I set off early to get to the northern most part of my trip to Japan. If you look on a map, I am north of Sendai and close to Ichinoseki. Hiraizumi is a smaller town. I can take a break from the big cities and there’s an interesting place to spend the night. The two main places to see are Motsu-ji and Chuson-ji. I was able to stay at the youth hostel at Motsu-ji. There is a 850-year-old garden right outside. I spent the rest of the day walking to the sights. I was surprised to get a wireless signal way out here in my room.
The next morning I had a sort of traditional Japanese breakfast. Rice, Miso soup, the infamous Natto, an egg, and a few other vegetables. I had a hard time figuring things out. So many bowls and things. I had to wait for some Japanese people to start eating first. There’s one bowl you use for soup, and another kind you use for rice. I figured it out and think I’ll be better prepared if I have this meal again.