191108

Well all I have arrived in my second last stop in Japan, not counting Tokyo as I have stopped there already.
Was up at 8 this morning for the 9:30 Nozomi train to Hiroshima. Got the trains fine, only took 1.5 hours.
Took me a while to find the hotel again but I can at least narrow them down to a couple blocks now.
The trouble with this one was that it has no english signage so I went past it a few times.
Checked into my Japanese style room. Little dissapointing, no screen doors like I was expecting but tatamae mats on a raised floor and the bed is a futon on the floor.
Very good location though, now that I know where it is. 3mins from the station which will be good for Miyajima and Fukuoka.
Checked in and then headed out to see a few sites. Went to Shukkeien garden as it was nearby. Nice garden but the first I have had to pay for to get in.
250 yen and not the garden I would have chosen to pay for. No cultural significance and does not compare to Nara or Nikko.
Made sure I took plenty of photos so that I got my moneys worth.
It seems to be getting colder as I head south which I find weird as I was expecting it to get warmer but anyhow.
So I wandered about the gardens for a few hours with an icey wind blowing the whole time.
By the time I was heading out of the gardens my nose was numb so I decided I would head home.
Picked up some instant noodles for a late lunch as I don't think I will be braving the night tonight.
Lady asked if chopsticks were ok for the second time. Got back to the hotel, elevator door opens and there is a dog standing in the elevator.
I look at it it looks at me, I don't know which floor it wanted so I moved to the side and he heads out!
Interesting.
Gotta say I am very worried about how much shopping I am going to be able to do in Tokyo.
Got prices on my next few destinations and can save 5000 yen if I get the area rail pass which is 30000.
That will leave me with 60000. The trip from Osaka to Tokyo will cost 14050 leaving 45950 for accomodation in Osaka and Tokyo plus food in between.
Anyhow, new pics of the garden and a couple shots of the river here. I might try going out if I get hungry enough but hopefully tomorrow will be a bit warmer or at least not so windy.
See/speak to you all in a couple weeks I guess. QQ