Surprise visitor

Ron Sera visited us on the flight back.

Only in Japan!!!

Automatic Beer Dispenser in the United Red Carpet Room at the Narita Airport.  But we will need a lot of beers for our tears cause we are leaving Japan.  Sob. Sob.  Sayonara Japan.  

Tokyo I Expected

Once we got to Ginza, Shinjuku and Shibuya we found the neon lights and the massive TV screens I expected to see in Tokyo. 

Harajuku

Harajuku was overrun with people and we were treated to some little bo peep types and some goth fans. 

Tokyo Rain

Well we can't complain, one day of rain isn't bad for two weeks in Japan.  

Mt Fuji

Despite clouds moving in we did get a peek a Mt. Fuji on our drive to the Mountain.  But no pics.  We did get some good photos once we reached rest stop five. Becki was excited to see snow. 

Volcanic Vents

In Hakone there is a lot of volcanic activity, hence the hot springs. 

Pending Update.

We have made it safely to Tokyo. The city has sucked the energy out of us at days end so my posts have been lacking.

Upcoming updates:

1. Mt. Fuji-san

2. Tokyo Rain Out

3. Harajuku

4. The Tokyo I expected. 

Lake Ashinoko Ferry Ride

The ferry ride felt surprisingly familiar!

Beer

It has come to my attention that I have neglected to talk about beer in every post.  I apologize for failing to give the nectar of the gods its due respect.  So I give you a post devoted entirely to beer.  Specifically I will delve into the various sizes available in the Japanese market.  Asahi "Super Dry" seems to be the most prevalent and given the opportunity I chose to sample some.  I found one for me and one  for Becki.  See below. 

Super Dry!

 Later Jer and I got to drink a little with our scotch.  Note the Honolulu Advertiser next to us.  Jerry brought his unread papers to Japan.  Imagine what some housekeeper thinks in these hotels when she sees a November 2008 Honolulu Paper!

Becki Likes Beer

Becki helped too.....a lot. 

Open Air Museum

The Dark Horse surprise of the trip has to be the open air museum.  Of course yours truly found a way to enjoy it even more.  Guinness in Japan?  You bet, the glasses are just a bit smaller. 

Hakone Area Lake

Becki and I aboard the ferry ride on the Hakone Area Lake.  It was a big tourist area in the past but now is a bit depressed due to other more lavish locations for Japanese tourists to visit.  That aside we loved it.  The SARH Bus struggled up and down its hills but with willpower we made it!!

Bullet Train Ready

Becki is ready to ride the speedy train to the Hakone Area.  It was pretty cool, they are super efficient.  We had a minute and forty seconds to load the train before it started moving.  It travels 180 MPH. 

A little trivia: We travelled from Kyoto to Atami in 2 hours, including stops.  That is the distance from Seattle to Corvallis.  Roughly 256 miles.  According to Google Maps it would take 4 hours and 16 Minutes driving.  

From Wikipedia: The Tōkaidō Shinkansen is the world's busiest high-speed rail line. Carrying 375,000 passengers a day, it has transported more passengers (4.5 billion) than all other high speed lines in the world combined.

The Sushi Monsters

The Rundown

OK well we might not have internet for a few days so here is the latest Rundown:

1. April 20th - Free Day - N0 Shady Acres Retirement Home (SARH) Bus

a. Went to the Rock Garden 

b. Kyoto Station

c. Ohagi Store

d. Prettiest Street in Japan

e. Unagi Restaurant

f. Gion District Shopping (and Yakuza at Starbucks, ask Becki)

Pretty full day but we got a very good feel for city.  This day we saw a few Geiko/Meiko around town and got a respect for how many shrines/temples are in this wonderful city.  I agree with Stacy/Cecily/Ryan that this will be our favorite place in Japan.

2. April 21st.

a. To the Miho Museum - This was the most anticipated stop of our time in Japan and it did not dissapoint.  The ride on the SARH Bus was amazing.  The countryside was gorgeous and we experienced how well organized this country is.  But, the Museum itself and the walk to it was amazing.  It rained, but rain is a blessing.  And we were blessed to have experienced it.  I would say it is one of the most impressive places I've been.

b. Shigaraki Pottery Town  - Painted on cups.  I suck.  

c. Nishiki Food Market  - Think Pikes Place Market on steroids, with more fish, much more. 

d. Shabu Shabu Dinner

The Japanese stay out late and they seem to love to party.  And their beer is always super cold and in frosty mugs.  I could get used to this. 

3. April 22 - Super SARH Bus Day

a. Ise Temple - The most revered of the Shinto Temples.  They demolish and rebuild this temple every 20 years.  The grounds were amazing and quite serene but don't expect trash cans.  As we walked in they were rebuilding the timber bridge.  That got my attention.

b. Ama Divers - These women (some 70 years young) dive for pearls, oysters and other treats from the sea.  They served us grilled oysters and sea snails in their seaside hut.  They had an open fire in the hut and grilled them right there for us.  Becki was a hit with them, cause she was the tall in their group.

c. Pearl Island - We went to see the birthplace of the cultured pearl and saw the Ama in action.

d. Sushi/Sashimi/Tempura Dinner  - Jer Said we got our money's worth here alone.  Yum. 

Well we are off on the Bullet train tomorrow.  Going up North to Hakone for a night then to Tokyo.  Till then. 

A Little Movie from Miho Museum

Feast.

No words necessary. 

Becki's Posse

Becki with the Ama Divers.  I swear they were recruiting her.  Free oysters for life. 

Lobster Chips for Sale

After the Shinto Shrine we walked a little market and found every kind of seafood cracker imaginable. 

Becki - San

Becki with the Koi at the Shinto Shrine. 

Construction!

The new bridge being built at the Shinto Shrine. 

Fish anyone?

Becki in the Nishiki Market.  Anything you want, they have it. 

Artiste?

I was the last one painting.  Doesn't mean it was the best. 

Shady Acres Bus

I know you are dying to see it...without further ado....the bus. 

The Days Events...

With all the action it is hard to get confused so our hotel graciously has posted the "Days Events" here is Becki posing next to our agenda.   Shuffleboard on the Lido Deck anyone??

The Gang

Rock Garden

The Rock Garden.  What a beautiful place, and the grounds were immaculate. 

Even Josh can take a good picture...

The prettiest Street in Japan.  Love the Cedar Planking.

Miho Museum

This museum means a lot to the Sugihara Family.  It was a wonderfully moving experience. 

Special Request

Today we had a special request from M&M.

Here's Granny and Papa girls. 

Geiko (sp?)

Seeing Geiko in Kyoto is apparently not all that unusual.  A Geiko on a cell phone might be a bit more unique.  Look closely. NOTE: In Kyoto they are not called Geisha according to our tour guide Miyuki. 

Fried Dough or Architecture?

Kyoto Station.  Pretty impressive structure.  But more impressive is the Cafe du Monde inside the station!!

Karaoke anyone?  8 Glorious levels available in Kyoto.  I'm thinking "On the Road Again" from Willie Nelson. 

Color Coordinated

Becki and I in front of the Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Temple).  Becki had the plan when she woke up. 

Nara/Kyoto

Today was a small travel day, first to Nara to see Todai-ji Temple with a Super Enormous Buddah.  There are a lot of very tame deer that follow visitors around waiting for treats.  Then we went up another shrine in the same park.  Back on the SA Tour Bus and up to Kyoto.  Kyoto is a neat bustling city, less busy than Osaka but still busy.  It seems trendier.  For lunch we couldn't find a place quickly so we ended up at the Asahi Brewery "pub" but it was Oktoberfest themed.  No joke.  From there back to the back of the short bus to see Nijo Castle and then the Garden of Heian Jingu Shrine.  Busy day for the AARP gang.  Now dinner and sake.  We deserve it. 

A little grainy photo of yesterday's cherry blossoms.  Last night we had a Yakitori Chicken Extravaganza and a few Beers.  Pretty Nice.  Jer and I walked into a Pachinko Parlor where people play a kind of Pinball for prizes.  Pretty crazy and LOUD!  Anyhow we are off on the Shady Grove Bus to Kyoto today.  

Exploring Osaka Early

Becki and I got up early to explore before we head out on the Shady
Grove Retirement Home tour bus for the day. Becki was stoked cause she
got to see the last of the cherry blossoms. And we stumbled onto a
park and a hidden temple.

Viva United

Ahh yes! How bout a lil bubbly and a flat screen? Gotta love Big Jer's
miles!

Sugihara Style!

A Lovely Day on da Bay!

Sunrise @ SFO

The Journey Begins

Becki ready for the long Journey to Japan.

Daredevil Nieces

Robin's Awesome Cake

UH Baseball Nite - Lou's B Day