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Album: The Asakusa Shrine
This Shinto Shrine is located in Asakusa, a thriving shopping district.
October 4, 2006
34 photos
Album: Board of Education
These pictures were taken at a private meeting, first with parents, and then with the Board of Education from Arao.
October 15, 2006
5 photos
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Album: Buddhist Temple
A large (60 feet high) Buddha sits atop a hilltop temple built by one man over the span of 10 years. The temple overlooks the city of Arao.
October 15, 2006
10 photos
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Album: The Children's Festival
The Children's Festival, an annual celebration of children ages 3, 5, and 7, is an amazing, festive event held at a local Shinto Shrine. The festival features astounding costumes and attire, a parade, ceremonial dancing, drumming, and chanting. Thousands of people attended this festival.
October 14, 2006
90 photos
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Album: An Abandoned Coal Mine
Once a thriving part of the economy of this community, the coal mine was closed in 1996 because it could no longer mine coal at a competitive rate. We were guided through the mine by an elderly man who had been a former worker at this site.
October 16, 2006
17 photos
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Album: Elementary School Visit
The children at this elementary school were delightful. I signed as many autographs as I took pictures. We were rock stars. They were adorable.
October 11, 2006
59 photos
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Album: Ariake High School Visit
This private high school was our first view of the schools in Japan. Bottom line: Children are children no matter where you go in the developed world.
October 10, 2006
66 photos
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Album: The Homestay Visit
I had the opportunity to stay with a Japanese family in their home for 24 hours. This was an incredible experience I will always remember.
October 14, 2006
8 photos
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Album: A Few Things I Found Interesting
This is a short collection of things I found interesting for one reason or another.
October 2, 2006
30 photos
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Album: The Japanese Bathroom
Everyone must experience a Japanese bathroom--both their western style and traditional style toilets.
October 5, 2006
4 photos
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Album: Kabuki
This ancient Japanese artform has fascinated the world for hundreds of years. We not only heard about its history and development, but we also watched an artist apply her makeup and costume and then perform.
October 4, 2006
42 photos
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Album: The Kumamoto Castle at Sunset
We made a quick stop at the Kumamoto Castle just as the sun began to set.
October 10, 2006
26 photos
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Album: Kumamoto University Visit
We visited the education department at Kumamoto University, an old institution dating back to the days of the high school.
October 9, 2006
20 photos
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Album: Kyogen
This ancient artform was explained and presented on stage. The theme seemed very appropriate: "I am a traveler..."
October 4, 2006
12 photos
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Album: Middle School Visit
We had the opportunity to spend a day at a Japanese middle school. I remain fascinated by cleaning time.
October 12, 2006
39 photos
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Album: The Mitsuiminato Club Luncheon
A beautiful old mansion formerly owned by a wealthy coal mine owner, the club served a wonderful lunch.
October 16, 2006
7 photos
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Album: The Miyazaki Brothers' House
We visited this birthplace of the Miyazaki Brothers, who had a significant influence on the development of democracy in Japan.
October 8, 2006
34 photos
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Album: The National Diet of Japan
We had a quick sightseeing tour of The National Diet of Japan, their equivalent of our congress.
October 4, 2006
7 photos
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Album: The Japanese Gardens at the New Otani Hotel
The New Otani Hotel was spectacular, and the gardens at the hotel were no less wonderful.
October 3, 2006
18 photos
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Album: Shibuya
Shibuya is the busiest, most congested area of the earth I have ever seen. Yet life in this bustling area is quiet, calm, and orderly--not one car horn.
October 6, 2006
56 photos
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Album: The Shogen Sanso Ryokan
We enjoyed an evening at a traditional Japanese ryoken with hot springs.
October 16, 2006
14 photos
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Album: Shopping at Asakusa
The Asakusa shopping district, right in front of the Asakusa Shrine, was a busy mercantile area.
October 4, 2006
17 photos
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Album: The Shotai Pottery Museum
Not only did we have the opportunity to see a lot of Shotai Pottery during our visit, we even had the experience of making a mug at the pottery museum. Mine is scheduled to arrive here in the USA by year's end!
October 9, 2006
18 photos
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Album: Tea Ceremony
The Japanese take their tea very seriously: "And this is the time spent in appreciation for the cup itself. We will now appreciate the cup." We participated in a Tea Ceremony and even learned how to make the green tea used in the ceremony.
October 13, 2006
8 photos
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Album: The Tokyo Metro
The Tokyo Metro is the most extensive metro system I've ever seen in any of the major cities I've visited around the world: over 15 metro lines quietly bursting with people.
October 17, 2006
10 photos
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Album: The Tokyo Skyline
The views of the skyline from my hotel room and the 40th floor restaurant were spectacular. At times you could even see Mount Fuji.
October 3, 2006
39 photos
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Album: The Tsukiji Fish Market
If it lives in the sea, the Japanese people will eat it! A visit to the Tsukiji Fish Market is a must even though you must get up around 4:00AM to see the auctions. It's well worth it!
October 4, 2006
29 photos
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Album: Ultramanland
Our hotel in Arao, Hotel Verde, was directly across the street from Ultramanland, an entertainment park for children.
October 9, 2006
11 photos
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