Blogs from Chiba, Japan, Asia - page 2

For my last day in Japan I just couldn't spend it all day in the airport. So instead, I got up early (again) to catch a train to Ikebukuro in Tokyo. I had read online about a place called Ice Cream City in the big mall Sunshine City. I got into Tokyo around 9, and it was 9:30 by the time I made to the right area. Since the mall doesn't open until 10am, I hung out at Starbucks looking up where the place was. I found out it was on some gaming area called NamjaTown within the mall. At 10, I heard that way. I was greeted by a long of screaming kids waiting to get in. (Ah the things I will do for ice cream). Finally they let us all in. Turns out this ... read more

Thank you so much Japan, had a kick ass time, loved it! Domo arrigato, Gozaimasu!... read more

The rain came earlier than expected, and it really wanted me. I’d read it was due to kick off at around 8am, it was now 2am and I found myself getting wet. I’d not used my tent tonight as it wasn’t an option, I was encamped upon my sleeping map on the concrete base of the shelters floor. Water encroaching from the northern side of the shelter I etched closer to the opposite side of the way. Perfect. Well, the odd speck of the wet stuff here and there, but this was to be expected, I was homeless after all. I actually slept for a full 3 hours, possibly a record since I’ve been on the road. If it wasn’t for the rain I would have steamed into Ibaraki today, alas I did not. It was ... read more

The park I had found to make my nest in for the night was ideal, but again the climes were not. By 4am I couldn’t bare the cold anymore and was up and about looking for a fast food outlet to bide some more time until sunrise. Again like in Chichibu I found a 24 hour Sukiya, now obviously as it was open 24 hours it was currently closed. 7-Eleven of course wasn’t, so I treated myself to a mighty fine microwavable Ramen and dumplings. Convenience stores in Japan it must be said really do surpass themselves in the array of consumables they generally have on offer. Back in Blighty a ham sandwich and a packet of Monster Munch is the most I could generally hope for, yet here convenience is more of a big deal, ... read more

Chiba boasts one of the largest industrial areas in Japan, specializing in steel, petroleum, chemical and machinery production. The Keiyō Industrial Zone situated northeast of Tokyo bay positioned upon a vast area of reclaimed land essentially amalgamates some 8 cities across Chiba. For productivity and economic wealth the area sets a shining example for growth and prosperity, for cycling it makes for a complete and utter nightmare. The air foul with exhaust fumes, articulated lorries chugging about relentlessly and motor expressways stacked nigh high and seemingly tying themselves into knots. It was every bit as vulgar as it needed to be. I would have to be on my guard as not to do my best human impression of tomato soup, or at the very least not to become addicted to carbon monoxide. It was difficult to ... read more