Ruth: It’s not that I don’t like ryokans (traditional Japanese inns), but we have stayed in so many lately that I have been wanting a bit of a change. In addition, we keep passing perfect camping spots. Camping in Japan is quite a treat if... Read More

Ruth: I can feel that we are getting closer to the edge of the Kochi Prefecture, and with that the end of the period of asceticism and the beginning of enlightenment.  Our routes for the past two days have been varied and absolutely beautiful. We... Read More

Gordon: The Japanese language has incorporated a surprising number of English words.  They are generally unrecognizable, however, because Japanese pronunciation splits the consonant combinations with a vowel, adds a vowel at the end, replaces consonants that are difficult to pronounce, makes other random changes, and... Read More

Gordon:  We are currently staying near Temple 38, at the far southwestern point of Shikoku.  It is a wild and beautiful area, with substantial distances between temples.  The walk from Temple 37 to Temple 38 is 82 kms, the longest stage on the 88 Temple... Read More

Ruth: Each day we pass through a number of tunnels. Two days ago the daily count reached eight! On the downside they are not very scenic, they don’t always have a sidewalk, and they can be quite loud and scary. Based on my limited experience... Read More

  Gordon:  Last night, together with two Japanese cyclists, we slept in a small dormitory.  The notable aspect of this experience was that we were sleeping in beds for only the third time on the trip.  Most of the time we are sleeping on the... Read More