Found a fine spot between flights at LAX for refreshments. The glass wall is open at the top, so we get doses of fresh air and whiffs of aviation fuel. Our flight leaves tonight (Tuesday) and touches down in Auckland on Thursday morning.
In the in-between
Tom – how funny, my son was probably in the airport at the same time as you after catching a flight from Tokyo – he has a lay-over at LAX before his next flight to Costa Rica. He has been traveling as cheaply as possible since early September and I pointed out your posts on Japan to him before he arrived there, since he found himself in some analysis paralysis regarding options for his ten day stay. He really loved Japan, he’s sold me on the idea that I should visit too. Hence I’m back on your site, looking at your recommendations!
John sent a carefully thought-out Christmas card, looks like he may not have been back to Cindi in December but I haven’t caught up with him yet.
Hope you have a great time in NZ!
Hi Jerry,
Lovely to hear from you, thank you. And you’ve successfully raised an adventurous son. It would’ve been great if our paths had crossed–we had a 5-hour layover at LAX.
It’s important, IMHO, not to overthink Japan. I’ve had great success choosing a remote point, then figuring out how to explore it. Yes, you must go, but consider avoiding the Golden Route. The countryside and coastline is gorgeous wherever you go. Plus there are some cultural gems in less-visited areas. Hagi, for example.
Currently at Auckland AKL waiting to board a flight to Blenheim in the South Island. We’ll be hiking the Queen Charlotte Track over about a week.
I’m sensing you didn’t make it to Hokkaido for a cycle trip in September 2025? I was originally going to be there in September, but changed it to a trip earlier in the year.
Hope our paths cross before too long.
Best, Tom