Trips In Japan

We’re trying to pack as much into our weekends as we can. Japan is incredibly diverse, and it’s difficult to see everything that we want to.

31 May 2003 – Sumo Training

<a href=”../photos/images/0427Tsurukawa.jpg”>Anzai-kun</a>, one of my favourite students, and his family were kind enough to let us watch <a href=”anzai.html”>sumo training</a>. It wasn’t the pros, but just as interesting. more.

10 May 2003 – Tsukiji Fish Markets

Kathleen and Tam risk death at the hands of Japan’s craziest fish mongers at Tsukiji Fish Markets. more.

3-5 May 2003 – Nikko

One of the most beautiful destinations in Japan, with Lake Chuzenji, Mt Nantai and Kegon falls. more.

26-29 April 2003 – Hiroshima

The decisive blow against the Japanese Imperial Army in WW2, or a warning from America to the Russians? The Atom Bomb Memorial in Hiroshima. “It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has exceeded our humanity.” (Albert Einstein). more.

20-21 April 2003 – Nagano

Zenkoji Temple in Nagano prefecture sees the once-in-seven-year unveiling of the oldest Buddhist image in Japan. Oh, and more sakura than you can poke a stick at. more.

13 April 2003 – Earthquake Centre

We visit the Earthquake Simulation Centre in Tokyo, as payback for Andrew sleeping through a minor earthquake while Kathleen freaks out. more.

06 April 2003 – Astroboy Parade

Parade in Tokyo to commemmorate the ‘birth’ of famous anime character Tetsuwa Atom, or Astroboy. more

06 April 2003 – Fertility Festival

The Kawasaki Fertility Festival. more

02 March 2003 – Ohina Sama – Doll Festival

The Girls’ Doll Festival at Meiji Temple, Tokyo. more.

23 February 2003 – Ume Blossom Viewing

Ume are disgusting sour plums, but the blossoms attract Japanese from far and wide! more

16 Jan 2003 – Sumo

Japan’s traditional sport – an incredible day! more.

13 Jan 2003 – Coming of Age Day

40,000 Alcohol and Tobacco-Fueled Yoof vs. Japan’s Riot Police. more

31 Dec 2002 – New Years In Japan

So what’s it like to celebrate New Years in Japan? more

26-29 Dec 2002 – Kyoto

Trip to Kyoto. What our idea of Japan was like. Wow! more

25 Dec 2002 – Christmas Day

Technically not a trip, since we had a gathering at our place, details go here nonetheless. more.

23 Dec 2002 – Japanese Imperial Palace

Day trip to Tokyo’s Imperial Palace, for the Emperor’s Birthday holiday. more

30 Nov 2002 – Asakusa, Ginza, Ueno, Roppongi

Day trip to some of Tokyo’s sightseeing areas. more

9 – 10 Nov 2002 – Yamanaka

After the summer smog blew away, we could see Mt Fuji from our apartment (albeit in the distance, obscured by the construction across the road)! We went to Yamanaka, one of the lakes at the base of Mt Fuji with Kathleen’s teacher and our American friends Dale and Jen. more.

2 – 4 Nov 2002 – Chiba

Trip to Kathleen’s teacher’s weekend house in Chiba. This was our first foray outside of the Tokyo metropolitan region, and it was fantastic to breathe fresh air and experience peace and quiet again! more

16 Sep 2002 – Kamakura

Kamakura was the capital of Japan over 800 years ago! Today, it’s a quiet little town that has numerous shrines and temples. more.