I landed on an island 12 October. I spent a few days there and visited someone I’ve known for years. After a few days, I travelled by an exceptionally fast — and famous — train to the mainland. I continued on an island journey first to the industrial heartland and a city with a great merchant tradition before taking a journey to the ancient capital where I had a proper tea. I travelled by express train across plains and through hills to a coastal town famous for its preserved buildings and rich traditional culture. I am now sitting near the centre of the country surrounded by high peaks.
Boadicea's Chariot 
Well, CD!
It might be Asia, Japan, I suppose, with its bullet train, ancient capital, mountains.
Janus: Well done, old chap! I am in Nagano at the moment, having visited Fukuoka, Hiroshima, Osaka, Kyoto, Himeji, Kanazawa and Matsumoto. Tomorrow morning I will travel to Ueno, Tokyo for the last couple days before flying back to Blighty with a rest stop at Copenhagen.
Very fascinating trip, I’m sure. Go’tur ogs’.