So I’m on the move, well I have been for a few days now and let me tell you that the bag is not any lighter now than it was for leg 1. We may need to implement some weight saving measures and send a package back to the commonwealth.
Tokyo reflections
This probably deserves a blog of its own, but I wanted to get some thoughts down on ‘paper’ before they drop out of my noggin.
As I settled in to Tokyo I definitely enjoyed the little things, see micro blog #1 for those :D.
The museums in Tokyo, and in particular the art were very impressive and enjoyed them. A very varied collection in all of the different museums with some extremely beautiful things which I normally wouldn’t go and see but I’m very glad I did. If you’re interested google the Naito collection, a truly amazing set of manuscripts which are infinitely intricate in nature.
Speedy Shinkansen
They are as impressive as you imagine them to be… everything from the curves and lines that make up the exterior of this mode of transport that more closely resembles a spaceship than the 158 express sprinter I’m used to getting on the fife circle. The thing that really struck me was the sheer efficiency of the whole operation. This is everything from the station platform where staff work like bees in a hive, all with jobs that compliment each other to get the job done smoothly. Then once you’re on you fly between Japanese towns and cities, with each train operating like a cog in a well oiled timepiece. When one train stops at a certain station 2 more will fly past, we’re talking a train every 5 minutes and they all work seamlessly with each other, never causing delay for the next. Its pretty incomprehensible for someone who’s used to their train to Edinburgh regularly arriving late because of one reason or another.
My only titbit is to be ready to get off well before the station, they do not wait around.
A pleasant surprise - the tale of Nagoya
Nagoya turned out to be a gem of a find, completely unexpected but totally welcome.
The plan was 2 nights in a city I’ve never heard of to go visit the Toyota Automobile museum… what transpired was 2 nights in a really cool city which totally took me by surprise and is hip, cool and chill in nature.
The museum was very much worth the visit, not focused on what I thought would be Toyota and its history in the automotive industry, instead focusing on the car industry as a whole and the evolution of it. Really informative but also there was just beautiful cars from throughout history on display. Not to mention they had a lot of car related things on show also from magazines, brochures, number plates, toy cars, hood ornaments and more. Definitely worth a visit, evening if just to see this.
Nagoya castle was worth the visit, it has been entirely reconstructed since the end of WWII where it was destroyed by air raids. They’ve done an excellent job as I wouldn’t have been able to tell you that without reading it. The palace on the site was also reconstructed (fairly recently) and it has been done to such a high standard, giving an amazing insight into what it would have been like.
The hostel I stayed at was staffed by some lovely people who chatted away happily with me and it really made me feel like I was welcome there. I’d go back for sure :)
Kyoto is calling, so is cost saving
I’m already onto my next stop in Kyoto, I don’t know how long for at the moment as I nay decided to extend my stay.
The host of the hostel I’m staying in gave me a warm welcome and based on his ramen recommendation alone I think I’m in good hands. The bed is similar in style to the pod in Tokyo but with more of a hostel vibe (in a good way).
The plan is to be much more laid back in Kyoto, with only 1 thing on the must visit list. This primarily means I can implement some cost saving measures and make sure that the budget gets rained into the lines where it should be. I’ve already decided that breakfast has to be DIY affair while in Kyoto, this required going to a ‘proper’ supermarket and man alive it never gets old being in a supermarket in another country. Breakfast is going to be sandwiches consisting of bananas, peanut butter and honey, totalling 1001¥ (£5.25) for the next few days which should be about half what I would have spent so not a bad start if you ask me.
Stuff I have been enjoying
New section, this is just gonna be things which I have been enjoying or have enjoyed and that you can enjoy too!
Podcasts:
The rest is entertainment - Richard Osman & Marina Hyde
Empire - William Dalrymple & Anita Anand
Albums:
Life - Kenichiro Nishihara
Splashy Fen 2023 (Live Loops and Pink Suits) - Steve Umculo
Fireworks and Rollerblades - Benson Boone
Youtube:
James May visits Jay Leno’s garage - James May’s planet gin
Assorted - Tom the Taxi driver
Assorted - London Eats
Maybe you’ll find something you like <3
Toddy
Current Locale - 🇯🇵
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