The Land of the early Rising Sun!!

'Jenny Lost in Japan Tours' Important Notice!!!

Due to the arrival of 'Team Lewis', the latest aliens in Yokohama,  'Jenny Lost in Japan Tours' has been unable to take any more bookings for June!!! After thirteen months operating in the country, this is the tenth booking of 'alien' tourists (20 people). It has been a productive time for the tour company and, pleasingly, some guests have found themselves drawn back for repeat performances.

Naturally for me, I have visited many places over and over again but, no matter how many times I return to a place, I continue to find and enjoy something different on each visit. 'Team Lewis' (Markham, Erica and grandchildren, Henry and Amy) arrived at Narita International Airport early on a Sunday morning and, after catching a Limousine Bus, were met at Yokohama City Air Terminal (known as YCAT) by the company CEO. SUICA cards were distributed and the new guests were guided through the very busy Yokohama Station. After the long journey with young children, it was with relief that the 'team' arrived at their very comfortable accommodation, Leyton House.

The 'Team Lewis' trip to Japan was very much a last minute decision. On a quick trip back to Australia, I had a vague feeling that 'Team Lewis' may return with me. My premonition was indeed true! What with earthquakes, tsunamis and nuclear power plant issues, the latest guests were, naturally, a little hesitant committing to the tour. Pleasingly, it took less than half a day to convince them that their decision to come was a good one!! After a quick rest, the tour began in the early afternoon and from then on was an ongoing adventure. A past visitor commented, 'Looks like Japan hasn't failed to deliver....day one and smiles and fun all round...I really am feeling jealous!'

Yamashita Park certainly didn't fail to deliver on the 'aliens' initial step into sightseeing 'a la Japanese' style. As we proudly showed them around our local haunts/area, we were pleased that as usual there was plenty happening. Dragon boat racing, food stalls, live entertainment at the park and Landmark Tower and lots of people out enjoying picnics. We even stopped for a roller coaster rides (big kid's one then little kid's one) at Cosmo World. 

The day before we had enjoyed a parade in Chinatown and it was still bustling with activity when the new 'aliens' wandered through.  

Markham, Erica and the kids totally embraced Japan and headed off daily, with the 'tour guide' in tow, for a new adventure. As usual, Motomachi Street, just across the canal, was a popular place to go for a stroll and we did plenty of bike riding around the Yokohama area. The kids were happy to get strapped in their seats and be chauffeured around town. 

And of course, you can't come to Japan without going shopping......not one of my clients has been able to resist Uniqlo or the famous 100 yen and Daiso Stores. Isezake Mall in Kannai is great spot to visit on the bikes or by foot, with not only branches of the above stores but Sushi Go Round Restaurants and plenty of other shops! Jack Mall, on the other side of Sakuragicho, is also worth a visit and of course, underneath Yokohama Station could keep you busy for a week.

Uniqlo is a Japanese casual wear designer, manufacturer and retailer which has operated since 1949 (under different names until the '90's). They sell good quality, comfortable clothing at reasonable prices. I love the garments that are available in special 'wick dry' or 'thermal' fabrics dependant on the season, particulary the undergarments and tops.

The name is derived from the contraction of 'unique clothing'.

There is also the 3Coin shops (everything is 300 yen plus tax, so 315 yen) and recently I have discovered 1,000 yen shops as well. Anything that has ever been invented can be bought in Japan. There is something for everything and for everyone.....just depends how full your wallet is!


With the sun rising at around 4am each morning and shining soon after, there was no way the kids were going to sleep in. Many mornings we were off before 8am, certainly by 9am. If I had a lesson the team would head off on its own and, most times, meet me after I had finished. 

One Saturday we drove to the Miura Peninsula and revisited some places, but also spent time in many new locations. We had a traditional Japanese lunch, which included the normal miso soup, pickled vegetables, tempura and noodles. Burners on the table meant we had to be very wary of little fingers. Naturally we sat on the floor! 

A good place for a coffee, not a good coffee!

That night we had tea at my favourite Indonesian restaurant, 'Sura Baya', at World Porters in Sakuragicho and then enjoyed a leisurely walk home.

Cocktail connoisseur!

 
After my lesson the next day, we headed off on the bikes. We found ourselves at Negishi Park and the kid's enjoyed the playground before heading home. Bike riding is a definite highlight of any 'aliens' visit and that was no exception for latest visitors. Fortunately, Amy still fitted in the seat attached to the handlebars and Henry rode on the back with Markham. My Japanese bike has been a trusty steed but, with only three gears, is no power machine. On the flat it is OK but, when it has a load, on the hills it hits the wall . Once again it was weary tourists who returned to the 'hotel'!

Stopping for a snack on the way!

Nanny and Amy!

All the 'kids' enjoyed the park. Yee-hah!!

Relaxed!

Time for a story before bed!! Yawn yawn!

No tour would be complete without a visit to Kamakura and the Great Buddha (about my 15th time). Kamakura did not disappoint us, particularly with its stunning displays of hydarangeas. The gardens at Hasedera Temple were a picture with so many different varieties.

 

 

On arriving in Kamakura we caught the street car to Hase but then walked for the rest of the day. Before heading off to see the Buddha and temples we took a quick walk along the beach. It is interesting to notice that all the temporary eating places are being constructed in readiness for the opening of the Summer Season.

Running towards the Buddha, Henry squealed with delight when he saw him and even at the end of his stay had him listed as a favourite, after Disneyland of course!

At Hasedera Temple we watched with amusement as the hawks kept diving out of the sky trying to steal people's food.....it was almost enough to put some off their food. The numerous warning signs are well heeded! The temples are so plentiful and lovely in this area, add to them the busy shopping streets and a day is easily spent.

Another station!

Another train!!

One Sunday, Erica, Amy and I enjoyed a trip to Harajuku and Shibuya while the boys stayed home (Steve's a bit over Harajuku and the crowds). We were after some snaps of the elusive Harajuku girls......guess where they were? At a park near home and the boys saw more than we did. Oh well, can't win all the time.  

I always dress like this to go shopping!! Don't you?

We walked through Yoyogi Park and witnessed many weddings. They are very formal occasions. Not all Japanese have a traditional wedding, they are very expensive. The wedding outfits are generally hired for a very high price. Only the family go to these weddings, so often they will have another celebration to invite their friends and work colleagues to. An interesting tradition is that the bride and groom spend the day and go to the ceremony together. It is always lovely to witness these special events.

This intricate hairdo is carefully covered with the traditional hood.

 

A Wedding Party!

The three girls had a great day and even managed to get lost at one stage (merely living up to my name!)

Quite a contrast to the very sombre wedding ceremonies!

Never one for doing the 'latte' thing at home in Australia (always too busy doing other things) I have found that with more idle time on my hands I enjoy testing out some different coffee spots (not on my own though). With Erica on the scene I had a willing 'drinking partner' (coffees and cocktails). As it is getting warmer there was an even spread of cafe lattes, iced 'ko-hi-s' and cappuccinos. There are the large chain shops such as Starbucks, BECK's, Doutor, Veloce and Excelsior but also thousands of private coffee shops spread throughout Tokyo and Yokohama. Since the team's departure I have found Segafredo and their coffees are the best!

On yet another return visit to Asakusa I actually got off at the wrong train station so, like always, I saw something new. We walked to Asakusa, from wherever it was we got off, and ended up approaching from quite a different direction.It is always a great place to source wood block prints and 'Team Lewis' came away with one depicting Fuji-san and the Kanagawa wave.

A visit to Akihabara (known as 'Electric City') and Ochanomizu (Musical Instrument Area) was good fun. It was an area I had only ever really passed through but not explored. Akihabara is a major shopping area for electronic, computer, anime and otaku goods, including new and used items. In modern Japanese slang, otaku is an equivalent of 'geek', referring to a fan of any particular theme, topic, hobby or any form of entertainment. These stores were packed with the most amazing collections. New items are mostly found on the main street, Chūōdōri, with many kinds of used items being found in the back streets. We spent time looking through many second hand stores for StarWars figurines. It was a pretty excited Henry, who came away from one store with a large Luke Skywalker figure. Unbelievably, it had only cost 700 yen. I guess that makes us 'geeks'!!

These guys were expensive!

Nanny's new iPhone cover-Hello Kitty!

Something for all tastes!

We walked past large shrines, second hand book stores and even an interesting Orthodox church (Nicholai-do) of Byzantine architecture on our way to Ochanomizu. Ochanomizu is famous as a musical instrument area. Down both sides of the street are multi level music shops, mainly acoustic and electric guitar. You want it...they've got it!!

After a return visit to Akihabara and Ochanomizu (on the weekend after Team Lewis left), we arrived back in Yokohama with an electric guitar......a second hand Epiphone Wildkat! To good a buy not to get it!! (I've heard that before). A nice 'retro' model that will go well with the 'retro' Yamaha SR400!!! Boys and their toys! I think someone hasn't got enough years left to use, or learn how to use, his toys!!
 
That afternoon we also spent some time at Tokyo Dome. Markham went on a few rides at the Amusement Park, while Erica looked around the shops and the kids hung out with me. When Steve and I returned a few days later it was crazy at the Dome. I don't think I have ever seen so many people. Queues of people went on and on and snaked up and down steps, around and around and along streets for so far. Strangely, it was nearly all females in the queue! A quick Google told us that there was a concert called 'A Beautiful World', with Arashi, a Japanese Band.  Unbelievable!! They are due to release a new album, of the same name, on July 4th.

The guy is real!!

Tiring stuff this tourist caper!!

Too cute!

The boys even went to the baseball at Yokohama Stadium one night. At 4,500 yen (including Henry) each it was a bit expensive (taka-i desu) but good fun to watch the local team, Yokohama BayStars, playing. Last year Paul and Steve saw a game at Tokyo Stadium and it was no where near as expensive. We can see the stadium lights from the apartment and it is only a very short walk away. It opened in 1978 it can hold 30,000 people.

I am sure the team left with many, many happy memories....cycling, trains, crowds, shops and more shops, cocktails, coffees, Sonny Angel dolls, Tokyo, Yokohama, Chinatown, temples, onsens, Fuji san (finally)...............! Meals out followed by leisurely walks home! They certainly left with lots of new clothes, it's hard to resist!

There were many highlights of Team Lewis' stay, too many to start selecting. Like eveyone else, they were so impressed with the consideration and respect all Japanese treat each other with. They were overwhelmed by the efficiency and cleanliness of the trains and the fact that so many people can live together so harmoniously. It was a sad farewell as the team reluctantly left on the Limousine Bus at YCAT bound for Narita. 

'Team Lewis' wa arigato gozaimasu!!

Thankyou for being such fantastic guests!  You, too, now understand the amazing allure of this wonderful place.......it's hard to pinpoint or describe but we are glad you felt it too!
(separate posts 'Fun Japanese Style=(Onsen+Futon) x6!' and 'A Double Dose of Disney!' cover other exploits)



(This post is dedicated to Saffy, our loyal pet of 14 years! A sad arrival home for Team Lewis .......gomenasai!!)