Hello from the Land of the Rising Sun, otherwise known as tomorrow. I’m here in Tokyo’s Narita Airport after a 14-hour flight during which the sun never set. That’s right – we left New York around noon, flew over the…
Japan in review
Well, it was a whirlwind of a trip, but a really great one! I have to say, Japan is an amazing country, with so much to see and do, and I have developed a real appreciation for it even in…
Lost in translation
Engrish, Japanglish, whatever you call it, the version of English used on Japanese signs is quite unique, and famous the world over. I suppose it’s hard to criticize; after all, how much Japanese do we have on our signs? But…
Last day in Tokyo
Got a photograph of a smile… One last day in Tokyo. I set out in the morning to squeeze in a bit more sightseeing. Is there a temple behind all those people? First, I headed to Asakusa to see the…
More Tokyo
Wow. I’m down to my last weekend in Japan, and I can’t believe how quickly this trip has gone by! I have two days to see Tokyo, and the fact that I’m exhausted isn’t helping matters much. Rather than trying…
Tokyo
Welcome to Tokyo Tokyo is overwhelming. I consider myself a pretty experienced traveler, but the sheer size and scope of Tokyo makes it daunting for anyone. With flashing neon lights and billboards everywhere, this megopolis of more than 12 million…
Mount Fuji, take two
What a difference a day makes! Morning, and we were all set to head straight to Tokyo. But, lo and behold, the sun was shining, and we couldn’t resist the opportunity to see Mount Fuji on a rare clear day.…
Hakone and Mount Fuji
Planes, trains and automobiles A very long day today, as we started out from Hiroshima, made our way up to Hakone, and then headed uphill to Owakudani to try to see Mount Fuji. We spent almost a dozen hours in…
Miyajima Island
A day to remember Woke up this morning in Hiroshima and looked at my watch only to realize the date: November 11th. Remembrance Day. Although for us Canadians, the day specifically honours WWI veterans, it has always had a broader…
Hiroshima
From devastation to peace Hiroshima was completely destroyed in the first ever atomic bomb attack in 1945. Out of the rubble and ashes, a modern, thriving city was reborn. Even more remarkably, an entire movement sprung up here against nuclear…