A Travel Blog
You really can’t ask, as a tourist, for anything better than a clear sunny day of 23°C can you – which is what we got today. We spent it doing one main thing, visiting Kairakuen, one of Japan’s top treasure gardens, but the day was as much about the journey (as they say) as about … Read more
Our plan for our three full days in Mito was concocted last night on the basis of the weather forecast, which was for a grey, inclement Tuesday (today), and mostly sunny for Wednesday and Thursday. In other words, our two big outdoor sights would not be today, making today Kōdōkan Hall, Mito Museum of Modern … Read more
Tomioka Silk Factory Our main reason for coming to Takasaki was to visit the Tomioka Silk Factory. It was Japan’s first modern silk factory, established in 1872; it operated until 1987; and in 2014 it was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the first Japanese factory, we believe, to be so designated. Getting to Tomioka … Read more
The day began … with a delicious Japanese breakfast buffet to fortify us for our busy day. We then handed in our “Eco plan” sheet to reception. This meant no change of towels or sheets, but gave us in return, two coffee vouchers at the hotel’s cafe. The Japanese, we are learning, are very literal. … Read more
Despite various less than stellar weather forecasts during our holiday to date, the actual weather has been mostly like Camelot – rain at night, dry and warm during the day. Today was no exception, being pretty spectacular for our arrival in the lovely town of Matsumoto in Nagano Prefecture. We’re so glad we brought some … Read more