Yesterday we went to a nearby town, Himeiji, to see the Himeiji Castle (Himeiji-jo). It is supposed to be the most impressive castle in Japan. It was six or seven stories high, depending on whether you add the basement or not. To me, there wasn't really anything else to see in Himeiji. We planned to go to Kobe (another nearby town) as well but it was just so hot and humid that we couldn't even bare to think about it. And anyway, there isn't any special attraction...

The boys survived Fuji but with sunburns and aching legs... I was so glad I didn't go with them We never made to Ohara as the ryokan (Japanese inn) closed its reception at ten and we were in Kyoto (one hour from Ohara) at eleven. So we went to Tani House as suggested by Tokio-passi. It was cheap (3,000￥/person) and we got snacks and breakfast too. The place is run by Mrs. Tani and she speaks a little English as well, which was nice at that hour. I feel there'...