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.