The finale of our Kyoto trip. We explore the famous Arashiyama district, eat Shojin Ryori, a popular Buddhist monk vegetarian meal, and explore the Arashiyama bamboo grove.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information ..read more

The second of our three-part Kyoto series. We spent another day temple-hopping going to Ginkakuji, Eikan-do Zenrin-ji, Nanzen-ji Temple, Heian Shrine, and Kiyomizu-dera. We also visited the famous Gion district and tried visiting Nijo Castle.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information ..read more

This is the first of three parts of our trip to Kyoto. On day one we visited the Kyoto Imperial Palace and had a unique dinner. Then we had a packed second day, visiting five temples - Daigoji Temple, Fushimi Inari Shrine, Komyo-in Temple, Tofukuji Temple, and Toji Temple.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information ..read more

We visit Tokyo Port Bird Sanctuary to quench Saumya's desire to take some animal photos. Ellie had enough after one day so Saumya visited another park (Kasai Seaside Park) alone the next two days. We finally go to the top of Tokyo Tower and we have one of our greatest meals in Tokyo at a vegan restaurant in Shibuya. Next Saumya tries to get a license but has to cut through a lot of red tape and lastly we discuss the future closure of Saumya's learning studio.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information ..read more

We take a short overnight trip to the nearby prefecture of Tochigi and the small city of Nikko. We first visited the famous shrines of Tosho-gu, the mausoleum of shōgun Tokugawa Leyasu, Rinnoji Temple, and one of Japan's most famous bridges, The Shinkyo Bridge. The next day we got in touch with nature by sightseeing at two amazing waterfalls, Kegon Falls and Ryuzu Waterfall.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information ..read more

We talk briefly about voting in the recent New Zealand election. Then we chat about the exciting and extensive, Lupin the Third based, escape room we had the pleasure of doing.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information ..read more

We had a weekend getaway at Hakone, a popular day-trip destination for Tokyoites. First, on the way we visit the 15th century Odawara Castle. Then it was off to Hakone where we took photos under the famous shrine peace torii, ate black eggs on a volcanic mountain, and Saumya had his first nude onsen experience.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information ..read more

We talk about some of the amazing restaurants we've been to recently and we visit the planetarium in Yurakucho. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information ..read more

Last week was Obon, a celebration of ones ancestors. Ellie and I saw an uptick of people at work, we finally received our government stimulus cheques, and we go to our first beach in Japan.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information ..read more

We give an update on the growing cases of coronavirus in Japan and on how our Eikaiwa is handling the situation. We also did a psychology test for work and discuss whether it’s all bullcrap or not. Finally I tell Ellie about my day visiting Shinjuku Central Park, and the largest park in Tokyo, Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information ..read more