Travel bug

Article posted on Friday, June, 18th, 2010 at 10:21 pm

Choose your own adventure

I have got to say that I am itching to travel. It has been a while since I’ve been on a castle-exploring trip, and without much time or money I’m unsure when the next chance to travel will be. When it does eventually happen though, I will be ready for it.

The first few times I travelled around Japan compared with the last time was very different. I suppose it’s natural that the more you do something, the more efficient you get at it, but also having a family and a mortgage has made me a bit (more like a lot) more careful when going about things. Tell me if you think my itinerary from Spring 2009 is a little hectic.

Day 1	Arrived in Kyoto via night bus from Fukuoka
	Took train to Otsu to see Zeze castle.
	Took train to see Yodo castle in Kyoto city.
	Walked to Shoryuji castle. (do not attempt this yourself!)
	Took train to see Osaka castle.
	Took train to see Akashi castle.
	Stayed the night in an Akashi hotel
Day 2	Took train to see Ako castle.
	Took train to Nara to see Yamato Koriyama castle.
	Took bus to see Yamato Koizumi castle.
	Took train to Kyoto.
	Walked to see Nijo castle.
	Took night bus back to Fukuoka.

I don’t travel for relaxation, visiting castles is my relaxation.

Some things to consider when planning your own travels.

Getting around
I’ve already mentioned the night bus. I don’t particularly like it but travelling when you sleep (or attempt too) maximises the time you have to look at interesting things during the day. Night ferry is another option.

Of course being Japan, trains are a very convenient way to get around. Check out this website: www.jorudan.co.jp/ Just enter the train station names (you may have to double check the spelling) and it will offer you the fast or economical options that are available to you.

Where to stay
Do not waste your time at a youth hostel. I stayed at a couple in Ehime; too many rules & too expensive. I prefer a cheap business hotel room. Another option is a Minshuku (usually slightly-grubby, old-style guest houses) but the bathing area is shared.

What to see
Some people may prefer to wing it, but for the reasons I mentioned earlier I like to have a pretty fair idea of what I’m going to see. First thing I do is look at the Japanese Castle Explorer map. If you have managed to overlook the Google-bar, I recommend you give it a go. You can even type in Nihongo to get results. There is also the panoramio & wikipedia overlays to help you discover sights to see.