Finally have a chance to update the blog!!
We were fortunate enough to spend our last few days in Japan staying with some university friends. They were so generous with their time and helped us to understand more about the Japanese culture (although Mio may have challenged us a bit too much by getting us to eat some interesting yakitori!!)
We visited Hiroshima with them. It was an amazing place and really opened our eyes to exactly how much damage was done.
On the same day we made an early evening trip to Miyajima, a beautiful island with a temple in the sea and this huge Torii gate to bring luck to sailors/fishermen.
Ryogi bought us some mochi (traditional Japanese cake) as a gift (Claire this one is for you - the Japanese and also the Chinese eat a lot of bean paste in their cakes - it takes a bit of getting used to and the texture is slightly strange, but not completely unpleasant!!)
After a lovely few days staying with Mio we made our way back to Tokyo for one last night, before catching our flight to Shanghai. We thought we would miss the Sumo but managed to get tickets. Some of the 'aprons' that these guys were wearing cost about £250,000!! You don't get much for your money do you!! Definitely one of our 'unforgettable memories'!
Finally we saw what we think is a Geiko or Meiko (Geisha or trainee Geisha) in Kiomizu Temple,
Opinion is still out on whether she was real - but she was impressive anyway!!!
