Friday 13th May 2016 (Updated)

I awake from nine ours sleep so well rested, but there was an itch in the middle of my back. And another one on a shoulder. Then my heels began to itch, and two fingers.

Now, about that open window.....

It was too late now, of course, but we do close the windows and shutters, and hope that we have locked the bugger out. But, of course, it was too late. The beast had feasted, and would again later.

After a Japanese banquet breakfast, we decided to ride the cable car to the highest point of the island. Although, not quite as we find out there is a half hour walk to the temple complex once you reach the summit station.

It was a warm, humid and partly cloudy morning, so to get the best of the light, we set off for the cable car station as soon as possible.

Anyway, we have a long walk and climb past the ryokan, over the willow pattern bridge and through the wood, climbing steeper and steeper to get to the station. It got hotter and hotter and more humid. We had to stop several time for breathers. And then the final stretch was up a stretch of steep steps, but with a handrail to hang on to as we pulled ourselves to the station.

We were puffing, but we did make it.

We paid our fare then waited for the car to come round. We bought bottles of iced water as we felt we needed it already.It was an already warm day with blue skies, and we were warm from the climb, so the all round windows meant it was like an oven in there, with just one tiny window that could be opened.

But the views were great, and ever wider vistas opened up as we went higher and higher. We could see all the way back down to the town, over the inlet to Hiroshima and the mountains beyond.

At the top we found we had to change to a second cable car to the next peak, up a very steep set of steps, and then wait 15 minutes until one of the two cars returned.

Instead of the small car, there is a two large ones that go back and forth, once one is packed with people. About 20 are crammed in, and soon we are high over the near vertical slopes of the heavily forested mountain sides. We have views over the inland sea, scattered with wonderful looking islands. Jools and I spot a couple of eagles soaring, looking for food. Beyond there is an inland sea, peppered with forested steep sided islands.

On the other peak there is a selection of vending machines, some toilets and a viewing area. And the path up to the temple complex. We decide we are happy enough there, and soon I am chasing swallowtail butterflies all over the peak, hoping one would settle for me.

Other cars arrive, depositing more people, most of whom look at the view, fail to see the butterflies, then set off for the temples some half an hour's hike away.

After an hour, we have exhausted the things we could do, but I could have chased butterflies all day if I'm honest.

We take the cars back down, getting cooler now as the clouds rolled in.

It feels unbearably hot down at the base of the mountain. Beside the path to the base station, there are benches and tables, so we settle down to take a breather, in the deep shade of the wood, reading or playing a computer game. An hour passes. Maybe two.

It is lunchtime, so Jen and Jools look for somewhere to eat, whilst I am not hungry so I walk along the wall beside the temple to the gate, find somewhere to sit and take out my new book to read, and on and off, between people watching, read for a few hours as ferry after ferry docks and disgorges passengers, schoolchildren, most of which are followed by hungry deer.

It has clouded over completely now, so there would be no repeat of the sunset, so i am happy just watching it, and watching people trying to photograph it.

We are back at the ryokan for 5, and ready for another banquet at half seven, with more and more courses and dishes of fabulous food. It is all really too much for us, with all the bowing and fine if exotic food.

Dinner consisted of Shabu-Shabu, which is described as Japanese hot pot. It consists of thinly sliced beef and vegetables,which are quickly boiled in a kelp based broth, and eaten after being dipped in sauces. On this occasion the sauces were: ponzu sauce, (containing soy and/or vinegar or citus juice. Use when you want a lighter taste]. And Goma-dare sauce (made with ground sesame and stretched with soy, mirin and sugar).

We are pooped, but find time for a couple of games of meld and a cold beer or two.

I am itchy to buggery and am worried that sleep would not come. But I do get eight more hours, eight hours in which my bloodthirsty friend would eat and eat much more.