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two as they both sounded so yummy but I late owner at the train station daily for
ended up going with the dorayaki. Before nearly 10 years after he had passed away.
we sipped the matcha, we rotated the bowl There was a long line of fans, waiting pa‐
facing us to the opposite side in three tiently to pose for a photo with Hachiko's
turns, drank our tea, then when we were statue. The story was very sad but the
finished, turned the bowl back in two half statue and Hachiko's legacy was beautiful
rotations to its original position in front of and we had the bustling Shibuya Crossing
us. It was a very exciting experience and and many electronic billboards to distract
although bitter matcha tea might not be us from our sorrow.”
for everybody, I enjoyed it very much. Ten Karen suggested lunch one day at the
out of ten!” Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center
And, as Kalea continues: “In Harajuku (with great views from its eighth floor cafe
we spent our time in the buzzing, colorful and free observation deck). Afterwards we
area of Takeshita Street. I was mesmerized checked out the popular, crowded seventh
by all the stores and clothing worn. In century Sensoji Buddhist Temple, Tokyo's
Harajuku young people express themselves oldest, and the multitude of interesting
through their clothing, whether it be Dec‐ outdoor craft and souvenir shops leading
ora, gyaru, Lolita and so much more. Cloth‐ to the temple.
ing stores in Takeshita had everything from Our big day trip was a 90-minute train
bows and frills to capes and combat boots. ride to Kamakura to see the 800-year-old
They also had the fabled Sanrio store, Great Buddha (nominal entrance fee) and
which I was delighted to see. At the end of the Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine--other
the day my arms were sore from all the popular tourist draws.
bags I carried, but was it worth it? Abso‐ To understand just how big Tokyo is, we
lutely. I would have stayed longer if I loved the breathtaking views from the 45th
could.” floor of the Tokyo Metropolitan Govern‐
Kalea also loved Fuchu, a Tokyo suburb: ment Building, also free.
“It was the most quaint and gorgeous town Back in the Ginza area, Carl and I took
ever. The neighborhood we wandered was the family to a dramatic Kabuki theater
calm and serene and the amount of nature performance one evening. Our last-minute
and little houses made it the perfect bal‐ tickets were good for only a 20-minute
ance between metropolis and countryside. show, and although it was short, it intro‐
Overall, Fuchu was one of the most benefi‐ duced Kalea to the 500-year-old cultural
cial parts of the trip. My favorite part traditions, and the all male cast of cos‐
about Fuchu was when we went to our tour tumed performers.
guide Karen and her husband Kenzo's One surprise was leaving the crowded
house for a late lunch. The food was amaz‐ Chuo Dori street and visiting the Ginza Six
ing and Kenzo is a great cook. He made Rooftop Garden at the popular world-class
two wonderful types of tofu, sesame and high rise shopping center (271 stores and
walnut, and it was some of the best cuisine restaurants). Free to visit, the rooftop gar‐
I've ever had in my whole life. This experi‐ den, a relaxing place to people-watch--with
ence was a very crucial part of the trip.” tables and chairs, benches, grass, plants
And, one moving stop for Kalea: “Near and trees--is sort of a Japanese mini-ver‐
the Shibuya Crossing we saw the statue of sion of New York's Central Park, with great
Hachiko, the famous Akita dog who pa‐ views.
tiently and eagerly waited for his beloved
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