Pagondas and Toilets...Videos

5 storied pagonda at Sensoji Temple

Japanese Toilet

Welcome to Tokyo! (Day 1 & 2)

At Sensoji Temple

Tamika reading her fortune

At Ueno Park--rain and all!

Sensoji temple with our new friends and tour guides!

After 16.5 hours in the air and 3 hours by bus, we made it to Tokyo on Friday! My best friend, Juan, told us that we would have a hard time adjusting to the time zone (Tokyo is 15 hours ahead of us), but fortunately, we've awaken at around 7 a.m. each morning.

Yesterday, Juan took Tamika and I around Ginza (the most expensive district in Tokyo) and taught us about Japan's very punctual and efficient subway system. I must admit, it is difficult, but we're gradually getting the hang of it. I managed to lead Tamika and I to three different places by absorbing Juan's handy tips and utilizing a map. Everyone that knows me knows that I am handicapped when it comes to directions, so it was quite a feat ;-)

Today, we went to Asakusa and saw Sensoji Shrine. We tried wagashi--a traditional Japanese sweet. I had the green tea version, and Tamika had the plain one. They were delicious. We also tried rice cakes and another sort of sweet (both of which weren't as good). We met a great group of volunteer guides on our way to meet some other volunteer guides that we could not find. The beauty of getting lost! The guides were college students, and were super informative. One has even offered to guide us when we go to Kyoto.

We also visited Ueno Park, walked around the Ueno area, and went back to Ginza to see Kabuki theatre, but it was standing room only. We will try again another day....

After getting lost on the train, we found our way back to the base. AnJuan took us to a friend's home for a cookout, which was fun. Pics are below....

Nissan in Ginza

5 storied pagonda near Sensoji temple