Last Updated : 3/19/02

JAPAN PICTURES!

July 15-27, 2001, I was fortunate enough to join Ako, Wendy & Derek on their trip to Japan. There, we met up with the Huangs and the Kannos, both are Ako's old schoolmates from Taiwan. The Huangs flew in from France while the Kannos have a lovely home in Japan (good for us!). When we arrived it was extremely hot and humid & you could hear cicadas buzzing everywhere. The next early morning we all flew to Chitose, Hokkaido to join a 3 day tour of Hell Valley sulfur hot spring/volcano, Tohiyo, Tomakumai, Otaru, Toyako, a boatride fireworks show, Sapporo and much much more. We then returned to the main island Honshu for a day of rest at the Kanno's place. Next, we spent 2 nights in Tokyo where we did a 2 day tour seeing the Emperor's Palace, the Tokyo Tower, Ginza, Hapoen garden, Asakusa, including river boatride, tea ceremony and our own visit to the Edo Tokyo Museum...and lots of eats and more fun.

For the next 3 days 2 nights we visited Kyoto. We took the Shinkansen (bullet train) there and had great dinners at the Hotel pictured. We visited a Kyoto Museum and a Buddhist temple and did a day tour that visited the Tokugawa Shogun residence, the Golden Pavillion, and more.

The last few days we spent resting at the Kanno's residence and doing some shopping in Tokyo during the day. This was when i stopped camcording. Throughout the trip Wendy & Derek took tons of amazing pictures and were so kind enough to supply me with a fair share.

I've posted a few. AHhh!!!! That was a GREAT TRIP!

"Electric City" This is where all the new electronics are introduced to the public. Like the escalator tunnels?

Me, enjoying a Japanese breakfast. Note the water, Drink lots during the summer!

Our Japanese breakfast includes a raw egg, rice, pickled turnip, greens, tofu & hot broth.

Inside our private dining room in a Hotel in Kyoto.

Garden landscaping is so beautiful in Japan. On a tour of a Shogun's residence; nice backyard.

Inside the Korean BBQ place. (from left front around to right front) Charles Huang, Dr Kanno, Me, Evelyn Huang, Ako, Mrs Kanno & Wendy.

On one of our tours we were cooked a meal on superheated lava stones. Don't forget the apron.

Finish the giant bowl of noodles and it's FREE!

Golden Pavillion. Restored with real gold leaf exterior.

Our party has a private Tatami room reserved for dinner. Very nice!

Shabu-Shabu! Boil the tasty beef in hot bubbling broth, add your veggies!