Ian Reader has given me a schedule of which hibutsu (secret Buddha) are open while I will be in Japan. However, this seems different from a list I was sent by a sendatsu (pilgrim guide) so I need to check all this.

It turns out also that Ian - besides being a world authority on Japanese pilgrimage, - has also written on Japanese amulets so I will read up on this before I go.

I have now managed to book accommodation in a Japanese inn, known as ryokan, for the first 3 days of my stay in Kyoto.Ryokan Hiraiwa Finding accommodation is proving more difficult that I anticipated and I may have to stay in a Western style hotel. at some point. Ryokan often have Japanese-style, tatami mat rooms and it will be great to experience this for at least a few days. I hope at some stage to stay in temple accommodation at least for a night or two.

I have now sorted out travel insurance and am working up my itinerary in more detail.