Dwight checked out the sampuru, realistic plastic models of food, before we all headed inside for dinner. In the past, I would take a photo of my choice to show the server what I wanted. But these days, Google Translate is so good, we can just point our phones at the menu.
Category: Living
Kumamoto Station
When traveling in Japan, I look for buildings by architect Tadao Ando. Today, while staying in a hotel at Kumamoto Station, I noticed some familiar simple-yet-elegant architectural elements. Eventually, I discovered Ando had designed the station. It was time for a closer look!
Up Next: Kagoshima City
On the local train to Kagoshima City.
Hike to the Top
Walked with our nephew and brother-in-law up to this crater lake, Onami Pond, and walked around one side of the caldera. We then climbed Mount Karakuni, the highest point in the National Park. Reversed course and returned via the opposite side of the caldera. Back at our digs, hot springs worked wonders on our aching…… Continue reading Hike to the Top
Treading Carefully
Hiked the Ebino Highlands of Kirishima-Kinkowan National Park. The hike took a little longer than planned because we had to avoid volcanic gases.
A Quick Trip to Kawasaki Daishi Temple
Tonight we’re staying in a Tokyo Haneda Airport hotel, between flights. Made a quick side-trip to the Kawasaki Daishi temple. This statue depicts Kobo Daishi, a ninth century monk who established the Shikoku 88 pilgrimage. We’ll walk part of it for a day later in this trip.
MSP–HND
Boarding at MSP with our nephew and his dad. Grateful for this chance to explore Japan together.
Japan 2023
More journeys ≫
Houseplant Corral
Consolidated houseplants so they could be hooked up to our irrigation system. Periodic misting runs automatically but Dwight prefers to initiate watering himself, even when we’re traveling. Two cameras provide visual and auditory evidence that the system is operating correctly.
The Sun Will Shine
Did risk analysis for next week’s trip. This system will have passed by the time we fly into Kagoshima (blue pin) to hike. Nearby Sakurajima (volcano) is active, but not enough to close the airport. The red line is the anticipated path of a typhoon. We will hike, the sun will shine.