My Koriyama Castle

While my new flat in Japan is a single-room accommodation and not really a castle, it’s probably the largest room I’ve had in years. It’s a few minutes’ walk to the downtown area and main train station, with the largest of the mountains in the opposite direction. Besides the numerous 24-7 Family Mart convenience stores, there’s a surprising number of 7-11s, dotting the city grid much as Wal-Mart dots the entirety of Pennsylvania.

Entrance through small kitchen with sliding door into main room

I took something of each of you with me – can you spot yours?

Drinking Megan’s delicious tea on an overcast morning

Before bed, I drew this yokai (Japanese spirit), Umibōzu, which hangs on my wall with all the maps of the places I’ve been to

More pictures to come soon!