"mr.sumo.snr" wrote:
> John W. wrote 
> > Ken Yasumoto-Nicolson wrote:
> >  > John W wrote in message

> >  >> But cars are not very practical for a tourist in an urban area
> >  >> unless you're familiar with the area, are comfortable driving in
> >  >> Japan (very narrow roads, driving on the left,
> >  >
> >  >
> >  > He's posting from the UK, so left is the right side!
> >  >
> > Ah. I missed that he was from the UK; that would have taken too much
> > effort to find out.
> >
> > Driving in Japan was one of the greatest adventures for me. I love
> > driving the lonely rural roads, stopping at small roadside shrines and
> > temples, and visiting onsen that are not serviced by any rail station.
> > But unfortunately to get to any out of the way rural spot I have to go
> > through hellish city driving.
> > 
> I don't know - every time I'm out in the mountains round here, I stop to
> check out the scenery, or because I've spotted another potential rock
> pool/picnic location - about 5 minutes later some little old man will always
> pass me in a white kei truck or else 'emerge' from the woods.
> 
> They're like f'kin mutated elves.  

Often wearing proper knickers and boots, carrying a tiny backpack and 
ski poles. At least them's the elves I see when i go hiking. I once 
walked in the mountains for 10 minutes without seeing anyone. 
Fortunately, before crazy-mad loneliness set in, a busload of elves 
arrived.

>And I know why too - they're making sure
> I'm not out looking for their secret matsutake mushroom spots - and the
> mutations are probably caused by them scoffing one too many of another type
> of mushroom.