This Sunday Erin headed back home to the US. Before she left we decided to take her to Tokyo to see the city. Being that she is now 18 we figured she could really enjoy a exploring Tokyo a little. We debated how to go as we also had to escort her to the airport on Sunday to see her off. Finally we decided to drive the car and park near the airport, then take the train from Narita to the city. Then on Sunday we could just go back to the airport and drive home. This turned out to be the cheapest and easiest solution with all the luggage.
I took a few days off of work to ensure we had adequate time to see the city. On the first evening we took the subway back to Ueno and explored the shops under the tracks and the 6 story toy store near the station.
Friday morning we boarded a train towards Mitaka. It is the location of the Ghibli Museum. This is the museum created by Miyazaki san the man behind movies like Totoro, Howl's Moving Castle, Spirited Away, Kiki's Delivery Service, etc... This was Erin's idea and both Liam and Colleen were excited as well as they also enjoy his movies.
When we got off of the station there were two options, ride bus or walk. Since the distance was about 1.2 kilometers we decided to walk. The route was well marked with signs periodically stating the distance left until the museum.
When we did get there, we knew we were in the correct place by the huge Totoro.
Pictures are not allowed inside the museum and as a result I could only take a few in the outdoor areas. I checked the internet and could not really find any pictures so the rule must be well enforced. This picture is the robot from Laputa on the rooftop, but actually my favorite was display was on the first floor. There was a display with a number of figures fixed to what looked a little like a ferris wheel. It would periodically spin and a strobe would flash. The figures were solid, but each with a slightly different position and so when the strobe would flash it gave the illusion of motion to the figures. Erin said it looked like live action claymation and I would agree.
We also had the opportunity to see an exclusive movie by Ghibli studios that is only shown at the museum. There were a number of scenes we could really relate to, now that we have actually lived in Japan, although it would be impossible for me to explain. The children really enjoyed the museum and the gift shop. I enjoyed the museum, but about went crazy in the gift shop. It was tiny and packed with people and merchandise. There was almost no room to get around and finally I ended up deciding to just wait outside.
When we finished up at the museum we went back to Shinjuku station for lunch at El Torito for Mexican food. There are not many options for Mexican in Japan and we found this place over a year ago with Dan Croasmun when we went to the fire walking festival so we knew it was good. It was nice to have good Mexican again and after we hit the Krispy Kreme for dessert.
When we finished up and were leaving the rain really let loose. It rained pretty hard for the rest of the night. After a short stop at a book store in Shinjuku we took the subway to Shibuya to see the huge intersection. Kate and Erin went to a clothing store called Shibuya 109 while Liam, Colleen, and I went to Tokyu Hands to look around. While walking to the store the rain really let loose and we had to stop to buy a cheep umbrella to try to keep dry. Our upper bodies were OK, but the river we were walking in soaked our shoes. Here is the huge intersection from the Starbucks on the corner. I like the view from here, but it is never any fun to find a seat and enjoy the view. Fortunately I could find two seats for the children to use while we tried to dry a bit and waited for Kate and Erin.
After that everyone was tired and so we headed back to the hotel. There is a pet shop close to the hotel and the children always enjoy checking it out. This time along with the monkey, they also had an owl for sale, and on the first floor we found what we dubbed a Mogwai. There were two and they were tiny monkey like creatures. I have never seen anything like them. One was $6000 and the other was $16000. We couldn't make out the kanji but it looked a little like "Do not get them wet!!" There were signs that said no pictures, so I didn't snag any.... maybe next time.
The following day we woke up to beautiful weather, in fact it was possible to see Mt Fuji from our hotel in Roppongi. This was a first for me and we have stayed here multiple times.
Today was the day Kate scheduled for Erin to do the geisha photos in Ginza. Kate and Colleen stayed in with Erin during the preparation phase while Liam and I hung out in the lobby. First step is the white face paint.
Then a dash of color is added..
And after the wig and kimono the final touches are added.
We were then loaded into a van and driven to a nearby park for the pictures. The weather was perfect for the pictures and Erin and the park were beautiful.
The studio workers were all very friendly and helpful during the photo shoot. This gentleman's name Yuta and he had a very positive energy about him. This really helped all of us to enjoy the day.
The pictures on the blog are all taken by Kate. In about a month we will receive the studio pictures and they should be even better quality (although I have to say Kate's came out pretty good.) The park was open to the public for a fee and so it was fun watching people stop, comment about how pretty Erin looked, and then take their own pictures.
While Erin was getting her pictures taken the children explored around the park a little. They found this bright red dragon fly as well as turtles, fish, and a number of bugs.
In the end it was a great experience for everyone. I would have no trouble recommending the photo company to anyone. I can't find the name of the company tonight, but will add it on here later in case anyone would like to find them later.
After the pictures were finished we hit a pizza joint in Ginza near the station. Many times the pizza in Japan is a little different than what we are used to in the US and this shop was no exception. I ordered the seafood pizza and it came out with a big variety of seafood on it. Octopus, full shrimp, oysters, ect.. Erin said we should take a picture as it was definitely not your ordinary pizza. It was delicious and I ate more than my share of it.
To finish off the day we went to Harujuku. I think this was probably Erin's favorite place. I have to admit not my favorite, but we weren't there for me, so no worries. I caught Kate in the middle of saying "Harujuku......aawwe yaaayaah." That is why she is sporting the wicked cool expression.
As it was mostly shopping in this area and we were all a bit tired from all the walking I don't have so many pictures from this area. Kate is better at remembering to take a lot of pictures so I should have had her carry the camera..
Today's main focus was working our way back to the airport to make sure Erin could board the plane and get home safely. There is an add campaign we found in many of the subways now advertising the Japanese lottery. The adds show people very excited after winning a some of money. Kate and Erin stopped to pose with one of the signs and pretend that they were one of the winners.
Onto the Skyliner and back to the airport. We were able to get her back with no troubles. I certainly hope she was able to enjoy her time in Japan. I know we were happy to have her visit.
That is all for this post, have a great week..
No comments:
Post a Comment