Greetings from Kyoto! Always appreciate when you have a few minutes to read this blog and share my latest adventures. I trust you've had a memorable week - for every blessing that you've received. I've learned to suspend reacting immediately to everything happens in my life. Remember some blessings take time to unfold. We just maybe unable to see where what happened today is going to lead us tomorrow.
A friend asked me for my thoughts about traveling in Japan. I think what I shared with her is representative of my experience to date. Here's what I had to say:
'I LOVE Japan. I knew very of little of Japan beyond Mount Fuji and Japanese gardens.
People are amazingly kind and helpful everywhere I've been. Google Translate makes a big difference. Stunning landscapes, modern, clean cities with wide streets. Cosmopolitan attitude and look amongst the people. Less expensive, overall, than New Zealand and Western Australia with much better hotels and service mentality. So easy to get around with trains. And I'm only skimming the surface with my 31 days in country.'
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| Beauty abounds! |
In the category of things I've noticed:
- We're back to driving on the left side of the road. My brain seems to adjust fairly quickly to be looking in the right direction to check for oncoming traffic.
- There is substantial underlying formality (rigidity, in my world) in Japan which I tend to react to out of a force of habit. The 3 pm check-in rule that I thought was rigid as an example is now proving to be a lot more flexible. A personal revelation is that I like to be treated differently, preferentially, perhaps. I'm special, you see!
- Hotels have two prong electrical outlets, missing the ground we use in North America. The blessing is I have retired my adaptor temporarily since arriving in Japan.
- Remember you may have to step up when you enter the hotel bathroom.
- Coins are part of everyday financial transactions in Taiwan and Japan, similar to North America. I forgot to mention coins are infrequently used in Indonesia, India, Maldives and Sri Lanka.
- Tap water is potable/drinkable in Japan.
Lots of clouds, cooler temperatures and showers were constant companions throughout the week. June is known to be a month of rainy weather. The universe continues to fill my adventures with its benevolence by minimizing the inclement weather's impact.
May the universe bring endless blessings and moments of magic 🦄 to you and your loved ones in the week ahead. 🙏
Travel Administration
If I need help in figuring out how to get between places, I've learned that Rome2Rio is a great starting point for understanding the options and their potential costs. More about how the site was useful this week later in the blog.
Travel Maps
I am in my zig zag journey through Honshu Island heading towards Fukuoka on the northern coast of Kyushu Island. I think Nagasaki, about two hours southwest of Fukuoka, will be the furthest south I'll travel in Japan on this trip.
Japan: June 15 to June 21, 2025
Morioka
On my way
I can be easily distracted as I meander towards my desired destinations. It's the journey that counts, right?!
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Succumbing to a sweet tooth impulse
I love all things made with apples! |
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Attention Costco shoppers!!
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While visiting museums ranks lower on my list of destinations, I've developed a real appreciation for the artistry of Japanese art museums, the buildings' architecture and the art within the buildings. Every city, irrespective of its size, has a magnificent tribute to local artists.
I'm equally fascinated by each artist's interpretation of the world they live in or want to live in. I wish, at times, my mind was as unbridled as what I experience through what artists have shared.
The Building
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| Even the delivery area looks good |
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| Entrance to the right |
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| Approaching museum entrance |
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Looking to staircase leading to 2nd
floor exhibitions |
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Entrance, ticket desk to left with the
two most warm, welcoming and
helpful women |
What's Inside
I'm sharing the paintings (artist/title) from the exhibit that caught my attention. The four sculptures at the end are of four priests who were murdered (martyred) for their missionary work in Japan.
I hope you'll enjoy the art below!
Apologies in advance for excluding the painting frames in most instances. I'm more preoccupied with the painting.
On my way to Nanshoso
I walked about 70 minutes to reach Nanshoso, my next destination. I noticed the sign in the photo below which I just had to capture and share.
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| Canadiana in Morioka |
The woman at the Visitor Center suggested I would enjoy the beauty and calm this Meiji era residence would offer. This home and gardens was built in 1885 by Yasugoro Segawa, a businessman from Morioka, is located on a large site of about 1,000 m2 (~11,000 sq ft). These residences are on the 'endangered' list as most of them have disappeared. Yes, I did enjoy my serene time in this small magical paradise that Yasugoro had built for himself and his family!
Home
I quickly noticed how the home and the garden are 'harmonious'; they seem to be an extension of each other. I'm starting to get a hint of the Japanese influence on
Frank Lloyd Wright's architecture and designs. Frank was a renown American architect. I've had the privilege to visit many homes and buildings he designed including his residences/studios in Arizona and Wisconsin.
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| Read all about it |
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| Entrance |
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| Various rooms |
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| Lovely wood floors, lots of light |
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Sipping tea, munching on sweets and
enjoying the gardens |
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| Have a seat and sit a spell |
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Home entrance, remember to remove your
shoes |
Gardens
Now imagine having this place as your home. Oh, no worry about the groundskeeping. You'd have a team of gardeners to help out!
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| Garden entrance |
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| Bridge over still waters |
Non-stop Noodles
Bowl of delicious noodles - what a delightful way to end my day of adventures! Well deserved I might add!
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| Noodle heaven |
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| Noodle shop interior |
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| Busy creating my meal |
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| Voila - dinner is served! |
I targeted Akita, the Japanese city (not the Japanese breed of dog), as the destination took me back to Japan's west coast. I had also had read about a
Samurai District that was a twenty minute walk from the train station. What I had missed in my reading was that the short stroll to the District was from the Kakunodate Station which was an hour train ride from Akita.
The Akita hotel staff kindly confirmed that I'd need to travel to Kakunodate for my samurai district visit. So, once I checked in/left my suitcase in my room, I was off to catch the bullet train to Kakunodate. My lasting thanks to Japan Rail for their extensive train network and schedule. My rail pass has blunted the cost of my misadventures and periodic misunderstanding of where I should be traveling to. Imagine how much fun (right?) it would be to travel with me. Every day is a new day in my world! Flexibility and adaptability are key words in my vocabulary! 🤣🤣🤣
BTW - The only place I had time to visit while in Akita was a noodle shop for dinner. The rain had set in around 4 pm and lasted through the evening. I was busy completing the last blog post in the morning before catching my next train.
Kakunodate
There are six Samurai homes that are tourist accessible. There are two locations I'm aware that are extensive museums including access to samurai homes. I visited the first museum I arrived in my twenty minute stroll.
I had about an hour to tour the museum before closing time. Here's what I captured for your viewing pleasure!
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| Museum/grounds entrance |
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| Family info |
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| An idea of what a room is like |
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| Room and tatami mats |
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| More info |
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| More details for the following photos |
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| Now we're talking - swords |
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| Samurai weapons and body armour |
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| Samurai weapons and body armour |
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| Samurai weapons and body armour |
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| Samurai weapons and body armour |
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| Shields |
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| Samurai weapons and body armour |
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| More swords |
Art
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| Playing tribute |
Residence
A collection of photos to illustrate the residence. There were several displays recounting the samurais' contribution to local history and support of the country's international diplomacy.
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| Explanation of involvement |
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| Samurais involved in diplomacy |
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| Samurais involved in diplomacy |
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Appears the samurai class was
equally interested in these
vending machines |
Antiques
The museum was thorough with their collection of antiques and artifacts from the samurai times.
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| Or do you prefer to ride in this one? |
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| Looks real comfy to ride, not. |
Heading back
A few photos to share the architecture of buildings within the samurai district as I made my way back to the train station. The streets were wide and tree lined leaving the impression of exclusivity and elegance. The rain had just started as I made my way.
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| Beautiful tree lined street |
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| Ice cream shop from heaven |
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| More than ice cream available |
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| My choice is the one on the left |
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This ice cream is the best ice cream
to date |
Parting meal
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| Dinner is served! |
My next destination, Niigata, was on the west coast a few hours south of Akita. It is a city known for its quality rice and sake. I left cool and wet weather in Akita to enjoy warm sunny weather in Niigata. The Niigata Station Tourist Information Centre staff highlighted I could take the hop on, hop off bus service offered by the city to explore Niigata in the time I allocated. Somehow I missed out in visiting a sake distillery in my visit. Unsure if there is non-alcoholic sake.
On my way
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| Yikes! There's snow in them thar mountains! |
One stop on the bus route was this shrine. What made this stop attractive was its proximity to the Sea of Japan, about a 15 minute walk away. The shrine had gorgeous grounds and this long walkway leading to the shrine. All quite elegant and picturesque!
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| Key info for paying respects |
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| Entrance way - on the way out |
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This walkway goes for at least a mile in the
distance |
Sea of Japan
My first big chance to be near the Sea of Japan while visiting Honshu Island.
Dinner
I found this noodle shop as I was returning to my hotel from the last stop on my bus tour. The chef was so helpful in guiding me with pressing the right button on the ordering machine. Another delicious meal.
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| Noodle shop entrance |
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| All female staff |
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| It's just me dining right now |
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| Such great noodles and broth! |
Here's an example of where young Dave booked and paid for a two night hotel stay in the 'wrong' city. I originally intended to stay in Nagano, home of the 1998 Winter Olympics. My intention was to spend more time in the mountainous areas of Japan (Japanese Alps) to balance the urban and seaside destinations I've visited. I discovered the error of my ways several hours after booking my hotel, noticing 'Matsumoto' appearing in the hotel room confirmation email. I guess I was traveling to Matsumoto instead. Lucky me the city was a short one hour train ride from Nagano. My JR train pass has been an enormous plus in facilitating my unlimited train rides, with reserved seating where available, on the bullet trains, limited express trains and local trains.
I ended up dropping Nagano from my travel plans to fully embrace and enjoy my new destination. I inadvertently discovered another beautiful destination in a very picturesque mountainous region, the Japanese Alps.
My first destination was this famous castle; a fifteen minute stroll from my hotel. Its claim to fame is having the oldest five-tiered, six-story castle tower remaining in Japan. The castle dates back to 1592, about the same time Christopher Columbus was sailing the ocean blue to the Americas.
Castle Outside View
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| Read all about it! |
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| Castle and grounds |
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| Castle moat |
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| Moat and Japanese Alps in background |
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| Bridge with reflections |
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| Castle in its majesty |
Castle Grounds
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| Samurai keeping watch |
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| More history - fading with time |
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| Look up, way up! |
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| Castle grounds - where buildings once were |
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Collecting travel memories stamps is an
important part of being a local tourist - I think |
Castle Interior
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| Stuff |
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| How tower was built |
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| More stuff to read (and forget 😉) |
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| All you need to know about the staircases |
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| City and Alps |
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| City and Alps |
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| Good to know what you're seeing |
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| Weaponry |
Evening meal
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| Noodle shop entrance |
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How you order your noodle meal. Insert
cash, make your selection and give the
meal ticket to an employee to prepare |
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Something new - first noodle house I've been in
where there is wall blocking the view into the
kitchen. Just not the same experience! |
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| My meal |
My master plan was to take a combo of a 30 minute train ride plus 80 minute bus trip to visit/hike in the Norikura Kogen Visitor Center area. My plan changed after coincidentally meeting two park employees as I was getting my hiking bearings in the Visitor Center. What caught my immediate attention was the bell sound coming from one of the employees. Bells on people in the wilderness equates to bears in the vicinity in my experience. The guy wearing the bell was emphatic about the danger of bears in the area given it was their natural habitat. Hiking on my own with the threat of bears looming dampened my hiking enthusiasm. I ended up hanging around the Center enjoying the natural beauty and an ice cream cone before making the return trip to Matsumoto.
Both employees were incredibly helpful. The other employee helped me with identifying where the trails were and guided me to the trailhead. Did I mention how important Google Translate has been?
Park area
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| Park map |
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| Mountain peaks |
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| And more snow |
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| Look at all the snow |
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| A long way to travel to experience snow |
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| Hiking trail starting point |
The extensive nature of the Nature Centre displays came as a surprise. A lot of information for a place that seemed to be in the middle of nowhere - at least during skiing off-season. I'm sharing several photos from inside the centre to show the range of information being shared and how the information is being presented. I was impressed!
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| Visitor |
On the way
The photos below, a small sampling of what I experienced during my bus ride, provide a sense of the region's rugged beauty. There are two hydroelectric dams on this river creating 'artificial' lakes. The water colour is breathtaking!
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Where the mountain has won the battle with
trying to keep the road open |
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| Civil engineering prowess in action |
I've added the Matsumoto Museum of Art to my continuing exploration of Japanese art museums. The museum was featuring
Yayoi Kusama. Visitors are severely restricted on where photos can be taken.
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| Matsumoto city street on my way to museum |
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| Guess where we are now? |
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| Near museum entrance |
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| Only art visitors were allowed to photograph |
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| Museum corridor leading to featured exhibition |
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| Staircase to entrance |
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| Interesting... |
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| Museum courtyard |
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| Museum courtyard |
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| Museum courtyard |
Tourist Information Centre - Matsumoto Station
I was so blessed with the help I received from the centre staff member I met upon arriving at Matsumoto Station. I had an idea of what I wanted to do which this staff member was able to provide all the details so I could execute my ideas. She provided me with the necessary maps, train and bus timetables, info where to buy train ticket (private railway) and info on key tourist sites within the city. I stopped in the centre as I was departing Matsumoto to share my thanks.
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| What a gift on my visit |
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Woman on left, who helped me almost daily,
was a godsend |
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When I asked for her name, she showed me her
badge! |
I had selected Kanazawa randomly in my quest to zig zag across Japan as I made my way south to Fukuoka. What a fortuitous choice! As I was researching what I was about to do at my destination, I read about how Kanazawa had been highlighted by
National Geographic as one the top 25 destinations in 2025. I'm grateful to the universe for another amazing visit in my Japan travel adventures.
On my way
I've been blessed to experience wonderful countryside/urban views from the comfort of my train seat. Gorgeous mountains and amazing blue skies. A feast for the eyes!
Omichi Market has been a top fresh fish markets in this part of Japan for the last 300 years! There are over 170 permanent shops in the market. Think about the choices and decisions faced by interested consumers!
With continuing apologies to my vegetarian and vegan friends, I insist on visiting fresh fish markets wherever I am in Japan. Sushi, sashimi and cooked seafood is omnipresent throughout the country, and at a reasonable price. Noodles and fresh fish. Oh my, how my eating habits have been influenced by this visit!
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| Fresh fish in all directions |
'Kanazawa Castle is the place where the Maeda family resided and governed the Kaga clan, after they moved to Kanazawa back in 1583. Over the years, the castle burned down several times, but was then renovated and reconstructed.
Today, you can still freely roam around parts of the castle, though nothing remains of the original castle and the few buildings standing are much more recent reconstructions.'
I'm sharing the castle photos I took on my way to the Kenroku-en Garden, the destination I was truly interested in. BTW - I'm reaching my saturation point with temples, shrines and castles. On the other hand, I am unable to get enough of parks, gardens and mountain landscapes.
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| Map of Castle and Gardens |
'One of Japan's three most famous gardens. The garden was created over the span of several hundred years by the Maeda family. The garden is one of the best examples of a strolling style Japanese landscape garden. Kenroku-en translates to 'Garden of Six Attributes'. The six attributes of a perfect landscape: spaciousness, seclusion, artifice, antiquity, waterways, and panoramas. Attaining all six within one landscape was said to be difficult because they form contrasting pairs.'
I hope the following photos share a small sense of the garden's beauty and majesty. My thanks to the universe for the unexpected blessing to visit Kanazawa and witness this garden first-hand! The lighting and water conditions were ideal for capturing reflections!
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| A day ideal for capturing reflections |
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| Something about that bird perched on top! |
'Golden' Ice Cream Moment
Kanazawa is known for its gold smithing history. One derivative has been putting a thin gold leaf covering on soft ice cream cones. I had seen a YouTube video where the videographer was enjoying this ice cream delight. He also reassured viewers that the gold leaf was safe to eat. I had a similar experience on my radar during my visit which I had almost abandoned given the time of day and spending the following day on a bus tour. By a twist of good fortune, I discovered this ice cream shop, the last shop to be open, as I was about to exit the Garden. I now have had my chance to have an ice cream with a gold leaf covering.
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| Soft ice cream being covered in gold leaf |
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| The masterpiece is ready |
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| A happy guy |
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| Matcha ice cream with gold leaf |
Day Trip from Kanazawa
I thought it was about time to have a 'cultural' experience outside of the predominantly urban environments I've traveled in. I signed up on the JR (Japan Rail)
day tour into rural Japan that offered a chance to witness a local performance and see a more traditional Japan. We had three stops - Gokayama, Shirakawa-go and Takayama. As you know I try to avoid tours, however I do have a practical side that recognizes this tour would be the most effective and efficient way (cost and time) to have the experience I was looking for. I just have to suck up the commercial parts and the potential hordes of fellow tourists.
I believe I made a good choice. We witnessed a great local performance, toured the interior of a gassho-zukuri house, walked through a village and had the most delightful dessert as a final tour blessing. Tours are what you decide to make of them.
The Japanese countryside is stunningly beautiful. The water colour in the rivers and lakes is magical. The blue is reminiscent of what I experienced in New Zealand.
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| Tour information |
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| On the way to Gokayama |
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| On the way to Gokayama |
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| On the way to Gokayama |
Is a general term for the 40 small settlements with
gassho-zukuri houses; house with thatched roof. The houses were built between 100 - 200 years ago. The house we visited, the Murakami House, located in the heart of Gokayama, is a four story house built around 1570.
Performance
Our tour included visiting the Murakami House, witnessing a traditional performance and a walk through the different levels within the house. The performer explained the performance (in Japanese) before starting his dancing. He was gracious, exuded confidence and danced with conviction. His heart was in his performance. A tour highlight for me!
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| Murakami House |
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| Our performer in traditional dress |
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| A man in action |
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is successfully promoted as a fairy tale village of traditional thatched roof homes from a bygone era. Endless opportunities to shop and eat with limited focus on the homes themselves. The roofs need to be rethatched every 30 - 40 years at an approximate cost of $100K USD/roof. The government subsidizes 80% of the cost. If you're interested, autumn would be a great time to visit if you want to witness the annual simultaneous discharge of the 59 water guns that are installed to protect the
gassho-zukuri houses from fire. Apparently, this annual discharge has become a wonderful tourist attraction!
Beautiful little village in an extraordinarily beautiful scenic area.
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| Area map |
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| River bordering village |
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| River bordering village |
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| River bordering village |
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| Rice paddy |
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| Rice paddy |
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| Gassho-Zukuri house |
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| Gassho-Zukuri house |
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| Gassho-Zukuri house/rice paddy |
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| Foot bridge leading to village (and tourist mayhem) |
'Is a city in the northern part of Gifa Prefecture. The area is renown for timber production. The old district within the city is characterized by old wooden houses and shops lining the street. Michelin's travel guidebook, 'Michelin Voyage Pratique Japon' awarded the highest rating of three stars to this section of the city.'
City sights
My city sights differ from what is profiled in the promotional material. Unless I'm enthralled by what I read, the commercialism and crowds associated with these areas are a big deterrent. I decided to seek out a bakery instead taking a few photos along the way.
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There is a shrine/temple nestled in the wooded area
I was distracted with finding a bakery |
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Wooden carving at
bus stop |
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| Wooden carving info board |
My Takayama Dessert Experience
By a stroke of immense fortune, I mistakenly thought this building was home to the second bakery I was looking for. The first bakery I found was closed. BTW - I did find the 2nd bakery after enjoying my dessert. Unfortunately, or perhaps fortunately for my waistline, the bakery's shelves were empty!
I think my Google Review that I posted captures my dessert experience:
Wow! I had the most amazing dessert experience courtesy of enmer's husband and wife team. Talk about extraordinary service. I was greeted before I entered the cafe. Simple and elegant are two words to describe my experience. Every detail was attended to, including the cutlery, serving plates, and coasters for the water glass. There was even a carrier where I could park my backpack! Make you sit at the counter for a few minutes to watch the desserts being prepared. It's truly artistry in action to watch the dessert maestro perform. Flair, attention to detail - you can tell he puts his heart into each dessert he prepares! I lingered over my masterpiece (1st choice on menu), savoring every little bite as long as I could. The anise flavor was a welcome delight. Take an hour or so to visit the cafe to spoil your sweet tooth and enjoy an enchanting dessert experience!🦄 Thank you! 🙏😊'
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| Cafe |
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| Cafe entrance upclose |
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| Pastry chef and counter where I sat |
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First dessert I witnessed being savoured
by fellow patron |
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| 2nd dessert I witnessed |
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| My dessert being prepared |
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| Elegant cutlery |
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| Three dessert options plus drinks, that's it! |
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| My dessert |
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| My dessert |
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| My dessert |
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| My dessert |
Travel Administration
The Japan Rail Pass I have is for use on JR trains exclusively. I have the Japan Transit Planner app programmed to limit my travel options to JR trains. What this app set up ignores is the private railways in Japan that I can use (and pay for separately) for convenient travel. This is where the
Rome2Rio website was particularly helpful last week as I planning my trip from Nara to Ise. My Transit Planner app had mapped out JR train route that took four hours with multiple transfers. The Rome2Rio website provided a train route option (1.5 hours without transfers) on the private railway that I was missing. Always good to be figuring out the options using different sources. Can be an eye opener on the options you do have.
Next Week
I'm on my way to Nara with plans for a day trip to Ise on the east coast where a friend had lived while in Japan. My travels during the week will also take me to Kobe, Himeji, Okayama, Matsue (on west coast) and arriving in Hiroshima on Saturday for two nights.
I'd be delighted and honoured to 'see you' next week! Stay happy and healthy!
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