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 Day 8: Back in Tokyo. 

After settling in to our short stay apartment the day before, we spent most of the next day in The Miraikan National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation. (phew!) 

The main attraction at Mirakan is Asimo, a child like humanoid robot by Honda. Not only does he speak, but he sings, dances and can kick a football! 

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Day 6: Journey to Tashirojima, The Cat Island.

We left Shichigahama early in the morning to catch a train to Ishinomaki, where we could get the ferry to Tashirojima.

The train ride was dreamlike, the sun shining through the windows and there were very few people on the train. Understandably, the other passengers did seem visibly shocked to see gaijin (westerners) on their local train through rural Japan. However at this point, we had become accustomed to the many sideways glances and quick peeks over in our direction. Of course they’re going to be shocked to see a couple with bright pink hair! :’)

As we approached Tashirojima, we didn’t see any cats.. however a steep walk up into the forests revealed many cute, welcoming and meowing furry friends. The first cat we encountered appeared to be scared of us, but as we walked on it was apparent that the older the cats were, the wiser... 

“If we’re friendly to humans, we’ll get some treats!” 

We photographed the two wise old cats that welcomed us to the island’s cat shrine. On our journey from there, we saw many kitties.

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Part 2 After exploring the hidden shrine, we found a tori at  the beginning of another path.. It lead us straight to the top of some cliffs, looking out onto the ocean. 

We imagined that no one had walked on the path in a long while, yet we proceeded to anyway. 

The winding path along the cliffs eventually brought us to a towering, white, light house. We couldn’t be sure whether or not we were trespassing, and we didn’t dare go further that the metal fence that enveloped the light house.

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Day 5: Exploring Shichigahama; Part 1.

A beautiful, sea and countryside area just waiting to be explored. 

After deciding not to go to Zao fox village, Duncan found evidence of a local shrine through Google maps. It hid up in the hills. Equipping ourselves with walking boots, waterproof jackets and warm clothing, we set off to find the shrine.

Arriving at the tori (gate) I felt chills run down my back. It was like encountering a secret, one that hid in the magical forest.. protected by forest spirits. 

Walking on further, we found the shrine indeed being protected by spirits in the form of statues..

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Day 4: Travelling to Shichigahama.

On the way to Shichigahama, we stopped at Sendai as we had quite a few hours free. We walked about 30 minutes from the station to a local park, and when we arrived we realised there was a massive hanami party going on. 

It was lovely to experience the atmosphere, the different tastes, smells and sights there.

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 Day 3: The evening.

Our Airbnb host in Adachi-ku has a balcony, and it just so happened that the evening sun cast the most spectacular rays of sunshine. 

Everything was golden.

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 Day 3.

We visited Ueno park, famous for it’s beautiful cherry blossom. 

I was quite unwell, likely from jet-lag. People in Japan often wear masks if they’re unwell, so I thought I’d give it a go to avoid spreading my germs.. 

There were lot’s of people, crowds and crowds. Many with there families practicing hanami, a practice that has existed for many centuries which is otherwise known as flower viewing, mainly sakura (cherry blossom) viewing. 

These parties are very common amongst the Japanese, where families and friends get together to eat, drink and experience the beautiful sakura!

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Day 2.

We took so many photos. Many of others, and ourselves! 

There were a few moments of breeze, which gathered handfuls of blossoms off of the trees.. the petals swirled around the crowds of people who watched in awe!

What a beautiful day.

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Day 2.

Pictures from our second day in Japan. We travelled into Tokyo find some cherry blossom spots that were recommended by our Airbnb host. 

I don’t think I have ever seen so many cherry blossom trees in one place before..

There were clusters of people walking by and admiring the beautiful blossom.

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It has been a week since we arrived in Japan. It has been such a beautiful, interesting and eye opening week.. I have many photos to post.