Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Japan 5.26.2012

Last day in Kobuchisawa welcomed us with sunshine and we went for a walk towards town to see how the locals live.

Mt. Komagatake

Views from our walk












We went to breakfast and Sarah (Zija photographer) tried Natto.

Natto is very stringy and the strings are in the cup, on the chopsticks and in your mouth at the same time.

Still smiling because she hasn't tasted it yet.

He goes nothing...

Her face says it all.

 She didn't puke but didn't take another bite either.

 Mt. Fuji from our window. Such a great view from a hotel window.

Retreat banner

We said good-bye to Risonare and we were bussed to a nearby luncheon place.

Luncheon place surrounded with Wisteria.

 The amazing and fragrant Wisteria. I want to plant Wisteria on my yard.


Tatami room was set for us for our special luncheon

Everyone sits down for lunch

Everything was delicious and all was made with local ingredients. Trout was simmered in a special plum sauce and was delicious.

Rod looks uncomfortable sitting on his legs.

Rod thanks everyone and gives his departing and inspiring words while Karino translates them.

Excellent translation (I think) by Karino

Everyone listens to Rod.

Hot clay put simmering the noodle soup




Noodle soup.


Wisteria growing outside.


The bus driver dropped us at the train station so we can catch the train back to Tokyo.

Sarah and Rod with our bags

Saying good-bye to Naoko and Matsuo.

Scenery from the train when we traveled through the countryside. Rice plantations everywhere.





We got to Tokyo in the early evening and pulled our luggage to the Ryumeikan hotel. Then we wanted to show the city to Sarah. This was also her first time in Tokyo.

Rod buying train tickets to Harajuku

Harajuku mall.

Harajuku

Harajuku with Saturday night crowds

"Maybe Cute" Ehka sopo. Definitely Finnish but no Finnish clothing in there.


We hopped on the train again and went to Shibuya so we can get some dinner at the conveyor belt sushi place.







Waiting to get into the restaurant. This line went around 2 corners.  The wait wasn't longer than 20 minutes.

Almost there.

Sarah is excited to have sushi.

Sarah is wondering what to get from the conveyor belt.

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