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Japan 2019

Tour that included a rail pass (first time since 2006)... Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara, Hiroshima, Osaka, Takamatsu

Kinkaku-ji, Kyoto... Just as I remember from a decade ago... hot and swarming with tourists. Nevertheless, it's stunning.

Ryoan-Ji, Kyoto. Being able to appreciate the quiet simplicity, beauty in the irregularity... I don't think I cared for the place as much 15 years ago.

Fushimi Inari, Kyoto

Getting to this particular vista was much, much nicer than in 2006. With the right company, this area makes for some great day hiking, but make sure to bring some drinks.

Japanse breakfast

Great Buddha Hall, Nara

Okonomiyaki

Kiyumizudera - 7/23/19

You're supposed to come to Nara for the history and temples and blah blah... but you're probably going to mostly remember the crazy ass deer and feeding them crackers.

Turns out, if you have the restraint, the deer are "trained" to "bow" for their crackers.

A couple of "good boys"

Hiroshima was a quick day trip that was added in after we were able to make it through the Kyoto itinerary quicker than expected. This is easy to do with a rail pass and doesn't need to be an overnighter.

Hiroshima castle

Dotonbori food street... came hungry to graze at multiple spots for dinner. Definitely the way to make a quick stop in Osaka.

Primed for a win at the arcade

E233 "Marine Liner" train to Takamatsu takes you over multiple waterways. Loved this so much that this nerd spent forever in Akiba tracking down the Tomix model version of this train.

Ritsurin Garden in Takamatsu... this is probably the "postcard" spot to grab a picture. This place is very large and the spot where you get this particular view is pretty easy to miss.