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@ Isohara Sunrise over Pacific
Shh begins his journey through Honshu!

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@ Japanese Seagull 885 train

Purple Flower Power Egg
My pets are in awe of these beautiful eggs—they would love to try to paint their own one year. Easter and spring are times of joy as the earth awakens, plants are pushing forth from the soil, and the days are becoming warmer. Many baby animals are born in the spring, and life is burgeoning. May these eggs bring you joy and be a reminder of the earth renewing itself.

Japanese Seagull 885 train
The sonic Seagull 885 Series waits at the station. It is an AC electric multiple unit (EMU) train type operated on limited express services by Kyushu Railway Company (JR Kyushu). Its speed is 81 mph/130 km/h. It has air brakes with regenerative braking. The track width is 3 ft 6 in (1,067 mm).

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@ Kusatsu Onsen, Gunma, Japan
"Now, Shh, let's learn two very important phrases. Japanese pets are extremely polite, you know. To say 'please' is 'O-negai shimasu'. Again, you don't pronounce the 'u' at the end, so it's 'oh-neg-eye shimass'.
They practised saying 'please'. "Okay, what about 'thank you', Snickerdoodle?"
"That's arigato. It says here that you put the same stress on each syllable, so it's ah-ree-gat-oh."
Kusatsu Onsen, Gunma, Japan
One of the most famous hot springs resorts in Japan, with a large volume of high-quality hot spring water. Well known for many centuries as a place to soak in the natural mineral-rich hot spring waters. Dr. Erwin von Baelz, a German doctor, who worked for the Imperial family recommended the hot springs for their health benefits.

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@ Scenic Mount Hanao
Shh and Choose a name were entranced on reaching this Japanese viewpoint and eagerly posed for a picture standing on either side!
Scenic Mount Hanao
Which way to go? Which delightful scenic route is the best to take from this handy signpost? Mount Hanao is on Japan's Honshu island.

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@ Osaka Castle in Autumn
Tokyo International (Haneda—HND) is the largest airport in Japan. You can fly to 107 destinations with 36 airlines in scheduled passenger traffic.

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@ Osaka Port at Night
“If there's time at the end of the day when we get back to our accommodation, I might do some initial sketches for an acrylic painting," Unigy said, offering Shh a Morinaga Azuki sweet red bean milk caramel from the bag and then unwrapping one for herself.
“That sounds like a good plan, Unigy!" said Shh. "Very relaxing, and your painting will be a great souvenir of our Japanese tour!"

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@ Mount Fuji Under cloud
Udon is made from wheat flour and is dense and sweet. It can be eaten hot and cold with any type of toppings.
Mount Fuji Under cloud
This must be one of the most photographed mountains in the world, captured in all sorts of moods from sunlit, moonlit, at sunrise, dusk and sunset. Here we have a pensive Mount Fuji with its summit shrouded in cloud.

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@ Kobe Waterfront at Night
Today, Japan has the third largest economy in the world. The country’s high-tech industry makes some of the most popular electronic products and vehicles in the world.
Kobe Waterfront at Night
the sea is close to high mountains; there are many hills in Kobe is sandwiched between the mountains of Rokko, which tower over the back of the city, and the sea, at the front of the city. You can enjoy mountains, sea, and the city at the same time!

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@ Kobe Skyline at Sunset
Choose a name flicked through the phrasebook. “The tour guide at the door of the museum this morning said Dozo! as she ushered us all in. She said it meant ‛After you'. It's one of those terms that mean a number of things: ‛You're welcome', ‛Don't mention it', ‛Not at all', ‛After you!'. So, if I reached for your bottle of orange juice you'd say, “Dozo!—meaning ‛Help yourself!' ”
“No, I wouldn't. I'd jolly well tell you to get your paws off it,” grumbled Shh. “It's very confusing--one word covering half a dozen situations.”
“Would you rather have to learn half a dozen different phrases, like you'd have in English, to cover each one?”
Shh considered it. “You have a point there, Choose a name!” he said.

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@ Sunset, Hiroshima
"The waiter at breakfast this morning said that Japan imports 80% of Jamaica’s yearly coffee production," remarked Priya.
"That's a very high percentage! It's very nice coffee, I must say," responded Shh.
"It's Blue Mountain coffee, and is highly sought after. It's only grown on small family-run plantations at heights of over 7000 feet. It's a gourmet brew with mild flavour and it lacks the bitterness found in most coffees," remarked Priya.

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@ Castle, Hiroshima
Sushi was born in ancient times and is almost the national dish of Japan. It is served with vinegared rice and fish.
Castle, Hiroshima
This is a replica of the original castle. The style of the outside structure of the new castle is true to the original, but the inside is of contemporary style. The keep at the top has a balcony running outside, offering panoramic views of the city and surrounding area.

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@ Origami Cranes, Hiroshima
The Sea of Japan also supports seaweed industries. Seaweed is a part of many Japanese and Korean dishes, especially sushi. It is also utilised in cosmetics production, manufacturing plant fertilisers and artificial adhesives and chemicals.
Origami Cranes, Hiroshima
Japanese legend has it that if you fold one thousand orizuru (paper cranes) you will be granted a wish.

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@ Tokyo at Sunset
Today, Japan has the third largest economy in the world. The country’s high-tech industry makes some of the most popular electronic products and vehicles in the world.
Tokyo at Sunset
Prominent in this image is the Rainbow Bridge on the right. Its name in Japanese is T?ky? K? Renrakuky?. Construction was completed in 1993. The towers supporting the bridge are white and lamps are placed on the wires supporting the bridge, illuminated in red, white and green every night using solar energy obtained during the day.

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@ Pretty in Pink Kimonos
Matsumoto Castle, the oldest castle in Japan, is situated in Nagano Prefecture.
Pretty in Pink Kimonos
A kimono is a T-shaped article of Japanese clothing. The word kimono comes from the Japanese verb to wear ki and "thing" mono. Kimono fabric was traditionally woven on a portable loom, 14 inches (35½ cm) wide and made into a bolt about 37 feet l(11.3 m) long. These bolts of cloth were then cut into lengths to sew the kimono. The sash worn like a type of wide cloth belt is known as the obi. There are many different styles of obi, and the knots or bows they are tied in have many variations. Kimono fabric can be made from silk, wool, cotton and nowadays from polyester. Chirimen silk is a fabric woven in Japan, made from silk but with ridges,

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@ Japanese Lantern
Oh look ... you won a pet!
Japanese Lantern
For cottage and informal gardens, city and courtyard gardens. The Japanese Lantern is named after the shape of the protective calyx around the inner red berries, which fades from its initial bright orange colour as autumn progresses to a fragile mesh, as shown here. It is ideal for planting in flower borders and beds. It is also ideal for flower arranging; cut stems for drying as the calyces begin to colour.

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@ Seeing Neon
The English word Viking became Japanese バイキング (baikingu), meaning "buffet", because the first restaurant in Japan to offer buffet-style meals, inspired by the Nordic smörgåsbord, was opened in 1958 by the Imperial Hotel under the name "Viking"!
Seeing Neon
There's something for everyone in Tokyo's vibrant nightlife scene! Opportunities abound for late-night shopping while the huge variety of clubs will make anyone want to stay up until the dawn!

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@ Snow Macaque
Sushi was born in ancient times and is almost the national dish of Japan. It is served with vinegared rice and fish.
Snow Macaque
A Japanese macaque and baby at the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park in Nagano, Chubu, Honshu. This is the only place in the world where monkeys bathe in hot springs!

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@ Okinawa Glass Ceiling
"A bit of trivia here, Miss Mousse!" remarked Shh, reading from their tour brochure. "Can you name a famous Japanese animation film where a young girl is transformed into an old woman by a witch, then befriends a wizard and travels with him in an effort to break the spell?"
"No, I don't know that one, Shh!"
"It's a 2004 film Howl's Moving Castle."
Okinawa Glass Ceiling
Imagine having this beautiful stained glass ceiling with its multiple panels gloriously lit by the sun streaming through it!

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@ Fan from Japan
"Now, Shh, let's learn two very important phrases. Japanese pets are extremely polite, you know. To say 'please' is 'O-negai shimasu'. Again, you don't pronounce the 'u' at the end, so it's 'oh-neg-eye shimass'.
They practised saying 'please'. "Okay, what about 'thank you', Stripes?"
"That's arigato. It says here that you put the same stress on each syllable, so it's ah-ree-gat-oh."
Fan from Japan
Quite often traditional handmade Japanese fans are sold with a stand in order that you may display your fan as an interior design piece in your office or home. Whereas in the West ladies will often purchase a hat for a formal events such as a wedding, in Japan this is a great opportunity to show off a stunning outfit-matching fan!

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@ Osaka Cityscape
"A bit of trivia here, Alexandra!" remarked Shh, reading from their tour brochure. "Can you name a famous Japanese animation film where a young girl is transformed into an old woman by a witch, then befriends a wizard and travels with him in an effort to break the spell?"
"No, I don't know that one, Shh!"
"It's a 2004 film Howl's Moving Castle."
Osaka Cityscape
Osaka (meaning 'large hill') is the third largest city in Japan by population, and is a major financial centre. It is home to the headquarters of multinational electronics corporations. Osaka is twinned with Chicago, San Francisco, Melbourne and Toronto, amongst other cities.

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@ Japanese Alpine Beauty
The Sea of Japan also supports seaweed industries. Seaweed is a part of many Japanese and Korean dishes, especially sushi. It is also utilised in cosmetics production, manufacturing plant fertilisers and artificial adhesives and chemicals.
Japanese Alpine Beauty
Thalictrum intermedium is an alpine perennial endemic to Japan, specifically to the alpine marshes of the Hokkaido and Kyushu regions. It flowers during July and August. It is related to the buttercup.

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@ Kinkakuji Temple, Kyoto
Due to the lack of R sound in Japanese in Japan Ronald McDonald is called Donald McDonald.
Kinkakuji Temple, Kyoto
A Shogun retirement villa, replaced several times over the years. This building is from 1955. The top two floors are entirely covered in gold leaf. It was the inspiration for the similarly named Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion), built by the Shogun's grandson on the other side of the city a few decades later

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@ Mount Fuji in Mist
Tsukemono pickles have been eaten in Japan since prehistoric times. They can be made with vegetables like radish eggplants and plum, they are bright and healthy.
Mount Fuji in Mist
What can one say about Mount Fuji? It is known in Japan as Fuji-san (the "san" is a respectful honorific). It is of course Japan's highest mountain, at 12,389 feet (3776m) and is an active volcano! It is one of Japan's three sacred mountains.

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@ Kyoto Style
Tokyo International (Haneda—HND) is the largest airport in Japan. You can fly to 107 destinations with 36 airlines in scheduled passenger traffic.
Kyoto Style
This über-chic window, consisting of a stylised heart shape with bars made to look like bamboo, graces a dwelling in Kyoto. Is it art nouveau? Art deco? Perhaps a blend of the two! Kyoto is known as the cultural capital of Japan, and with this as an example, that is small wonder.

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@ Japanese Shrine Fans
Shh has now completed his journey through Honshu! As he prepares to go home, he receives a wonderful gift!
Deer, Loves To Skate
Oh boy! My friends Fox and Bear have joined me at the frozen pond—on this glorious winter day. I love to skate, and I am so happy when the pond freezes over. I spend most winter days here on the pond, and Bear has asked me to help him with some ice-skating lessons.

I have my new yellow skates—as bright as the sun—and my grandmother knitted me a yellow scarf.

I love the feeling of pushing through the air, and when you feel the time is right, you leap and twirl and land gracefully. Why don’t you and your pets join us on the ice? I can help you so you can enjoy the wonderful wintertime sport of skating.

Japanese Shrine Fans
The fan, or sensu was believed in antiquity to contain good spirits, and so miniature fans are often displayed at shrines to ward off evil.
Shh has enjoyed his journey through Honshu, but it is time to go home now! "xxxxxx" is over now, but there will be more events in PnF soon!