On the local train to Kagoshima City.
Category: Asia
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.
Slowing Down
After a long journey to southern Japan, we are finally relaxing in a simple, traditional hotel in the Kirishima mountains, next to a national park. We are staying in tatami rooms, soaking in volcanic hot springs, and enjoying long, slow dinners. Tomorrow, we go hiking in the mountains.
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
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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.
Avoiding Russia
Posted Avoiding Russia. Next week, we’ll be flying on one of Delta’s newest planes from Minneapolis to Tokyo. Under normal circumstances, this journey would take us through Russian airspace for several hours.
Avoiding Russia
In normal times a flight from Minneapolis to Tokyo would take us through Russian airspace for several hours. This is no longer possible.