A trip to the Rinso-in Temple for zazen, before evening keiko at Chionkenshūkan, of which I am an international member of.

Visited the Toi Gold Mine, which has the largest gold mold weighing 250kg.

Stayed overnight at a fancy ryokan overlooking the coast.

Visited the Mugenkan, an accommodation built specifically for "gasshuku" (martial art training camp), owned by Yamasaki-sensei (Iaido Hanshi 8Dan). Did a little bit of Iaido and Kendo kata training.

Dropped by the Ryosenji Temple and The Museum of Black Ship in Shimoda, a significant historical site involving Commodore Perry.

Participated in the 3rd Shizuoka Prefecture Kendo Renmei Budosai (Martial Art Festival) - 第３回静岡県剣道連盟武道祭 - managed to win with a debana kote (opponent struck men, there was a confusion with the flags, so it's written as メ) and kaeshi dō.

All Japan Kendo Championships at the Nippon Budokan, both Men's and Women's Individuals.

Lunch and onsen at Hotel Ambia Shofukaku, and a visit to the Shunbukan dojo, which has a long history.

Morning keiko at Yokokan, the HQ of Shizuoka Kendo + Iaido + Jodo. Visited the Kunōzan Tōshōgū Rōmon (久能山東照宮 楼門), where Tokugawa Ieyasu was buried.

Finally managed to visit the Japanese Sword Museum. Took the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Shizuoka, with our first view of Mt Fuji.

Not usually a good idea to go to Kabukicho at night, but we had an ex-police local friend accompanying us. "The dirty side of Tokyo" she said. A small "pilgrimage" for Ryuu Ga Gotoku fans I suppose.

Yokohama was our first destination, where most of our connections are. Have been here several times and done most of the touristy stuff, so being able to take our time wandering around aimlessly was a good change of pace. Lots of beef, like dang

About 30 hours of travelling and waiting, with almost 0 sleep. Started with a cheap breakfast (Sukiya), finished with a fancy dinner (ToRaJi). Completely exhausted, but damn our hotel room has a completely automated toilet with seat warmers, goty

Arrived in Japan - 5th time; cloudy, temperate weather.

Big Breakfast at Three Bears, Perth Airport T4