YOKOHAMA, JAPAN

This was the first new place for us on our trip. Neither of us had visited Japan before, although Mum and Dad had booked a trip here before Dad had his heart attack. Yokohama is the port for all visits to Tokyo. We decided not to visit Tokyo, but instead to visit the Hakone National Park and Mt Fuji.

Our day started out well with snow…lol. We had been unable to pack two seasons clothes due to the flight requirements, but fortunately, had packed long johns to wear under our slacks. Our jackets were only lightweight, so we really felt the cold.

The service stations were unbelievable! Would you believe, heated seats? We were so grateful. We never did get to see Mt Fuji, but what a trip! We do not have snow in our part of the world, indeed, there is little snow in the whole of Australia.

HIROSHIMA, JAPAN

Our ship was anchored in the harbour, close to this memorial to the Hiroshima bomb, and visible in all directions.

From there we were taken by bus to the railway station, where we boarded the bullet train

for a visit to Kintai Bridge, an ancient engineering marvel.

After a japanese lunch at this marvellous hotel

we finished off our tour with a visit to Peace Memorial Park, with The Dome,  relic of the atomic bomb.

PUSAN, SOUTH KOREA

We were a bit worried when we heard that there was fire exchanged between North and South Korea, but finely figured that if there was danger the ship would abort our visit! It proved to be an interesting visit.
Snow was falling during our stop at the Busan Shopping Centre.

We were greated by a hostess in traditional costume.

Outside of the shop.

Here we had chosen the cultural performance, having seen the performers at Expo ’88 in Brisbane. Our visit coincided with the worst snow they had had in 60 years. Other tours were cancelled, and some of them joined with our tour. Fortunately the theatre was big enough.