History day #2: massive Kumamoto Castle, a reproduction. The last samuris largely destroyed the original in 1877.
Category: Japan
Dejima, Nagasaki
Dejima artificial island, Nagasaki: from 1641–1859, Japan’s only link to Europe. That’s why I’m visiting Nagasaki.
Nagasaki Peace Park
Origami cranes, Nagasaki Peace Park.
Up Next: Nagasaki
Today, Monday: Kagoshima to my next base, Nagasaki. I’ll take a bullet train, then an express train.
Up a Volcano with a Swedish Dancer
Climbed a 3000 ft volcano with a Swedish dancer. The trail curves round the volcano, no switchbacks–unique in Japan.
Passing Through Cedar
A Shared Culture When I’m in Japan I feel happiest and most comfortable when I’m hiking. When I pass another hiker in rain gear on the trail, a cheery “konnichiwa” is enough said. We look at each other, knowing we are sharing the same experience. A shared culture across different cultures lets me belong. Pursuit… Continue reading Passing Through Cedar
Passing through Cedar
Wrote about why I enjoy hiking, particularly in Japan.
Jetfoil to Kagoshima
Early evening jetfoil back to Kagoshima after another good day hiking in the mountains of the island of Yakushima.
Postcard From Yakushima
Postcard for C and D from the island of Yakushima. It was my admission ticket to Yakushima National Park.
Ancient Cedar Forest
Hiked all day through a huge ancient cedar forest between 3500 ft and sea level. Some trees are 1000’s of years old.