As the floor plan shows, the lower levels of big Japanese resort hotels have something for everyone. Last week, in Kirishima, Kyushu, Japan, I walked through the hotel’s amusement area dressed in a yukata, clutching a towel, heading for the stairs to the outdoors hot springs. People were laughing and joking and drinking. Their…… Continue reading Channeling Eva Gabor in Kirishima
Category: Living
Channeling Eva Gabor
Posted Channeling Eva Gabor. Karaoke and worse.
Unzen-Amakusa National Park
Unzen-Amakusa National Park. Every time I saw a sign pointing to a peak, I climbed the peak.
The Joy of Bullet Trains
First bullet train ride on this trip. I’ve died and gone to heaven, or, Kumamoto. An official gave me some stickers.
Kirishima-Kinkowan National Park
Mount Ebinodake and Onami Pond.From where I’m sitting in my hotel room, I see steam vents, and can smell their sulfurous fumes. Further in the distance, over 20 miles further in the haze, is the unmistakable cone of Sakurajima, the massive, active volcano across the bay from Kagoshima, southern Japan. At night, I see the distant…… Continue reading Kirishima-Kinkowan National Park
It Takes a Village
Yesterday I was in such an intense conversation with Iris, thirtyish, from Switzerland, we almost missed the only bus from the trailhead that day. I get to meet fine people when hiking. These are people who put some effort into their travels. They discover and research trails, they put one foot in front of another…… Continue reading It Takes a Village
It Takes a Village
Posted It Takes a Village (and the miracle of the lady with the beer).
Ancient Cedar Forests
Exhausting day exploring ancient cedar forests on Yakushima. Knotted ropes were helpful in the steep bits.
Saturday Hike in Kagoshima
After being in Airport World for five days, it was good to spend today, Saturday, hiking in Kagoshima and the surrounding hills. When you hike on a Saturday you get to see the locals enjoying their place. Early in the hike I was the audience for a group of taiko drummers, practicing their art. I could feel…… Continue reading Saturday Hike in Kagoshima
Airport World, Day 5
Airport World, day 5. HND Airport conveniences. Toilet: child restraint. Check-in area: scales, special needs lounge.