JH Site

In Summer 2008 we went to Japan on a group tour with Explore.

I had been nervous about going there and wanted a well-structured and escorted tour. I suppose I saw it as a very alien culture. I also felt that, as it is a developed country, it would not be as oriented towards tourists as other places we have visited.

The food was another matter. I have got to the point where I am prepared to try most things put in front of me. This is essential in Japan.

We made several journeys on the "Bullet" train system. This started operating in 1964, the year the Olympics were held in Tokyo.

The Japanese for this system, "Shinkansen" actually means "new railway track". The tracks and station platforms are dedicated to it so it can operate as a self-contained system. There's a lesson for the UK there.

The food was wonderful and very varied.

Himeji Castle.

One of the few that still has the original timber structure. Others have been re-constructed in concrete.

Traditional accommodation.

Hirosihma.

One of those places where history hits you in the face.