This was a wonderful trip but what would it be with out a series of interesting photos. They are in no particular order. Some I found funny, some I found interesting (usually from a cultural standpoint). At the end of this post I have a very important request.
We were given these at one meal but help me here, why are they needed?If you are not interested in bread or yogurt for breakfast, how about some “serial” at the Gate Hotel in TokyoIn Nara, beware of deer. Fashion statement in Kyoto.If your wheelchair can’t handle stairs how about a ramp at about a 60° slope?Tired from too much walking in Nara? Try this rest area.We saw these things EVERYWHERE.Sorry, this has me speechless.We were told laundry drying machines are not seen in Japan. Instead you see this.If the lightning fast elevators in our Hakone hotel are too slow for you, have a seat.Would you like some water?Or would you prefer detox water?If you want to used the public baths in Hakone you better not have any tattoos. Again I am speechless.The Gate Hotel in Tokyo watches you when you are in the elevator. Look at this balding guy taking a picture of himself.I have no clue how this works. If you are looking for a “bathroom” you will get a blank stare. If you ask for the “toilet” they will lead you here. They might open the door for you as well but luckily after that you are on your own.Many of the hotels have a small bedside flashlight. Very convenient.2 in 1? Get a haircut while you have your teeth cleaned?That does it, it is time to go home!I leave you with this photo of Kyoto Tower. Quite an amazing picture if I do say so myself.
We are now home but I need your help. Please send me your recommendations of where to travel to next. We are thinking about Norway, Sweden, and or Finland. If you have been to these locations please send me your “Must See” list.
Today we had a wonderful day. We started with another magnificent breakfast at the hotel. Following that we were met at our hotel by our guide for the day, Seiko, and our driver, Mr. Moto (excuse me, “Moto San”). Seiko asked us a few questions about goals for the day and then we were off to Yokohama. En route Seiko gave us all sorts of interesting facts about Japanese history and culture.
Our first stop of the day was a tour of Sankeien Garden. The garden was quite lovely but the best part was something Patrice taught me. She showed me that if you take a picture with an iPhone you can view the picture, tap “info” and then you will see the name of the plant or animal you have just photographed. See below.
Picture of a Grey Heron taken with my iPhone. If you think I would have known that this was a Grey Heron without the aid of my phone, you obviously don’t know me.
From the garden we headed to the Ramen Museum, yes Ramen Museum. The main reason to go there was to have lunch. Check out this display outside the museum.
Fun with ramen.
The museum has about 6 different ramen restaurants on the ground floor and each had a 20-30 minute wait to be seated.
Who would wait 20-30 minutes for ramen? Patrice and I would.
The meal was worth the wait. And I don’t want to brag (yes I do) but I’m starting to get pretty good with chopsticks.
After lunch we headed to the main reason for coming to Yokohama. Okay, my main reason for coming to Yokohama………………Baseball
As many of you know I’m trying to get to all 30 MLB stadiums (22 down 8 to go) so why not add a Japanese stadium to my list?
We had great seats at Yokohama stadium to see the hometown Bay Stars play the Yomiuri Giants from Tokyo. It was a fascinating experience. It was very similar to an MLB game with a few exceptions. Most apparent was that each team had about 3 or 4 sections filled with their most rabid fans. They were equipped with large team flags and percussion and brass instruments. When their team was at bat there was almost nonstop chanting. All I can say is that I’m glad we weren’t sitting any closer to this area. Check out this video to get an idea.
I love baseball but I think if I had to sit through this I would watch on TV instead.
Just prior to the bottom of the 5th inning the home team rooting section pulled a blue banner over entire section and sang a song while cheerleaders egged on the fans from the field.
Under that banner were hundreds of fans singing a song in support of their team. Didn’t work so well, they lost 6-0.
There were concession stands selling a myriad of items but in the seating area only beer was being sold. The beer sells for 800 yen (about $5.40) as opposed to the $16 at Dodger Stadium. Here is a video of one of the salespeople.
The young men to my right kept these ladies busy.
In 7th inning the cheerleaders came onto the field led the fans in singing but no one got up for a stretch like we do in the states.
When the game ended the people sitting in our area didn’t get up to leave. With some help from Google translate I was told that the fans of the winning team stay to hear the “Hero’s interview”. Since my Japanese is limited to “hello”, “goodbye” and “thank you” we decided to leave.
Upon exiting I saw fans take all their trash out of the stadium. Here is a photo of a woman holding a large bag waiting for fans who filed by with their trash. See below.
I could just see this happening at Dodger Stadium. Actually I could.
We were among a large crowd heading to the train station for the ride back to Tokyo. Thanks to our amazing guide, Seiko, we knew exactly what to do. At the station the security team was spectacular. They would limit people checking through the turnstiles until the previous group had exited the loading lobby. Once we were allowed to proceed there were another group of security people who allowed passengers into the boarding zone. The process was seamless and we boarded a train very quickly. Once on the train, we heard announcements in Japanese and English prior to every stop. I followed our progress on Apple Maps but it wasn’t necessary since Seiko had done such a wonderful job of preparing us.
A great day in Yokohama. The only thing that could make it better would be if I don’t wake up at 3 AM again
Robert Reiss Travel Blog and Other Ramblings 