13 hours and 4 trains later..... here we are in Nikko, North of Tokyo. Arrived at Nikko Park Lodge to find a cosy alpine-looking affair with the dulcet tones of Jack Johnson in the background (it was a CD, he wasn't actually there). We were shown the ropes of where to go in and around Nikko by Ken, our host; for once things weren't Lost in Translation as he speaks perfect English. Friendly chap with lots of ideas. Then proceeded with our tour of the temples and ...

What an amazing few days. After more intense heat, profuse downpours and a Harajuku Girl count of 0 on the Sunday afternoon, we took the overnight sleeper train to Hokkaido, North Japan. Although quite exciting, changing trains 3 times and then sleeping for a grand total of about 2hours left both of us rather cranky. Arrived at the hostel in gorgeous (although very misty) surroundings. We were a bit worried that if it stayed like this we wouldn't be able to see ...

After purchasing a few Studio Ghibli goods from a department store (poor Rob and Joe- I spent ages deciding which ones to get; for those of you who haven't seen Spirited Away or My Neighbour Totoro - well worth a watch).... Joe took us to his neck of the woods around Mitaka (West-side). We went to see some local temples of which there were many - all stunning and set in amazing grounds. Then went back to his to meet his wife Mika and daughter Aly who was very cu...

Moved house today from our backpackers to a proper Japanese style Ryokan (guesthouse) which was pretty fancy - lots of dark wood panels and even a jacuzzi upstairs (not sure that's entirely traditional!)It was called Andon Ryokan and although a bit far North in Minowa (planet nowhere) it was worth the travelling to stay in somewhere so unique. Again friendly friendly people who seem to go out of their way to make you have the best holiday possible. Went to a Sum...

Rainy day so pottered around a bit before heading down the Sumida - gawa (river) to the Detached Palace Garden. There was what seemed like a whole class of 11 year olds on the boat with us who wanted to practice their English so we passed a happy half hour with conversation like.. 'Becky! Becky! What is your favourite colour?!' 'I like purple' and .....(me) 'Ummm do you like animals?' Rob seemed to escape the interrogation slightly as he was sat the other side of...