We arrived in Tokyo, after the now expected delay at Melbourne Airport, at around 7:30pm on Monday. Both Super Sake Boy and I were so happy to be back in Japan, but exhausted. We took the new Keisei Skyliner from Narita Airport to Ueno Station. It's super convenient and faster than the NEX Express. After … Continue reading Two Days in Tokyo
What I’m Most Looking Forward to in Japan 2024
My dear friend Ingrid asked me the other day what I'm most looking forward to in Japan this year. It's been four and a half years since my last trip. I told her the first thing I'm going to do when I arrive is go to the konbini (convenience store) at Narita Airport and buy … Continue reading What I’m Most Looking Forward to in Japan 2024
Japan Planning
February 2024 I LOVE planning, especially Japlanning for Japan. It's now only 24 days until we go to Japan. Although we have been a number of times, we are going to some different places, with different conditions. So, our packing requirements will be different. I am also expecting many things to have changed since July … Continue reading Japan Planning
Is a JR Pass Value for Money in 2024?
JR Pass Is a JR Pass still good value for money? When I travelled to Japan in 2015, 2016, twice in 2018, and 2019. Every time I went, I purchased a Japan Rail Pass. It was almost a no-brainer, worth it every single time. However, returning in 2024, I don't think the Pass is everything … Continue reading Is a JR Pass Value for Money in 2024?
Japan in 2024
We are returning to Japan in 2024. In 46 days, for the first time since 2019. Our trip scheduled in 2020 was cancelled due to Covid. This will be my sixth trip, and I am looking forward to exploring new places and revisiting Kyoto and Tokyo. I haven't written much Blossomkitty content this year. I … Continue reading Japan in 2024
Provenance, Beechworth
Super Sake Boy and I have been planning a trip to Provenance, Beechworth for years. Simone, aka as the Sake Mistress, tempted us with wonderfully carnal descriptions of both food and Amaro. Simone, and her chef husband Simon, love visiting Provenance, and often spend special occasions at the restaurant and accommodation. COVID disrupted our planning … Continue reading Provenance, Beechworth
Japan and Prescription Medication
Earlier this year I was walking in the sunny hills around Brisbane when a friend called in a panic. Her ex-husband was taking her kids to Japan a few days later. She had just learned that ADHD medication may be illegal to carry in. I had had coffee with her ex-husband, and given him some … Continue reading Japan and Prescription Medication
Kyoto’s Tangible History
There are over 2000 temples in Kyoto. Seventeen of them are UNESCO World Heritage sites. You are somewhat spoiled for choice. I love going to the temples that are not over-run with tourists. The places where you can actually feel the gravity of the history. These enchanting places that are part of local people’s everyday … Continue reading Kyoto’s Tangible History
Tokyo Ueno Station and Homelessness
Book Review Between Christmas and New Year I read a fascinating novel by Yu Miri called Tokyo Ueno Station, which was in my Christmas stocking ☺️ The writing style is different to any I have encountered before, with no chapters, not many scene breaks and a fluidity between different points in time. Written from the … Continue reading Tokyo Ueno Station and Homelessness
Setting Intentions in Kochi
New Year's Eve morning, 2015. Seven years ago. I am sitting in the Emperor Award winning garden of my friend Maki's grandfather. I have travelled to Takimoto, Kochi, Shikoku, Japan with my friend Maki, her two kids and my two kids. It is my third New Year alone, after losing my late husband, Michael. It … Continue reading Setting Intentions in Kochi