Day 1: My assistant and I met you in Maebashi and then excitedly set off from Gunma Prefecture for Niigata Prefecture, diving into the beauty of Authentic Japan.

We had the privilege of visiting a sacred Shinto shrine, a powerful spot revered for its water deities. In the Shinto tradition, water is revered as a symbol of various deities, especially those associated with mountains and agriculture. "Suijin," the water god, is often enshrined at springs and irrigation points, while "Yama-no-Kami," the mountain god, connects deeply to the life-giving water for farming. The river god, "Kawa-no-Kami," along with agriculture deities like "Inari," play essential roles in nourishing our crops.

After this enriching experience, we departed for our 4- to 5-star lodging, where a delightful dinner awaited us, capping off a day filled with wonder and exploration.

Day 2: Due to heavy rains, we did not go out in the early morning; we departed our lodgings around 8 am. David stayed at the lodgings this day. Our first stop was rice terraces for photography, then we moved onto a locatin with what looked like giant flower pots on a hillside; they were built to prevent landslides. This location is a bit of a mystery for me, as I have never encountered another place like it. At this point, we spotted a road and took an image of it using the zoom lens effect. Additionally, at the exact location, we captured images of wildflowers and plants. 

Next, while driving to an enchanted forest, we spotted a pond with water lilies, and we stopped and took images for over an hour. Then you returned to the vehicle to get a fresh battery, and we had our first good laugh as you slid down the small hill and got a taste of authentic Japanese social culture. 

Next, we visited a small village and ate lunch at a very charming cafe in a Kominka. This village is very cool, and they are on a mission to attract local and international visitors. Location is 138° 37' 32.022" E 37° 11' 56.826" N, After lunch, we took images of the cafe and an abandoned house in the village, then we

We departed the village for the enchanted forest. I have never visited this forest during the rainy season, as I was surprised at the silence in the forest and the lack of people. Just before we departed this forest, we experienced an insect symphony high in the trees, and we both turned to one another and joked about the Blair Witch project. The photography in the forest was superb, and I will visit again in the rainy season. 

After departing the forest, we were going to visit another location, but it was an hour to our lodgings, and we arrived just before dinner time at about 19:20. We met up with David and enjoyed dinner. 

Day 3: We kicked off our day bright and early at 4:00 am, setting off for the breathtaking valley of the Dragons in the Niigata highlands to capture the stunning Sea of Clouds. Our usual routes had been blocked due to a mudslide, but being familiar with the area, we found an alternative path that led us up the mountain. Just as we reached a thick fog bank, I confidently said, "It's going to be sunny today!" After about ten minutes of waiting, the clouds magically lifted, revealing an ancient village in the Yuzawa Niigata region, famous across Japan for its rice production. It was absolutely stunning, with its foggy mornings and spectacular scenery. The area is also home to a healthy bear population; I carry bear spray just in case, but honestly, just wearing a bell has always been enough for me.

This morning turned out to be incredible, with a magical display of dragons, fog, and clouds as mountain peaks and landmasses peeked through like ocean stacks. The village below provided perfect photo opportunities, too! After this fantastic experience, we returned to our lodgings for a cozy breakfast and a little break before checking out at 10 am to continue our adventure.

Our next stop was the Koi Ponds in Ojiya, where we had the unique chance to feed some beautiful breeding Koi outside—what a treat! Then we visited a small waterfall surrounded by vibrant Red Japanese Maple trees, which made for some gorgeous photos. Feeling a bit peckish, we headed to Sanjo for lunch and enjoyed delicious Soba Noodles with seaweed— a special dish exclusive to Niigata, Japan.

Next, we explored the Sanjo industrial area, renowned worldwide for its high-quality stainless steel products, including Katana knives and double-walled, gold-plated cups. We found some great items to bring back home! Later, we made our way to our lovely 5-star lodging, with suite rooms complete with private onsen baths. Dinner didn't disappoint either, featuring some delightful local sake.

Unfortunately, David couldn't join me for a dip in the communal hot springs after dinner—something I always look forward to before heading to bed. I can't wait for the next trip to Japan when we'll indulge in an onsen together! As a small bonus, I offer a 15% discount to David, as he's a cell phone photographer, and regular return clients enjoy a 10% discount. I'm happy to extend that same 10% discount to your friends or family who join us—whether you're along for the ride or not!

Day 4: After enjoying an early morning Onsen and another one in our suite room, we checked out at 10 AM. Our first stop was Shibata Castle. The weather forecast had predicted a typhoon with heavy rain; however, thanks to our positive energy, we were blessed with sunshine and warm weather for the next few days.

After visiting Shibata Castle, we drove to Murakami and explored a fish market where hundreds of dried salmon were hung, having been preserved for one to two years. Unfortunately, due to the season, we were not allowed upstairs to view the fish because of concerns about heatstroke. In autumn, fish viewing and photography inside the market are permitted, as it is the high season for salmon fishing and purchasing last year’s catch, along with daily catches.

Next, we visited a sake shop, where we purchased a few bottles of their finest sake to take home. I opted for a 1.8L bottle, while you each picked two 750 mL bottles for your flight back. After that, we quickly dropped off our luggage at our 4-star suite accommodations in Yamagata, Japan, where we would be staying for two nights.

We then stopped at an old-fashioned salt-making shop that boils seawater to evaporate the salt. This area is rich in seaweed, and the salt produced here is quite special. Since trying this salt, it has become my go-to at home. We purchased various types of salt, along with some ice cream.

Afterward, we headed to a beach for an hour of picking agates, jaspers, and other semi-precious stones, before shifting our focus to photography. The rest of the day, until after sunset, was dedicated to capturing images of ocean stacks and the coastline.

After sunset, we had planned to go out for dinner, but we were running late and found that restaurants were closed. Feeling tired, we opted for takeout—something quite rare for us—and returned to our lodgings for the night. By that evening, I was so exhausted that I didn't have the energy to invite David to the hotel’s public men's Onsen. Luckily, both of our suite rooms had private Onsen baths, allowing us to relax in comfort.

Day 5: Early Bird Adventures! We gathered in the hotel lobby at 04:30 am, excited for a morning of birding. The highlight for me was spotting a Jungle Crow and Corvus macrorhynchos. I managed to capture some stunning photos of the crow in its breeding season, munching on berries and seeds—such a natural scene! After our adventure, we headed back for breakfast together. David decided to enjoy a little downtime in the village and unwind at the Onsen, kind of like a modern-day Samurai, which sounded perfect!

Around 9 am, we set off again and visited the beautiful Zenpoji Temple, an ancient Buddhist Sanctuary from the Heian period (794-1185). The place was serene, with monks leading daily prayers and Zen meditations. I was feeling a bit wiped out from dealing with the varicella-zoster virus since the start of the workshop, so I took a quick nap in the vehicle while Manami kindly showed Lynne around the temple. (Lynne, thank you so much for the medication! Karma really does work wonders, and I'm all in for spreading that positive energy! ❤️)

Continuing our journey, Manami woke me up, and after chatting with you, we decided to leave the Sanctuary. While walking back to the vehicle, I stumbled upon an abandoned train, which turned out to be a fantastic photo opportunity! I got some great shots by using AI to help edit out the fence surrounding it. (Lynne, I'd love to set up a meeting with the town council to talk about preserving this train. Your idea about starting a trust for its restoration is brilliant! ❤️)

After spending time together and getting to know each other, I was eager to show you a special Shinto Shrine in Akita Prefecture. This place is quite unique as it features dragon carvings on its pillars, which is pretty rare in Japan! Legend has it that one of Japan's most famous wood carvers, who created the carvings in Nikko for the Shogun, hailed from this village. Since you visited Nikko but missed seeing those dragon pillars, I knew I had to bring you here. Next time you're in Japan, I promise to introduce you to Nikko and its authentic Samurai spirit—away from the tourist crowds! I give you my word!

Now, back to our trip! While we were in Akita, the head townsperson showed up and granted us special access inside the Shinto Sanctuary, which is a rare treat! We spent about 90 minutes photographing this simple yet powerful building—it felt like such an honour. I made sure to leave ¥10,000 in the donations box, as I always do at these sacred places. I know how much appreciation matters. ☮️

After our photography session, we headed to a local ramen shop for lunch. The parking situation was an adventure in itself! But let me tell you, the ramen and pork cutlet were delicious, so I'll definitely be back for more.

Post-lunch, we zipped back to Yamagata Prefecture along the stunning Sea of Japan coastline for our sunset spot. We arrived at 5 pm and checked out our location, but as we drove down a dirt road, we spotted a Meadow Bunting (Emberiza cioides) just a few feet away! We both exclaimed, "Of course, we didn't have our cameras ready!" So we jumped out to set up our gear, but of course, the bird flew away. However, we took the chance to do some birding in the area, where you managed to capture an incredible shot of ducks flying out of the rice paddies—water droplets sparkling off their feet! I missed it, but I'm so happy you got it!

On our way back to the sunset spot, we were lucky enough to see the Meadow Bunting sitting on the same branch again! I felt like it was a sign of good luck. There was a vine on the tree, which kept the birds safe, and this little one seemed to know we were just there taking pictures of it until 18:30 pm. I had to gently pull us away as sunset was approaching at 19:02 pm, and we got to our location by 18:47 pm.

This is were it gets tantalizing, and very Zen. ONE of the most important lessons I learned, teach, and use in my daily life is “Shoshin,” Beginner’s Mind”. It is a concept from Zen Buddhism that emphasizes an attitude of openness, eagerness, and a lack of preconceptions when approaching any subject, even if one is already advanced, even a master will have the transparency of a beginner. One will have openness and eagerness to view, touch, and visualize the subject as fresh and as a daisy, as if they had first laid eyes upon it. DT Suzki said this: “Shunryu Suzuki, a Zen Buddhist teacher, is: 'In the beginner's mind there are many possibilities, but in the expert's mind there are few." This quote is from his book, "Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind", and encapsulates the idea that a beginner's mind, characterized by openness and a lack of preconceptions, allows for more potential and learning than an expert's mind, which may be burdened by rigid ideas and fixed perspectives may burden. “

WE STARTED TAKING images of the Ocean stacks at 18:47, and our last picture was taken at 19:06. IN MY MIND and Heart, it felt as if we were on the beach for a good hour or two, not mere minutes. The beginner's mind and perception are powerful and fantastic tools, and I bring them to all assignments and daily life. I have lived this lifetime with a sense of being over 1,000 years old. 🙏 

Next, we returned to our lodgings for dinner, with no time for Onsen. Dinner was HUGE, and prepared solely by their master chef. We toasted, we cheered and embraced the symphony of tastes on our palates. 

Day 6:  Before breakfast, we loaded our SUV with our luggage and enjoyed our meal. While checking out, I took photos of the lobby, which featured a unique ceiling and lighting.

 We departed from Yamagata for the Niigata bullet train station at 07:45, allowing us plenty of time to arrive before the bullet train's departure at 11:37 from Niigata Station. Being locals, we are aware of the timing of rush hour, and we know that Google Maps isn't always accurate. We arrived at Niigata Station at 10:47. Manami saw you off and helped you board the Shinkansen (bullet train).

 As you plan for your next adventure, please schedule your departure from Japan at least one day after our time together to account for possible bullet train delays, flight issues, or other unforeseen circumstances. Just the day before you left, there was a rare five-hour delay of bullet trains on the opposite side of Japan, which serves as a reminder that such occurrences, while unusual, can happen.

 Thank you! I look forward to our next adventure together. Please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions or comments you may have. Also, let your friends know that I would be happy to show them the authentic side of Japan, just as you experienced it firsthand. I am pleased to offer a 10% discount for your family and friends and 15% for David, provided he promises to try to join me for the Onsen experience of a lifetime☮️

 Namaste,  Blain in Japan 🌸