field but had no time to explore, just enough time for this leaf shot. As you can see a tv crew was filming below. I ruined their live cross to NHK.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - The view from the ski field car park is pretty good, apart from that damn smoke rising into the sky everywhere.

The view from the ski field car park is pretty good, apart from that damn smoke rising into the sky everywhere.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - Time to start my ascent through the ski fields. There are not as many ski runs as Mount Zao, and there is no sightseeing cable car at all, just the sk

Time to start my ascent through the ski fields. There are not as many ski runs as Mount Zao, and there is no sightseeing cable car at all, just the ski lifts which obviously are not yet operating.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - The view back down remained great. I was following a yamap map again to know which ski slopes to run up.

The view back down remained great. I was following a yamap map again to know which ski slopes to run up.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - I can assure you its much steeper than it looks. The only vehicles using that service road have caterpillar tracks.

I can assure you its much steeper than it looks. The only vehicles using that service road have caterpillar tracks.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - Lots of mountains around here.

Lots of mountains around here.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - The peak does not seem to be getting any closer.

The peak does not seem to be getting any closer.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - You will see a lot of Lake Inawashiro today. It is the fourth largest in Japan.

You will see a lot of Lake Inawashiro today. It is the fourth largest in Japan.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - Here is the view from the very top of the ski fields.

Here is the view from the very top of the ski fields.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - Time to start phase 3 of the hike, ski fields to plateau.

Time to start phase 3 of the hike, ski fields to plateau.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - I thought the weather could change at any point, even though it never did, so I was getting every kind of photo while the sky was still clear, includi

I thought the weather could change at any point, even though it never did, so I was getting every kind of photo while the sky was still clear, including one of these.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - This is the start of the plateau section, with the peak of Mount Bandai in the distance.

This is the start of the plateau section, with the peak of Mount Bandai in the distance.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - There are a number of small lakes and marshes in this area. It was a great part of the hike, quite flat, I ran most of it.

There are a number of small lakes and marshes in this area. It was a great part of the hike, quite flat, I ran most of it.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - A small shrine of some kind.

A small shrine of some kind.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - Now its time to get out of the trees and start appreciating the view. Below is what I have been referring to as the plateau. Word of the day is platea

Now its time to get out of the trees and start appreciating the view. Below is what I have been referring to as the plateau. Word of the day is plateau, you will hear it some more.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - It still looks like a long way up from here!

It still looks like a long way up from here!


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - There is nowhere you can really plummet on this hike, but this area has been roped off, the ridge was very fine volcanic looking rock. Also, check out

There is nowhere you can really plummet on this hike, but this area has been roped off, the ridge was very fine volcanic looking rock. Also, check out those snow capped peaks in the distance, those are the ones I saw on the train from Niigata to Yamagata.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - I believe that area is off limits.

I believe that area is off limits.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - Now this is the far side of the mountain, and its a high plateau where all those blue lakes are. It does not look anywhere near as far down as the ski

Now this is the far side of the mountain, and its a high plateau where all those blue lakes are. It does not look anywhere near as far down as the ski field side to Lake Inawashiro. Keep scrolling I will show you.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - This part of the hike had great views of cliffs.

This part of the hike had great views of cliffs.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - The peak STILL seemed far off, but I was enjoying myself.

The peak STILL seemed far off, but I was enjoying myself.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - Looks like a quarry has destroyed the mountain, I suspect a volcanic eruption did.

Looks like a quarry has destroyed the mountain, I suspect a volcanic eruption did.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - Here is the emergency shelter, it is where the main trail from a road joins on. I saw only one other person before getting to this hut. After the hut

Here is the emergency shelter, it is where the main trail from a road joins on. I saw only one other person before getting to this hut. After the hut to the summit there were lots of people.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - Bonus pic of small lake plateau.

Bonus pic of small lake plateau.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - Cool cliff, tricky light. This kind of shows how I had hiked around to the back of the mountain to get up.

Cool cliff, tricky light. This kind of shows how I had hiked around to the back of the mountain to get up.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - Some more snowy peaks, very near the top now.

Some more snowy peaks, very near the top now.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - Here is the summit. It was actually an easier hike than I thought, it took a long time because I had to get from the station to the ski slopes, but th

Here is the summit. It was actually an easier hike than I thought, it took a long time because I had to get from the station to the ski slopes, but the path was well maintained, no ropes or ladders anywhere.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - Now for some summit views, there are those yellowy looking sandy ridges.

Now for some summit views, there are those yellowy looking sandy ridges.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - I think this is looking back towards Koriyama over smaller mountains.

I think this is looking back towards Koriyama over smaller mountains.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - And there is all of Lake Inawashiro. It fits in one shot! It looks a long way down! I started from very close to the lake where the station is.

And there is all of Lake Inawashiro. It fits in one shot! It looks a long way down! I started from very close to the lake where the station is.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - Time for another shot of my big old head.

Time for another shot of my big old head.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - There were a few others at the summit.

There were a few others at the summit.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - I am on my way down here. This side is mainly in shade this time of year, and its where I saw an ice tunnel in recent photos. No ice today.

I am on my way down here. This side is mainly in shade this time of year, and its where I saw an ice tunnel in recent photos. No ice today.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - The light was better on the way down, but I did not take as many photos. I am sure you are all relieved.

The light was better on the way down, but I did not take as many photos. I am sure you are all relieved.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - A nice green area. Slimy.

A nice green area. Slimy.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - Oh, its the plateau again. Both on the way up and down I had this all to myself.

Oh, its the plateau again. Both on the way up and down I had this all to myself.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - The path down was rockier than I remembered on the way up!

The path down was rockier than I remembered on the way up!


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - I had made very good time, so I decided to take a slight detour on the way down to another peak. It only adds 20 minutes or so. Here is the view from

I had made very good time, so I decided to take a slight detour on the way down to another peak. It only adds 20 minutes or so. Here is the view from unnamed peak looking back at Mount Bandai.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - Of course I had hiked back up hill so I could hike futher down hill.

Of course I had hiked back up hill so I could hike futher down hill.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - But it did allow me to complete THE STANCE. Note these are my mountain clothes. They appear in many photos on many trips for many years now! The top i

But it did allow me to complete THE STANCE. Note these are my mountain clothes. They appear in many photos on many trips for many years now! The top in particular is more than ten years old, and looks it. It was soaked through on my back with sweat!


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - Cool view down. I am over half way down at this point, better light, better detail. Oh look, some cloud on the horizon.

Cool view down. I am over half way down at this point, better light, better detail. Oh look, some cloud on the horizon.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - Back at the ski fields, now I can run!

Back at the ski fields, now I can run!


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - I did not run the whole way, but should have, I should have checked earlier when the train was coming....

I did not run the whole way, but should have, I should have checked earlier when the train was coming....


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - It does not take long to get back to the ski field parking lot. I NARUTO RAN the last bit. Look that up.

It does not take long to get back to the ski field parking lot. I NARUTO RAN the last bit. Look that up.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - Then I checked the train timetable, and realised I had about 25 minutes to run 5km. At least it was down hill, but remember by now I had hiked up a mo

Then I checked the train timetable, and realised I had about 25 minutes to run 5km. At least it was down hill, but remember by now I had hiked up a mountain and already travelled over 20km. TIME TO GET RUNNING. I made it onto the platform just as the train arrived, no joke!


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - Here I am, sweating profusely as I board the train. Another great day in the mountains today, the weather really helped make it excellent!

Here I am, sweating profusely as I board the train. Another great day in the mountains today, the weather really helped make it excellent!


Lard noodles

Eating Champon in Koriyama

Champon, also known as chanpon, is the main thing people eat in Nagasaki. I was not brave enough to eat it when I was in Nagasaki last year. It is literally udon noodles and other things, cooked in lard. The soup then has lard added to it. And yes it tastes like lard. I am not a big fan! I decided today was the day when I had burnt enough calories to give lard noodle soup a try. Once was probably enough.

I have now explored Koriyama a bit, but not too much, I was taking it easy this evening. Initial impressions are that Fukushima, just up the road, is busier and nicer. Thats not to say Koriyama is horrible, I am just trying to pick a winner.
I see there are 2 big malls quite near the centre of Koriyama, those may have impacted business in the city centre. Rain is forecast tomorrow, so who knows, I might end up at a mall.

Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - Japanese concept maybe. You have no kitchen in your house, you go to the rental kitchen when you feel like cooking.

Japanese concept maybe. You have no kitchen in your house, you go to the rental kitchen when you feel like cooking.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - I thought this evening I would just go to the station and that would be the end of that. Here is the station photo. But as you will see, I then decide

I thought this evening I would just go to the station and that would be the end of that. Here is the station photo. But as you will see, I then decided to wander and gawk a bit.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - The covered street thing is pretty small here.

The covered street thing is pretty small here.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - The station has their christmas illuminations ready to go, but they do not seem to be turning them on yet, instead I present, snowman out the front of

The station has their christmas illuminations ready to go, but they do not seem to be turning them on yet, instead I present, snowman out the front of a bar.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - The main street was busy enough.

The main street was busy enough.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - There are also a few busy side streets.

There are also a few busy side streets.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - If I was going to go to a bar, this is the one for me.

If I was going to go to a bar, this is the one for me.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - A lot of Koriyama places are quite vertical, and many of them are owned by a company called 'Elite'. There are at least 10 such towers I noticed so fa

A lot of Koriyama places are quite vertical, and many of them are owned by a company called 'Elite'. There are at least 10 such towers I noticed so far. All seem to be a mix of bars, love hotels and karaoke in one building. Also I did not photograph it but theres a cool looking cinema, with 10 screens, in 5 buildings. Very unusual. The 5 building thing is why I did not photograph it, 5 photos would have been too many.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - The alleyways here are not too narrow.

The alleyways here are not too narrow.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - Tourist information centre. I went in and asked what time the zoo would be open tomorrow.

Tourist information centre. I went in and asked what time the zoo would be open tomorrow.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - And here they are, lard noodles. If you like lard, give them a try!

And here they are, lard noodles. If you like lard, give them a try!


There are currently 4 comments - click to add

Brian on 2019-11-14 said:

Bullshit? Sounds like the place I work 🤣🤣🤣🤣


adriana on 2019-11-13 said:

I notice the main shopping street has awnings over the footpaths like in Kyoto. Very convenient. time you had something other than soup and noodles for dinner. Or curry. Your challenge for tomorrow.


David on 2019-11-13 said:

I would have been disappointed if you did not mention the word tree line.
Not quite 2000m. But it has 1500m prominence. There were trees in the valleys near the summit, some of the lower down bits that are bald are too sulphury for trees to grow. Fuji only has about 10cm of soil on top of hard lava from historic eruptions, hence the trees end very low down compared to other mountains.


mother on 2019-11-13 said:

Looked it up - I can Naruto stagger. How high were you today? The peak looks like it is above the tree line with all the rocky terrain.


Day 20 - Thursday, 14 November 2019

Turtle hunt

Wandering around the many gardens of Koriyama

Today is my rest day after yesterdays big hike. The weather seemed very changeable. There was very fast moving cloud, high winds, then a few seconds of sunshine and no wind, then rainbows, but never really any rain. At least where I was.
I set off towards the main park, described as a beloved park, Kaiseizan. What I want to know now though, does any place describe their park as a hated park? Anyway, it was not much of a park, just a few sporting stadiums, a pond, a metal red bridge. No turtles.

In one of the sporting stadiums a school sports day was being held. I watched from afar, cause watching kids is creepy and I will be arrested. The 10 year olds were lined up for the 800m, which is two laps of the track. I was amused that in a 2 lap race, about half the field got lapped. Shameful.

After the main park and attached shrine visit, I battled a leaf force gale (leaves were sandblasting me) and headed to the mall. Literally its called 'The Mall'. Strangely this mall had nowhere to sit and have a cup of coffee. There were 2 supermarkets and a kind of department store, as well as a food court. Mcdonalds was the only place serving coffee of any kind. After a quick walk through I pushed on.

Then I stumbled onto numerous other parks and gardens, they didnt seem to rate a mention on the things to do in Koriyama lists, but they were a lot nicer than Kaiseizan. At least in my (correct) opinion. One feature of these parks is that all the kids playground equipment was roped off. All of it. Swings removed, slides roped off, monkey bars covered in hazard tape. What happened?

Finally I wandered back into the main part of town, found somewhere for another coffee, fled from the flash Tiffany and Gucci department store and ended up having a crust free fruit sandwich for lunch.
Somehow that was still quite a lot of walking despite not doing anything, and I am back at my hotel just after lunch with nothing planned.

Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - Heading towards the Kaiseizan garden, and the skies were looking ominous. Fast moving cloud. Nice street though.

Heading towards the Kaiseizan garden, and the skies were looking ominous. Fast moving cloud. Nice street though.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - My first stop was the baseball stadium. I was surprised the gate was open and I could just wander around.

My first stop was the baseball stadium. I was surprised the gate was open and I could just wander around.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - If you look closely, its a rainbow.

If you look closely, its a rainbow.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - This is probably the best view of the beloved park, and its red metal bridge.

This is probably the best view of the beloved park, and its red metal bridge.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - The martyr monument. No is it? Do they have those in Japan or just in the other Asian countries? Are they generally monuments to people who died fight

The martyr monument. No is it? Do they have those in Japan or just in the other Asian countries? Are they generally monuments to people who died fighting Japan? I have no idea.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - The nearby shrine smelt brand new. It smelt like freshly cut timber. I hoped they installed a fire suppression system!

The nearby shrine smelt brand new. It smelt like freshly cut timber. I hoped they installed a fire suppression system!


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - The grounds of the shrine were quite nice.

The grounds of the shrine were quite nice.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - Back to the beloved park now, here is the outdoor performance area. A live performance of leaf sweeping was occurring.

Back to the beloved park now, here is the outdoor performance area. A live performance of leaf sweeping was occurring.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - The train was fenced off. I wanted to climb up the ladder and pretend to be a train driver.

The train was fenced off. I wanted to climb up the ladder and pretend to be a train driver.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - Some leaf color, more later.

Some leaf color, more later.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - Here is 'The Mall'. Its a mall. A mall without a coffee shop.

Here is 'The Mall'. Its a mall. A mall without a coffee shop.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - Cultural misappropriation!

Cultural misappropriation!


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - Its an older style mall. Photo here otherwise I am sure there would be complaints. There were no empty shops at all.

Its an older style mall. Photo here otherwise I am sure there would be complaints. There were no empty shops at all.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - I fled the mall and found an open gate to this garden. I was not sure if I was supposed to just walk in or not as there were signs on the open gate su

I fled the mall and found an open gate to this garden. I was not sure if I was supposed to just walk in or not as there were signs on the open gate suggesting you cant come in. I went in anyway, snapped a quick photo and left.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - Nearby the private garden area was this public garden area. And surprise blue sky. No turtles though.

Nearby the private garden area was this public garden area. And surprise blue sky. No turtles though.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - Another park nearby. This is the one that had all the playground equipment roped off with crime scene CSI tape.

Another park nearby. This is the one that had all the playground equipment roped off with crime scene CSI tape.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - Annnnnd the last garden for today. Still no turtles. My turtle hunt had failed.

Annnnnd the last garden for today. Still no turtles. My turtle hunt had failed.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - Last pic for the day, the beloved historic Usui concrete block. Its the flashiest department store in town, with Tiffany, Luis Vuitton, nothing of int

Last pic for the day, the beloved historic Usui concrete block. Its the flashiest department store in town, with Tiffany, Luis Vuitton, nothing of interest to me. It has been constructed to last a thousand years. It was blue sky when I went in, brief sideways pouring rain 5 minutes later when I came out.


The opposite end of the aeon

Shopping at Aeon Town in Koriyama

It was cold tonight, I didnt take many photos, so time for a rant.

I dont understand why geishas are romanticized as they are. On the one hand, I come from a round eye country where grid girls have been banned at car races, beauty pageants no longer exist, using attractive females in advertising of any kind leads to product boycotts.
Meanwhile in Japan, 15 year old girls are trained to entertain wealthy men and because they do so while painting their face white and wearing a kimono, its considered magical and wonderful, the flower and willow world.

I am aware that they have taken sexual services off the menu, officially, despite former prime minister of Japan Sosuke Uno losing his job in 1985 for providing stingy gifts in exchange for sex to the Geisha Mitsuko Nakanishi. The funniest part about that story is there wasnt outrage for his affair with a Geisha, the outrage was that he did not lavish her with enough gifts! I will assume that no longer happens.
We are still left with the concept of girls and women who are housed under a 'mother', cut off from their families and the outside world, and trained in music, dance and appearance to flirt with wealthy men and make them feel important, for a huge fee. $800 an hour seems to be the going rate.

Wherever I looked online today, I saw only people defending this wonderful practice. Because, tradition. The actual tradition is far worse than the watered down version of what a Geisha now is but I digress.

What I dont understand is, if you go to Tokyo or Osaka or any other big Japanese city, there are young girls, in maid outfits, sometimes with a tail and cat ears, who feed fat guys cheesecake and sing for them in cafes.

Whats the difference? The maid cafe girls get to have lives outside of the cafe, see their friends and family, watch tv, own a phone, have a partner of their choosing etc. Geishas, do not.

Thats enough rant, back to Tokyo for me tomorrow.

Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - I crossed over to the wrong side of the tracks. It was an illuminating experience. These are all hand decorated.

I crossed over to the wrong side of the tracks. It was an illuminating experience. These are all hand decorated.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - Before long I ended up at Aeon town. A different sort of shopping centre. Lots of big box stores.

Before long I ended up at Aeon town. A different sort of shopping centre. Lots of big box stores.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - The big value store appeared to be a Wal-Mart clone.

The big value store appeared to be a Wal-Mart clone.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - My mother said no noodles no curry, so here it is, honey chicken / fish / pork / tofu with vegetables, miso, rice, salad.

My mother said no noodles no curry, so here it is, honey chicken / fish / pork / tofu with vegetables, miso, rice, salad.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - One side of Aeon town had a factory outlet kind of setup. And a nice ice cream shop that let me order a 200 yen kiddie cup. They were very confused th

One side of Aeon town had a factory outlet kind of setup. And a nice ice cream shop that let me order a 200 yen kiddie cup. They were very confused that I made my selection without tasting them all on disposable plastic spoons.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - On my way back, a long exposure. Star beams are not very nice looking, I think f/16 aperture makes them look crappy, should have stuck to f/8. The bul

On my way back, a long exposure. Star beams are not very nice looking, I think f/16 aperture makes them look crappy, should have stuck to f/8. The bullet train goes over head here, and they dont all stop at Koriyama, they go past at full speed. I can also see them from my hotel window. Everything shakes and electricity arcs from the wires. At one time today I think a passing train set off car alarms.


There are currently 3 comments - click to add

David on 2019-11-14 said:

Research and rant was brought on by all the online discussion about the ban on photos in the Gion district in kyoto


jenny on 2019-11-14 said:

interesting rant - i tend to agree. what set it off?


mother on 2019-11-14 said:

The monument is to thank the pioneers who were involved in some kind of land development project. I did some research.


Day 21 - Friday, 15 November 2019

Back to the big city

From Koriyama to Tokyo on the Shinkansen

Now I am back in Tokyo, Korea town on the outskirts of Shinjuku to be precise, it will be my last stop.
I still have 6 more nights here, which means probably 3 more hikes, 2 days of doing not much, today and the day I go home... yeah that adds up. That will be weather dependent of course.

From Koriyama to Shinjuku is a 90 minute bullet train ride followed by a normal rapid Chuo line train from Tokyo station to Shinjuku followed by a small walk through Kabukicho to Korea town. I see Korean food in my future.

The train today was not very full, which was lucky, the guy next to me had 2 laptops, an ipad, an iphone and a flip phone on the go. From what I could understand, he was using Microsoft excel on one laptop, copying a pdf version of an excel file on the other laptop, using his ipad to look up help on how to use excel and using his two phones as calculators. Everyone around us was marveling at his amazing efficiency, not even one fax machine or pager was needed.

I have not stayed in Shinjuku the last couple of trips, it is full of tourists including me, and full of places I would like to eat at which all have full English menus everywhere. On some street corners, tourists outnumber locals. Also the robot cafe which I have never been to and will never go to now seems to occupy 9 blocks of Kabukicho. Theres at least 5 different buildings acting as ticket offices, as well as waiting area buildings and marketing buildings.

Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - I got up early and walked a lap of Koriyama. Excellent weather today, it really should have been a hiking day.

I got up early and walked a lap of Koriyama. Excellent weather today, it really should have been a hiking day.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - Another shot of blue sky from a convenient overpass. A woman reading her phone walked into me as I was standing here and got very angry at me for bein

Another shot of blue sky from a convenient overpass. A woman reading her phone walked into me as I was standing here and got very angry at me for being in her way! Its forbidden to eat or drink and walk at the same time in Japan, reading your phone and walking into people is fine though.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - View from Koriyama station. Nice clouds.

View from Koriyama station. Nice clouds.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - View of Koriyama station. Also nice clouds.

View of Koriyama station. Also nice clouds.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - Todays picture from a moving train features flat terrain. Its nearly all flat from Koriyama back to Tokyo.

Todays picture from a moving train features flat terrain. Its nearly all flat from Koriyama back to Tokyo.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - This is just before stopping at Utsonomiya, which i basically the start of the built up Tokyo metropolitan area. From this point on its all city.

This is just before stopping at Utsonomiya, which i basically the start of the built up Tokyo metropolitan area. From this point on its all city.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - Guess what? I was too early to check in, so I went and did a bit of Scientology. Inside tip - the aliens are coming out of the volcano some time next

Guess what? I was too early to check in, so I went and did a bit of Scientology. Inside tip - the aliens are coming out of the volcano some time next week.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - Heres a crossing near Shinjuku station, on the wrong side of the tracks.

Heres a crossing near Shinjuku station, on the wrong side of the tracks.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - A view back to the right side of the tracks as a train goes overhead.

A view back to the right side of the tracks as a train goes overhead.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - And heres my last boring APA hotel photo of this trip. It is a weird setup, the bed is backwards with a bar area behind it. The TV is behind where I s

And heres my last boring APA hotel photo of this trip. It is a weird setup, the bed is backwards with a bar area behind it. The TV is behind where I sit here typing this, and is the biggest tv yet. Having said all that, its probably the newest room I have stayed in on this trip, you can tell because it has more power points. There are 5 different APA hotels within 100 metres of here.


Off broadway

Curry for dinner at Nakano

I have been to Nakano at least twice before. It is very conveniently located from Shinjuku, just one stop on the Chuo rapid line. And since I had already activated my use any 5 out of 14 days train pass today to get to Tokyo, I thought I should maximise its value and use a train this evening rather than just hang around in Shinjuku. That was another one of my really poorly constructed sentences.

I really like Nakano. Sure the actual Broadway old shopping centre is very interesting, with all the shops full of anything you could possibly ever want to collect, but also, the surrounding streets are great too. I think theres more little casual restaurants per square unit of measure than anywhere else in Shinjuku. On a Friday night, many of them had lines. Also they were nearly all Ramen places or meat on sticks. I still dont think of meat on sticks as being a meal, so I ended up with curry? That made very little sense I know, but I spotted a curry place I think I went to last time I was here for dinner. I could not quite remember for certain. The place serves you the curry in a metal dog bowl, which is a good sign. I guess I could check now if I had eaten there before... be right back.... yes I did, and I had the same thing! HERE IS THE PROOF! That was from 2012, when I went to Tokyo for a long weekend. I have an amazing memory.
Actually I did something similar involving curry before. In 2017 I found a very weirdly located place called pyramid curry in Kobe that I had previously visited in 2012 also. In 2012 I actually went to Japan twice. I could link those shots of old bowls of brown on rice to prove how amazing my memory is as well.... ok I will.

2012 Pyramid curry in Kobe
2017 Pyramid curry in Kobe

Having such a great memory is a real burden, there are many things I wish I could forget. Repeat curry is not two of them.

Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - Between the station and the place called Nakano Broadway is this covered shopping street. More restaurants than most of these places.

Between the station and the place called Nakano Broadway is this covered shopping street. More restaurants than most of these places.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - There are many little alleyways running in every direction, lots and lots of restaurants.

There are many little alleyways running in every direction, lots and lots of restaurants.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - Here, another alleyway.

Here, another alleyway.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - I shall call thee, flashback curry.

I shall call thee, flashback curry.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - This is inside the Otaku area. It has never been busy when I have been there.

This is inside the Otaku area. It has never been busy when I have been there.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - A little more Otaku. I like the headphone stores and audio gear stores the best, but it is mostly comics, dolls etc.

A little more Otaku. I like the headphone stores and audio gear stores the best, but it is mostly comics, dolls etc.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - It is definitely a popular area, a good mix of everything, old, new, weird, clean and shiny.

It is definitely a popular area, a good mix of everything, old, new, weird, clean and shiny.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - The Nakano station is a little weird, you can reach up and touch moving trains as they go past. I do not recommend doing this.

The Nakano station is a little weird, you can reach up and touch moving trains as they go past. I do not recommend doing this.


Japan for the 9th time - Oct and Nov 2019 - Here is tonights shot of a train platform. Night versions are generally more interesting than day versions. Although this mornings had nice clouds.

Here is tonights shot of a train platform. Night versions are generally more interesting than day versions. Although this mornings had nice clouds.


There are currently 3 comments - click to add

adriana on 2019-11-15 said:

a shotengai (covered shopping street) that is still alive - yay!


David on 2019-11-15 said:

I still have 53 to choose from on my list


mother on 2019-11-15 said:

Are there any hikes left round Tokyo that you haven't already done?


Page 8 is all about Tokyo, and nearby mountains of course.

Contents

Day 1 - Saturday, 26 October 2019
  I do not care if I am late
  Bike pump
Day 2 - Sunday, 27 October 2019
  Still not in Tokyo
  Killing time in familiar places
  Finally ran out of puff
Day 3 - Monday, 28 October 2019
  Expensive trip to small mountain
  Sky Soba
Day 4 - Tuesday, 29 October 2019
  An entire forest just for me
  New and undercover
Day 5 - Wednesday, 30 October 2019
  Three peak party
  All the neon in all the places
Day 6 - Thursday, 31 October 2019
  The quiet river
  Busy but not as busy
Day 7 - Friday, 1 November 2019
  Au naturale hiking trail
  The station is so station
Day 8 - Saturday, 2 November 2019
  Surprise Buddha
  The town that got bypassed
Day 9 - Sunday, 3 November 2019
  A walk in the volcano park
  Takasaki has a lot of shops
Day 10 - Monday, 4 November 2019
  Staying the course
  Walkway to nowhere
Day 11 - Tuesday, 5 November 2019
  Quiet coastal city under construction
  Early night
Day 12 - Wednesday, 6 November 2019
  Fast run up an icy mountain
  Still quiet
Day 13 - Thursday, 7 November 2019
  Lagooning about
  Bus rapid transit
Day 14 - Friday, 8 November 2019
  Full range
  Once more to the station
Day 15 - Saturday, 9 November 2019
  A bridge between two tunnels
  Jacket time
Day 16 - Sunday, 10 November 2019
  Ice capades on magic mountain
  A rare event indeed
Day 17 - Monday, 11 November 2019
  Repeat visit
  Rain the other way
Day 18 - Tuesday, 12 November 2019
  Hot and very windy
  Fuku-Kori-Shima-Yama
Day 19 - Wednesday, 13 November 2019
  No ice just blue skies
  Lard noodles
Day 20 - Thursday, 14 November 2019
  Turtle hunt
  The opposite end of the aeon
Day 21 - Friday, 15 November 2019
  Back to the big city
  Off broadway
Day 22 - Saturday, 16 November 2019
  Dam dirty and noisy hike
  No sign of tension
Day 23 - Sunday, 17 November 2019
  Entry fee
  Expensive hamburger patty
Day 24 - Monday, 18 November 2019
  The most time consuming
  Favourite dinner
Day 25 - Tuesday, 19 November 2019
  Training day
  Double juku buya
Day 26 - Wednesday, 20 November 2019
  More landslides
  The last supper
Day 27 - Thursday, 21 November 2019
  Between flights
  The end