I am a Brit who has lived in Japan for many years. I’ve two kids, both grown and flown and now finally have a bit of time to stop and take a look around. I live in the sticks in Saitama-ken, about a twenty minute bike ride to the nearest station on the Tobu-Tojo line. I enjoy driving but I have a long work commute so it’s nice to take a train once in a while.
I am not a sporty type being somewhat short and plump, but love to be outside and I have always liked walking. I let my mind wander and enjoy taking the same walks and seeing the seasons change. My other half is Japanese, enjoys running and is far fitter than I am. He’s older too though so whilst he bounces on ahead when I start to get tired, we’re not too badly mismatched. He hates going to the same place twice and wants to try ever higher mountains so who knows where we’ll end up.
This blog follows our journey as I get fitter and can take on longer hikes and as he tries to improve his horrific sense of direction; he can still get lost in our hometown after 20 plus years of living here. There are plenty of solo trips too, as I am lucky enough to have various jobs that I can juggle around time outside. These solo trips tend to be shorter and less adventurous but no less fun.