Our Trip
Our trip to Japan in October of 2007 was our first attempt at an education and fun vacation week. First stop – Tokyo – home to many wonderful splendors, but to a 5- and 7-year-old nothing was better than Tokyo Disney and the adjoining water park. Our three day / three night stay in Tokyo was filled with a day at each of the Disney parks (Disney Sea and Disney Land). It was early October and the rainy outside for both days. The parks were beautiful and everyone had a blast. Both kids (and parents) enjoyed the roller coasters and shows that Disney had to offer. But, Tokyo Disney is a little different than U.S. Disney….
Imagine popcorn stands on wheels as numerous in the amusement park as Coca-Cola stands are in the US parks. To top it all off each stand had its own special flavor of popcorn – curry, garlic, chocolate and strawberry, just to name a few. As we walked around the park we began to look for duplicated flavors and trust me – we had a tough time finding two stands alike. Another favorite among the locals were huge turkey legs that they carried around while eating.
While I was checking out the food, Scott was checking out the attire worn by the women guests at the park – high heels and miniskirts. For the male species it was amazing, but certainly not practical. I certainly can not imagine walking an amusement park in high heels and miniskirts – let alone ride the rides.
Fun Facts & Tips
Tokyo, the capital of Japan is home to 10% of Japan’s population and is the biggest city in Japan. Tokyo is considered a metropolis with 23 city wards, 26 smaller cities, 5 towns and 8 villages with a total population of 35 million people.
Our biggest observation about this amazing city was the use of bullet trains (Shinkansen) and the JR trains for transportation. Taking the train in Tokyo is like taking a taxi in Shanghai. For those that understand the system it is extremely efficient. At first we had a lot of help from the extremely friendly Japanese people at the train stations but by the end of the trip we could manage by ourselves.
Tokyo is a very clean city with lots and lots of great shopping and interesting things to see. It’s also very safe so don’t worry about carrying cash as you shouldn’t have too many problems.
Little piece of advice: If you have a trip to Fuji Mountain on your itinerary, make sure it’s a nice day. If it’s not, I wouldn’t make the trip. It’s not worth your time or money if you can’t see anything.
Welcome to Tokyo, Japan
Near the top of Mount Fuji.
We were staying in the Hilton Tokyo Bay Hotel, about a 90 min. drive from Narita Airport, and adjacent to the Disney parks. But for the two days we were in Tokyo all Sean could talk about was going to the Pokemon Center in downtown Tokyo - a train ride about 45 minutes away. So, on day three we decided to make the trek into Tokyo – at 9:00 am. Huge mistake!
The subway platforms were tidy and orderly – until it was time to get on the train. Never in my life have we experienced such a display of aggression as was shown to get on a train. Adults in business suits and dresses, dropping their shoulders, picking up some momentum and wedging their way onto the trains – it was incredible. We watched for a couple of rounds then made our attempt to board the sardine can of a train. We finally make our way in and totally couldn’t see Sophie. If she wasn’t holding on to my hand for dear life I would have lost her for sure.
Upon arrival at the train station downtown town we begin the adventure of looking for the Pokemon Center – Mecca of Pokemon apparel, toys and electronics. Sean was in 7th Heaven! After an hour of contemplating all of the choices that were to be made and about $100 USD later our quest was complete – and as far as Sean was concerned we could head back to Shanghai.
Where’s Mt. Fuji??? Sandwiched between days at the Disney parks was a planned trip to Mt. Fuji – a complete coach tour with guides.
The Japanese countryside is amazingly beautiful – the foliage and topography must be a sight to behold… if it wasn’t so foggy!
We made it as far up the mountain as we could and stepped out at the visitor’s center. As expected it was cold. There were nice little stores selling local items with really nice people. After the kids purchased their trinkets (Sean collects key chains from every place we visit and Sophie is just happy to be there) we think about what we can’t see, board the bus and head back down the mountain. Hopefully someday we can return to see the splendor that we’re certain is there to behold.