Miles on our Feet and Swap Meat! (Day 7)

On the way to the garden

Yesterday was a lazy day, so we decided to relax and enjoy one of the local gardens, and visit one of the large shopping markets in Japan. We left the hotel around 12pm, which is late being that we are normally out of the door no later than 9:30am. After getting a bite at Burger King, yes, Burger King, we headed for Koishikawa Korakuen Gardens. The name of the garden, “Korakuen,” is derived from a Chinese text that states that there’s “a need for those in power to worry about maintaining power first and then enjoy power later on.”

So, "Korakuen" means "the garden for enjoying power later on." This historic garden was filled with beautiful trees, ponds, and stone walkways. One tree was in the shape of a “s.” Neat, huh? We enjoyed the beauty of the garden by sitting on a bench where you could see beautiful flowers, listen to the birds, and hear the screams of adrenaline junkies on the roller coaster that was near the garden.

"S" shaped tree--BONSAI

Me in front of Otowanotaki waterfall

Engetsu-kyo (Full Moon Bridge)

The reflection of the bridge in the pond produces a full circle, which looks like a full moon. The design was created by the Confuscian scholar, Shu shunsui of the Ming dynasty. It has survived in its original form since 1629 in the early Edo period.

Next, we headed to Ameyoko, a very busy market street filled with people selling everything from octopus to spices, to shoes and seafood. One tidbit: "Ameyoko" is a short form for "Ameya Yokocho" (candy store alley), as candies were traditionally sold there. On the other hand, "Ame" also stands for "America", since American products used to be available on the black market after World World II. They still sell a lot of American shoes and clothes, but it was swap meat.

Shermika and I couldn’t believe how many people were selling fake Sean John, New Balance shoes, and many other well known brands. And of course, Shermika did her favorite thing--shopping for SHOES! She actually found two cute pairs within her frugal budget ;-)

Check back later to see what we’ve been up to. Peace!

Seafood, spices, octopus galore!!!

At the entrance to Ameyoko. A kind stranger offered to take our picture. Arigato!

Rapid Train Please! (Day 6)

Me in front of Chinatown

Yesterday, Shermika and I ventured out to Shinjuku and Yokohama, Japan's second largest city. After getting up early to catch the Chuo-Ome line and then transferring at Tokyo Station, we headed for Yokohama. Right outside the steps of the subway station were Motomachi department stores with over-priced goods that to me, didn’t seem worth half of what they wanted for the items. After viewing these stores we went to one of the world’s largest Chinatowns. We experienced friendly locals and narrow streets marked with bright, bold colors, plenty of food, and clothing stops.

At Yamashita Park

In Motomachi

After taking a stroll through Chinatown, we headed to Yamashita Park. There you couldn’t miss the massive first-class black and white ocean liner, Hikawa Maru, that once attracted Charlie Chaplin and the Imperial family. It was securely docked at the shore. In Shinjuku we visited the well-known tourist attraction, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. We went to the 45th floor where we had the pleasure of viewing many sites and cities across Japan. The view was spectacular, and Shermika and I will go again next week to check it out after dusk.

View of Tokyo

Strolling Around the Ancient City (Day 5)

Tamika at Tsuragaoka Hachimangu Shrine

Yesterday, we went to Kamakura, which is about 2.5 hours away from us by train. Kamakura was once the capital of Japan, and is an ancient city replete with shrines, temples, and the like.

Great Buddha

Tamika at the Great Buddha

One of the main attractions is Kotokuin Daibutsu (Great Buddha) and Tsuragaoka Hachimangu Shrine. Great Buddha is the second largest bronze statue in Japan. Tsuragaoka Hachimangu shrine is one of the most popular shrines in Kamakura; it is the largest Shinto shrine in Kamakura. Buddhism and Shinto are two of the major religious practices in Japan.

Having lots of fun!

Shopping on the streets of Kamakura

The weather in Kamakura was simply gorgeous compared to the winter chills of Tokyo. Tamika and I walked around tiny streets where merchants were selling goods distinct to both Japan and Kamakura. On a narrow shopping street, we found a merchant selling goods, and she counted the money with a cash register that looked like beads. This was very neat...I tell you culture is AMAZING! This woman was counting our change without the typical cash register. To top it off, she was extremely nice and spoke to us entirely in Japanese!!!

Video of the cash register is below....

Loyalty and Teenage Fashion District (Day 4)

At the loyal Hachiko's statue--a popular meeting spot in Shibuya

Three days ago, Shermika and I visited Shibuya & Harajuku. We went to the infamous Shibuya Crossing, and saw the statue of the loyal dog, Hachiko. We didn't have to walk far before we spotted Hachiko. There were people praying to Hachiko, snapping pictures, and beautiful flowers and dog biscuits were lying at Hachiko's statue. Hachiko is a very famous and loved dog in Japan because of his loyalty. Everyday, he would walk to Shibuya station to meet his owner so that they could walk home together. After his owner's death, Hachiko still walked to the station in hopes to meet his owner, until his own death 10 years later. Talk about loyalty!

Shibuya crossing is the most crowded crossing where people come from all directions. We went to Krispy Kreme where a dozen doughnuts are 1600 yen ($17 USD roughly). There are a variety of doughnuts that are not in the states, some of which are heart-shaped. After roaming around, we left to go to Harajuku. Both Harajuku and Shibuya are known for their trendy spots that attract young, hip Tokyonites.

We visited Meiji Jingu shrine (172 acres, which we didn't walk!) in Harajuku, which was extremely huge, peaceful, and relaxing. The shrine is in the midst of a forest, and we were greeted by beautiful trees, ponds, and the exotic sounds of birds. After relaxing a bit, we left and went to Takeshita Dori street where a multitude of shops are crowded on a little tiny street.

Shermika doing her favorite thing--shopping for shoes! If you KNOW her, this is completely expected ;-) (FYI...she didn't buy any YET--y'all know she's undecided and always looking for the best deal!!!)

Shermika at Meiji shrine

Me in Harajuku--Takeshiti Dori street (FYI...the McDonald's is much different than it is in the States).

Shinkansen, Geishas, & Maiko Makeover! (Day 3)

Riding the Shinkansen Hikari to Kyoto! All smiles.

Me as a maiko

In front of Yasaka no toh

Tamika in Gion

In front of Yasaka no toh

Today we traveled to Kyoto (about 3 hours away) on the world famous shinkansen (bullet train). Japan is known for their uber efficient transit system, and the ride was comfortable. Kyoto is the former capital of Japan, and home of the Geisha district (Gion). Our hope was to catch a glimpse of a real live geisha, but unfortunately, we saw a tourist dressed as a geisha. Most importantly, our primary reason for visiting Kyoto and Gion was so that I could get a maiko makeover. A maiko is an apprentice geisha, or person of the performing arts. If you haven't seen Memoirs of a Geisha, check it out to get a feel for what I'm saying.

After the makeover

Looking darling

After the makeover, we had plans to see the famous Golden Pavilion and a few other sites in Kyoto; but alas, AnJuan called and informed us that it was snowing in Tokyo. We quickly got back to the subway, hopped on the shinkansen, and made the journey back to Tokyo. Fortunately, Juan came and scooped us up after he got his car out of the snow! We then went and got some fried chicken curry from Coco's, which was tasty. I had to buy some boots for 1,000 yen (USD $10-$11...yay! yall know I'm frugal) from Seiyo, Tokyo's Walmart, because my New Balance shoes have mesh at the top and were completely soaked (socks included!).

It's snowing!

Fried Chicken Curry-yum!

Maybe we'll trek back to Kyoto to see what we missed...

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