Travel companion David McDowell and I, having left the Mooks and Motts in Tokyo, took a Shinkansen (bullet train) to Kyoto. These trains are a modern marvel. For trips of this distance it is cheaper and more comfortable than flying. A JR Rail Pass makes it even easier for tourists. Kyoto, the ancient capital of Japan, is a great place to visit. It has just a stark...
When I visited Fujikawaguchiko three years ago I found out that a famous theme park was located here. I took an opportunity on this trip to try it out. Most of the rollar coasters set world records over the last 2 decades. While it is no Cedar Point, it definitely is one to try at least once. As a fun cultural shock, you have to take your shoes off for one of these...
We spent all day traveling to Fujikawaguchiko, a town and series of lakes at the north base of Mt. Fuji. I discovered this location about 3 years ago and was really excited to share with Zach, Jessey, Natalie, and David. It takes about an hour of train riding to get there. By a happy accident, we ended up on a tourist sight seeing train. Arriving late in the day...
Jessey and Natalie arrived on friday completing my odd group of travel companions. Zach decided (I agreed) that it would be a good idea to take a walking tour of favorite sites in the metro. It is a great way to get over jet lag a little bit faster. This is technically the first time in nearly 15 years that Zach, David, Jessey, and I have all been in the same place...
Zach invited David and I to take a day tour of the City of Kamakura. It is located along the coast to the south of Tokyo. We met up at Ikabukaro Station during rush hour and made a 1 hour train ride to the south. Ah rush hour… First, we visited the Hase-Dara Buddhist temple. Next, we walked to the Kotoku-in Buddhist temple, home of one of the largest...
I spent my first 3 days alone in my usual spot. Asakusa is a district in the Taito ward of the Metropolis of Tokyo. I discovered a few good hostels here during a trip in 2009. Hotels in Tokyo are expensive, usually around $300 a night. While I can budget, save, and afford such accommodations, I prefer staying at Hostels for 1/10th the price and avoid the opportunity...
I’m back in Japan (or Nipon as the locals call it). No work this time my friends. It’s time for vacation. I believe this is my 6th trip to Japan. Why do I keep going back? Mostly I enjoy the food, transportation system, and quite a few friends I have made over the years. This trip represents a new idea i’ve wanted to try for nearly a decade. I took...
Every photo and movie I’ve seen over the years of this city always seem to include a flyover of Cristo Redentor or Christ the Redeemer statue. Here is a nice Youtube video to give you an idea; moreover, it’s better than my photo skills. It was only natural that I would want to visit this place located at the top of Corcovado Mountain. In terms of...
I was going to stay another day in Fort William, but upon announcing said intent to the front desk, I was informed that an international mountain bike competition was about to begin and everything was booked solid through the weekend. Sometimes things happen for a reason so I purchased an 8GBP bus ticket to Inverness, booked a hotel, and started on to my next town. I...
I woke up early, hiked up the hill to the Upper Tyndrum train station, and for 18GBP took a ride towards Fort William. Once again I was in for another beautiful ride through the highlands. I chose this town completely at random not knowing what I would find there. It turned out to be a surprise paradise! Its right on the back side of Ben Nevis, the tallest mountain...