I like travelling alone. That way, I've only got one idiot to worry about.
All right, I’ll admit it: I’m a castle nut. Not once in my several visits to Japan have I ever failed to visit at least one of these striking symbols of the country’s feudal history, and on several occasions (such as here and here) I didn’t hesitate to invest hours of travel time just to see some castle or other.
Continue reading “Field Report: Matsuyama, Japan (12 February 2014) – Part 2/3”
I’ve got plenty to look forward to in the historic capital of Ehime Prefecture – but of course, I’ll need to get there first. It’s a good thing I love long train rides.
Continue reading “Field Report: Matsuyama, Japan (12 February 2014) – Part 1/3”
Whether you’re looking for reminders of a bygone era or the pulsing lights and sounds of the modern age, Ōsaka’s bound to have something that will suit your itinerary.
Continue reading “Field Report: Ōsaka, Japan (11 February 2014)”
This morning, we’ve got our sights trained on a fine castle just an hour’s journey from Ōsaka.
Continue reading “Field Report: Wakayama, Japan (11 February 2014)”
From the wintry wonderland of Sapporo, I flew hundreds of miles south to the (somewhat) warmer climes of Ōsaka, where I enjoyed a visit to one of the country’s finest aquatic attractions.
Continue reading “Field Report: Ōsaka, Japan (10 February 2014)”
Otaru may be a rather small city – and yes, I was here just a couple of days ago – but it’s got more than enough attractions to justify a second day-trip from Sapporo.
Continue reading “Field Report: Otaru, Japan (09 February 2014)”
Rāmen is a food for all seasons, but it takes on a special appeal when the mercury drops below freezing point.
With Sapporo’s cold winter air sucking all the heat out of my tropic-reared body, is it any wonder that I was game for another steaming-hot bowl just a day after my last one?
Remember the little mahō shōjo we met at Ōdōri Park a few days ago?
Remember how I mentioned that there’s just no avoiding her, especially considering that Sapporo is her home turf?
Well, guess who I ran into one Sunday morning in Hokkaidō’s snowy capital.
Continue reading “Field Report: Sapporo, Japan (09 February 2014)”
One can’t fail to be impressed by Japan’s knack for making culinary combinations that might seem daft at first – and I mean downright lunatic – yet end up working beautifully in the end.
Like wasabi-flavoured Kit-Kats, for example.
Or like miso-flavoured rāmen with a pat of butter and some corn thrown in.
Continue reading “Food Report: Baikōken (Asahikawa)”
. . . et quiévit, dum resúrgeret in iudício Deus, allelúia.
– Offertory of the Mass of Easter Sunday.
Diego wishes you, your family, and all your loved ones a very happy Easter.
Within striking distance