Last week( end of May,) Alex visited Japan for the first time. We tried to crowd in as many experiences as we could in one week! Arriving on Monday afternoon, we enjoyed a quiet Japanese meal at home that evening.

The next day, Yoshiko taught her ikebana (flower arrangement) of the Ohara school.

She seemed to catch on quickly and after that they went to eat our Hiroshima specialty、okonomiyaki followed by a visit to Peace Park and the Atomic Bomb Memorial Museum.

On Wenesday, Haruo Matsuda took her to Miyajima to visit the Itsukushima Shrine there. It is a World Heirtage Site, built in 1168 by Taira no Kiyomori.

They ate oysters in the half shell, and a beef bowl (牛丼）which became one of her favorite dishes in Japan. Of course. they also ate the famous Miyajima sweet cake called Momiji manjyu.

 

We decided to visit Kyoto on Thursday by bullet train, Shinakansen! We arrived in Kyoto about 10:00 AM and ended up taking a bus tour of three famous temples. This turned out to be a rather bad idea as the tour guide has rushed us around to keep on schedule.

Nevertheless , we got to see these amazing temples. The first was Kiyomizu Temple or Pure Water Temple. There were so many visitors from various countries that we couldn’t line up to drink the famed water that will ensure good health or success in academic pursuits.

Next, we went to the Silver Temple, or Ginkakuji. Of the three, this is my personal favorite. The gardens are beautiful and only wish we’d had more time to enjoy it.

Finally, we made a stop at the Golden Pavilion or Kinkakuji. Origianlly built in 1397 by Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, it became a Zen temple after his death. The temple is covered with real gold flake and was rebuilt after an 22-year old novice monk burned it down in a suicide attempt in 1950.

We enjoyed yakitori at a simple restaurant near our hotel in Kyoto Shijyo. We ate tempura, tofu salad, and of course, yakitori, chicken on skewers cooked over a charcoal brazier。

Our last day there, we went out on our own, leaving our bags in a coin locker at Kyoto station. The station building was intimidating for me but not at all for Alex. We took a short train ride to see the shrine Rob had recommended, Fushimi Inari Shrine. This is hte main shrine for the Inari or fox worshipping sect in Japan. She was fascinated by the fox statues all over the shrine.

A group of 9th grade boys from Ibaragi Prefecture, interviewed Alex in English for their school project. After talking with them, she was asked to write a message to them to encourage their study of English.

On our last 2 days, we were at the farm in Yasu-ura. That turned out to be a great experience. It was a hot day on Saturday so we lay on the beach and enjoyed the view.

 

When Hiroo started out to search for marine life specimens, Alex volunteered to go along and lift the heavy stones. They managed to communicate without my help at all. Seems they really enjoyed it. At night , we had a Japanese yakiniku BBQ, and Alex built her first fire!

On the morning she left, Alex wanted to do something to help us around hte farm. It is realy getting to be too much for us almost 70-yr-olds! So she worked hard clearing leaves and mud from the storm gutters all around the cabin! Thanks so much, Alex! Come back soon!

 

On the way to the airport , we finally got to eat Japanese ramen noodles, even if they weren’t the best. The lemon sherbet we ate last of all at Hiroshima airport was delicious . ( Brown Sugar Cafe in departure lobby)

We look forward to your next visit!! Stay and help at the farm!