Amazing Japan: Tokyo!

Continuing our exotic travels abroad, we just returned from an exciting trip to Japan! It took all day to travel there and another to return, but the difference of only one time zone meant we enjoyed the week without jetlag. First however, we battled exhaustion as we made our way via local trains from Narita to Keio Plaza Tokyo in Shinjuku, eventually crawling into bed at 1 a.m.!

Our first three days were a whirlwind of sightseeing. First was to witness the organized frenzy of people and cars at Shibuya Crossing, as featured in Lost in Translation. While there, we posed in front of Hachiko's statue, commemorating a loyal dog who returned daily to the station for nine years to greet his master, even after his master's death. (Watch the movie, and have Kleenex ready!) From there, we rode the subways to Asakusa to visit Senso-ji temple. We posed in front of the grand entrance with the giant red lantern, then strolled leisurely down Nakamise Dori, a lovely pedestrian street lined with shops and food stalls. At the temple, we took turns telling our fortune by shaking a box until a bamboo stick with Japanese characters came out. I had to ask assistance from a local (i.e., look clueless!), and they politely helped me find the correct box to select my fortune from. The result? "It is good to start a trip." =)

We had lunch at a small yakitori place where we had difficulty ordering, but ended up with perhaps the most tender beef I've ever eaten! Afterwards we found a playground for the kids. =)

Next stop was to Harajuku, where on Sunday afternoons young people congregate for cosplay (costume play). Unfortunately we arrived too late in the day, as they had returned home. Instead, we visited Meiji Jingu shrine with its beautiful wooden torii gates. I most enjoyed the pathway to the shrine itself, leisurely strolling through pinewood forests (so peaceful!) and passing thousands of barrels of donated sake (rice wine) and French wine (made me look forward to happy hour!).

Our final stop of the day was to Tokyo Tower to admire the nighttime city lights. What a big city!!

The next day, we visited the Fukagawa Edo Museum, which recreates a centuries-old Japanese village. All three kids enjoyed imaginative role play in this interactive museum and were careful to handle items gently and to always remove their shoes before stepping onto the tatami mats.

Next, we made our way to Akihabara. After a wonderful lunch, we browsed in this area known for the latest gadgets and electronics. Here we also visited the Origami Kaikan, where we were lucky enough to meet origami sensei Mr. Kazuo Kobayashi, who dazzled us with his creations and signed my instruction book that he wrote!

On our way to Odaiba, my kids got to "drive" the train (sit in the very front seats!) We enjoyed the journey that took us across the rainbow bridge to an island known for its kid-friendly attractions, malls, restaurants, and nightlife. We unfortunately arrived too late to visit the Miraikan Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation, but we found a great restaurant for dinner, wasted yen at an arcade, and rode the giant ferris wheel!

On our last full day in Tokyo, we visited DisneySea, with many unique and original attractions related to water. We spent all day exploring this large theme park, including Mediterranean Harbour, the American Waterfront, Atlantis, and Mermaid Lagoon (my kids' favorite place, as there was nothing scary there). My favorite rides included "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea" and "Journey to the Center of the Earth"!

Our last stop before leaving Tokyo was to the Imperial Palace East Gardens. It was drizzling, but the rain didn't stop our explorations. My favorite area was Ninomaru Garden with its stone fountains, waterfall, stepping stones, koi pond, and meticulously shaped trees.