these last 2 days we have spent in Koyasan, it wasa buddhist monastery founded 1200years ago. At the top of Mount Koya, it was the first site allowed to be turned into a buddhist monastery by the government. we ended up walking 8km yesterday as we went up to see the views and carried on walking ending up over a mountain and at the other side of the village. good fun especially as there are bears. Stayed in a temple had v interesting food meant to be th...

Today we went to Kyoto, and had a look round loads of temples. it was a beautiful day (1st 1 in a week). Looked around about 10 temples, they are all intracatly designed and have real gold decorating the insides. you arent allowed your shoes in any , and they give you lovely brown shoes instead. The best one was Kiyomizu-dera as it had fantastic views over Kyoto. It also had a little street elading up to it where we saw a Geisha. It was the busiest te...

Had an amazing last four days. I went travelling Osaka by myself as Ali had to work. Went to see Osaka Museum, it was all in japanese so gave up on that. Then went to Osaka jo which is the castle in Osaka its really pretty. Made it here for the end of Cherry Blossom season which is a huge event for the Japanese. Then went to see the new industrial Osaka in the bay. Missed my boat by 3 minutes so went up te World Trade Centre Tower. At 55 stories high it is the ta...

So I am volunteering to help the mentally infirm in Osaka by helping primarily my older sister is her ususal self) Only just arrived so very tired as travelled all day then was dragged, kicking and screaming as usual, to the bar where drinks and food are v cheap. about a pound a pint. hmmm!!! Went on the super speedy train which was awesome, saw mount fuji on the way, it was dark and was but still spectacular. Anyways much needed sleep to be had. ...