I published a new book last month. It is available on Amazon as a paperback and is called: 30 Day Hikes Near Tokyo.
Here is a sample PDF with a few hikes: Sample PDF. You can also go to the companion web page for the book, where you will find GPS tracks for the hikes, as well as links to additional photos and public transport directions.
I saw this interesting documentary about all the effort that goes into operating a Japanese ramen shop. It is tough work!
I had to leave Japan at the end of my 1 year Working Holiday Visa, which made me sad… Anyway, I mostly posted pictures of buildings or landscapes until now, so for my last post about my stay in Japan, here are a few pictures of the people of Tokyo.
Narita Airport is the primary international airport for the region of Tokyo. It is located in Chiba prefecture. It has a nice observation deck to watch planes landing and taking off from up close.
On my last full day in Japan, I checked out early from my apartment in Tokyo and headed to a hotel next to the airport in Narita (Chiba prefecture). I then spent the rest of the afternoon strolling around Narita. The main highlight of the city is Naritasan Shinshoji Temple: It is a large buddhist temple dedicated to Fudo Myo. Besides the temple buildings, Naritasan is famous for its Gion festival, held every summer, its massive Great Pagoda of Peace and a large garden.
Harumi Passenger Ship Terminal (晴海客船ターミナル) is the Tokyo terminal for international cruise ships. It is located in Tokyo Bay at the southern tip of Harumi Island. It has one of the best views on Tokyo Bay and the Rainbow Bridge in the city. There is a viewing platform on the 6th floor but it was closed when I was there.
Hakusan Jinja (白山神社) is a shinto shrine in Bunkyo, Tokyo. It is especially popular in early June when it holds its annual Bunkyo Hydrangea Festival (文京あじさいまつり). I was too early for the best viewing but there were still a few flowers (and a lot of cats) when I visited.
Hotel New Otani Tokyo is a high-end hotel in Kioicho, Tokyo. It was built for the 1964 Tokyo Olympic Games. Its Japanese garden dates back from the Edo period and, like the garden of Hotel Chinzanso in Mejiro, is open to all.
Ueno Zoo is located inside Ueno Park. It is the oldest zoo in Japan and has about 500 species, including elephants, giraffes, polar bears and penguins. Its star animal is the giant panda.
