Kon'nichiwa my friends!
Welcome to another blessed week of new adventures and new friends. The weather continues to be comfortable with the occasional spot of rain (Sunday was the worst!)
How are you? How was your week? What might have encouraged you to step outside your comfort zone? What are you most grateful for?
I've been staying at a few IHG properties over the past several weeks to take advantage of my Platinum Elite Status. I may get a free room upgrade and a little extra attention at check-in. I have lounge privileges which I used at my Kobe hotel. A key factor in choosing a hotel remains affordability. The IHG properties (ANA Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express) have been competitive in Taiwan and Japan. These hotels are typically a couple steps up in standards from what I experience with IHG in Canada.
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Success in summiting! Hooray!
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With my birthday coming up next week, I did my annual check in on the mortality tables for an idea of how many more years I may have to live - on average. The current longevity estimate for me is 85 with about a 30% chance of living to 90. My target age to live to is 85. That's the age I'm using for my financial planning. Having a specific age to live to (and I truly hope the universe concurs) sharpens my focus on what's important now. Living in the moment takes on real meaning, my friends, when you remind yourself the best before date is rapidly approaching!
I'm also starting to consider my 2027 travel plans. My early thinking has me spending January in India visiting friends, spending February at Lake Tabo (Sumatra), March to May in Japan, June to August in/near Sunshine Coast with the balance of the year tbd.
May the universe bring endless blessings and moments of magic π¦ to you and your loved ones in the week ahead. π
Travel Administration
WIP
Travel Update
The flight to Almaty is now booked. I'm now thinking I'll fly to Bishkek on the afternoon of July 18 (same day as I arrive in Almaty) to start my two(ish) week adventure in Kyrgyzstan. I've also found a direct flight from Bishkek to Astana to start my Kazakhstan adventure in early August.
Travel Maps
On Sunday, I ventured on a day trip to Shirahama, about three hours south of Osaka, trying to avoid the rain. No such luck. I was off to Kanazawa for three nights, then onto Takayama for another three nights. One incomplete route mapping this week. Google Maps refused to acknowledge the bus station (highest altitude bus stop in Japan) in the Tatamidaira Parking at the Mt. Norikura.
Japan: June 2 to June 28, 2026
I had the brain wave of heading south of Osaka to avoid the rain forecasted for the area. I chose Shirahama for few reasons; its beachside resort reputation, the lack of rain in the weather forecast and my Regional Pass covered the train fare. Another example of how wrong a weather forecast can be. It started raining as the train approached the Shirahama station intensifying throughout the day!
'Shirahama is one of Japan's three biggest onsen resorts, along with Beppu on Kyushu and Atami on the Izu Peninsula.'
On my way
The train deliberately slowed down in a section of track that ran along the coastline so passengers could enjoy a great view of the Pacific.
My guide
Meet my newest friend who intensified my status as a raving fan review of Japanese Tourist Information Centres! He had all the information I needed flavored with local expertise and an engaging approach. I had a chance to give him an update on my time in Shirahama before boarding the return train to Shin-Osaka.
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| Yamada |
Highlights
With my new bus day pass in hand, I boarded a local bus for my first stop. The light rain is now slowly transitioning into a day long rainstorm! Onward I go!
There are two highlights I skipped because of the weather. The first is Shirahama Beach (Shirahama is Japanese for 'white beach') which loses its appeal in the rain. The second highlight is Senjojiki, Japanese for "One Thousand Tatami Mats"), which describes the appearance of seaside flat, sheet-like rocks you can walk out on.
Toretore Ichiba
Welcome to an amazing fish market where you can either buy prepared food for immediate consumption or you can buy fresh seafood and use their barbeque area to prepare your own meal.  |
| Buy your fresh seafood here |
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| And more fresh seafood here... |
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| Eating area to the left |
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| Yes, there were so many people in spite of the rain |
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| My meal of squid (cooked) |
Engetsu Island
My next stop became more of an adventure thanks to my reliance on Google Maps for directions. The big draw on this stop was seeing the opening between two islands. The directions led me to a local museum in a forested area which had an observation tower. I got an excellent view of the two islands - without any chance of seeing the desired opening. Extra steps in the pouring rain is less appreciated.
With the benefit of my experience, I decided to return to the road where I got off the bus and walk along the coastline until I came across two different locations designed for tourists to take photos safely.
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| Observation tower |
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| What I observed! |
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| A second time! |
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| The Instagram moment |
Sandanbeki
Every island has their scenic seaside cliffs. A second instance in the same day where Google Maps did its best to confound me with less than stellar directions. I should have stayed on the bus for one more stop and simply walked directly to the cliffs. I had an extra long walk in the rain as I tried to find the walkway entrance to the cliffs. BTW - making suggested changes to Google Maps is challenging, having the changes made is next to impossible.
The rain discouraged me from exploring/getting photos closer to the cliffs. The risk manager in me suggested I avoid walking a sheer rock in the rain. I have a propensity to slip more often these days. There is also an attraction in this area where you can descend, by elevator, into a sea level cave to witness the surf up close.
Bus safety
Substitute 'bus' for 'train' on this sign posted on the local bus I was riding. The message is consistent across public transportation - stay in your seat!
Kanazawa
My next stop, about a four hour train ride away (connection in Tsuruga), is a return visit to the beautiful city of Kanazawa. Kenrokuen Garden is the key reason I'm in the city. I stayed three nights to have time to explore the other city tourist highlights. My hotel was conveniently located within walking distance of the places I wanted to see.
Special welcome
I was about to leave the train station when I met my newest acquaintance, the JR West mascot?. I had just finished having the best customer service courtesy of two incredible JR West employees who helped me sort out the details of a tourist pass I was interested in purchasing.
I spotted the mascot making its way through the station, escorted by four police officers. For some unknown reason (thank you to the universe!) the mascot and I shared a mutual wave after I took my initial photo. The wave turned into this photo op with a police officer agreeing to take the photo!
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| Initial photo |
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| Team photo! |
NOODLES!!!
Ramen Mikoshi was the perfect solution for my noodles cravings. So good, I had two consecutive lunches at the noodle house; thin noodles on day 1 and thick noodles on day 2.
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Obligatory for ramen house to have counter
I can sit at/peek at my meal being prepared! |
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| Noodles and pork rice π |
I wandered through this samurai district as I made my way to the garden. It's ok - as an add-on experience. If you want a great Samurai District experience, you should visit the
Kakunodate samurai district which is about an hour from Niigata.
'Nagamachi Samurai District, located near the center of town, was where the middle to high-ranking samurais lived – which is why it’s sometimes described as the city’s samurai district. Nagamachi literally means “Long Town,” though it’s more likely that it actually takes its name from the surname of a local family, the Cho, which means “long” which can also be pronounced “naga.”'
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This canal alongside the district
caught my attention. |
I've included a few photos the Castle walls to highlight there is a castle you might visit if your travels take you to Kanazawa.
'Once the home of the Maeda family, who governed the Kaga Domain – present day Ishikawa and Toyama – for over 280 years, Kanazawa Castle is an essential part of the city’s history.'
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Map of green space including
Castle and Garden |
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| Across the road from garden |
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These stones are set in a geometric pattern;
talk about being deliberate!
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| Different angle |
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| An interesting art installation! |
This garden should be on your bucket list if you have an appreciation for gardens. You are surrounded by beauty, peacefulness and tranquility as you walk throughout the garden. The six factors are difficult to attain as their objectives are in conflict with each other - dynamic tension in perfect balance! I hope these photos give you a hint of the garden experience I had in my second visit.
'Considered one of Japan’s three most beautiful gardens, Kenrokuen Garden is a must-visit location in Kanazawa. The name Kenrokuen means “having six factors”, representing the attributes which bring out the garden’s stunning beauty: spaciousness, tranquility, artifice, antiquity, water sources and magnificent views.'
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This stone bridge is a popular
location for photos. |
Real reason for visiting garden
Did you know that you can buy soft matcha ice cream with gold leaf on it? Kanazawa has a reputation for goldsmithing.
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| Where my golden ice cream was created! |
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Edible gold leaf on my matcha
soft ice cream! |
A tourist highlight is visiting the Higashi Chaya District where the geisha houses were once common. The area also has several shops where you can purchase a range of items which have gold (in some shape or form) in your potential purchase. I discovered a number of different geisha related performances, alas, my timing was off being able to attend any of the scheduled performances.
'In Japanese culture, geisha houses have been traditional places for feasts and entertainment since the Edo period. Also referred to as “chaya”, they are where geishas entertained wealthy nobility and rich merchants. Geishas are female Japanese entertainers who perform dances and play traditional Japanese instruments.'
On my way
Kanazawa has so many beautiful side streets with small parks that were once part of a samurai residences. There are very few cars so you can stroll in peace.
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| Small park on my route |
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| Park gate |
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| Street leading towards my destination |
Geisha District
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| District Map |
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| One of many streets in the area |
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Quiet day - more students than
tourists! |
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| District's main square |
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| Clean and well maintained. |
'The "Motenashi Dome" at the Kenrokuen exit of Kanazawa Station was designed with the concept of "hospitality," symbolizing offering an umbrella to travellers arriving at the station in a region known for its frequent rain and snow. Visitors are welcomed by the geometric-patterned glass ceiling.'
I somewhat messed up with the two photos I took below. I was in awe of the station's 'gate' structure that helps support the "Motenashi Dome". You can see small sections of the dome on the other side of the gate structure. The link above provides you with more info and a better view of the dome!
The primary reason for returning to Takayama was to revisit enmer Assiette dessert cafe where I had the most extraordinary dessert experience in my life last year. I ended up building a three day itinerary around my cafe visit. The great news is Takayama is a famous historic site in Japan with an amazing laid back vibe. The Japanese Alps are only a short distance away. I felt good just being in this quiet and quaint city.
Old Town
I strolled through Old Town as part of my journey to reach the cafe. Interesting shops, if you like to browse and/or shop, plus a good variety of restaurants. I managed to include a bakery on my route to reach Old Town.
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| Old Town Map |
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| Endless shopping and eating places |
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| For you cat lovers! |
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| Miyagawa Morning Markets |
Temples/Shrines 'R Us
Yayoi Bridge has a gigantic torii which marks the entrance to a number of Shinto shrines nestled in the wooded area that you can see in the background, as you look past the magnificent structure. BTW - the cafe is just a short distance walk on the left after you cross the bridge. Just saying!
As per my normal mode of touring, I avoided visiting the shrines. I thought getting these photos was sufficient to say I was in the area.
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| We must be getting closer |
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| Steps leading to Shrine |
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| Torii Gate |
New Town
I thought capturing this 'Bonds of Peace' art installation in front of city hall was an important element in my Takayama visit. This community vibe seems to be reflected this simple structure.
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| Pretty flowers along the way |
It's now about noonish on Friday morning when I arrive at my destination. I waited until it was past noon so I could 'justify' having a dessert. I had eaten lunch while I was visiting in the shrine area.
What happened over the next 90 minutes was most extraordinary in my journey of most extraordinary adventures. Both Midori and her husband Ando recognized me from my visit last year! How special that made me feel!
I've deliberately for what I believe is the most artistic experience I think I'll ever have related to enjoying a dessert. I can assure you this is a complete experience. It's pure magic to witness how Ando creates the dessert in front of you. There is such precision in his movements, such delicateness in his touch as he seemingly nurtures each part of the dessert. Poetry in motion, my friends. The coffee is made from freshly ground beans with hot water gently caressing the beans in the pour over. The cutlery is simple and elegant.
What did I have? Parfait au Pamplemousse made with Japanese grapefruit (very hard to get), Sake-kasu ice cream, ginger and Anise sorbet. Once the dessert is created, Midori explains the ingredients that will shortly tantalize your taste buds! I always have an initial reservation to eating my dessert - it feels like I'm destroying a work of art! The parfait was divine!
And it gets even better. I had the most amazing conversation with Midori (Ando has limited English) about my travel experiences, my lifestyle and their cafe. We discovered the happy couple spent their honeymoon in Maldives, a destination they are eager to return to. I also had the chance to share the link to my travel blog. I know I'll return in 2027 to catch up with my new friends and experience a different dessert creation.
Heart felt thanks to the universe for this exceptional blessing!
The following photos was my attempt to capture how Ando was creating my dessert. I'm captivated by the level of detail, delicateness and precision in Ando's every movement.
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| The masterpiece! |
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| Simple and elegant |
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| Ando & Midori |
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| Memory pic extraordinaire! |
A gift
As I was about to leave, Ando and Midori gave me the treats below to enjoy with a cup of tea. How blessed I am!
I also want to share the following words that Midori shared with me in a text exchange later in the afternoon:
'To us, meeting you and sharing time with you was a moment that we feel proud and happy to do our cafe!'
I got sidetracked from my original intention in hiking to
Shiroyama Park. I ended up hiking up a trail leading to the castle ruins which, as you can see from the photos below, is just a flat area where the castle once stood. Good exercise. I received the gift of witnessing an amazing sunset on my return journey to my hotel.
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| Area map |
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| Local dignitary |
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| Info abou local dignitary |
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| Explaining castle ruins |
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| Castle ruins |
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| Info on mountains in the distance |
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| Hida Mountains guide |
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| Gentle rolling mountains |
As the sun sets on another blessed day...
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| Overlooking river with mountains in background! |
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| Very quiet after 6 pm! |
Mt. Norikura Expedition
The trip to Mt. Norikura takes two buses (57,000 yen) from Takayama - if you're taking public transportation. Everyone has to take the bus to Norikura Tatamidaira from the Honokidaira Bus Terminal as vehicles are prohibited from driving on the road. Remember your layers if you're planning to hike in this area as the elevation is 3000m/9900ft so the air can get chilly, especially if there is a wind and cloud is blocking the sun!
Honokidaira Bus Terminal Bus
I lucked out with a sunny sky and high level cloud on my chosen day of adventure! Seems like everybody had the same idea as me to hike Mt. Norikura on this amazing day!
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I noticed the skiis
(and a snowboard!!) |
Norikura Tatamidaira
The bus stop is located near the building on the left. The hiking starts from this parking lot. BTW - this the highest altitude bus stop (2,702m/8,865ft) in Japan!
Mt. Kengamine (3,026m/9,928 ft)
Mt. Norikura is comprised of a number of peaks including Mt. Kengamine which is the highest peak in this range. The initial path is like a gravel road on a gentle slope leading to the Katanokoya Hut. It's at this point where the path becomes a steeper trail leading to the peak. The hike, while somewhat challenging, is completely doable (albeit I do take more breaks these days to catch my breath).
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| Trail leading from parking lot |
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| Picturesque pond on way up |
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| Looking down to parking lot area |
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| I've come a long ways to see more snow! |
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| Mt. Kengamine - upper right |
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| Mt. Kengamine in the distance |
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| Trail head where 'real' hiking begins! |
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| What the trail ahead looks like! |
Should I take the chance?
When I reached this section of the trail, most climbers had stopped to affix a version of crampons to their boots. I sat for about 20 minutes watching fellow climbers traverse the snow, considering if I should take the risk. The snow appeared soft enough for traction. A couple climbers made their way down without crampons. I was about to take the chance when another climber, wearing sneakers, made a brief attempt to cross. He quickly returned because the snow was far too slippery. It's quite some distance to slide if you lose your footing. Easy decision now. Turn around. Come back another day with the right equipment to make the ascent safely!
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This slope leads to where people are skiing. Long
way to slide down! |
On my way to Mt. Fujimidake
I made my way back to the 'road' that led to Mt. Fujimidake. I had to cross a small patch of snow on my descent which I had difficulty getting traction on. This small episode of slipping and sliding on the wet snow reinforced the wisdom of my decision to abort my climb. While I was watching the skiers navigate the slope, a fellow climber offered to take my photo.
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| Path leading to my next ascent attempt! |
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| Ski slope is on my left |
Welcome to Skier's Paradise
Here's where the skiers go to satisfy their skiing and boarding cravings. They walk up the snow and ski/board their way to the base. Ambitious and determined outdoor enthusiasts!
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| Base of skiing area |
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| On their way up |
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| On their way up |
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| Time for a break! |
Mt. Fujimidake (2,817m/9,242 ft)
I felt compelled to ascend at least one peak in this area given my aborted hike to reach Mt. Kengamine's peak. What a fortuitous decision! I met a couple on the ascent who pointed out/helped me take a photo of a rock ptarmigan, which is a rarely seen/endangered species in Japan. This couple also offered to take my photo at the summit. Thank you universe for this unexpected and most welcome blessing in my day!
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| The way up - not so difficult! |
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The way down - less steep than it
looks! |
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| Rock Ptarmigan - suspect eggs are being kept warm |
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| Endangered species - seen less often! |
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| Success in summiting! Hooray! |
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| View from summit |
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| View from summit |
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| View from summit |
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| The peak that thwarted my ascent! |
Good bye Mt. Norikura
The unnamed woman in the photo below was responsible for shepherding passengers onto the bus at the transfer station and Mt. Norikura parking lot. She was fun, animated and just wanted to ensure everyone had a good time and did so safely. She left all this presence with only limited English. I had to have this memory pic to remember her energy and enthusiasm.
Nature Time
Yes, I took time in my daily adventures to 'smell the roses' and be awed by baby birds being fed by their parents. These photos were taken while wandering about Takayama!
Flora
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Love this flower's symmetry and
colors! |
Fauna
Meal time!
Sunsets
I was blessed with witnessing three beautiful sunsets during the past week! The universe continues to be benevolent. Funny how, regardless of how many sunrises and sunsets I have witnessed, I still have the same sense of wonder and awe!
June 10
Sunset from my Kanazawa hotel!
June 11
Sunset from my Takayama hotel room - please forgive the meshing in the windows!
June 12
I had a 'front row seat' for Friday's sunset. I found a hillside terrace, after exploring the Takayama Castle ruins, overlooking Takayama that I had to myself!
Next Week
Exciting week ahead! I travel to Shinano-Omachi for four nights nestled near the Japanese Alps. I'm planning to travel the Alpine Route through the Alps. I then travel to Nagoya as my home base for five nights to explore the Ise-Kumano-Wakayama area; the area that includes the city where my friend Samuel lived while he was in Japan.
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