Blossoms, bullet train and beyond: exploring Japan by Land and Sea.

[markis10]

The family in the last picture of Blossoms, bullet train and beyond: exploring Japan by Land and Sea. seem to have an issue with their feet

 

[RooFlyer]

It was actually possible to get photos clear of people. But oh my, the instas who block masses of people too polite to move forward. Well. We eventually weren't polite.

Young friend of mine who visited recently went there at 5:30 am. Considering that her usual rising time is around between nine and 10 it was quite an effort.

 

[rbjhan]

A shame that over tourism curtails activities for the "good" tourist. We did an Expedition cruise around Japan in cherry blossom season 2016. All excursions were included. One day we were taken to Ritsurin Koen which was the 4th of the Big 4 gardens that we have been to It was a beautiful day and many couple and families having their wedding photos taken. We asked if we could take pictures and the answer was always yes. But what blew me away was that twice we were asked to join the family photo. You couldn't refuse.

Ha but you were in Shikoku.....

 

[Quickstatus]

I’d said, in Japanese, the meal was delicious.

As I understand it there are several ways to say the above. What did you say

 

[Pushka]

As I understand it there are several ways to say the above. What did you say

I used 'oishideshita'. Past tense. It is tasty would be oishidesu.

 

[Pushka]

The family in the last picture of Blossoms, bullet train and beyond: exploring Japan by Land and Sea. seem to have an issue with their feet

Yes - I used a Pano and then scrolled up. The only way to capture the height of the bamboo.

 

[Pushka]

So this was yesterdays' fun. We grabbed a taxi to Kyoto station - the guide was adamant we take a taxi because she didn't trust us to get to the right station. . We'd been DIY in Tokyo and Kyoto before we'd met her so we just went along with her request. She was anxiously waiting for us as she wanted to buy seat tickets to Nara and often the train was full. So we ran with her to the office and got our tickets for the first train at 9am. It was really pleasant just watching the countryside roll by. All new to us. Trip was about 40 minutes. We passed the station where Shinzo Abe was assisinated in 2022. . He was well liked by all it seemed.

Passed by the local main house and then into the station proper. Packed with tourists. So many tourists. Hmm. Need to post this before photos as it's having a 'moment' it seems.

 

[TomVexille]

So get this. Our friends in Melbourne whom we have trouble catching up with in Melbourne are also in Japan. On an escorted tour. They arrived two days ago. And Kyoto. And are just 800 metres away from where we are. We are catching up for dinner. Go figure as they say.

Funny how things work out sometimes

 

[Pushka]

Right. Back to work. On the train ride.






At the station. Specially decorated.



We walked out of the station and Tomoe pointed out an Insta spot. There was a small queue and there were traffic guards stopping the crowds moving on to the road. All wanting to buy these


So of course we had to try them.



Delicious. Someone wanted more.

We then walked through to the main entrance where the deer come during the day to be fed by - tourists. Sellers sell wafer thin biscuits that are nutritious for the deer and even the paper wrap can be eaten by them. Tomoe said not to buy them yet as there were too many deer, they are hungry in the morning and they can get aggressive. So we kept walking. The deer return to the mountains at night where a gamekeeper feeds them with acorns. The Deer are sacred and are regarded as messengers of the deity.











Before you feed them the deer bow. Of course it's operant conditioning but it's quite sweet. And there is this impulse to bow back to them but all they want is the wafer.

MrP captured this photo of the deer just holding the paper thin wafer in its mouth that I'd just given him.

 

[Quickstatus]

The Deer are sacred and are regarded as messengers of the deity

What was the cost of biscuit compared with the Shinto wish?

 

[Pushka]

We kept walking to Todai-ji temple to Buddha. It consists of massive structures, one as an entrance and the other to hold the giant statue of Buddha. Everywhere through Japan most temples and palaces seem to have been burnt down and rebuilt over the centuries. The warring Samurais have a lot to answer for, most of the damage being civil.













Magnificent guards.

 

[Pushka]

What was the cost of biscuit compared with the Shinto wish?

These were 200 for 6 wafers. So a little on the expensive side

 

[Quickstatus]

So a little on the expensive side

Who is this deity that's is making a profit?. Tax exempt?. Religion has always been profitable

 

[Pushka]

Who is this deity that's is making a profit?. Tax exempt?. Religion has always been profitable

Not the deity this time but local women who set up pop up stores. All sold out about 3 hours later and gone.

 

[Pushka]

And this guard is exemplary with his assistance to the public. Kyoto station Shinkansen area. Lovely to see.

 

[Pushka]

Winner.

 

[markis10]

Yesterday looks like a good day Fuji san wise Mount Fuji Live View Camera | Kamakura-Enoshima Shonan Monorail

 

[Pushka]

Yesterday looks like a good day Fuji san wise Mount Fuji Live View Camera | Kamakura-Enoshima Shonan Monorail

This was an hour ago. Thursday.

 

[Pushka]

We made our way back through the deer and by now they were all full and asleep! The seller ladies gone. Not their first rodeo.

So next it was off on a train to Osaka. I wanted to see Dotonburi to see if it was worth returning when in Kobe port on the cruise. We don't berth in Osaka.

Train arrived on time and we were soon to Dotonburi madness. Ain't it great?

Osaka world expo opened this week. Their mascot is nothing short of weird and am not tempted to buy it.



Love their decorative manhole covers.








Did someone say kitkats?

 

[Pushka]

Sorting through photos and think this one is better. I took a few



Our next chance for the best viewing will be on Monday when we are in Shimizu. If Fuji is behaving and so far the weather will be clear, then we will she Fuji from the ship and also closer with our excursion. We are on a 6 person private group organised through Cruise Critic. But not by me.

Yesterday was a travel day from Kyoto to Yokohama to get to the hotel we are staying for 3 nights pre cruise. Nothing remarkable about this place except we booked a room with a Washing Machine. Yeah. Three loads done last night and didn't use the dry function but even jeans were dry this morning. Happy days. . The hotel was a guest lounge with a coffee and tea machine, snacks, communal washers and driers which are always busy, a gym, smoking room etc. An attached coffee lounge for breakfast which was pleasant rather than remarkable.

We are having a get sorted day, it's the first day since we arrived well over a week ago with nothing planned. Other than washing, repacking, getting new luggage labels printed and wrapping the knives that we will hand over at security on Sunday. I'd brought a roll of duct tape and a roll of plastic bags. Which came in useful for this. I'd heard duct tape was an essential on cruises . And this time it was.

Weather pleasant, not hot or cold. Jacket needed though. Viking Venus is berthed here, and was overnight but think judging by the people arriving at 9am, was offloading and reloading passengers. Hate that early morning arrival on cruise ships where you have to leave by 9am but hotels won't let you in. This time we've got that sorted but that's a long time away.

We will head off to the Red Brick warehouses later, check out yet another Ferris wheel. Last night we looked for a restaurant then saw a sign China Town. A fabulous little area which was full of neons and sparkling and enjoyed a good Chinese meal. Raided the 7/11 for red wine, milk, butter biscuits, and gin which sadly we will have to consume before we get to the ship on Sunday. Bbl.