Further East

These were some of the sights we were greeted with at the Tsukiji fish market, at 5 a.m. on our first morning. Huge frozen tuna being examined and loudly auctioned off, and the freshest sushi in existence.

We then went to the Kabuki-za theatre in Ginza, and saw one act of kabuki (Japanese opera). It was interesting be we saw one which didn't have much singing in it.

Asakusa walkway and the Senso-ji temple. Look at all the crazy ice cream flavors! They included variations of green tea, soy bean, and black bean.

I thought that street was so pretty (nevermind the guys with the bike - haha! that kind of wrecks the photo), and the sign below made me smile. I have some antique monkeys from Germany and we bought one here for my little sister.

The famous Takeshita street, Harajuku - it was packed, and even more so the next day.

Some girls on Takeshita street (above), and an interesting procession in Harajuku.

Forever 21 was the funniest thing - it was a multi-storey complex and had roped off lines outside because there was a sale going on. I couldn't believe it!

Looking at Blythes in Nakano (I didn't buy one), and one of my favourite photos from the trip - playing around with settings in the train station.

Shinjuku at night - when I think of Japan (before and after) I think of bright city lights at night, among other things. Here are also a few of the famous vending machines - they're everywhere!

Rows of colorful shoes (everyone wore heels!) and more 'fruits' on Takeshita street in Harajuku.

The Golden temple; Kyoto. (I will write more about all the temples soon.)

I don't remember what this temple was called, but the view was beautiful. It would be impossible to capture it perfectly.

At the Gion corner in Kyoto, we saw a show with various ancient traditional art forms. There was a comedy, music, tea ceremony, real young maiko dancing (it was beautiful), and banraku puppetry, in which the puppet is controlled by three men.

That night we ate at a tiny Teppan Yaki place, where I had the best grilled mushrooms in existence, and the owners walked us to the elevator and bowed until the doors closed. What a cultural experience! Below is the tea ceremony we did in Uji.

The A-dome, above, and Hiroshima at sunset. The Peace Memorial Park and museum was sobering.

On the train to Miyajima island, above, and funny monkeys and sweet, sweet deer on the trail to the island's summit, after taking a stunning ropeway.

Farewell to Miyajima and Japan - the ferry back to Hiroshima was passed by another full of waving Japanese students.

I hope you've enjoyed this glimpse.
much love,
Cait