This blog title was my inspirational, aspirational “dad joke” when having a serious meeting that became an all day hang, with my “First Born” (said in a victorious voice with irony a plenty, in view of family story of my grandmother’s use of the term). We are off to Japan… today!Marcus loves Japan… Marcus turns 30 this year, so this combined, created a perfect excuse for me to take advantage of cheap flights and satisfy the travel bug’s appetite.
As a highlight for this trip we plan to walk the Kumano Kodo, an ancient pilgrimage trail that is twinned with the Camino via UNESCO. So as Marcus and I have both walked the Camino de Santiago we will become “Dual Pilgrims” when we complete one of the 4 options for gaining our credential. We intend to walk the minimum 38km staying in local accommodation. Compared to the Camino, the distance required is, well, almost a joke. But the scenery should be stunning and the cultural differences aplenty. And besides, I hear it is quite the challenge with steep ascents and descents.
During the planning we discovered some important information that altered our planning. “Golden Week” a 10 day holiday time that contains 4 public holidays. This could be a blessing or a curse: many locals travelling, sightseeing, requiring accommodation, using trains etc. The inconveniences should balance with the happy holiday vibes and the cultural experience. (Fingers crossed)
We will arrive in Tokyo and stay tonight before heading straight to Kyoto. This was a change to our original plan due to the above-mentioned Golden Week. After some time there we will head off for the Kumano Kudo. I’m hoping that in some of the elevated areas we may see some Sakura but it is late in the cherry blossom season. Though there will be many other spring blossoms to enjoy.
After the Kumano, a few one night stops in Osaka, Kanazawa and Matsumoto and then the remainder in Tokyo. We can do daytrips from there. Maybe a trip of reverence to Fuji-san.
We are at the airport and as I was writing this blog, Marcus grabs the attention of a man as he walks by… I wondered what was going on he had spotted the same Kumano maps I had printed. So a Camino-like coincidence already! A great connection to make before we’ve even left Terra Australis.
So stay tuned! More blogs to follow!
Presence in Place 