Travel itinerary from Tohoku Sendai to Kanto Nasu Highlands~!

Day 1: Start with breakfast at 7 AM in Sendai. On a rainy day, board the packed Senseki Line train with a suitcase, being pushed back and forth by the crowd during rush hour. It's a moment where everyone, young and old, showcases the power of pushers. Luckily, it takes only one minute to reach Sendai Station. From there, take the Tohoku Shinkansen to Fukushima Station. Arrive just in time for the 9 AM opening to collect one manhole card. Unfortunately, the cards distributed at the Shinkansen station info desk are sold out. This was also the case at Okayama Station. If the distribution point is easy to access, the cards run out quickly. Following yesterday's miss in Rifu, this is the second card I've failed to get. Next, I take the Shinkansen to Koriyama Station, spending 5,000 yen on transportation from Sendai in no time. 🤣 From Koriyama, I transfer to a local train to Sukagawa. The rain intensifies, soaking my mesh sneakers and white cotton pants in muddy water. Despite this, I continue with my planned tasks. True to its reputation as the city of Ultraman, the entire town is themed around Ultraman. I successfully collect two manhole cards and even discover an Ultraman-themed manhole by chance. Walking through the rain, I reflect on life’s solitude, inspired by Matsuo Basho’s haiku and the scenic path to Oku. Next, I visit Shirakawa in Fukushima Prefecture, where I previously explored Komine Castle, to collect Pokémon-themed manhole cards. While Suica works in Sukagawa, it doesn’t in Shirakawa Station, so I pay in cash and get a confirmation slip from the station staff. I then move to Shin-Shirakawa Station to reactivate Suica and resolve the issues from Sukagawa. Though cumbersome, this seems necessary for continued use. After finishing the morning itinerary in Fukushima, I head to Nasu-Shiobara in Tochigi Prefecture. By 2 PM, the rain starts to clear. Dragging my suitcase through Sendai, Fukushima, and Tochigi, I’ve walked over 10,000 steps, leaving my suitcase in a mess. Despite the challenges of traveling in the rain, moments like these make the journey feel worthwhile. I take a bus to Shiobara Onsen for my third visit. On my first trip, I couldn’t find the Hello Kitty manhole, and on the second, I allocated 1.5 hours to take photos of the manhole and have lunch. This time, I aim to collect the Hello Kitty manhole card. However, I’m met with shocking news: the cards are sold out! Even some Americans who managed to get here are visibly upset, shedding tears over the lack of Hello Kitty cards. I, too, am disheartened and attend my 3 PM afternoon tea reservation with a heavy heart. I discovered this place on Instagram and requested a 3 PM visit via DM, even though afternoon tea ends at 2 PM. They kindly accommodated me, saying they made an exception because I’m known as the “Afternoon Tea King” on Instagram. I share my story about my third visit to Shiobara Onsen, show them a video of my TV appearance last month, and express my disappointment over the missing Hello Kitty manhole card. Then, the owner steps outside for about five minutes and returns with a surprise: an autumn version of the Hello Kitty manhole card! Moved by my story, he wanted to bring joy to someone who appeared on Ikegami-san’s show. He sourced the card from local shops and gifted it to me. Experiencing Japanese omotenashi (hospitality) once again here is truly touching. The Hello Kitty manhole card sells for over 5,000 yen on Mercari, yet he gave it to me for free. It’s a moment of pure gratitude. I enjoy the afternoon tea and leave the place, with all the staff and even the owner’s granddaughter waving goodbye. They also followed me on Instagram, and we became mutual followers. It’s a heartwarming connection. After six years, I revisit the Nasu-Shiobara Starbucks. Seeing my suitcase, the staff naturally strike up a conversation. I explain that I’m traveling, not on a business trip, and that I’m from Seoul, not Tokyo. I also show them photos from my visit six years ago, and three staff members simultaneously recognize R-san. Though I don’t inquire further about whether R-san has moved or is off today, the staff warmly welcome me until I leave. I suspect they’ll inform R-san about my visit. It’s another delightful moment in a day full of joy. At Kuroiso Station, I transfer to a bus with a 20-minute wait. During this time, I explore the newly built Nasu-Shiobara Library near the station. I get permission from the info desk to take photos without disturbing the children studying there. Japanese libraries are truly works of art, with a serene atmosphere and an inspiring sense of academic dedication. As I board the bus after 6:30 PM, the sun begins to set. With the rain gone, I proceed with my planned hike. In the dark, I trek up a two-lane mountain road for 30 minutes, relying on GD’s music and my phone’s flashlight while dragging my suitcase. Thankfully, GD seems to protect me, as I encounter no animals. I arrive at my accommodation, which features a balcony overlooking a forest filled with phytoncides. Feeling uplifted, I enjoy a dinner buffet with champagne and Shirohonoka Nama beer. It feels like a birthday celebration. Thank you. ※ Under the Big Dipper, I relax in an open-air bath, listening to the harmony of birds and insects. It’s a blissful night. 😍