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The steel-blue skies and heavy downpours in Kyoto provide a dramatic backdrop for the many temples and gardens in the north-east of the city. Like many other visitors we decide to brave the weather and explore the area until nightfall.

It is raining- but, hey, we are in the tropics, what can you expect. We’ve spent the last few days in Iriomote, described int he Lonely Planet as “Japan’s last frontier”- it is an island covered with dense jungle and small, uninspiring coastal towns. The biggest attraction on Iriomote is its famous wildcat. The population is estimated at only around 100. And, guess what: we think we spotted one. Circled by two screeching crows this tabby was climbing in the trees.

With our island traverse hiking plans defeated by rain we decided to hitchhike to the onsen, 15km from our village. A friendly woman made a 10 km detour to take us there. On the way back the onsen-staff arranged a ride with one of his friends. First, he took a torch and two umbrellas to wait with us at the roadside – hitchhiking deluxe – but then spotted his friend’s car. People here are incredibly helpful and friendly.

Iriomote Onsen

The next day we took a boat tour up the river and hiked to a waterfall. We just decided to ignore the weather and had a great day.

I blend right in with my soggy raingear

We are on Taketomi, a tropical island near Taiwan. Taketomi is a living museum, with strict building laws to keep its traditional appearance. One third of the population is over 70 years old. Homes on Taketomi are guarded by vicious and funny looking Shiisa.

We found these clay lion-dog hybrids on roofs and gateposts. The male shows his fangs to scare away evil while the She-shiisas keep their mouth closed to make sure good luck stays with those they protect.

A walk on the beach revealed thousands of hermit crabs (and one cat) sifting through the debris washed ashore with each tide. Timid at first, their beach comber’s curiosity eventually gets the better of them and they check out the giants who picked them up.

We also saw these shrimp and fish made from drinking straws and plastic cord.

We are in Tokyo, joining a brigade of international designers who have come to the city for the Design Week. After a few days of exhibition hopping a clear favorite of mine is an installation with hydrophobic plates and water that is on show at 21-21. Unfortunately I was not allowed to take pictures there, so here are some architectural shots from the city instead while I research the designer’s details on the internet.

You might think any public toilet on a playground is a luxury- have a look at this one: