This is one of the best times to visit as it is not only very nice clear weather but it is also the fall season when all the trees change colours.
It is also a perfect time to add some more Japanese photographs from our last trip.
On our way to Tokyo from Osaka on the Shinkansen - Mt Fuji in all of it's glory.
Favourite Castle in Japan - Himeji Castle, where you can climb each storey to the top and then look out over the city. You can also wander the grounds and through the other building on site. Right next door is also a lovely garden where you can stop for a traditional green tea ceremony and sweet.
It's not every day you see a geisha and a business man taking a trip through the streets of Arashiyama - a beautiful town, a train trip from Kyoto. Another place if you are into craft is the Chiri-men Craft Museum or if you like English click here
This was taken just before you get to Den Den Town in Osaka - we were told it was for the Elections that were coming up very colourful and very noisy procession - but at least it got our attention.
Lastly a picture of Hachiko and a rather funny Japanese person who put their dog underneath - this is the most popular spot for meeting friends in Tokyo - the only problem is that there are so many people waiting it would be hard to find them anyway - Here is the story....
Nestled amid hoards of harried commuters, a variety of shops and department stores, and a giant television screen that covers half a skyscraper, a life sized bronze statue of a dog can be found at Tokyo's busy Shibuya Train Station. Despite the diminutive size of the statue in comparison to the massive neon flash of the city, it isn't difficult to find. Millions of Tokyoites have been meeting at the landmark since 1934 and continue to do so today.
Chu-ken Hachiko (lit. the faithful dog Hachiko) was born in Akita in 1923 and was first brought to Tokyo in 1924. He and his owner, Mr. Eisaburo Uyeno, were inseparable friends right from the start. Each day "Hachi" would accompany Eisaburo, a professor at the Imperial University, to the train station when he left for work. Upon returning, the professor would find the dog patiently waiting, tail wagging. This happy routine continued until one fateful day in 1925, when the professor was taken ill on the job and unfortunately died before he could return home. Despite the fact that Hachiko was less than two years old at the time, the bond between dog and owner was strong. Hachiko continued to wait each day at Shibuya station for a friend who was never coming back. At times, he wouldn't return home for days at a stretch.
The Akita became a familiar sight to commuters as he kept his vigil for over ten years. On March 8, 1935, Hachiko finally went to meet his master. He died on the very same spot he last saw his friend alive.
So now back to planning our next trip.
