Japan

Hasn't been that easy getting this blog updated. Not always easy to get working internet access when I need it or rather when I'm not too tired out.

Now towards the end of my jaunt in Japan.

Let's just go chronological, roughly.

Arrived in Tokyo Narita airport and took the train to the city. Was picked up at a station by Prof Ihara and his gentle wife. Stayed for a couple of nights, looked after and fed very well.

Went bird watching with Chris Cook, who works for Japan Times. I joined an American couple from New Jersey, Roger & Paula who were birding with Chris. We went to the Ukishima paddy growing area in Ibaraki Prefecture out past Narita airport area. Was taken around by Akasuka-san. Great birding day. Saw many birds new to me. Bird of the day for me: the stunning Japanese Green pheasant.

The next day, after a beautiful sushi treat by Prof Ihara, went off to walk around the Meiji-jingu gardens, a shrine to a former Japanese emperor. Saw a few nice birds there.

Later that evening met up with my friend Dougs from Melbourne and went to this tiny basement pub and watched this live performance of some jazzy type music. Spent the night at Dougs' friends' (Zoe and her husband) place.

Left early the next day to Yonezawa in Yamagata Prefecture in the mountains of northern Honshu (main island of Japan).