Himeji-jō, known as the White Heron Castle because of its distinctive white exterior, is the most visited castle in Japan. We had visited other castles in Japan before, but this one was at a different level. Not only is Himeji-jō very well preserved, but in cherry blossom season, it is absolutely spectacular.

The mountainous region of Nara known as Yoshinoyama has been known as one of the best places to visit during cherry blossom season. So we wanted to see if the reality was up to the hype. Well, I am here to report that it did, with flying colors!

To-ji is an important temple on the southwest side of Kyoto. It is especially pretty in cherry blossom season, and in the fall when the colors change. It's probably not a place you will visit on your first visit to Kyoto, with all the other more well known temples to see, but you will not be disappointed if you have time to visit To-ji.

This spring we took a bus tour to a few beautiful locations for viewing cherry blossoms, referred to in Japan as sakura. The first stop in the tour was Byodoin, an ancient Heian temple located in the southern part of Kyoto. Most folks visiting Kyoto are not aware of Byodoin. It is a bit out of the way in Uji, and well, there are so many temples and shrines closer to the center of Kyoto that Byodoin is kind of an afterthought, if thought of at all.

Hatoyama Hall is one of those important residences in Tokyo that many people overlook. Some Japanese folks may know of the Hatoyama family because of their legacy, but your typical tourist will have no idea who they were.  Include me as someone who knew nothing about the Hatoyama's until I stumbled on their little palace in Google Maps.

I took another solo trip out west of Tokyo along the Tama River to Okutama in early November.  Another beautiful sunny day for hiking the Okutama Mukashi Michi Trailhead and a quick peek at Hikawa Gorge.  

My December 2023 visit to Hatonosu Canyon was the beginning of my infatuation with the area along the Tama River beyond Ome.  Nice walking trail along the river and a charming lunch spot were highlights of this day trip.

I have a few destinations northwest of Tokyo for you to consider if you are interested in seeing a bit of nature and even a little hiking.  The first one is in the area between Sawai and Mitake stations, starting at Seiryu Garden Sawanoi-en for lunch, and then a little hike to Mitake Gorge along the Tama River.

If you have been following my explolits in Japan you will know that I have written about a couple of estates that were built upon western architectural principles.  The estate built for Hisaya Iwasaki is another great example of Japan's interest in western architecture at the turn of the 19th century.

Niagara Falls Canada vacation during the summer of 2024.  Niagara Falls located at the southern end of the Niagara Gorge, is a breathtaking natural wonder that spans the border between Canada and the United States.

Prague, the capital city of the Czech Republic, is often referred to as the "City of a Hundred Spires" due to its stunning Gothic and Baroque architecture. Nestled on the Vltava River, Prague boasts a rich history that dates back over a thousand years, making it a treasure trove of medieval, Renaissance, and modern history and culture.

For this year's trip to Europe we decided to rent a car.  Our route starts with Zurich, Switzerland.  Next is Milan - with a quick stop at Lake Como.  Then we'll stop for lunch at Verona on our way to Balzano.  Next is Innsbruk, and then back to Zurich.  This leg of the journey is featured in Part 2. Lastly, we'll fly to Prague; not part of the road trip per se, but probably the destination I most look forward to visiting.

This is Part Two of our road trip in Europe.  Our route continues in with a stop for lunch at Verona on our way to Balzano.  Next is Innsbruk, and then back to Zurich. 

This spring we decided to visit Arizona's Grand Canyon National Park.  At the same time we wanted to visit a few other cool spots in Arizona.  So, our itinerary looked like these stops: Phoenix -> Sedona -> Grand Canyon -> Page's Antelope Canyon -> Flagstaff -> Scottsdale -> Phoenix.  A big look around much of Arizona gave us a great feel for what desert living is like.  And people are so nice in Arizona!  California, take notice!

The National Park Service describes Glacier National Park as "a showcase of melting glaciers, alpine meadows, carved valleys, and spectacular lakes."  We were sold!  In the fall of 2023 we explored Glacier National Park, one of America's renouned public lands in the heart of Montana.  

This past fall we signed up for a bus and ferry tour of Shodo Island and Shimanami Kaido, which you can read about here.  To start the tour we had to take the Shinkansen to Nagoya.  So, at the end of the tour, we decided to stay an extra couple of days in Nagoya to see the sights.  I had always wanted to see Nagoya Castle, so this was my opportunity!

Back in the early 1990's we visited Osaka on our way to Kobe.  Frankly I remember very little about that trip.  Then in 2023 we had a chance to stop in at Osaka for a couple of days, and we made the most of it.  I've highlighted some major sights to see if you are planning to spend a day or two in this interesting city. 

Tokyo is an eclectic city of contrasts - ultra modern skyscrapers, residential bedroom towns, and ancient temples and shrines. In this guide I will give you some ideas for things to do while visiting Tokyo.  The places mentioned here are not necessarily in any particular order. 

The second residence I came across in Tokyo was built by Prince Yasuhiko Asaka, a member of the royal family with a troubled wartime past.  The design of the home was heavily influenced by his wife Nobuko.  The residence was built on property in Shirokane that was owned by the Imperial Family and bequethed to the young prince at the time of his marriage. The stunning Art Deco interior rooms were designed by Henri Rapin and Rene Lalique.

Recently I came upon two beautifully restored residences that were built by Marquis Maeda and Prince Asaka, two Japanese aristocrats in first half of the 20th century. This lesson is about the former residence of the Marquis Maeda Toshinori and his family.  His main residence, a western-style building known as the Yokan, is connected by an open pathway to a Japanese style home known as the Wakan.  They are located in Komaba Park, Meguro Ward, Tokyo.

The last time I visited Rome I was taking a summer break from college, and had a full beard.  Almost fifty years later, it seems like it was just as I left it. Hope you like crowds!  It was like everyone in the world who was waiting out COVID was with us. 

We decided to continue our exploration of the parts of Japan that we had not yet visited with this unique trip to Shodo Island, the Setonaikai National Park, and the islands adjacent to the park. 

Florence, or if you are Italian, Firenze was a city that I had wanted to visit for a long time. I missed it on my very first trip to Italy in 1982, and it took quite a long time for me to finally make the trip to Italy again. 

Our first stop in our Europe tour was Vienna, Austria. We chose Vienna primarily because of its musical history, particularly the music of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. I was happy to return to Vienna after all these years, as it is not that far from Burganland, which is my mother's ancestral home.

Kyoto is the heart and soul of Japan. It's ancient temples and shrines are a testament to the history of Japan, and even its future. Kyoto is a modern city with many contemporary buildings, and even its own tower. But at is core are many of the Japan's most well known and internationally recognized UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Toyoko, Elaine and I visited Kyoto for a three day stay. Here's what we saw.

Canada is blessed with a number of beautiful provincial capitals, but none are prettier than Victoria, British Columbia.

Well, finally a breakthrough! The travel ban was lifted, and we were able to return to Japan again! Sure, testing required, and a tedius airport experience upon arrival at Narita.

My sister Elaine came to visit, and we took a drive down the coast to the Monterey peninsula. Wandering the Carmel streets, popping into art gallaries and shops was a pleasure despite the rainy weather.

It's always a pleasure to visit the beautiful island of Oahu. Swimming, snorkeling, and delicious dinners awaited us.

A long but delightful drive up the California coast to the beautiful bay city of Eureka was both educational and relaxing! The fascinating history of the area goes way back beyond the Gold Rush years.

A not very well known destination on the northern California coast is an old military town that offers beautiful ocean views and rustic woodlands.