Sun. 02 April, 2023 (B,L,D)

We drove to Expo Park and met Yumi and her 3 sons. We went inside the tower of the sun, experienced a tea ceremony inside the Japanese gardens and had a picnic lunch under the cherry blossoms. A random guy demonstrated how to do kendama.

We also watched taiko drummers and browsed pottery.

Later, we shopped at a supermarket and cooked shabu shabu at home. Mrs Ogawa popped in to say hi.

Mon. 03 April, 2023 (B,L,D)

We drove through the hills of Ibaraki to Kameoka, with short stops en route to the hidden Christians village, a Jomon-style building, an old school that is now a public wood-working centre and a little British village.

After eating sweet potatoes, we headed to Arashiyama in West Kyoto. While it was crowded, we were able to enjoy the famous bamboo forest and the gardens of Tenryuji Temple. We tasted sake and found lots of macha.

We took the Torroko Romantic Train back to Kameoka and headed home for a hot pot dinner.

Tue. 04 April, 2023 (B,L,D) Osaka

After breakfast, we took a taxi right through Osaka to Maishima Incineration Plant to see the iconic architecture of Hundertwasser. We then headed to Osaka Sewerage Science Museum. From there we took a train into city centre and enjoyed lunch in Hanshin Department Store. After lunch, we explored the Umeda area a little including a book store and a shrine dedicated to lovers. Of course we had to stop for takoyaki. From there we headed to Abeno Harukas and saw over Osaka from the 58th floor. After the bright lights of Abeno area, we wandered through the red light area, past maid cafes, into a Tenga shop and ate kushi-katsu - another Osaka staple. From there, we saw the bright lights of Dotombori district before taking a taxi home.

Wed. 05 April, 2023 (B,L,D)

We took things a little easier today. We went shopping, did some washing, popped in to 2 display homes and ate lunch at the golf course with views from Kyoto to Kobe. Mid afternoon, we went to a second-hand goods shop. Early evening we headed down to the local onsen for dinner and to experience a Japanese bath house/massage.

Thu. 06 April, 2023 (B,D)

An early start by taxi and trains to get to Kansai airport for our flight to Kagoshima in Southern Kyushu. After collecting our rental car, we headed through steep mountains down to Kagoshima City. We went to a sushi restaurant with a robot before checking in to the Sun Royal Hotel. We were joined at dinner by locals, Rieko and Mari .

Fri. 07 April, 2023 (B,L,D)

After being spoiled for choice for a second meal, we took a look at the museum and around Kagoshima before taking the ferry to Sakurajima

On Sakurajima, we went to the visitors centre, Yunohira observatory, Arimura Lava Observatory and the buried shrine gate in Kurokami.

Once back on the mainland, we stopped at the famous black vinegar “Kurozu” making area in Fukuyama, nearly got stuck driving along narrow roads and found a place for dinner in Kokubu before an evening flight back to Osaka.

Sat. 08 April, 2023 (B,L,D)

We enjoyed a slow start to the day and explored more of the neighborhood. We saw the local shrine and a titanium-roofed temple. A little patisserie kept us going.

We then headed to Fujiya to celebrate Denize’s birthday and shopped at Gyomu Supermarket.

In the evening, friends from the US, Australia, Japan and Burma came for dinner.

Sun. 09 April, 2023 (B,D)

We headed to the top of Mt Koya via taxi, trains, a cable car and bus, with a little picnic beside a creek en route. On arrival in Mt Koya, we explored Okunoin graveyard and paid our respects to Kobo Daishi, the founder of Shingon Buddhism in Japan.
Our accommodation at Joki-in was huge (4 large tatami rooms) and the dinner was elaborate. We kept warm with a kerosene heater, a hot bath and a kotatsu.

Mon. 10 April, 2023 (B,L,D)

We were fortunate to see the annual gathering of the head monks of Mt Koya inside the Danjo Garan Complex and then explore the Kongobuji Temple complex. After lunch in a local cafe, we headed back down the mountain into the busy city centre of Osaka and revised the Dotombori district in daylight. Some cakes from Family Mart helped fuel us as we then took trains to Fushimi Inari Shrine around sunset. After passing under a thousand or so torii gates, we moved on to the Gion district of Kyoto for a brief explore of the many restaurants that line the canals.

By the time we got home, we’d travelled over 100 km and taken over 20,000 steps.

Tue. 11 April, 2023 (B,L,D)

Jason went to the doctor to have his stitches removed and we visited 2 pharmacies. We went to a supermarket and purchased picnic food and wine.

We dropped in to a second display home before driving up to Mino Waterfall. You walked down the waterfall path under the shade of fresh, green maple leaves, and stopped for a cuppa and cake.

We all enjoyed a bit of time catching up with family online at home before heading to the 22nd floor of an Izakaya in Senri Chuo where we chatted with Sahoko Aki, discovered more new food flavours and enjoyed the bright lights of Osaka.

Wed. 12 April 2023 (B,L)

We have until mid afternoon to do whatever you like. Maybe some last minute shopping, karaoke, a bath at the local onsen or a hike before we head to the domestic airport for the bus to Kansai International Airport and your overnight flight back to Cairns.

We have explored places in Kyoto, Osaka, Wakayama, and Kagoshima prefectures. I hope your time in Japan will fill you with happy memories and insights that go much deeper than simply sight-seeing.