I’m off for the next few days of my ever-shortening winter vacation to see some snow, and eat as much sushi as I can consume (or afford). I’m going to Kanazawa in Ishikawa prefecture, with a “stopover” in Matsumoto in Nagano-ken to see the world-renowned Japan Ukiyo-e Museum. (I say “stopover” because although it should be on my way back, because of geography I have to first take a train south to Nagoya and then a second train back up north to Matsumoto). The museum is based on the Sakai collection, believed to be the largest individual collection in the world, with over 100,000 ukiyo-e prints.
It’s my first travel experience alone in Japan, we’ll see how far my Japanese goes (or doesn’t go). Not really worried, Naoko is of course only a cellphone call or email away. Speaking of cellphones, I would love to post some real-time impressions to here via my phone a la my previous post but alas, I will have to content myself with internet cafes or the hotel’s business center if they have one, or I just may say screw it and you won’t hear from me for a while (no biggie as that’s been the SOP around here for awhile, no?).
Kurt: Wisht Ida checked in more often over the holidays, man, I live in Kanazawa. Been glad to hook up and show you the layout or grab a coffee.
Happy New Year anyway, hope you had a good time in Ishikawa. Blog on.
i’m sure you’ll be more than fine on your trip– i spent 5 week travelling alone in japan over the summer, and i’ve got literally 3 phrases of japanese. never had a problem, even in smaller cities, like nagano and takayama. have a great trip!