Its the bamboo forest today. I'm going to rent a bike from the hostel and cycle, it's about an hour to get there, should be nice, I don't get as hot when I'm cycling as you get a nice breeze.
-----
As luck would have it, it starts to rain not long after I've set out. Real big heavy drops of rain. I stop off at a 7/11 to get a drink and take some shelter, if I stayed out much longer I would have been drowned! I'm on another sexy bike, complete with basket, in a lovely lime green colour! At least this bike has 3 gears so I have a bit more flexibility. The rain is literally bouncing off the street and is showing no sign of letting up. Most people continue to cycle even if it's raining. They sport the umbrella in one hand while they ride, or I have seen some deluxe models that actually have an umbrella holder, needless to say I don't have that model. I also don't think I am of a high enough level to devote one of my hands to holding an umbrella.
-----
Eventually the rain stops and I get back on my bike. A lot of riding later and I get to the bamboo forest. A nice walkway through 40ft bamboo. A relaxing walk. Smells good in here too. Plenty of temples scattered throughout the area but I'm not heading in to any of those. I pull out the map and work out how to get to the temple I'm interested in. The route is all uphill, a bit of a struggle on my super bike. This far out of the city and navigating becomes even more challenging I end up doubling back on myself on more than one occasion, but eventually make it to the Adashino-Nenbutsuji temple. Lock the bike up and in I go. I wanted to come here because there are supposed to be 8000 excavated statues, now while I don't count 8000 there are still a fair few. Again I'm the only foreigner here and there are no too many other people which is nice. As I walk round the place I end up passing through another bamboo walkway which opens up to a more modern looking graveyard. There is a fountain here with 5 sides, with a different Buddha statue on each of the sides. Everyone is picking up the cup and anointing each of the Buddhas, so in the interests of getting involved, I do the same. I don't often get involved but it is nice to do from time to time.
-----
The return leg home I take a different route. Still just as nice. I look at the clouds in the sky and it looks like a thunderstorm is coming. I don't fancy getting caught in the rain again so I pick up the pace. It's great riding a bike here. You are literally king of the road! You can cycle in the road of the pavement, if your on the pavement you don't need to stop at side streets, you don't even need to slow down. Cars and people stop for you. Brilliant. You can just keep powering on, and the massive cushioned seat absorbs the bumps of the curbs. Easily did 20miles today and it was great!
-----
I make it home before the rain starts, but no rest for me. Straight back out as I'm wanting to check out the shopping scene. Now, I'm after something in particular, a small/medium manbag. The problem is that on day trips I'm always carrying around my rucksack, it big, bulky and heavy. So I'm thinking that if I could have a smaller bag, that didn't cover my whole back that maybe that would be better. So I go checking out what's available. Plenty of choice though not one the exact size I'm after, though a more pressing concern is the price. ¥5000 is just to much! I want a no frills, easy to pack, reasonably priced, functional bag. Perhaps I'm looking too much. After a few hours of wandering I give up, and aim to find somewhere to eat. The rain is pelting down and I'm pretty hungry. I run to the closest place, which just happens to be Italian. A pizza? Why not, it's been a while. It was great, all helped down with a few beers. Just as I was finishing my meal the people at the next table talk to me. We have a good bit of banter and end up heading out for a few drinks after. I come crawling home at 1.30 feeling wrecked.