Supposed to move on to the next town however due to another festival this time a drum festival the whole town was booked solid not even a capsule hotel insight. This left me with one other choice, urban camp .now with Japan being one of the safest country's setting up for the night in the local park isn't unheard of and as Japanese politeness goes even the police wait till morning to wake you.now the only risk was with no tent a sudden storm could be a problem bu...

I find myself up yet another mountain today and I'm kind of enjoying all this exercise fresh air and quiet . Although again extremely underprepared with t shirt, shorts,trainers and half a bottle of water I receive weird looks from serious Japanese climbers with there boots packs climbing poles and rope.( maybe there over prepared) anyway when it got pretty steep I had to call it a day and return.the next day I booked accommodation at the base of mt fuji with al...

I love the local bars in Japan .kind of like tapas bars you sit I front of the chef and enjoy delicious foods cooked right in front of you from chicken neck yakitori , chili and soya fried squid ,Japanese radish and wasabi salads, chicken skin and gizzards , fried potatoes ( i might regret the raw quails in the morning)all washed down with ice cold beer feels a bit weird smoking away as everyone eats and the chef cooks at a rapid pace but I'm getting used to it ....

Checking in at my hostel in the Japanese alps I was asked if I enjoyed trekking as there were some good mountain treks in the region .i quickly diss missed the advise explaining I do not own a pair of boots and that my fitness levels are one of a 20 a day smoker and not a hill walker.the guy then explained about a short walking course allowing me to enjoy the local mountain scenery with little effort( more my ability) however due to the confusing Japanese signs I...

Left the cities behind venturing up to the start of the Japanese alps ,as always Japanese efficiency the mountain train has extra large windows and a raised floor so you can enjoy the views on the way unfortunately I slept most of the way due to a slight hangover.alot cooler up here and more relaxed atmosphere from the hustle and bustle .although it is a lot more expensive less touristy and more Japanese which can be an issue but there is always a helpful Japanes...