Japan Trip 2009-Part I-Tokyo
The much anticipated pictures from my trip to Japan are finally here! Last year my camera broke on the second day. This year, I made sure to take two cameras, and of course my first one never failed.
Our trip was courtesy of Joe’s work as a scientist. Not only did he have to install a system and train some clients at the university in Iwate, but he was also invited for a talk at the Japanese Society of Terahertz Spectroscopy Third Annual Conference.
The Japanese are clean, polite, courteous and so friendly that you can’t help but smile everyday.
Last time I loved Japan so much that I just had to take my Mom along this time!
So it was the three of us, well, mostly the two of us, my Mom and I, while Joe worked.
We started off in Tokyo, where we stayed at the Keio Plaza Hotel in Shinjuku near the Shinjuku Station, the famous station where they shove people into the subways during rush hour.
Tokyo is overwhelmingly full of sky-rises. It felt like I was constantly looking up.
The second photo on the right (below) is taken from the top of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku. There are two towers that overlook the city. We ventured into the South tower from which you can really get a sense of the crowded city.
These photos are taken a few blocks from our Hotel on the opposite side of the station. The streets of Tokyo are always bustling.
My Mom on the Subway for the first time in her life! I should mention how clean the subways are in Japan.
In Japan, every restaurant specializes in a specific kind of food, meaning, a tempura restaurant will not have sushi and vise versa. Tsunahachi was the first Tempura restaurant we went to. My second time there.
The eel is so fresh that it’s killed in front of you. Definitely not for the faint of heart. The chef proudly displays his fresh fish.
On Sunday, the streets around the Imperial Palace in Marunouchi were closed for all the bike-riders.
View from the top of the Imperial Gardens.
These ladies loved having their photos taken. They have since gotten their copies.
There were so many spiders at the Imperial Gardens…I just couldn’t help myself, and spiders gross me out!
My Mom in front of one of the entrances to the Imperial Palace. My Mom and Joe walking outside the Palace.
This was a Kimono on display at a small museum inside the Gardens. It was worn by the Emperor’s wife during their wedding ceremony.
More to come soon!
THANKS , I am reliving the good memories!
Fantastic photos Vanie. I felt like I was there again. I love Japan too! My favs are the ones of the Chefs and the ladies in the Park!
I enjoyed this series very much. Looking forward to more.