My friend is a primate keeper and really wanted to go and see the Snow Monkeys (Macaca fuscata) and who was I to argue? Monkeys are amazing after all. We spent a long time amongst them watching them knock about, feed, fight and play. They are endlessly fascinating. There was a brief moment when I thought one … Continue reading Jigokudani Wild Monkey Park, Nagano; Japan
Category: travel
Trains and Tracks, Japan
Okay - doesn't sound exciting, but one of the highlights of a trip to Japan is using the transport. I've travelled in Japan from Nagasaki in the south to Rishiri in the North and always enjoy the journey. The Shinkansen are ,of course, great and they were the only place I was sleeping properly last … Continue reading Trains and Tracks, Japan
Rishiri Island, Hokkaido; Japan
This is a small island off the North West of Hokkaido. My friend and I rented mountain bikes and cycled round the island (Roughly 50 miles or so I think) and I also cycled up a HEP service track until it turned into boulders which my non elite skills didn't allow me to surpass. It's … Continue reading Rishiri Island, Hokkaido; Japan
Kamikawa & Kurodake, Hokkaido; Japan
Well, it's taking me a long time to get round to posting photos, but better late than never! Kamikawa is very small and fraying at the edges with lots of abandoned hotels around. However, it's a stunning valley reminding me of Yosemite Valley. Beaten back from the last few metres of Kurodake due to very … Continue reading Kamikawa & Kurodake, Hokkaido; Japan
Kyoto, Japan
Kyoto is probably the most known town after Tokyo in Japan and known for it's temples. These are scattered over the city and if you insist on seeing every temple you would take days and days over it and, unless you are a real enthusiast, you are going to get sick of looking at them - even … Continue reading Kyoto, Japan
Neko Maru Cafe, Tokyo, Japan
Here's some pictures from a Cat Cafe in Japan. It was a completely different feel to the petting zoo at Ueno zoo as the animals were all well cared for and in great condition. There were strict rules about interacting with the cats, such as not waking sleeping kitties and where to pet them, which … Continue reading Neko Maru Cafe, Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo, Japan
This week I have been felled by some foul bacteria or virus which has played merry hell with by gastro-intestinal tract with cold, unfeeling efficiency. To take my mind off it I thought I would process a few photos from Tokyo. This includes a few from the depressing Ueno Zoo which is a case study … Continue reading Tokyo, Japan
Mark's Hikes & Travels 