Japan plan

I left it unbelievably late, but I've finally worked out an itinerary and accommodation for my Japan trip. I'll be in familiar places, mainly, though it's been a long time since I've spent quality time anywhere in Japan. Of course I'm seeing friends, too, and the right way: not just once.

• 4 nights in Tokyo (including a big exhibition on Kukai, and daytrip to Kamakura with, if I dare, a dip in the ocean at Enoshima)

• 2 nights in Matsumoto (Japan Alps, west of Tokyo: a castle [above], zaru soba, and meeting the 3-year-old daughter of friends)

• 2 nights in Kiryu (Gunma Prefecture, north of Tokyo, where my Japanese family lives)

• And 2 more nights to wrap things up in Tokyo (permitting visits to kabuki and breakfast at the Tsukiji fish market).