Nagoya: one of Japan's largest cities, a modern busy metropolis. From the heights of
Nagoya Tower to the depths of the subway system, from the old castle to the modern form
of Oasis21, Nagoya really mixes it up.
Koyasan: an ancient small town with temples and shrines in the snow. Here you can stay with Buddhist monks in the
birthplace of Japanese buddhism. Wake early for the morning recitations and then enjoy the best food.
Kyoto: the old capital of Japan. With a modern heart built on ancient foundations, temples scattered throughout the city,
and a surprise on every corner.
Hiroshima: a once-ruined city rebuilt in the name of peace. The museum details the horror and the hope for building
a world without nuclear weapons.
Jigokudani: a little valley with a population of snow monkeys. It may take a few hours to reach from civilisation,
but the monkeys will surprise you with their antics and make the trip worthwhile.
Shizuoka: another modern town. Bursting with busy karaoke places, signs and lights everywhere, and a dinosaur.
Tokyo: the capital of Japan in all its shiny glory. All neon and lights and mirrors and skyscrapers. Tokyo never
sleeps!
Fujisan: Japan's highest peak. At 3,776m high at the moment, it is an active volcano so this could change! The views
from the bullet train are stunning.
Castles and temples. Pagodas and pavilions, shrines and gardens.
All the Japanese shiny newness. Buildings and towers create the distinctive
form of the modern japanese town.
Trains and planes. The trains dont always arrive on time, but
they do always stop in exactly the right place.
The unique cuisine of Japan - or at least some of the things
I sampled whilst trying to stay vegetarian.
Train stations are clean and efficient.
Bullet trains, or Shinkansen, come in various flavours. The 500 series looks like a red-eyed shark.
On the edge of the platform are red dots. When the train stops, the driver opens the door and the red dot for his type of train is under his nose. And check out the leg room.
There are vending machines everywhere.
I saw this on the subway. I'm sure it was telling me something about the fashion industry...
The cable train in Koyasan whisks you up the hill at a 45-degree angle.
We say 'hi' from the Nagoya Subway. Announcements and maps are in Japanese and English. Its easy and cheap to get around.
People cycle everywhere - but mainly on the pavement with the pedestrians. Keep your eyes open. Even with this much snow around there were still people riding.
On my way back I got great views of Siberia and beyond.
