It had been six years since we were last in Japan. We were eager to experience our childhood home once again.
We left Phoenix early on May 13, arriving at Narita airport on the 14th around 3:00. After picking up our Japan Rail passes and a rental phone and exchanging some money, we took the Narita Express into Tokyo station. We met my brother, Bill, at the station and he took us to his home.
We spent Saturday in Tokyo, shopping in Kichijoji, watching my niece, Sonia, get ready for prom and sampling Bill's great cooking.
Tokyo pictures:
On Sunday, Bill drove us to Kofu, with his St. Bernard,Beck, in the back of the Jeep. My first memories of Japan were in Kofu and picturesque Shosenkyo gorge. I really wanted to see Shosenkyo, Kofu and my maid (nanny) on this trip. After hiking the gorge, we went to the Kofu church where my parents first started their missionary work. I had emailed one of the elders, Mr. Iwama, who assisted in helping us see Yasuyo-san, our maid. At the church we met with the pastor and several church members, who were very gracious, serving us refreshments and having us sign the guest book. We, then, went to the assisted-living facility where Yasuyo-san moved about a year ago. She is now 85 years old. It was a tearful, happy meeting.
Kofu and Shosenkyo pictures:
After staying the night at a pension, where Beck was allowed to sleep in our room, we took off for Nojiri. It's been 35 years since Phil and I were married in Nojiri. It hasn't changed much.
Bill's cabin, #79, has a great view of the lake. We spent three days in Nojiri, taking in the wonderful views of Myoko, doing a little hiking, and just plain relaxing. One day we attempted to go to the hot springs at Tsubame where Phil & I honeymooned. The road was closed, so we walked. But when we got there, we discovered the hot springs were not open to the public until June 1. It was still gorgeous. Another day, when it was rather rainy, we went to Togakushi. We walked to the shrine up the mountain, and later enjoyed the regionally famous soba noodles. One night we went to the public ofuro (bath) in nearby Myoko-kogen. It had been a long time since I shared a bath with other women. It was refreshing and communal. Afterwards we had a great meal at a restaurant Bill discovered. The owners were so friendly and gave us the rest of the sake bottle, when we told them it was the best we ever had.
Nojiri pictures:
On Thursday, Bill took us to the railway station where we caught the local train to Nagano, then the shinkansen to Fukuoka, via Nagoya and Osaka. We love taking the trains in Japan. So clean and efficient, always on time. And so much to see out the windows.
Train pictures:
After riding the train most of the day, my sister, Sue, picked us up at the Hakata station in Fukuoka. We took the subway for about 15 minutes to her 3rd floor apartment. Sue's husband, Jessy, made some wonderful Nigerian food, okra soup and a stew.
We were also happy to see Bill's kids, Kaj and Jasmine, who live in Fukuoka with their mother.
Fukuoka pictures:
On Friday, we took a day trip to Nagasaki, about an hour away by train. Nagasaki was once a busy trading port and the influence of early missionaries and foreign traders is still visible in the city. We took a street car to Glover Garden, situated on a hill. Thomas Glover came to Japan from Scotland in 1859, and settled in Nagasaki. Glover Garden has several preserved 19th century buildings and gardens of the early foreign merchants. We also saw the Dejima, a tiny island built in 1636 to isolate Europeans and prevent the spread of Christianity. After a great meal in Chinatown, we went to see atomic bomb museum and the hypo center of the bomb. Very moving!
Nagasaki pictures:
On Saturday, we took another day trip - this time to Yanagawa. Yanagawa is known for its canals on which tourists take riverboat rides. Our boatman entertained us with poems and song, as well as pointing out sights along the way. Did you know that Yoko Ono's grandparents live near the canal in Yanagawa?
After the hour long ride, we ate at the local eel restaurant. Yummy! We also toured a traditional home.
Yanagawa pictures:
Sunday was a travel day back to Tokyo. On our last day in Japan, Bill suggested we visit the Buddhist temples in Kamakura. We're sure glad we took up his suggestion. Kamakura was great. Of course, the daibutsu (Great Buddha) was the most impressive. We took lots of pictures of the Hasedera Temple and the Tsurugaoka Shrine. And then it started to rain hard. We rode the trains back to Tokyo during rush hour. Fun!
Kamakura pictures:
What a great trip! We are already planning the next.
The next day, Phil and I walked through the lovely Portland Japanese Gardens.
On Christmas Day we drove to Silver Falls State Park. It was wonderfully eerie, with sun poking through the fog.
The next day, we drove through Oregon Wine country, sampling the wine as a number of wineries.
It was great to be able to see Mt. Hood.
It was great to be able to spend Christmas together!