The blog sucks to try to read in order since it is shown newest post first and the permanent link ids don t increase in a simple sequence so here s a list of links to the posts, but first an approximate map of my trip (most of it on trains except for two day tours in [ ]
If you are travelling on trains in Japan then collecting eki (station) stamps can give you a fun reminder of the trip. Finding the stamp location can be a challenge in some stations, especially if there are crowds and you are in a hurry, and sometimes the ink needs some TLC too but that s also [ ]
Following the lead of John Walton with #JohnDoesJapan I compiled a list of the different trains/trams/etc that I took on my trip and updated a thread on Bluesky #MarkDoesJapan with them. I could just point you at the thread but a more permanent solution is to document it here, plus I ve fixed some errors. I m [ ]
To answer some of the what was best questions. Best hotel is tough since how do you fairly compare a luxury hotel against a businessman s hotel? Therefore the answer is Oirase Keiryu Hotel by Hoshino Resorts (luxury) Y s Hotel Asahikawa Ekimae (regular) Toyoko Inn Hirosaki Ekimae (businessman) Best location for autumnal leaves: Oirase Gorge Best [ ]
Tuesday, 2 December 2025 Having migrated to a hotel connected to Haneda Terminal 3 the night before it was a relatively relaxing start to the day even with a 9:40am flight. I was flying premium economy with Japan Airlines to Hong Kong and the queue to check in was relatively short although very slow moving. [ ]
Monday, 1 December 2025 Final full day in Japan, day 47 is more about the brief stop in Hong Kong. This trip was all about chasing autumnal leaves from Hokkaido, through Aomori and down to Kyushu before rebounding to Tokyo. On my final day in Tokyo I kept at it so parks were on the [ ]
Sunday, 30 November 2025 Although I m staying in Tokyo I didn t stay in Tokyo today (or maybe I did as the metro area is huge). Anyway today s target was the Enoshima area, and specifically the island and it s observation tower. I d been to Kamakura when the IETF secretariat escaped for the day during the IETF [ ]
Saturday, 29 November 2025 First day in Tokyo and I had hoped to visit my second Frank Lloyd Wright building, Jiyu Gakuen Myonichikan, but it s closed for events (weddings and wedding receptions by the look of the notice by the gate). It s also closed tomorrow for the same reason and it is normally closed on [ ]
Friday, 28 November 2025 Another epic trip in an epic train today but before that there were a couple of temples and shrines to visit as well as another art museum. I had wanted to visit Shofukuji, the oldest Zen temple in Japan, and on Todd s recommendation the Asian Art Museum. My route to the [ ]
Thursday, 27 November 2025 Today was a brief sprint to the furthest south I will get in Japan this trip, the active stratovolcano Sakurajima near Kagoshima. I had many itinerary plans for Kagoshima, including trying to get tickets on the 36+3 luxury train, but in the end it ended up as a morning blast down [ ]