Exhale: Trip Report 5: Konichiwa Japan!

Our view from the Ritz. Damn you Tokyo for being so interesting and hoisting us from this nest of luxury each morning. Jer and I discovered the robes and slippers. Viv discovered the bidet early on. She and Ella would howl from the bathroom as they used it religiously with each visit. Fairly certain she came out of the bathroom, hair and face soaked by the last day. The staff would hurry to push the elevator buttons for us as they saw us entering the hotel lobby. As the doors closed they would bow. This may have something to do with the fifty dollar tip Jerry accidentally handed over that first night as our host showed us the room. Japan flustered us and wowed us all at once. The elegance, sophistication, cleanliness and design was inspiring to be sure. Viv was enamored by the high heels, perfectly coiffed hair and lip stick. The entire city seemed to shun the idea of denim or even business casual. Ella, no surprise, was in love with the sushi. We took on public transportation and were repeatedly defeated. The chirps and friendly singsong voices at the bus and train stops did little to lull our frustrations. Our lack of Japanese was certainly a hinderance as well. But despite any of the headaches I can say that I really, really, really loved Japan.

Swan boat? Yes please.

The beginnings of cherry blossoms? Perhaps plum? Regardless, they smelled divine.

Never figured out what the masks are preventing against. Perhaps cooties from the two in the middle?

Cotton candy was on our to-do list for Harajuku. We also stopped into Kiddyland for some anime trinkets and some kawaii pencils and erasers to ease us back into the idea of school next week.

Sushi boats! Kitchy and entertaining. The real sushi came the next night at a dive near our hotel. The entire clientele was local. Florescent lighting and cigarette smoke did not take away from the beauty of what we ate. Seriously think I have ruined any sushi experience for myself from here forward.

Barrels of sake as gifts for a shrine. Forgot which one. Just thought the labels were pretty.

An ema (note including prayers or wishes) from Viv left at shrine.

Shibuya Crossing

Our initial lodging in Kyoto. Staying at a traditional Japanese home with tatami mats sounded so romantic. There was not a chair, full-size table or bed to speak of. Turned out there wasn't even heat. Sadly, didn't read that in the listing and the romantic notion fizzled quickly that first night as snow gently fell in Kyoto. We woke up seeing our breath and quickly booked alternate lodging. Our first Airbnb fail.

Ventured into a restaurant where no-one spoke English. Google translator helped us get through the meal. Spent $100...not sure what it was we ate.

One of our many trips on the bus.

Fushimi Inari Gates

Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

These two were the best troopers. They put so many miles on their Vans and were always game to try new foods.
The last day we surprised them with a little kimono dress up.