This June, I was blessed with a trip to Tokyo, Japan to see my 21 year old daughter, Kim and to visit a country I have dreamed of seeing since I was a Junior in college at Denison University in Ohio.
The following posts are primarily my photographs taken on this trip. I hope that you will enjoy them, and perhaps come to have some feel of what I experienced.
The trip was that of a lifetime. I will never forget it. I was extremely blessed that of the 8 days I was there, it rained only 2 of them.
Additionally, I will always remember the pride that I have in my daughter, Kim who has blossomed during her many months in Japan.
Always follow your dreams as long as reaching them does not damage someone else.
Dreams do come true now and again.
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Kim's Host Father and Mother
"Mr. & Mrs." Koike Kyuji, Kim's host parents. These generous people took us out to dinner at West 53rd where we shared a six-course meal.
Cranes Beyond the Imperial Palace Guard House
Around the moat of the Imperial Palace, Hibiya Park, Tokyo.
Electric Forklifts in Fish Market
Electric forklifts were everywhere, zooming by me constantly. This became so dangerous, I turned around and headed back...
Quiet Alley in Chuo-ku
Apartments appear to line this alley in Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan.
It is early Tuesday morning, June 12th around 6 a.m.
Back to the Fish Market
I went back to the Tsujiki Fish Market several times during my stay in Tokyo. This particular morning, the vendors were super busy.
Monday, June 25, 2007
Jet Lag Over
This Monday morning, I am without the horrid jet lag. It is wonderful to be "back to myself." I recommend no one take this effect lightly. I have no idea if the vitamin B complex that I took on Friday morning made a difference. I do know I started feeling much better that very afternoon. So, who knows...
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Daughter and Mother
I met these two delightful women on the Sumida River cruise back from Asakusa on Monday, June 11th. They were very curious about me.
Fortunes as Prayers on Limbs
Fortunes bought at shrines tied to the limbs of a bush on a path in Nikko.
I bought my fortune at the shrine in Asakusa, but I forgot to tie it...
Saturday, June 23, 2007
Tosogu Shrine
Tosogu Shrine in Nikko with three extraordinary Buddhas within. Unfortunately, no photography is allowed inside the shrines. Shoes are also to be taken off so that only stocking feet touch the tatami mats.
The End of My Birthday
Near the end of June 15th at the top of a mountain overlooking a beautiful lake...
Kegon Falls
Kegon Falls, the largest waterfall in Japan. The falls are located outside Nikko. The bus trip up the mountain was fine; coming back down was amazing.
The curves in the road were virtually u-turns with very wide radii and views of the mountainside falling away.
But, the driver was so skilled, we were all relaxed and able to enjoy stunning vistas.
