We woke up this morning to an overcast and grey Tokyo view and are going to bed to the sound of raindrops on the roof of our Japanese-style hostel in Kyoto and we're still happy! That is because today was a travel day therefore the best day possible for it to rain.First stop, Shinagawa station to pick up our Japan Rail pass and reserve a seat on the bullet train from Tokyo to Kyoto. I have yet to decide if this is actually a cheap alternative to getting individual tickets or the Japanese reaction to the millions of questions that stupid tourists ask them, in English, about getting trains on this mildly confusing rail system. Better to make rail travel easy on almost all trains to the tourists for a price that won't make the locals jealous. Consider me cynical, but that does seem to be the rational response :)
Either way, for the next 7 days, we can easily jump on almost any Japan Rail (JR) train and travel anywhere in Japan quickly and very easily. Works for me!!
After going on to a hostel booking website last night and picking a place within our budget range that seemed to be reasonably central, we were pleasantly surprised to find, down a little backstreet of Kyoto, a lovely little Japanese-style hostel complete with matresses on the ground and bamboo mats. The very friendly staff were quick to explain the ropes and when we inquired about a tea ceremony, made the reservations for us quickly and easily. The hostel even included high speed, wireless internet access in our room which was included in the price. Sweet!The tea ceremony was private (just Johan and myself with our lovely hostess) and we both got the chance to give it a go - I have to confess that Johan got more "excellents" than me though I'm not sure if it's because he did a better job, or if our host just fancied him. Either way, it was an interesting insight into the Japanese culture which has persisted throughout the ages, and a perfect indoor activity when it's pouring with rain outside!
