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Japan Tour 2025 Day #5

There was a lot of driving today. We went first to see Mt. Fuji from Oishi Park. Too bad Mt. Fuji was totally snow-covered and shrouded in clouds—the pictures were not that great. Mt. Fuji is surrounded by five lakes; we drove around Lake Kanaguchi to get our “views.”

Next, visit Itchiku Kubota Art Museum, showcasing 29 of his famous kimonos – pictures not allowed – some details @ https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e6912.html – The properties grounds could be photographed.

Our lunch stop was for a local favorite of Yamanashi -Hoto – soup filled with flat wheat noodles, vegetables, and meat in a miso-based dashi broth.

Our last stop of the day was at Matsumoto Castle – one of the oldest in Japan – built in 1594. The castle looks like 5 stories on the outside, but it is 6 on the inside – we decided to climb to the top on the steepest and narrowest stairs I was ever on.

Topping off the day, we had some horse for dinner, a local specialty.

March 28, 2025 4

Japan Tour 2025 Day #4

We started early this morning, at 8:00 a.m., trying to beat the morning rush hour, which normally starts about 9:00. Our first stop was the Tsukiji Fish Market, a four-square block of food stalls and fish sellers. We tried octopus pancakes—not bad. We were hoping to see the famous fish auctions but discovered they had moved to the new Tsukiji market.

Moving along, we next stopped at Shibuya Crossing noted to be the busiest street crossing in the world. It is estimated that at peak times, 3000 people cross the street at one time. While there we visited the Shibuya Hachi Statue – a dog story which you should google.

For our Japanese culinary education, we spent an hour or more making and eating sushi.

Back across town to the Sengoji Temple, one of Japan’s finest and most popular, along with its Nakamise Street shopping area. I’m beginning to believe that shopping is the number one sport in Japan.

Finishing our day we went to Team Lab-Planet, made up of several areas of interactive entertainment.

Water Art Works, where parts of the exhibits have you walking in knee-deep water containing evolving light displays. The Forest is an activity area of physical skills, and finally, the Garden, whose plants hang from the ceiling and move as you near them.

March 27, 2025 9

Japan Tour 2025 Day #3

Today, we headed to the Imperial Palace East Gardens, where the main keep of the original castle (Edo-jo) was located. The gardens were nicely laid out, but as with the Cherry Blossoms, flowers were hard to find. We did not get to see the new Imperial Palace because the tour was sold out three months ago.

Leaving the gardens we decided to walk the adjacent Nihombashi district with the goal of reaching the historic Nihombashi Bridge and the Fukutoku-jinja an elegant Shinto Shrine. With 9 miles under our belt we headed back to our hotel for some rest and dinner in the nearby shopping district.

March 25, 2025 0

Japan Tour 2025 Day #2

The morning began with adjustments for time zone differences and a lesson on how to use Tokyo’s extensive rail system. We headed to Ueno Park for its Cherry Blossoms, ponds, temples and museums. All were outstanding except limited Blossoms – extreme cold weather and snow a few days before we arrived are pushing the season out. Some of the park’s highlights included The Statue of Saigo Takamori and his dog, Shinobazu Pond and its Bentendo Temple and grounds, the Five Storied Pagoda, Bells of Time memorial, Toshougu Shrine, The Tokyo Museum of Art, and the Blake Gate.

From here our walking adventure kicked into high gear (we walked about 12 miles today). We headed to the Yanesen area comprising three neighborhoods – Yanaka, Nezu and Sendagi). One thing I learned quickly be selective in taking pictures of temples and shrines -they are on just about every block. Two of the best along the way were: Keneiji Temple and Nezu-jinga Shrine.

Walking through Yanaka we saw an old public bathhouse which is now an art gallery, the Runner’s Temple, a peaceful stroll through Yanaka-reien a cemetery, the Asakura Museum of Sculpture and on to Sunset Steps which is the start of Yanaka Ginza a Nostalgic shopping street.

To close out our day we took a cross-town subway to the Shinjuku district to view the city from the 44^th floor of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. Looking out over the city the Mode Gakuen Cocoon Tower caught my eye.

March 25, 2025 4

Japan Tour 2025 Day #1

We had an early flight out of MCO so we stayed at an airport hotel the night before our flight. Our first surprise was not seeing a TSA Pre Check on our tickets – we didn’t realize our global entry expired – for this trip, there were no TSA lines nor global entry on our return home. Need to do better planning. The second surprise was trying to leave DFW for Tokyo – several first-class seat belts were not working (they did not send the required code allowing the plane to depart) – 45-minute delay in departure.

All ends well our room in Tokyo has a picture window with an outstanding view of the Sky Tree Tower.

March 24, 2025 8

February 2025 – A Good Hiking Month

I purchased a new camera and decide to do some hikes to try to learn it and hopefully improve my photography skills.

The Bluffton Interpretive Trail is a 1.2-mile loop located in the Lake George State Forest near Astor, Florida. It’s an easy trail, and is perfect for birding, camping, and fishing. The trail is open year-round and offers a peaceful experience with minimal crowds. However, dogs aren’t allowed on this trail. The trail features interpretive markers that provide insights into the area’s natural and historical significance. There’s also a boardwalk leading to a fishing pier.

De Leon Springs State Park, located in De Leon Springs, FL, is a destination with over 6,000 years of cultural and natural history. The park features a recreational swimming area with crystal-clear 72-degree spring water, trails through lush subtropical forests, and a fascinating history tied to the Mayaca Indians and early settlers. Unfortunately do to recent hurricanes the main trails were only partially open but still enjoyable. The park also offers a unique experience at the Old Sugar Mill Pancake House, where you can make your own pancakes at the table.

Doris Leeper Spruce Creek Preserve is a natural area located in Port Orange, Florida. It spans over 1,600 acres and offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, kayaking, birdwatching, and fishing. The preserve is named after Doris Leeper, an artist and environmentalist who played a significant role in its conservation. One of the highlights of the park is the 536-foot-long boardwalk that leads to an observation tower, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding wetlands and Spruce Creek. There are also several trails, such as the Creekside Trail and the Spruce Creek Trail, which showcase the area’s diverse ecosystems.

Welaka State Forest, located in northeastern Florida along the east bank of the St. Johns River, is a beautiful natural area offering a variety of outdoor activities. It spans over 2,287 acres and features diverse ecosystems, including river swamps, pine flatwoods, and sandhills. Visitors can enjoy hiking, birdwatching, fishing, and even horseback riding, as the forest includes an equestrian campground with facilities. One of the highlights is Mud Spring, which flows clear spring water into a half-mile spring run that connects to the St. Johns River. The forest also has over four miles of river frontage, providing scenic views and opportunities for wildlife observation.

Looking forward to our next adventures in Richmond VA. and a tour of southern Japan.

March 12, 2025 11

Valentines Day Weekend 2025

We spent a long Valentines Day weekend exploring Thomasville GA, staying at a southern plantation, playing a round of golf, enjoying several top-notch meals, and visiting another plantation. Thomasville GA is about 4 hours from home so a reasonable get-away.

Thomasville is home to several historic plantations that offer a glimpse into the region’s past and provide beautiful settings for various events and activities.

One notable plantation is Pebble Hill Plantation. This 3,000-acre property was transformed from a working farm into a winter home and shooting plantation for the Hanna family of Cleveland, Ohio, in the late 1800s. Today, it is a popular destination for visitors, offering tours of the main house and grounds, as well as hosting unique events such as the annual Pebble Hill Polo Classic.

Another prominent plantation is South Eden Plantation (where we stayed). This family-owned and operated estate spans 38 acres and offers a variety of services, including luxury accommodations, wedding venues, and dining events. South Eden Plantation is known for its beautiful historical property and unique events like “Dining Under the Stars” and live music nights.

Downtown Thomasville, Georgia, is a delightful area that captures the essence of small-town charm. The main drag, Broad Street, is paved with bricks and dotted with boutique shops, restaurants, and local businesses like family-owned jewelry shops and even a drugstore that still lets you charge to your house tab.

Downtown Thomasville:

Pebble Hill Plantation:

February 19, 2025 7

February 12, 2025 – Art Imitates Life – Ormond Beach Public Art Sculpture Tour

We had a great evening with friends exploring Ormond Beach and its Public Art Sculpture Tour. The Arts District exhibited works by Seward Johnson. Johnson, also known as John Seward Johnson II, was an American artist renowned for his life-size bronze statues that depict people engaged in everyday activities. His works are known for their hyper-realistic style and meticulous attention to detail. Johnson’s sculptures often capture ordinary moments, making them relatable and engaging for the public.

He was the founder of Grounds For Sculpture, a 42-acre sculpture park and museum located in Hamilton Township, Mercer County, New Jersey. This park showcases a wide array of sculptures, including many of Johnson’s own works, and has become a significant cultural landmark.

Johnson’s art has been exhibited internationally and is included in numerous private collections, museums, and public art collections. His approach to sculpture brought art from the museum to the public square, making it accessible and enjoyable for people from all walks of life.

Captured: Nice to see you: Special Delivery:

Bunnies don’t bite: The Search: Monet, Our visiting artist:

Other views of the Artist:

Embracing Peace: Yuck, Go Fetch: Wine, Food and Thou:

Photo Shoot:

Other Ormond Beach Sights:

February 16, 2025 8

Orlando Wetlands – November 2, 2024

I headed back to one of my favorite places for some hiking and photography. The day started out overcast, but halfway through the hike, it decided to turn into a monsoon. Even though wet and muddy it was still a fine trip.