Akiyama Family Trip to Japan
October 9, 2024 - Jim and Ina set off for LA to meet up with Bruce and AJ. We had to leave early for LA due to Hurricane Milton threatening Florida and disruption of air travel.
10/11/24 LAX just opened a new Delta 1 Lounge and it was very swanky.
We do love the Delta 1 cabin!
10/12/24: Arrival into Haneda Airport, Tokyo Japan
The runways are on reclaimed land
Ohayou gozaimasu Japan! We landed on 10/12/24 and took a taxi to our hotel, the Keio Plaza Hotel with our rooms on the Grand Premier level ($500/night). Then it was off to Tokyo Disneyland with Bruce and AJ!
We waited in line for 2 hours to ride 1 ride.
We chose the only ride different from California or Orlando. Beauty and the Beast!
10/13/24: Disney Sea
We arrived at Disney Sea just prior to opening. So many people! Costumes worn by almost everyone! We got to ride 3 rides today and stood in line for 40minutes for curry popcorn. Had to use another line for drinks! We managed 3 rides today. Indiana Jones Temple of the Crystal Skull, Aladin, and Raging Spirits a roller coaster with a 360 degree loop. Journey to the Center of the Earth was closed today.
We met our tour guide, Eriko Kimura and the rest of our group for dinner at a local restaurant that served yakitori chicken skewers and hotpot. The rest of the clan made it to the hotel (Grace, Ruth, Chris, Michelle, Jacob, Cara, Emily, Cameron, Don and Brooke). There are 26 total in our tour group.
10/14/24 Tokyo Today is a national holiday for Japan. It is "Sport Day". This picture was taken from our hotel room.
Our hotel was located near the Shinjuku train station which is the busiest in the world. They transport 3 million customers per day. We drove past the Sky Tower and Tokyo Tower to the Imperial Palace East gate.
Eriko took this picture and I love our reflections in the pond.
We cruised down the Sumida River on a water bus. We cruised past the Tokyo Skytree (tallest tower in Tokyo), the Tsukiji Fish Market and the Asahi Headquarters with the Asahi golden flame (supposed to be a beer) nicknamed by the Japanese as the "golden poop".
The Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate) is the outer of two large entrance gates that ultimately leads to the Senso-ji Temple. The gates have burned down many times with the last reconstruction in 1960. The founder of Matsushita Electric Industrial Company (now Panasonic) was asked to rebuild the gate. The sign above the red Chinese lantern says "Panasonic".
Lunch in Asakusa
Senso-ji Temple is a Buddhist Temple in Asakusa, Taito City. It was completed in 645 and is the oldest temple in Tokyo. Legend is that in 628, 2 brothers found and removed a statue of Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy, out of the Sumida River. Therefore, the temple was built near the river for the Goddess of Kannon.
Don and Jim trying to read Don's fortune at the temple!
Shibuyu Crossing is the world's busiest pedestrian crossing with as many as 3000 people crossing at a time. We all managed to make it across safely, however, Ruth and Chris ended up on the wrong street corner!
Hachiko is the name of an Akita dog who celebrates his loyalty to his owner. Hachiko was born in 1923 and died in 1935. He stood by Shibuya station waiting on his owner to return from work daily. In 1925, his master died while at work, but Hachiko waited for him for the next decade every evening until his death.
Some of our group shopped along Omotesando area but Jim and I went for a stroll through the Meiji Shrine.
Cousin Andy Katayama came to visit tonight and took most on a site seeing walk in Tokyo. He lives in Kamakura which was ~90-minute train ride.
He took them to an area called Golden Gai. It is composed of a network of 6 narrow alleys, connected by even narrower passageways. There are over 200 tiny shanty-style bars, clubs and eateries squeezed into the area.
Frank remembers going down this street with Yoichi hitting several of these bars.
The bars are barely larger than a closet and have been unchanged since since the 60's.
10/15/2024 Day 3 Kamakura
We took a 90minute drive to begin our tour in Kamakura home of Japan's first shogunate capital. First stop was the Hase Temple (Hasedera) which is famous for its 11-headed statute of Kannon, the goddess of mercy.
This 9.18 meters tall Budha is made from a single tree and is one of the largest wooden sculptures in Japan. It is covered in gold leaf.
A.J. and Ina shared a selfie moment on Mountain Kannon-zan overlooking Kamakura
Next, we traveled to Kamakura Shrine Tsurugaoka Hachimangu that was originally built in 1063 and originally both a shrine and a temple.
We enjoyed our first ever rickshaw ride through the picturesque part of Kamakura!
We stopped on a bridge that crossed the longest river in Kamakura called in translation "Sliding Rocks".
Lunch was at Soba which was established in 1924. We had our choice between buckwheat soba or udon noodles.
Confidently lost in Kamakura! Don received an apple tracker tag after this incident.
Our hotel for tonight is a traditional inn (onsen), Hotel Kanayamaen. The picture is taken from our hotel balcony with Mt Fuji in the background. The inn is a true cultural experience with natural hot springs and panoramic views of Mt. Fuji.
We had a Kaiseki Banquet dinner. Jim and I were late to dinner, so we didn't get to sit together!
With help from our guide, Eriko, Cameron surprised Emily and everyone when he popped the question! She said yes!
It was a group photo time for the Akiyama's with Eriko
After dinner stroll in the gardens.
Love the traditional inns with the tatami mats and futon bedding.
Jim went to the traditional hot springs, but I crashed! The next morning, I broke the rules and waded into the outdoor hot springs pool. The sign says it doesn't open until 9:00am but I am in the pool at 8:02am!
10/16/24 Day 4 Mount Fuji
We had beautiful views of Mt Fuji this morning! The snow is late falling this year on the top of the mountain, and the red color is a rare site.
After Breakfast group photo op in the gardens!
We stopped at Lake Kawaguchi for additional opportunities to take in the beautiful view of Mt. Fuji.
Our next stop was the Iyashi No Sato Healing Village. We rented kimono/Samurai armor for 2000yen or ~$13.00 per person. All 14 of us participated. The community is comprised of 22 traditional thatched roof houses that depict the Showa Period (1926-1989). Each house highlights traditional Japanese culture through the hands-on experiences such as crafts and sampling of local produce. It boasts intimate views of Mt. Fuji set against a beautiful backdrop of traditional thatched roof houses.
The Akiyama boys brought their best Samurai moves!
The sisters joined in for a photo.
Jim doing his best Samurai pose!
Next stop was the Itchiku Kubota Art Museum: The museum captures Japanese elegance perfectly with a touching story titled the "Symphony of Light". This display of 30 artistic kimonos depicts the seasons from winter to spring. The kimonos are tie-dyed in a very complex method to create the scene.
We had lunch with machta tea in the museum.
The grounds were very beautiful even though the sign said "beware of monkeys" in Japanese (as translated with Google translate) with a gorilla picture.
Back to Tokyo for a night-time view of Tokyo!
Dinner at Yakiniku Toraji Param. They boast the perfect location where you are captivated by the beauty of the "art of light" seen from a large panorama window 200 meters above ground that will further enhance the "glossy moment".
Video showing our ride on the glass elevator from the 46th floor! coming!
Back to Keio Hotel in Tokyo!
10/17/24 Day 5 Kyoto
We arrived at Shinkansen station for our 2-hour and 30minute ride on the bullet train to Kyoto.
We went to the basement to purchase our bento box and drink from Daimaru a depachika (department store basement market). Eriko gave each of us 3000yen to purchase our lunch.
They only give you 35 seconds to get on and off the train. They run on schedule and will not wait for you!
The bullet train began operation in 1964 and has a maximum speed of 170 mph. Chris fact checked this info.
Lunch time! My lunch was less than the 3000yen ($20) and was ~$15.00
Miho Museum built by architect I.M. Pei by the Shimei for Mihoko Koyama to show her private Japanese art collection. She is the founder of a religious organization, Shinji Shumeikai, which now has some 300,00 members worldwide.
Entry into the museum.
Surrounded by beauty.
Biwako Lake is the largest freshwater lake in Japan and is over 4 million years old.
We walked out on the dock for a nice view of our hotel! They also have the traditional hot springs available.
Tonight, we are staying at Biwako Hotel. This notice was on the balcony doors.
Another traditional Japanese dinner tonight followed by Karaoke!
We were prepared to do 1 song and Emily and Cam stole it before we could do it. So, Jim opted for his standby song (Wonderful Tonight) as long as I sung the 2 female lines with him.
10/18/24 Day 6 Kyoto
We took a train ride to visit the Bamboo Village in Arashiyama.
The Bamboo Forest was incredible!
It was difficult to get a good picture as it was so crowded
The Golden Pavillion is a Zen temple that has the top 2 floors covered in gold leaf. It was so crowded! So many people and lots of school children.
Lunch at Hanana restaurant. The people waiting in line grumbled in Japanese words I didn't understand but certainly got the gist as we filed past them! This was my favorite meal so far! The very best poke' I have ever experienced and possibly the best dish I have ever eaten.
Temple Tenryu-ji was established in 1339 by the shogun Ashikaga Takauji in memory of Emperor Go-Daigo (1288-1339). Jim and Ina strolled around the temple but did not have time to enter.
We went to the studio of Yoshio Nishimura where we learned about Yuzen dyeing. Yuzen dyeing is a traditional Kyoto artform. We used stencils to die the handkerchiefs.
Jim made his unique of course!
We checked in to Hotel Okura and then went for a walk with Eriko to see if we could spot any geishas. We have found that the "young people" are wearing traditional dress a lot. They call this phenomenon "instagenic" meaning that dressed up in traditional clothes is the perfect time to take pictures you can post on Instagram.
This is the most famous Geisha Tea House in Gion District of Kyoto.
No Geishas were spotted but Eriko sent us the picture from a previous visit of how they look going down the street.
Dinner was teppanyaki Wagyu beef at the hotel. It literally melted in your mouth! The restaurant was in the hotel called Steak House Tokiwa.
Eriko told us that there is confusion about Kobe beef and that Wagyu is really the correct name/identification for their premium beef. This meal is priced at $25000yen per the website!
Eriko said that Japanese teppanyaki chefs are not like Benihana's chefs. The Japanese think that it is bad form to play with your food!
Our hotel was Okura Kyoto
10/19/24 Kyoto
We visited Kiyomizu Temple early before the crowds show up. It was so nice!
Drinking from the sacred water. The 3 cups signify wealth, love and scholarship.
We then proceeded to do a walking tour of Kyoto going down quaint alleyways of Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka and appreciating the historical neighborhoods and sites. It was a long walk so we took a break in a cafe (Zenbi Kagizen Art Museum) near Maruyama Park for about 1 hour and had tea and a snack to rejuvenate.
We saw many couples having their pre-wedding pictures taken. All were in traditional dress.
We all crowded into the elevator after returning from the walk!
Dinner was on our own, but Eriko gave us 4000yen to purchase. Some of our group had ramen which was purchased at a button kiosk then the food brought to you. A.J. noticed that the English version cost more than the Japanese version from the kiosk. Jim, Don and Ina opted for the recommended restaurant. Voshino Japanese Restaurant was located down a long narrow entryway. We had the pork cutlet set meal and it was delicious!
10/20/24 Osaka
Nara Park is a sanctuary for deer and known as the messengers of the Gods in Shinto belief. They are quite friendly asking for cookies. They will even bow to get you to feed them. The herd has about 1000 deer outside of Todai-Ji Temple. You have to make sure to close the restroom doors as they will poop inside of them.
Todaii-Ji Temple "Eastern Great Temple" is a Buddhist temple complex. Built around 710-794AD. This was Japan's first capital.
This is one of Japan's largest bronze Buddha statues.
Osaka Castle is one of Japan's most famous landmarks and played a major role in the unification of Japan during the 16th century. It is now a museum.
We climbed to the top floor balcony for a panoramic view of Osaka. A.J. and Ina took a selfie!
We went to a very vibrant area of Osaka known as the Dotonbori restaurant district ("Kitchen of Japan") for dinner.
Jim noticed this billboard that had a camera on people walking by.
He managed to get a picture of himself on the billboard
Brooke wanted to try Fugu, so Eriko made our reservations at Guenpin and walked us to the restaurant and placed our order. I took this picture of live fugu swimming in a tank outside of a restaurant in Kyoto on one of our walks.
The Fugu was amazing! We all survived! We had 3 appetizers (2 deep fried Fugu and 1 sashimi plate), a gratuity appetizer each (we did not order, but this is the restaurant's way of getting a gratuity), a hotpot set meal for all 6 of us and the bill was $184 or $30.67 each.
10/21/24 Going Home
Jim, Ina, Bruce, A.J., Don, Brooke, Emily, Cameron, and Cara all went to the Osaka airport together for our flights home. We flew ANA to HND and ended up with some of us on the 11am flight and some on the 12noon flight. We stayed with Cara until she got her bus ticket to return to the city to meet up with Anne, Mo and Ava. Jim, Ina, Bruce and A.J. went to the sky club and relaxed for awhile then made our way to our Delta flight home.
One final look at Mt. Fuji from airplane! Sayonara Japan!
