11 April 08 ---a day in the country.

A day in the country. We took a train ride to Hikone some 70 kms from Kyoto. I say the country but like most of Japan we have seen the view from the train window was a succession of houses, industry and rice paddies. One understands the population pressures.

Nevertheless away from the major centre one does feel one is seeing more of the real Japan. The attraction was Hikone Castle. A moated castle with quite a climb to the tower at the top.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hikone_Castle

The cherry blossom here is still in full flower- as are your correspondents!!!










I mentioned in an earlier blog the practice of cherry parties. We came upon the preparations for several- and one that was just commencing.

Note the shoes all carefully aligned at side of the tarpaulin. This was taken at 3pm, already quite cold with a very chill wind blowing. We assume they would have been frozen by late evening because they do party on quite late.










Oh well we all have our customs.