These bugs, perhaps some kind of crustacean, were COVERING the shoreline of Enoshima Island on my July trip to Japan. I was hiking and climbing all over, and could not escape them anywhere near the water. These here are about the size of pill bugs, but many were large, up to two-inches. Almost gave me nightmares. Thought I'd share.
This uniform belonged to a Japanese "mobilized youth," one of the many children in Hiroshima working on the war effort when we dropped the atom bomb. Actually, *this* uniform belonged to *many* children. It was stitched together from scraps of what was left.
During the peak of my trail running craze in 2008, I attempted a 30k in the mountains outside of Tokyo. Running in the Tokao region is a real treat, with well-defined trails that go on and on and on, ample rest stops, and breathtaking views.
The trail is accessible by train and short job if you know where to go, and the fantastic public transit means you could do four hours, hit a hot springs bath and be back in town without ever covering the same ground twice.
I unfortunately injured my knee about halfway into this particular run, but hopefully with time I will be back to scenes like this one.
I've only been in Japan for cherry blossom season once in my eight visits. This is one of several camera photos I snapped in March 2008 on my last full day in Tokyo on that 7th visit; it is the main thoroughfare into my wife's hometown.
Cherry blossom season is amazingly beautiful, with miles and miles of suburban roads lined with mature trees. Many of the trees are tagged for maintenance and upkeep - a true national treasure.
