Tokyo for Ten, Fashion for NO ONE!

It took three trains, two transfers, over an hour and more than a tad of patience, for all ten of us to get into Tokyo. What to see a bit of our journey? Here we go.

From our small base it is only about 25 miles southeast of Tokyo. But, as I have said in previous blogs, it takes quite awhile to go those 25 miles!

Driving that distance wouldn't be too bad. It's about an hour drive. The problem is TRAFFIC.

Traffic in Japan is unlike anyplace I have ever been. Literally. Traffic in Japan is not only cars, it is people! It's like you are an ant in an ant farm. No, that's not crowded enough. It's like Black Friday at Walmart in a large city. And...They are selling a new car for $1. And... there's only one Walmart in the whole world. It's like THAT.

There are people, cars, motorcycles, bicycles, walker, runners and even more people everywhere you look. I have no idea where they all come from. Or where they are all going. I just want to get out of their way. Plus, most of the time the kids stop to stare at us. So, then we cause more of a crowd. Have mercy, I never-ever wanted to know what it was like being an urban girl. Now, I know.  I don't like it.

 Tokyo is close, technically, but going for a visit is an all day affair. Travel time is totally up to the train traffic of the hour, how many events are occurring that you have no clue about and if there are any accidents along the way. It would probably be safe to say that you are no in control at ALL of how long travel takes you. It is simply easier once you accept that truth.

We are off for the day with loaded down backpacks. Yes, we travel with water & snacks even in a top notch town like Tokyo. If our previous travels have taught us anything, it is that we are whimps! And, by that I mean, I am a whimp! The kids are much better travelers than I am.
My hubby is a traveling machine. He could go all day long... and I do mean A-L-L day without water, snacks or even a potty break. It is just some sort of sick manly soldier thing that I cannot grasp. The kids are pretty great at putting up with the drama of traveling as well. They can go hours without anything but a sip of water. I, on the more spoiled side of the house, really like to sit every now and then. I enjoy a sip of water, or some good ol' Coke Zero, maybe a nibble or two on something you are supposed to eat only on your birthday. That's the kind of girl I am. Sue me.

Hubby hates to buy food while we are out. I live for it. The joy of learning the local food it is almost as much fun as actually visiting the place, for me anyway. We have always had this debate battle.  We work it out, but when we are going to be gone for a long time I try to keep the peace by packing well.

 We set out toward Tokyo at our local train station. It is open, very clean and laid out easily. We quickly found the handicap entrance for the wheelchair. We also discovered the elevators quickly. Our station is always busy, but rarely crowded.

We knew a ton before we left the house.  The fabulous app on our iPhones tells us: which trains to take, how much the tickets would be and the time of each departure. It even warns us if they are accidents on the tracks, and an alternate route to take.



Can you figure out which train you are supposed to take from the picture below? The little girl in the hat can and she is in FIRST grade! She is alone and not worried a bit about getting lost. Smart chick! (A few seconds after this picture the screen changes to a little bit of English, not enough to tell us everything, but it gives us a clue.)

Our goals when we arrived in Tokyo: visit a Hello Kitty for Little Miss A, cross at Shibuya crossing and check out Harajuku.

It sounds simple, but we are still in Japan where nothing is quite so simple.

We wanted to see the statue of Hachiko as well. Never heard of Hachiko? Clearly, you are not a 'dog' person. Hachiko, an Akita dog, was owned by a professor who took the train at the Shibuya station each day to work. The dog would wait at the same place, at the exact time, every day to be there when his owner would get off the train. Then, while at work one day, the Professor had a cerebral hemorrhage and died. He never returned home to the train station where Hachiko waited. Apparently, no one could convince the dog that his owner was not coming home. He came back everyday for NINE years waiting for his owner. He become very popular and well known by the locals, and then all of Japan when a reporter told his story. People would make special trips to pet the dog or offer him food and water. Hachiko died on his way to the train station. Hachiko's stuffed and mounted remains are kept on display at the National Science Museum of Japan. The story of Hachiko is taught in schools and passed on from generation to generation. It is Hachiko's legendary faithfulness are a national symbol of loyaly.

Part of our group is flashing the ever popular peace sign, that Japanese are so known for.  I'll get her for that later. 

Next stop was Shibuya crossing. The famous pedestrian crossing at Shibuya ("sh-boo-ya") forms an "X" on the road. The crosswalks, literally, crisscross the roads allowing hundreds, if not thousands, of people to flood the road for every crossing. At lunch during the week, on average, 3,000 people cross the road EACH time the light changes. Can you imagine crossing the street with 3,000 of your friends? Here's a picture of part of the crossing when it is not crowded.

Here we are crossing. Clearly, we avoided the rush times and had a leisurely stroll across the station.

We found the Hello Kitty store! Hooray for Little Miss A. This is a typical 'store' in a 'mall' here. You walk into a building and walk directly into a 'store'. There are no doors or ways to 'lock up' the merchanidse. Often, shoppers roam around from 'store' to 'store' and then make their way back to pay for the items they want to purchase. I have tried to get pictures to show how the stores are laid out, but not many people let me take the pictures. It is so different from shopping in the US. 

While Little Miss A was thrilled, we were... shocked! Look at these prices! Shoes for $144. Cell Phone covers for a whopping $264!

Miss got a few of the reasonably slightly overpriced items. She couldn't wait to show of her new Hello Kitty goods!

As we walked around Tokyo, we were reminded that smoking and walking are not allowed! These signs are on the ground around crosswalks. Smoking is only allowed in 'hidden' areas. It cracked us up! Seriously, at Disney and all over Tokyo, smokers are hidden away from view and out of the 'public's smell. Awesome protection.  The yellow 'raised dots' on the street tell blind Japanese not to step too close to the road. Just part of the amazing system of accessibility the country of Japan has set up. 

We stopped to get some grub when the snacks were gone. What can I say, I talked hubby into it. I can be very persuasive.  Then, we passed by the 1964 Olympic Park. We saw the Meiji Shrine entrance, but we decided we were all shrined out.  

We wanted to see Harajuku, which is considered a 'birthplace' of Japanese fashion. It is a district in Tokyo where shopping and crazy, wild fashion are a site to behold.  Along the way we hit a snag or two. I convinced the group to go a certain way. It ended up the only option for crossing the street was a very large stairway over the busy street. Luckily, our men and big & strong. They carried Little Miss up and down the stairs. The locals just passed by and watch our crazy actions, not understanding. We are so thankful for their muscles :)

We finally found the way to Harajuku, which most Americans only know about because of Gwen Stefani's line of crazy clothes at Target. Harajuku is such an interesting place. First of all, this is the entrance of an alley-like walkway that has  crazy, fashion stores off of it. Now, we aren't really in to fashion. Still, when in Rome do as the Romans do.

So, off to look at fashion we go???

Check out some of this "fashion".


We saw more Caucasians in Harajuku than we have seen in all of Japan. Apparently, it is a tourist trap. There were a ton of locals as well. And, quite a large group of Africans with a French accent selling shirts? Life is just a little strange.

 Would you want to shop at a store where teddy bear heads had been put on the mannequins? Strange...

 Have you ever seen a creepier shirt than that? The people have three eyes each? What is that about?

We did find some pretty awesome crepes though. And, as you know, I am keen on snacks. The 'sweets' are not nearly as 'sweet' as they are in the States. That is a good thing in my opinion.There were 84 options! We avoided the 'fish' ones and stuck with typical dessert flavors.

 We ate our snacks standing in one place. I did tell you that it is considered rude to walk AND eat, didn't I? You can do one or the other, but walking while eating is a no-no. Even if it is water. It just isn't done. You have to stop and eat or drink, then continue walking. OK, I will follow instructions.

We loved Tokyo, but we were exhausted. Off to the train station to find our way, through three transfers this time to get home. Can't you tell by the map? God Bless that App we use!

It was starting to get crowded. Don't worry, we don't stick out or ANYTHING? Every time we were stared at I started humming, "One of this things is not like the others...." from Sesame Street. The adults rolled there eyes and the kids didn't get it. But, I did and it made me smile.

We, finally, arrived home. I won't tell you about the unfortunate event we came upon by the train in our town. (Kids read this.) Let's just say people got there in time.  Japan has an awesome country, but they still need to work on helping those who suffer with mental health issues.

Our sweet friends left shortly after this. It was a ton of fun showing them around, and learning more about the Land of the Rising Sun. Now, we have to actually plan for our next adventures instead of just asking them what they want to see. 

And, just in case you wondered, we didn't actually buy any crazy fashion. I'm NOT that crazy.... yet!

Living Life in my Jammies,

~Aggie Amy

Budda, Beach and Noodles for All

This trip we are going to visit the second largest Budda in Japan. One of the most famous Budda statues is in a beach town 24 miles from our home. It is only 24 miles, but it takes over 2 hours to get there. Enter my blah face here!

His name here is "Kamakura Daibutsu" ("Comma-cur-a  Day-ebb-ut-sue"). We just call him "Big Budda". I hope that doesn't offend anyone.

The bronze statue of Budda stands about 44 feet tall. He was cast in 1252 and originally located inside a large temple hall. However, over time multiple typhoons and a tidal wave destroyed the temple. Since 1495, the Budda has been standing in open air for all to enjoy.


The red square on the map is where Budda is located. Can you tell how close the Pacific is?

Since I am not Buddhist or Shinto, shrines are more like a visiting a monument to me. It is not a holy place to me, but it is to the Japanese. We have taught the kids to be respectful and as quiet as possible. This is the first sign I have seen while touring that says to 'respect' the site.

The admission was pretty cheap. It is hugely popular, so maybe the volume is so high that they can charge less per person? Not sure.




There is a spot where offerings are left for Budda. The day we were there a watermelon and flowers had been left. I am not sure why, or if they meant something special.

Like all shrines in Japan, you must 'wash' before you go inside. We are used to this one by now.

It is possible to walk inside the Budda. It costs $0.20. I now it is weird, but it's the cheapest thing thus far in Japan, in we go.

According to the brochure there are a few dozen pieces of bronze sauntered together. It is believed it was done that way for two reasons: 1. The pieces weighed so much that it was difficult to move all together, so it was done in pieces or 2. The pieces were sauntered together to strengthen Budda after numerous natural disasters.

There are some 'air vents' on the back of Budda. We tried to understand why, but never got a good answer. It was incredibly hot inside, so maybe the vents are for to allow for airflow.

Around the edges of Budda are a few little tidbits about Budda. Pictured here, are sandals that would fit Budda just in case he ever walked. The woman below gives you a little perspective on how large the sandals are.


All around Japan we have noticed the same strange phenomonon. Every time we see someone having their picture made they put up the 'peace' sign. We have no idea WHY, but it happens everywhere! It has gotten to be such a joke that now our kids are doing it! Ugh, time to retrain those little ones! While we were at Kamakura, we saw a group of young school kids touring the site. When someone asked them to pose for a picture, guess what they did?

Then, we walked to the front where there are two statues of some crazy half men/ half genie things. There was a couple in traditional clothing. Guess what they were going? Well, there you go. Now, YOU are in the know!

We took a picture there as well. We left our 'peace' signs down though. Can you see the man / genies?

We left Kamakura and had to find a place to feed this crew. We drove around and looked for a place that was crowded with locals. We knew that was the place we wanted to try.

This was the place. I would love to tell you the name of it, but I have no idea. No one inside spoke a word of English.

The tables were traditional Japanese, which means sitting cross legged on mats, shoes off and table about ten inches off of the floor.

The kids were cool with the tables. It was our first time actually sitting this way. Most places have the choice, and those tables have been full every time we have wanted to try.

I can tell you that when the table is only a few inches off the floor it feels like I am WAY taller than six feet! I can say, without hesitation if I had to do this my whole life I would eat a lot less and be a lot more flexible!

The menu did not have too much variety. It was pretty basic, but we are not too picky at this point. We ordered a few different things and decided we could share if we needed.

 There were 'hot dogs' with fries for the kids that came with noodles. The adults each got a version of noodles with different meat. There was also a great fried egg with ride side dish. It had a tad bit of scallions and shredded pork on top. It was yummy! (The pork was cold though, that was interesting. We have noticed food temperatures are often not what we think they are going to be.)

Our visitors loved the 'hot button' at that table that brings the waitress to the table.

 The kids weren't too thrilled with their noodles. but they loved the hot dog and fries. Since they tried their noodles, they got to get a dessert after dinner. Yes, their Momma is a pushover.

Little Miss A  was thrilled that the Japanese think it is a compliment to 'slurp' the noodles. She was pretty good at the slurping part ;)

Since we were so close to the Pacific, we decided to let the kids put their feet in. It's not very often that they will get to be in the Pacific Ocean, so we found our way to the shore.


(We did take a bit of a frustrating detour on a oneway, very tight alleyway. Short story: never try to find the ocean without looking at a map.)

This was our first glimpse of the ocean! There was a typhoon coming in around Okinawa. We are quite far away though, so we just got the waves.

On the way, we caught a glimpse of a bride and groom on the beach. It was cool!

We found the beach. We were a little off put by the beauty.
It was amazing.

We let the kids take off their shoes while we watched the locals enjoying the sand. They looked like our kiddos at the beach don't they? Well, maybe not the mom with the towel over her head.

We all walked into the water and were enjoying the cool water. A lifeguard came over and tried to tell us something. We were clueless to what she was saying, but when she motioned us to scoot up we followed her directions. A few minutes later we were taking pictures of our visitors when waves just swept right in. The waves took E right off his feet. He didn't seem to mind. Then again, neither did Miss A. Look at that huge smile!


It was hilarious! Our kids played around in the waves and enjoyed themselves as well. We all got socking wet! In the end we were glad we decided to stop by that little ol' ocean. It is a memory that will always bring a giggle to our faces.

We changed, hopped in the car and headed home. The kids were exhausted by the time we got home. We all slept very well that night!

Spread Joy & Leave Smiles,

~Aggie Amy