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This page NEW in September 2004 In May, we traveled to Tokyo and Kyoto, Japan and then to Hong Kong. It was a whirlwind trip, spending only 2-3 days in each city, but we managed to see most of the sights! Here are the highlights of our trip: You can't immerse in the culture, unless you eat like the locals! Many department stores have a supermarket floor where you can buy prepared food and groceries. It's cheaper and just as good as the restaurants!
Our favorite Japanese snacks: Octopus Takoyaki (dumplings) and "Fish cakes" (okay, there's no fish in them, they're just bean paste filled cookies!)
We stumbled across this local restaurant, where all they serve is Okonomiyaki, a Japanese pancake omlette filled with seafood, vegetables, egg, and a Worcestershire type sauce. Very good, filling, and cheap! Also very filling... green tea/vanilla frosties!
Our Least Favorite foods: Fried fish on a stick! Too salty, but ya gotta try it! "Tomato salad" was just that. ONE tomato!
Here are some glimpses of daily Japanese life: Vending machines are EVERYWHERE! Shinagawa train station at 5:50am and then later at 6:50pm: (even busier at 8pm!)
Japanese nightlife consists of lots of brightly lit electronic shops, Pachinko parlors (gambling casinos for pinball), and mini-photo shops.
Japan: Home of the Subaru! Check out this slammed Forester and the new tiny R2
Space is limited in Japan, so bicycle parking and car parking are at a premium. Check out these double tiered bicycle racks and the elevator for the automatic car stacking garage. You punch in your code & your car is automatically retrieved and brought down for you!
Kyoto's Gion district at night. Slightly ominous, slightly intriguing...
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