Here’s something I don’t think I’ll ever understand about Japan.
Why do so many young women use the train as a place to put on their makeup? First of all, is makeup really something you should be doing where anyone can see? Wouldn’t some privacy be preferable?
And secondly, is a train (or a bus, for that matter) really the best place to be putting on makeup? After all, even a train is not that smooth, not really. Just think about it: one bump at the wrong time, and you could be putting mascara on your eyeball, rather than your eyelashes!

If you’re in Onomichi, be sure to try ice-cream from Karasawa, a shop on the street nearest to the sea. It’s hand-made, and delicious. My particular favourite is the cream zenzai: ice-cream with red beans. You may have to queue on busy days, but trust me- it’s well worth the wait.

Anyone in the Hiroshima area using the Mobily Days payment service for trams and buses? What are your opinions?

Personally, I find it incredible (and immensely irritating) that almost every time I open the app, it requires me to log in again. Definitely not good when I need to get off a tram in a few seconds, and I’m scrambling to re-enter my password.

Wasn’t the app tested before release?