Block Island is one of the places that makes Rhode Island the "Ocean State". Block Island can be reached via 1 hour ferry ride from Point Judith or Newport, depending on the season. The island offers a quiet and gentle respite from hectic mainland life, with great beaches, and extensive cycling and walking tracks, not to mention the unspolit nature. Don't miss out on the fantastic seafood, such as clam chowder, either!

www.blockislandinfo.com/

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Meiji Shrine is the second most important in Japan, and conveniently lies in the centre of Tokyo, near Harajuku.
If you go there on Sunday morning(ish) you can catch the kids in Harajuku dressed up as their favourite manga/anime characters AND visit the shrine! Bargain. The shrine is behind Harajuku station, across the bridge where the kids are hanging out, and lies in some woods at the end of long gravel path. It is free to get in, and there is lots to see/do. I recommend spending some time reading the prayer tablets written by Japanese and tourists alike, and even writing one yourself. You never know, you might get what you want! You might also be lucky enough to see an elite wedding going on in the courtyards of the shrine.

Harajuku stn. Turn right out of the station, and right again. Cross the bridge, take photos of kids in fancy dress, enter the shrine on the right.

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Kimi ryokan is a 4-storey, old-style Japanese inn, complete with well-lit darkwood hallways, small tatami mat rooms, and a friendly bearded owner, who is constantly polishing the wooden floors, all in the heart of Tokyo! The rooms may be functional (small), but they are very clean. The shower stalls may be communal, but they appear to be made of marble, whilst the deep wooden Japanese bath on the 1st floor is a must for soothing tired limbs in the evening. Don't forget to take your sake in with you! In 2003, singles cost 4,000yen, doubles 7,000-8,000. Definitely book in advance. They speak English.

Kimi ryokan is in Ikebukuro, 5 mins from the underground stn. Tel. 03 3971 3766.

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