Day 12 Pictures

Day 12

Today started like most other days, with the exception of an unusually early wake up call at 7 AM. We then ate our usual buffet style breakfast here in the Pearl Hotel in Tokyo. After eating breakfast, we headed out early. The first stop on our itinerary was the Imperial Palace. There we saw a statue of a samurai on horse back and this view of the palace.

After the palace, we went to Meji Shrine. The shrine was surrounded by trees; and at one torii gate, it was said that hugging the pillars allowed you to get power from the forest. We went and saw the shrine; and, we also made our wishes. After we saw the shrine, we went to Harijuku.

Harijuku is large shopping district that is very popular with teenagers. The street we started down is famous for being popular with young girls. There were so many clothing stores for women down that street. We spent two hours wandering around Harijuku Street and its surrounding streets. We were to also eat lunch while shopping.

After Harijuku, we went to take a Sea bus to another shrine. Before we got to the shrine, there was a traditional Japanese mall outside the shrine's gates. We had another 2 hours to roam around there. For dinner, we had a very delicious tempura. The dinner included shrimp, fish, a pepper, miso soup, and rice.

After dinner, we went to the Tokyo Tower. We were able to go as far up as the tower permitted. The view of Tokyo was astonishing! We were there for about an hour before we headed back to the hotel. We had to take the Metro Subway to the hotel because we no longer had the bus. Once we got back to the hotel, everyone crashed for the night.

Day 11 Pictures

Day 11

Today was the last day we were able to be with our host families. For breakfast today, we had hard-boiled eggs, hash browns, and sausage. After eating, we loaded our stuff in to the Yamato family car and were driven to the Hotei station where we said our final goodbyes and met with the rest of the group. After we were all together, we boarded the train for Nagoya.

We rode the local trains for about a half hour before we got to Nagoya station where we were to catch our Shinkansen to Tokyo. We waited about an hour and a half before the train finally arrived. Once on board, the ride was about 2 hours. Once we arrived in Tokyo, we went to Ginza St. for a little shopping. Then we went to a mall near the Tokyo TV Station. For dinner today, we went to the Yokohama Hard Rock Cafe for burgers. While there, we gave our chaperons gifts and thank you cards. We also gave a card to Naomi-san and Sensei Wargo and Dr. Wargo. After that, we we came back to the hotel were we turned in for the night. I apologize, but I am too tired for pictures tonight. I will post pictures tomorrow which is actually the last night in Japan.

Day 10 Pictures

Day 10

Today, we all woke up in our respective homes at various times. For me and my dad, our wake up was 6:30. We got up for breakfast with Taiki, my host brother, and his older brother and sister. His mom and dad made us a breakfast of eggs, bacon, and toast. After eating and changing into school clothes, we took the train to school. We arrived at Bihoku High School at around 7:50.

Once there, we removed our shoes and put on slippers. We were then led to the conference room where Sensei Wargo was waiting for us. Taiki said goodbye and went to his homeroom. Once everyone was there, Sensei Wargo gave us a general run-down of the day and gave us instructions about how we were to teach the classes. We are then taken to the gym where there is a brief welcoming ceremony. Anne and Sensei Wargo both gave speeches while a teacher and a student council representative from Bihoku gave speeches. After the assembly, we went to the conference room again, then to our classes to begin teaching.

The lesson was mainly about informing the students about America. Then, we had the students draw a seal representing the friendship between our two schools. Which ever seal is judged the best by the teachers will be made into stickers for us all. After we taught for two periods, the students at Bihoku took a turn at teaching us about Japan. After their lesson, we ate lunch then headed out for Inuyama Castle. Each one of us was partnered up with a Bihoku student. We toured the castle for about an hour and a half then got back on the trains to head back to the high school.

Once back there we split back up to go with our host brother/sister back home. My dad and I went with Taiki back to his family's apartment where he made yasoba for dinner. Yasoba is a meal of stir-fried pork and cabbage with noodles and sauce. It was delicious! After dinner, Taiki presented me and my father with a couple of gifts. We then turned in later that night.

Day 9

Today we had to wake up earlier than usual because we had to catch our 8:30 bullet train to Nagoya. We were all dressed up very nicely today because today was the day that we were to meet our host families for our home stay. After disembarking from the bullet train, we were greeted on the platform by two of the school's officials. They then led us to the local train platforms where we boarded to head to the high school. That was a 30 minute ride; then after leaving the station, it was a 3 minute walk to the school.

Once inside the school, we walked into a room where all of the Japanese students were on one side and we were on another. The tables were arranged so that we were facing each other. The little assembly started with a speech from both a teacher at the school and Sensei Wargo. The former then introduced the principal who gave a short speech. After all of the formalities were done, they began to introduce us to our host families. They simply had the host family and kid from our group stand up and wave to each other. After everyone had been introduced, we went off with our host families.

You are going to have to ask each of your kids about their individual stay; but, this is how mine went. After I was introduced to Taiki and his mother, my dad and I were driven back to their apartment where I gave out my gifts to the family. After some picture show and tell, they took us to two restaurants for tempura and sushi. The sushi was amazing! During both, we all (me, dad, Taiki, Taiki's parents, and his younger sister) talked about America and Japan. They then took us to see Nagoya Castle after dinner. We then came back home, showered, and crashed for the night.

Day 8 + Pictures and a Video

Today we got another 7:30 AM wake up call. Once again, we ate breakfast then headed out for the bus. We were going to go to Mount Aso; but, the weather would not permit. So we went to a monkey show instead.

It was quite an interesting show. Most enjoyed it. After this show. We went to a restaurant to celebrate Nick Griggs birthday. After that we turned in early.

Day 7 Pictures

Day 7

Today, we woke up and ate a very nice Japanese breakfast in the ryokan's dining hall. After packing up all of our luggage and getting everyone on the bus, we headed out. As we left, we waved to the hotel attendants who did the same. We were informed that this was the traditional manner of saying good bye. We then had a hour bus ride to Dazaifu.

Once in Dazaifu, we had about an hour and a half of time to wander around the site of a temple and shrine. The temple had beautiful Zen gardens like this. The shrine was also beautiful. It was decorated for Tanabata which is a summer festival for lovers on July 7th. After enjoying some ice cream, we loaded back on the bus for the Fukuoka Prefect for lunch. Most ate at MOS Burger. They make delicious cheese burgers! It is like Japan's McDonald's except better!

After lunch, we loaded back onto the bus. Only this time, we were headed for the beach. Yes, we went to swim in the Sea of Japan for a couple of hours. It was very relaxing. The water was cold and salty. The former was nice because it was hot outside.

After swimming for a couple of hours, we drove to the hotel for dinner. Dinner was hamburger steak and rice. It was very good. After dinner, some kids went shopping at the mall nearby the hotel. I will post pictures tomorrow because I am really tired and need rest.

Day 6 Pictures

Day 6

Sorry for the delay. There was no internet in my room.

Today we got a 7:30 wake up call at the Hiroshima Chisun. We then had breakfast which, like it's Osaka counterpart, was a eastern and western buffet. After breakfast, we climbed aboard the bus for the 6 hour transit to Fukuoka. We traveled for about an hour before we stopped at a convenience store to grab a snack to hold us over until lunch. Some people picked up a couple of toys or cards while we were there as well. After reboarding, we were once again on the road. We did make a touring stop. We stopped in Iwakuni to see the Kintai-kyo (Brocade Sash) Bridge and the Iwakuni Castle. The Kintai-kyo Bridge is supposed to look like the sash on a kimono because of its five arches. We also saw beautiful buildings an the other side like this one in front of which Sensei is standing.

Once we crossed the bridge we had to take a cable car up to the castle. The ride up gave us all a spectaular view of the surrounding town and landscape. Once at the end of the ride, we had a short walk up to the castle. The castle did not have a lot to look at. It had 4 floors; and, 3 of them were dedicated to the showing of weaponry. The 4th floor was an observation deck. Because the castle is on top of a small mountain, the view was absolutely astonishing. After finishing the walk about the castle, we headed back down the cable car. We were able to enjoy a little time playing in/by the river before we had to load back up onto the bus.

For lunch, we stopped at a truck station. This was not like American truck stations, however. This truck station had a varity of little food stands and you could get noodles on the inside. Some people got bread from a bakery, some noodles. I, personally, got ramen and rice from the inside. It was delicious! After everyone ate and used the rest room, we were on the road again. It was another 2 hours before we finally got to the hotel in Fukuoka. After quickly unpacking our luggage from the bus and getting a quick tour of the onsen, one group of people went out to do laundry at a local coin laundry.

After we all were at the hotel, we enjoyed a delicious Japanese dinner in yukata; and, we sang kareoke. That was a very amuzing event. Everyone laughed and had a good time. After the final song, most went to the onsen; but, some rented a kareoke room and sang for another hour. After a bath, we retired for the night. Sorry about the delay in this post; there was no internet in the rooms here.

Pictures from Day 5

Day 5

Today, we woke up at 6 AM because we need to leave by 7:30 for our Shinkansen, bullet train. One of the things I, personally, will miss is the onsen, public bath. It was such an amazing experience. Thankfully, we will be going to another hotel with one tomorrow. So there will most likely not be internet again in my room. Thus, the next post may be delayed.

We took taxis to Kyoto Station where we caught our Shinkansen to Hiroshima. The bullet train travels at upwards of 170 mph! When we arrived in Hiroshima we got on our new bus to go to the site of the atomic bombing. When we disembarked from the bus, we could immediately see the Atomic Dome. This was one of the only buildings that remained standing. After a short walk, we dropped off our 1000 paper cranes.

Then we went around and toured the Hiroshima National Peace Memorial Hall and the museum. After visiting the museum, we took a ferry to Miyajima Park. This is home to the free standing torii gate in the sea. There were more wild deer around the park, but we simply avoided them as we headed to the temple on the island. The temple was beautiful and had a wonderful view of the torii. After the tour of the temple, we had free time before we boarded the ferry again, only to board the bus to head back to Hiroshima. For dinner, we ate okonomiyaki. They were large pancake-ish foods with cabbage, bacon, noodles, and an egg. They were absolutely delicious! After eating, we headed to the hotel to retire for the evening.

Pictures from Days 2-4

Days 2-4

Sorry for the delay of these next few posts. There was not internet in the hotel rooms.

Travel Day 2 [6/27]

Today started at 7 AM with our wake up call. Breakfast was offered down in the lobby and was buffet style with various foods ranging from eggs and toast to octopus balls and miso (soy bean soup). We were all surprised when we saw Naomi-san dressed in a summer kimono. After breakfast most had about an hour to relax before we began the day's tour. We all loaded our luggage onto the bus and we said Sayoonara to the Chi-sun hotel as we headed for Kyoto.

Once in the bus Naomi-san sung us a song; and, we all joined in after she taught us the lyrics. The bus ride was about an hour too Kyoto. Our fist stop was Nijo Castle. This castle is 400 years old and home to the Shogun from the Tokugawa clan. We had to take off our shoes to go inside the castle to preserve the ancient flooring. Some parts of the castle had nightingale flooring, which sounded like chirping to alert people in rooms that someone was walking about the castle. After touring the castle, we went to the gift shop were many purchased fans to keep themselves cool on this totemo atsui (very humid) day. After about a half hour or so, we headed for the surrounding gardens. They were stunning! After the tour of the garden, we once again boarded the bus.

This time our destination was a shopping district. We stayed there for an hour and a half. The purpose was to simply get lunch. However, most seized the chance to make some other gift purchases. A couple of guys got swords! Once reloaded on the bus we were headed for Kinkaku-Ji, the Golden Shrine. The Kinkaku-Ji is made up of about $4 million worth of gold! The shrine has a little bit of irony to it as well. On top of it, there is a golden pheonix which is supposed to protect the building from fire; yet, the shrine burned down more than once. Regardless, it was a sight to see. Along the path back to the bus, there were a few interesting stops. One was a small shine-looking thing where you could throw a coin into a pewter bowl. They say that doing this on your first try means you will have good luck. I was able to get this with my trusty 1 yen coin! Next there was a similar setup except the reward was good salary. I missed this with my 5 yen coin. After this, we got to do a little shopping, again, and ring a bell outside a Shinto shrine.

The final touring destination was Hein shrine. Built to celebrate Kyoto's 1100th birthday, the Hein shrine was indeed a sight to see. Prior to entering the shrine, we purified ourselves in the traditional manner. Once inside, Naomi-san explained the layout of the shrine and the 4 guardians of the gates. We then went and "prayed" at the shrine. This involved throwing a coin into a box, bowing twice, clapping your hands twice, bowing once again, then making a wish. After doing this, we went to the shrine's gardens. The shrine's gardens were breath-taking. Loaded with flowers and other foliage, the gardens left many awe struck.

For dinner, we went to a sobaya (noodle shop) for a dinner of soba (cold noodles) and eel with beans and rice. Served with tea, the meal was quite the delight. The hotel that we were at has a public bath. Many chose not to do this on this day. But it was amazing! These hotel rooms did not have internet; so, I was not able to post this for a while.

Travel Day 3 [6/28]

Today started with our 7:30 AM with our wake up call. Some of us went for a morning bath. Breakfast was buffet sytle again; however, the food was different. After completing breakfast, we loaded the bus and headed for Nara. Nara was Japan's first capital and was established in 710 AD. Hence, Nara is celebrated it's 1300 Anniversary. We first went to the Todai-ji Temple. This temple is home to the Daibutsu, Big Buddha. Before we saw the Daibutsu, we were greeted by another of Nara's wonders, the wild deer. These deer are very friendly and have learned to bow. For 150 yen, you could buy cookies to feed them. Some of us were assailed by these deer in their quest for a cookie. Once we escaped the deer, we could finally enjoy the Daibutsu. It is quite impressive. While the Buddha was interesting, the most entertaining part of the temple was trying to crawl through the hole in one of the pillars. The hole was the size of the Big Buddha's nostril. It is said that crawling through the hole would grant you the power to fight through life's struggles.

After some souvenir shopping, we headed for another shopping district for lunch. Some kids went to McDonalds, while a few spirited went to a sushi train. This place had all of the sushi on a conveyor belt and you grabbed what you wanted to eat. Then, you paid by plate. After eating in Nara, we went back to Kyoto to by yukata, summer kimono, for the tea ceremony tomorrow. The new mall had the girls' yukata, but not the guys'. We enjoyed some time in the mall before going to Kyoto Station to enjoy it's wondrous architecture and eat dinner. There were places all around the station; but the best was a small ramen shop. They had a bowl of ramen noodles with thin sliced pork belly with a hard boiled egg that was totemo oishii (very delicious)! After that, we headed back to the hotel and retired early.

Travel Day 4 [6/29]

Today started with our wake up call at 7:30 AM. Once again, there were some who went for a morning dip in the bath. Tozankaku Hotel's breakfast buffet was delicious as usual. Today, we went to Kiyomizudera Temple. One of the places in the temple was the Lover's Stones. They say that if you touch one stone and walk to the other stone without looking, you will find your love with ease. If you take advice while walking, you will need advice to find your love. The other highlight of the temple were the three clear water falls whence the temple gets its name. They say that by drinking from one of these gives you good luck in either love, longevity, or intelligence depending on from which one you drink.

After this, we quickly returned to the hotel. Today was the day for the tea ceremony. Thus, once we got back to the hotel, the first group of kids had to get in their yukata and get to the tea house. The tea ceremony was not really a ceremony, Due to a error in the booking of the tour, we learned how to make green tea. This was still really cool. There were many little things that needed to be done to make the tea the formal way. You first put one large scoop of tea into the bowl, then one medium one. Then using a purification cloth to hold the lid, you pour about 50 mL of water into the bowl. You then use a whisk to put a nice pillow of foam on the tea. There were a few more little things about how to present the tea to the guest as well. After the lesson, we had time to view the items in the exhibition hall. There were many old tea instruments and wall scrolls. They were very aesthetically pleasing.

Once both groups finished at the tea hall. We rested at the hotel for a little, then went to Gion in yukata to try and find geiko and maiko. We saw 2 maiko, but no geiko. After wandering for a little, we checked out another temple. There was another chance to make a wish in the temple. You threw a 5 yen coin in the box, rang the bell, bowed twice, clapped twice, made your wish, then bowed a final time. After visiting this, we took taxi's back to the hotel where we celebrated Cloe's birthday and had a nice Japanese dinner of tempura, rice, miso, and sashimi.