Tokyo

9/5
Well… arrived in Tokyo after an 8 hour flight.  JAL was soo good.  Instantly I could tell this trip will be different… no one hardly spoke during the daytime flight and most stayed nicely in their seats.  We got 2 small meals.  I pre ordered vegetarian and got pasta and fruit for my first meal, then bread and veges and more fruit for my second.  While the others got rice, pork or chicken stir fry for their first meal and turkey corssoint and hagen daz ice cream for their second meal.  The ice cream is the only thing wish I had different. 
Upon arriving in Japan the entry was efficient.  No long lines and very easy.  Decided on a taxi to my hotel instead of metro transport.  The line just brought me there with ease.  The ride was only 30 minutes from Haneda, but my stomach was quizzy.  So many tunnels and concrete buildings and narrow streets.  Thought might throw up, but just made it.  What a concrete jungle!
Settled in my ryokan onsen hotel.  After resting, walked the neighborhood and found 2 7-11’s and a grocery store.  Bought some variety of goodies from 7-11.  My first quick meal was a noodle bowl from there.  That settled my stomach somewhat.

Went to the onsen on the top floor. First time for me at a real japanese onsen. You get naked and must shower first. Took me awhile to figure out how to simply turn on the shower. Much less figure how to make the water flow to change faucets, from the lower faucet to the shower head. Well after showering off, I went in the onsen. Felt awesome. Then I noted the ladies still showering while sitting on the wooden stiils. They took so long, even washed their hair before going in the onsen. Guess I showered too fast and was suppose to wash my hair?
Slept the best I have for a long time. The bed was comfortable, but the room is small. If I were with another person it would be too cramped. I read reviews about this, but couldn’t imagine when they said they hardly had room for their suitcase. I understand now and good thing I only have a carry on.
My uncle, Michio Kaino has been reaching out to me so we are going to meet tomorrow in front of Yokohama station.
I have to learn better habits… no elbows on table, sit nicely don’t gobble food… wait patiently. Wow… now I know why my mom got after me sometimes… but we do live in America!
Met Michio at Yokohama station. Finding my way to Yokohama was ok, but after arriving finding the department store he wanted to meet at was a maze. Many levels so knowing where it is following goggle maps is tricky. Well got there 10 minutes early and saw him right away. We conversed through goggle translator mostly. He brought me to a ship, one like mom and dad went to America on, we toured it then went across the street up to Marine Tower where we could get a good view of Yokohama – another concrete jungle.

Made our way back to the station and had some yummy ramen. Said our goodbyes and off to take the train back to Shinjuku. On my walk way back to my hotel I saw what Shinjuku is famous for. The lights and projections on the buildings.

Another onsen tonight, but tomorrow the onsen will be even better at the base of Mt Fuji.
Well Mt Fuji did not disappoint. Went to the 5th Station, which is as high as you can go without hiking. It is where the hikers begin. I am not hiking this time. As it is cold and I didn’t want to spend the days nor bring the clothes. It was cold enough where we went. Lots of tourists and things to buy.

Went to this town where the pools are “magical”. Reflecting pools and you can get water from the mountain that tastes very pure.
Went to the hot springs and it was heavenly. Couldn’t take pictures in the onsen, but this was the view I got while soaking. Was quite a meditative time for me. I reflected on my two close dance friends that recently passed away (one while dancing with me). My tears mingled with the water and as I gazed at Mt Fuji. I saw two clouds representing them and a group of clouds on the side representing me and my other dance friends. Soon the two of them dissipated and I was left with the vision of me and my dance friends. We will carry on and it is good.

Woke up to a typhoon.  Tried to walk to station, but too windy and rainy so went back for a short while.  Then braved again.  Going to PlanetLab Tokyo this afternoon.  It is indoors so should be fine.  After an hour wait, finally got in and it was fabulous.  I love art and it is being one with the art.  Soo cool.  The lights and mirrors so effective.  The water adds a new dimension. I loved all the exhibits!

Tsukiji Market. Hugh fish market in Shinagawa. Took a guided tour and had some yummy sashimi and lunch.

Then took a walk to find godzilla. Found him finally and just in time for his little bit of smoke coming from his mouth.

Going for Mario Kart at 4. Gotta find my way there on the metro. It has been nothing but challenging to figure out the train schedules here. Even my way to the station changes as it depends which part of the station you want to go or where Google maps takes you to. The station is huge and which part goggle maps takes you to can change. Best to find a specific location.
Found my way to Monkeykart Shinagawa. Met other riders there from Singapore. It was great fun. Very scary… kind of terrifying. To be in the middle of traffic so low to the ground. We passed Harajuku, it looked interesting with all the little cafes and coffee shops. I want to stay near there next time in Tokyo. Shibuya Crossing was something else. I gotta go back there and cross with everyone. The ride was one hour thirty minutes and I could have gone longer. Didn’t want to stop… was just getting the handle of it.

Well…my time in Tokyo has ended for now. On to Sado Island … I must travel to Niigata. I have to ride 2 trains, one Shinkansen, one bus and a ferry to get there. A challenge, but, as my son says, it is fun and it is an experience. I started early and made the 2 trains, but on the Shinkansen I had reserved seats. Couldn’t find my seat and by mistake ended up in first class… oops. Then train man took me to another seat. Problem is I went on a train too early and that is where reserved seats do matter. On the ticket, though, I didn’t look at the time stamp. Oh well, he said “next time”. So hopefully I am now not sitting in someone else’s seat.

Everything went fine and I ended up early in Niigata waiting for the car ferry. Had time for some curry and udon while I waited.

The ferry ride was awesome. It was huge and the birds flew overhead catching the breeze and hoping someone would throw them some food, which, of course, people did.

Made it to Sado Island and was met by World Unite staff. They brought 2 of us to the temple where we will stay.

We shall see what the next 2 weeks will bring…