Summer time has come and its off to the Beach !

My first summer in Japan was an almost historically cold and gloomy experience. I was informed Japan's summers were insufferably hot, but 2004 was a very mild affair which even led to rice crops failing due to lack of heat and sunshine !

This year however its a scorcher and my partner and I are off South to Shimoda, famed for its beach resorts.

We've been travelling quite a bit recently so this time to keep costs down we decided to take the bus rather than train and stay at the cheapest place possible.

We took a night bus, so we arrived at dawn and the beach was deserted, as the day went by the beach soon filled up.

The beach in Japan has its own unique experience; every country has its own "beach style" with the exception of Scotland - As Far as I got to going to the beach as a youngster was Nairn, which albeit is a beach town,though many holidays were spent sitting in the car waiting for the rain to stop drinking Bovril.

Japan's Beach experience revolves around the beach house.

At the moment my commute time takes about from door to door takes about 2 hours. Returning time is about 10pm at night. When explaining this to a friend he asked incredulously

"But what about your tea !?"
(That's Scottish for dinner usually from 6pm)

I always have been a very "regular" eater, lunch at 12, dinner at 6. All other countries seem to eat later, I think Japan being the latest.

This said after the first leg of my journey, I have a 1 hour train ride which thankfully I get a seat on. By that time I am as we would say "HANK MARVIN"
(That's Scottish for hungry)

Thankfully all station platforms have little ramen restaurants for a quick munch before going home or as I prefer, some "otsumami" these are traditionally snacks to be eaten with beer, like nuts, pretzels. There's a stunning array to choose from, my current favourites are ;

Shiotan - Salted dried cows tongue with spices.
Chitara - Strips of cheese sandwiched between dried cod.


Naturally I didn't know what either were made of till my partner explained.Still love em tho !