Cycling to Gdog’s – Japan Rest Completed
I only spent 16 days in Japan, but within that time I became very attached to it. A way of life that I could easily identify with and wish was mirrored in British society. From talking to people they aren’t taught politeness or respect directly, it’s something that children mimic from watching adults. Landing in China only further highlighted the beauty of Japan, and the failings (or loss of tradition) in the large Chinese cities. Watching grown men run for the last seat on the metro and all jump on it like it were a game of musical chairs was embarrassing.
Cycling to Gdog’s – Japan (Part 4 – Kyoto)
Having left Tokyo, my next stop was the former capital (until 1868), Kyoto. Originally listed as a target for the atomic bomb, it was reportedly removed from the list in order to preserve its many historical landmarks. Once there I realised why, where ever you stand you can literally throw a stone in any direction and hit a shrine or temple. With the many landmarks come hordes of Japanese tourists. It’s still a beautiful, student-based city though of little over 1.5 million. Another of the smaller cities outside of Tokyo that I could happily live and work in.
Cycling to Gdog’s – Japan (Part 3 – Hiroshima)
My visit to Hiroshima was a short one only lasting a few days. Using my rail pass I was there in a little over two hours from Kyoto. While Hiroshima was a beautiful city it didn’t offer more than two days of sights, so I figured my time was best spent back in Kyoto and Nara. August 6th 1945 marked a historic day, Hiroshima being the first city an atomic bomb (“Little Boy”) was dropped on. It wiped out 80,000 people instantly and effects were felt for a further few years killing an additional 20,000-60,000. Despite this the city has recovered quickly and now has a great buzz and feel to it. For those that don’t like the immense size and population of Tokyo, at only 1.2 million people, Hiroshima offers a city experience but with nature closeby.
Cycling to Gdog’s – Japan (Part 2 – Tokyo)
Having experienced the differences Tokyo and typically Japan has to offer compared to western society, I thought I’d write about the best and worst parts of Tokyo. My week in Tokyo was quite an experience and fairly different from the other parts of Japan I visited. I really enjoyed Tokyo and the Khaosan Tokyo Kabuki hostel I stayed at began to feel like home. Given I had spent most days cycling from point to point it was nice to settle somewhere long enough for it to begin to feel familiar.
Cycling to Gdog’s – Japan (Part 1 – Tokyo)
As part of my rest period before continuing my journey I am explored Japan (via bullet train), Tokyo being my first stop. I spent six days in Tokyo before moving on to Kyoto. While not the prettiest city, Tokyo has plenty to experience. Unfortunately due to my lack of planning the September Sumo tournament wasn’t one of those things, but maybe that is something for another time. Instead I got a large dose of fine Japanese food, culture and night life, while staying at the Khaosan Tokyo Kabuki hostel (awesome hostel!).