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Spent the day on Naoshima, an “art island” beautifully set in the Inland Sea. Visited the Chichu Art Museum, which is housed in a series of underground galleries, and several “art houses”—former homes that have been converted into works of art.

For most of today: A hot steamy hike through mountain forests following part of the Shikoku 88 (temple) Pilgrimage. Visited temples 80, 81, and 82.

Okayama is a convenient base for our plans over the next three days. We can catch a train without even having to go outside.

Rented bicycles and took a ferry to the midpoint of the Shimanami Kaido cycle route. Cycled back across the Seto Inland Sea on huge bridges and around islands.

Onomichi U2, a repurposed 1943 warehouse where bicycles rule. The 28-room Hotel Cycle, plus bar and restaurant, provide us with a comfortable base to cycle part of the Shimanami Kaido across the Seto Inland Sea tomorrow.

We spent much of the day hiking an OLLE Trail through the town of Takeo-Onsen and into the hills. We didn’t need to use a map, as we simply followed the special Olle Trail markers. The trailhead was a short bullet train ride from Nagasaki, where we’re staying.

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.