Japan, mon amour

It’s been forever – we left Japan 3wks ago and are leaving Vietnam in a few hours, but in this remote border town we finally find the time and a computer that reads my files. It’s taken us hours – though respite comes from the bossy 10yr old boy running this place who occasionally hangs on my shoulder to check out my progress. For now pictures only – videos to come.

Overall, Japan was a huge success for us. We loved the food so much that we took a picture of every meal; we found a great friend in Manabu, our CouchSurfing host; we partied all night at karaoke bars in Tokyo; we spent a week Wwoofing in the Japanese Alps with a generous and inspiring family; we somberly visited Hiroshima and giddily strutted through an onsen (spa town) in our yukatas (robes). Amazing, Done.

Enter Tokyo
Mindblowing. Must see to believe. No more description needed.Photos

Morinoie
MO-REE-NO-EE-EH – our alpine, macrobiotic counterpart to metropolitan Japan. We stayed with a sweet family who taught us a lot about Japanese culture and organic living. Also staying their quaint, traditional Japanese house were other Wwoofers from Louisiana, Mexico, Belgium, Tokyo… and Blendy, a crazy Japanese man who just showed up a few months ago. It was the most peaceful, healthy and balanced week we’ve had this year thanks to Masa, our host, and his way of life. Photos

Kyoto
We spent most of our time away from the big sights of Kyoto, in the temples and Monkey park of Arashiyama and the paths of Fushimi Inari. Photos

Hiroshima – Gifu – Gero
Hiroshima was very emotional, but not always for the obvious reason. Described in guidebooks as “worth going to as a day trip,” in actuality, the friendly people, amazing food and understated culture make it worth much more. Wish we had known. Comorant fishing, or ukai can only be truly appreciated from a torch lit boat on the river. Visitors be warned, it is not for PETA donors.
Gero hot springs are the ultimate relax and the least written about get away spot in our “Rough Guide to Japan.” Walking to and from onsen (natural spas) clad in traditional robes and wooden sandals. Who could ask for more? Photos

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