A 4.5 hr bus transfer hopped across a few islands, showing off the bridges and tunnels. Japan consists of 14000 or so islands, of which about 430 are inhabited. The big four are:
- Honshu: The largest island, home to major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto.
- Hokkaido: The northernmost island, known for its snowy winters and natural beauty.
- Kyushu: Located in the southwest, famous for hot springs and volcanoes.
- Shikoku: The smallest of the four, renowned for its tranquil environment and 88-temple pilgrimage
If you’ve been paying attention you’ll realise, or I’ll remember on later reading, we’re now on Honshu.
A walk around Nijo-jo castle was a good introduction to the complexities of Japanese hierarchy and politics. Almost as complex as Buddhism. Emperor, Shogun, Samurai (let’s forget peasants, they are the cannon fodder, plus ca change).
Kyoto, the old capital, is very old. Chosen as the capital in 794 and remaining so until 1868 when the Emperor became top dog again. As befits the direct descendent of a Sun Goddess and head of the Shintu religion.
It was also spared bombing in WW11 so retains many traditional settings. Tomorrow may be busy.
Travelling reflections 