Konnichiwa from Tokyo!

Konnichiwa from Tokyo!

As soon as Kristina and I crawled off the plane (after 8 hours!), we knew we had landed in a different part of the world. All around us were signs in a language we couldn't read, and we were surrounded with the sounds of a language we (mostly) couldn't understand. We were finally in Japan!

                                                                               On the ground in Narita Airport!

After taking care of customs and luggage, Kristina and I caught a train to take us to the city center of Tokyo. Tokyo is the largest metropolis area in the world so naturally it took us awhile to get there. Our first stop was our ryokan, a traditional Japanese hotel. 

Ryokan

A ryokan has several important features including...

• Tatami - Tatami mats or floors are made from rice straw and can only be walked on with bare feet. That means you must take off your shoes before entering the room so you don't damage the floors.

• Fusuma - Fusuma are Japanese-style sliding doors. They are very light-weight and have translucent paper or plastics panels.

• Futon - Futons are Japanese-style beds. They consist of a soft padded mattress and a quilt. The Japanese futon lay directly on the ground instead of sitting on a bed frame. 

• Kaiseki Ryori - Most ryokan also serve a traditional Japanese breakfast or dinner. The meal may consist of local dishes and specialties.

• Yukata - Yukata is a type of Japanese clothing that looks similar to a robe with a sash. The Yukata is worn in the public bathing areas.

• Furo - A furo is a public bathing area. First, you wash and rinse off using a shower head or bucket. Then, you relax in a large bathtub.

Even Kuma enjoyed eating at the ryokan.

Our room at the ryokan. Notice that you sit on pillows on the
floor when you want to use the table.

Our futon beds laying on the tatami mats.

Traditional Japanese Tea.

The public bathing area at our ryokan. Remember to wash *before* bathing!

Breakfast!

Yukata

The Rest of Tokyo

After a good night's sleep at the ryokan, Kristina and I headed out to explore Tokyo before catching our afternoon train to IUJ. We visited a couple major train stations, including Asakusa and Ueno, and shopping areas, and visited Senso-Ji, the oldest Buddhist temple in Tokyo. After the full day in Tokyo, Kristina and I headed to the train station to catch our shinkansen, or bullet train. This was my (Tristinn's) first time to ride a shinkansen. It was an awesome experience! The train ride was very smooth and it was so convenient to travel so quickly. (Kristina: I have ridden the shinkansen several times, and I can tell you it is the smoothest, loveliest way to get around Japan. It IS pricey though, but well worth it when you want a good view of the countryside at high speeds.) 

Shinkansen

       Tristinn trying the local cuisine in Asakusa

Visiting Asakusa, one of the most famous temples in Tokyo. Tristinn got photobombed by a couple of friendly locals!

The huge Kaminarimon ("The Thunder and Lightning Gate") at the front of Sensoji Temple. The gate itself measures 37 feet (11.4 m) wide and 38 feet (11.7 m) tall. Inside you can see the very large red lantern. Leading up to the temple itself is Nakamise Dori (street) which is filled with all kinds of shops selling souvenirs, crafts, clothing, and snacks (we had green tea manju, which is a fried mochi cake - very tasty!)

Tristinn breathing in the incense, said to cure sickness

 
On the Kamanarimon, there are a pair of enormous straw sandals called waraji. They are said to symbolize the power of the Buddha. See the photo above for details. You can see from the umbrellas of the people below just how big these sandals are!

                                                                                                  Sake barrels!