10 Days Japan with U3A - Departure, Tokyo, Lake Kawaguchi, Inuyama Castle

Thursday 4 April 2024

On our way, leaving a monster pineapple behind for the house sitters.

Flying to Sydney first.

Our name tags (Kevin was already wearing his) are also in Japanese.  Upon boarding, one of the stewards started to speak Japanese to poor Kevin, who had, of course, no idea what the man was saying! 😊

Landed in Sydney after passing the harbour and harbour bridge.

I love Flightradar! 😊

Friday 5 April 2024

Arrived at the hotel in Tokyo last night after a good flight from Sydney and efficient transport with the shuttlebus.

PJs are provided, as you can see.  Beds were very hard but not uncomfortable.  The pillows were even harder.  Pretty UNcomfortable when you have a headache (as I had...)

The weather looks a bit dull today.  A hearty breakfast will provide a better outlook, I'm sure! 😊

Leaving Tokyo on the bus to Kani City.

Stop at lake Kawaguchi for a look around and a great cup of coffee and something like a 'filled pikelet' from the supermarket.

The weather has not improved, so we will not see Mt. Fuji.

Lunch at a stop on the highway.  A bit like our BP Service centres.  The Japanese meal was delicious, and I (really carefully!) enjoyed the wasabi on the side.  We ordered an udon set meal. 

A visit to Inuyama Castle built at around 1600.

Not photographed, but seen by now, all kinds of flowering cherry trees: white, pink, red, weeping...

It's just a shame that the sun isn't shining on all this beauty.

Arrived at our next destination, where we are staying for three nights.  The rooms are very small, like everything in Japan, apparently, but not uncomfortable.

As we had a reasonable lunch, we walked over to Starbucks across the street, where we had a light evening meal and a nice cup of coffee.  We're getting used to the Japanese way of doing things.  E.g. you don't just hand over the money. A little black tray is handed to you with TWO hands.  You place your money on it and hand it back, again with TWO hands.  Next, you receive the docket and change in the same way.  All very graciously done and everyone is so very friendly.

Later in the evening, Kevin and I went down to the lobby for a game of cards and a cuppa before going to bed.  Again, a pair of pyamas was ready for us, but no need to try them on again for a photo... 😊 By the way, going to the toilet is also quite comfortable: the seats are heated!

PS Some of the photos are not in chronological order, but I am not going to worry about it... Life's too short...😉