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This morning: Nagasaki National Peace Memorial Hall for the Atomic Bomb Victims.

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.

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!

Walked around Kumamoto Castle. An earthquake in 2016 caused extensive damage, including the collapse of several turrets and the destruction of many roof tiles. It will still take years to stabilize and restore the structures. This photo shows a relatively intact section.

We didn’t let the rain dampen our spirits in Kagoshima. We explored via streetcar, bus, and ferry, which made for an inexpensive day out. A “cruise” on the Sakurajima ferry set us back less than $3 per person, round-trip.

On the local train to Kagoshima City.

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

Hiked the Ebino Highlands of Kirishima-Kinkowan National Park. The hike took a little longer than planned because we had to avoid volcanic gases.

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.

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.

Boarding at MSP with our nephew and his dad. Grateful for this chance to explore Japan together.

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.

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.

Repurposed two empty pill containers as cases for my spectacles and earbuds for our upcoming trip. They’re sturdy, lightweight, and they don’t open accidentally. Best of all, they were free!

On my random cycle ride, found myself at the Walker. Over a kale and pistachio salad, chose two galleries to explore. Here, fabric kinetic sculptures flapped, kept aloft by fans. Another piece by the artist, Paul Chan, expressed strong opinions of the former president.

As I was nearing the end of my bike ride, noticed that the Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock and Dam was open to the public today. Wandered around and took in views of our neighborhood.