Japan Trip Report (Kyoto, Tokyo, Mount Fuji, Hakone)

[Serenity82]

Re: Japan Trip Reports

The trip sounds nice. I am missing Nihon now [img]/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/frown.gif[/img]

Do the public phones still have the little bowing lady on it?! I remember that!

[Marilyn]

Re: Japan Trip Reports

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Tropicana</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I just thought of a humourous Japan/Jamaica connection. I was in Japan last week when Miss Japan was crowned Miss Universe:


I heard people criticizing her saying that she was not Japanese enough and looked more like a White American girl. Reminded me of some of the controversy that takes place in Jamaica after with some of the Miss Jamaica selections.

[img]/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/704555_dwl.gif[/img] [img]/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/704555_dwl.gif[/img]

Perhaps this was part of the reason for the criticism:

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Mori-san also graduated from High School in Canada, so that may also have something to do with her confidence, height (more calcium in that Canadian cheese?), and modern looks.</div></div>

Source

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Miss Universe 2007: Riyo Mori, Japanese beauty with Canadian roots


20 year-old Riyo Mori was crowned the winner of Miss Universe 2007 Monday; the Japanese beauty built solid roots in Canada where she lived and studied for years.

Riyo Mori came to Canada in 2003 on a home-stay arrangement. She graduated from Centennial secondary school in Belleville, Ont., in 2005; she is also a former student at the Quinte Ballet School.

"She's a very intelligent lady, that came out right away," her Canadian hosts told the Canadian newspaper Victoria Times Colonist. "She knew what she wanted and she's beautiful."

The newly elected Miss Universe, who hopes to one day open an international dance school, is remembered as a determined young woman. "She's a very intelligent lady -- that came out right away," her hosts told the Times Colonist. "She knew what she wanted and she's beautiful."

Riyo Mori is the second Japanese woman to win the title of Miss Universe; in 1959 Akiko Kojima became the first Miss Universe from Japan from Asia.


</div></div>

Soource

I have heard Miss Jamaica's criticized who went to school in Canada (example: Cornelia Parchment. I remember reading in The Gleaner that the other contestants were very cool to her after her win.) </div></div>

My dawta's guy (Japanese) was staying here with us when she was crowned, and the next morning I showed her to him and he said the same thing "She doesn't look Japanese", but then when we played her video he said she was the real deal. Funny huh?

[Tropicana]

Re: Japan Trip Reports

I guess human beings are quite predictable albeit strange in their reactions huh Marilyn. Now I don't recall such criticism about Penny Commissiong who went on to be Miss Universe. (She was a Miss Trinidad who was born in Trinidad and raised in Canada. She represented Trinidad and Tobago in the Miss Universes pageant.

[Kimberley24]

Re: Japan Trip Reports

Soooo these slippers are just there and anyone puts their foot in it. Or each slippers for a specific person. Can you wear your own slippers?

[Tropicana]

Re: Japan Trip Reports

The slippers are just there and they are for use in the bathroom only. Slippers are also provided at the front door when you first enter the home. I guess you could bring your own, a pair for the house, a pair for the bathroom, and, if you like some shoes for the garden. Remember the house slippers are worn in the halls. When you enter the tatami room, you remove them so that you don't damage the tatami mats. BTW, apparently those mats aren't easy to clean and they are quite heavy. The mattresses, mats, futons and bedding are cleaned and aired out often.

[MsExced]

Re: Japan Trip Reports

Thanks for sharing Tropicana love the photos and report.

[Tropicana]

Re: Japan Trip Reports

My pleasure. I'll start to show you some of the specific places I saw when I have more time. Serentiy, please share some of your experiences. How long were you there? What was it like? What tips do you have for those who are considering a vacation or working there?

[Tropicana]

Re: Japan Trip Reports

Day 1, after the Tokyo Free Guides helped me find and settle into my Ryokan, we took the JR and subway to Ginza. We had lunch at Pronto beside the Kabukiza (love the Shrimp and pasta) and then walked in the area near the Tsujiki Fish Market and spent the afternoon strolling at the Hamarikyuu Garden, which used to belong to the Shogun:





My guides had never been there. It was a relaxing and cool getaway in the middle of Tokyo. See, you can view the Garden's teahouse from Tokyo

At the end of the afternoon some comedic jugglers showed up and performed for us accompanies by shamisen.

[Tropicana]

Re: Japan Trip Reports

Day 2 I have already posted Mount Fuji and Hakone.

Day 3 Kyoto Sights





Day 3 - Evening Sights Around Kyoto's Gion's District

Strolled around Yakasa shrine early in the evening:

[Tropicana]

Re: Japan Trip Reports

Day 4 - Tour of Kyoto

Nijo Caste





Golden Pavillion





Himeji Castle

[Tropicana]

Re: Japan Trip Reports

Imperial Palace - Kyoto

[Tropicana]

Re: Japan Trip Reports

Day 6 - Tokyo Imperial Palace

I got up had a fabulous and VERY healthy traditional Japanese breakfast and then walked over to the Imperial Palace. I strolled around the outer garden. It was a bummer that I was out of film.



I was right across from Hybia Park too. This is the second time I didn't get to go there and take pictures. In March, by the time I packed I had to go straight for the airport bus and I didn't get to see and take photos of the Sakura. [img]/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/frown.gif[/img]

On the way to the JR station, I lost my way. Just when I was trying to figure out where to go, I was surrounded by children. They were around 12 o 13 years old and they all had notebooks. They asked me if I spoke English. They told me they had been sent to find people who spoke English and inteview them. I said "Dozo yorushuku Hajimemashte" and they really loved that and got excited. They asked me where I lived. I say Canada and they went "OOOOOO". I then told them I was originally from Jamaica and they got REALLY excited and went "OOOO" even louder. They asked me how I liked Japan and I told them I loved it. I told the young ladies their pink cell phones were cute and showed them mine. They were so excited and said "chishi" which means small. They thoght my phone was cute too. They thanked me for the interview. I also told them it was a pleasure. Then I shook hands with one of them (as I know it's not their custom). They loved that. Then I said "Can I ask you something now". In Japanese I asked where the JR station was that I was looking for. They all started laughing. I was leaning on the wall and it was right below it. I said good-bye and headed on my way. It was a very pleasant exchange.


Day 6 - Kamakura


I took the JR and met my 3rd free guide who had one point had been training to become a monk. He showed me some fabulous temples and gardens in his hometown Kamakura where the Samurai had their base at one time. One of the temples was really cool and had mazes, tunnels and caves. We almost got lost.



This Bamboo Temple was fabulous:

[MarieK]

Re: Japan Trip Reports

just saw this Tropicana, thanks for sharing. Looks like you had a blast. was this your first trip

[Tropicana]

Re: Japan Trip Reports

No I have been in Japan 4 times this year but this was my longest stay....8 days.

Day 7 - Sumo Wrestlers


How could I forget? On Day 1 and Day 7, you're not going to believe what I saw on the JR trains...sumo wrestlers wearing Yukatas. My guides said it must have been for my benefit as it isn't something you normally see. They weren't as big as I thought they would be but they were still huge. I was really kinda shocked to see them and surprised that is how they would be dressed. I guess I figured they would change when they got to the venue. Anyway I was really excited to see them. I just couldn't believe it but I remembered I was in Japan and had to cool it in terms of showing a reaction.



When we passed the place where they do the sumo wrestling near the Edo Tokyo Museum, I even saw one of them about to get on his bicycle. I didn't watch, it would have struck me as a comical site to see such a huge guy on a bike and I didn't want to burst out laughing.


Day 7 - Edo-Tokyo Museum

What a fabulous set of displays, miniature replicas of bridges and streets from the Edo and Tokyo eras. Also some life-size replicas of houses and original transporatation, armour, etc.

The west side of
Ryogoku bridge

This was really detailed with hundreds of buildings and figures showing the lifestyle of the time



Lifestyle in the Row Houses

This was oneof many life size rooms. This was right after the birth of a baby and the mid-wife was attending to the baby. The mother had to sit up in the bed so that the blood wouldn't rush to her head (this was a concern in traditional Chinese medicine). Note the father is present and involved.

[Tropicana]

Re: Japan Trip Reports

Day 7 Continued

On my last full day in Japan, after leaving the Edo-Tokyo Museum, my guide and I took the JR over to the Korakuen Gardens. I belive it is the oldest garden in Tokyo. It's near the Tokyo Dome.

Some of the stones in the wall surrounding the garden are really old.



They have insignia which indicates the source from which the stones were taken: