August 2008: Chino, Japan.

With the Taiko Matsuri going on in Okaya, the hotels in Okaya were all booked up. The alternative was nights in Chino, one stop from Okaya.
Chino station vicinity suggested an urbanized twon like no other in Japan (although it seems to have a greater share of bored-looking
youth in hip-hop attire). However, the colorful posters and brochures at the station tourist information counter suggested that no far away from the
town centre, great nature is to be had by all. So, with only a day left in Chino, I ventured out of the town centre. It took the bus less than 15 minutes out
of the town centre before it hits the open road. And in less than an hour, you will be right in the Chino highlands.