In June 2007, (when I was five months pregnant with my son) I briefly visited a friend and her family stationed at Naval Air Facility Atsugi. Pictures on this post from that trip show a few places around Tokyo, Kamakura, and Chiba.
From July 1997 through 2000, I worked as an Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) for the JET Programme in Kisarazu City, Chiba Prefecture. I traveled quite a bit, visited eight of the 11 UNESCO World Heritage sites in Japan, observed different types of festivals, and took many photos. I'd like to eventually post some of those photos on this blog but it's a painstaking process to transfer film negatives over to digital ones.
Sanrio Puroland
Sanrio Puroland is a small, indoor amusement park in Tama New Town, Tokyo. It features a few rides, Sanrio characters, and, of course, many character products. Almost everything (directions, shows, games, rides, etc.) at the park is in Japanese. If you get the chance, check out the bathrooms because each one is decorated with a different theme. There is also a larger outdoor Sanrio theme park titled Harmonyland in Hiji-machi, Hajama-gun, Oita-ken.
Sanrio entrance
Character photo opportunities
Cute bathroom
Kamakua Daibutsu and Hase Kannon
Kamakura lies between Tokyo and Yokosuka, and is noted for its historic sites and Great Buddha (Daibutsu) made from bronze. Be ready to spend at least half a day in Kamakura visiting different shines, temples, and shops.
Don't be a loud, disrespectful foreigner
Cleanse your hands before entering
Make a wish (or prayer)
Read and familiarize yourself with Japanese history and culture
Go inside the Great Buddha's head
Take pictures of your experience
Take time to relax and enjoy the view
Support the local economy and purchase souvenirs
Mitsuzawa Stadium, Yokohama
Watching the Yokohama F Marino soccer game was quite exciting. Japanese fans continuously cheered in unison for their team. Unfortunately, I cannot remember how we got there. All I do remember was walking A LOT to get to the arena, being bitten by mosquitoes, and paying about 5,500 yen (about US $55) for our tickets.
Ghibli Museum
Known for such feature animations such as Totoro and Spirited Away, Hayao Miyazaki designed the Ghibli Museum as a place of wonder. Although small, it offers visitors a glimpse into one of Japan's leading animators thought process, a place for children to place, a look at short clips, and and a store for fans to purchase many souvenirs. Photography and video recording inside the museum are strictly prohibited. Tickets (for specific dates and time) are unavailable at the entrance door and can only be purchased at Lawson convenience stores in Japan. Try to get there early because you have to wait in a line and only small groups of people are let in at a time. A bus from Mitaka train station will take you directly to the Museum.
Conspicuous Ghibli bus
Rooftop Robot Soldier (Laputa Castle in the Sky)
Surrounding Inokashira Park
Meguro Parasitological Museum
Meguro Parasitological Museum is free (small) museum and the only museum in the world on parasites. It exhibits various specimens, studies and photos of parasites that leave your skin feeling itchy after you leave. Getting there: 15-min. walk from Meguro Sta. on JR, Mita and Nanboku Line, or 3-min. walk from Otori-Jinja Bus Stop by Tokyu Bus from Meguro, is . Open: 10:00-17:00. Closed: Mon. (the following day when Mon. falls on a national holiday) and New Year’s holiday. Tel: 03-3716-1264.
Different parasites found throughout the body
An infested hamster stomach
Infected turtle eye
Be weary of sushi and sashimi
Tokyo Disneyland and Disney Sea
Tokyo Disney resorts are actually located about one hour by train, southeast of Tokyo, in Maihama City, Chiba Prefecture. The resort also contains a Cirque Du Soleil permanent theatre. Not much to say except that both parks remind me of a cross between Anaheim, California's Disneyland and California Adventure.
Disney monorail
Wall mural
Walt, Mickey,and Sleeping Beauty's castle
Disney Sea entrance
Disney Sea Harbour
Crepes
Though not created equally, crepes can be found almost everywhere in Japan. Bakers fill them with fruits, ice cream, custards, sweets or strange meats, prices range from 300 yen to 500 yen. Hopefully, you'll get a chance to taste one of these delectable treats.
Freshly cooked ones are the best
Plastic options
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