I’ve been keeping quite busy over the last few weeks. Every time I go somewhere new, my love for Japan grows. My language skills have vastly improved and I feel like I’m getting to know my co-workers better as a result. I can hold more intelligent conversations, make jokes, and just understand more in general. I still have over a month left, but I can already feel my time here in Japan running out. I don’t think I’ll be ready to leave when the time comes, but at the same time there is much that I miss from back home. I have a lot planned yet, starting with a trip to the Northern Japan Alps which I am leaving for tonight. In the remaining weekends I plan to climb Fuji-san, visit Amanohashidate on the coast of the Sea of Japan, climb to the top of a nearby mountain to view Lake Biwa, and see a few more sites in Kyoto. My final week here I get to spend with my girlfriend, traveling to Hiroshima, Himeji-jo, my favorite spots in Kyoto, and Tokyo. I’ve made lots of memories, but there are still quite a few left to make. Thanks to my trusty camera, I’ve captured a lot on film…er, flash card. Here are a few recent ones.
Todai-ji in Nara. It’s big…
…but this hole inside it is tiny! I crawled through it for good fortune. Not sure about that, but I did get some bruises for my effort.
Contrary to what you may think, this is not typical for the streets of Japan…
…only on festivals, specifically Gion Matsuri, where they have big portable shrines in tiny alleys.
Shimogamo Shrine lit up for a festival of wading…
…It was a truly awe inspiring evening, one of the best memories of my stay here.
i think that hole in the tree is for asians only. you’re too big!
beautiful photos!