Brian and Lisa at the Tokyo Skytree.
The views from the Tokyo Skytree were fantastic. You could even faintly see Mt. Fuji in the background.
Our sushi making lunch was big hit. We saw the master chef cut the meat off of the fish and take the skin off. He showed hot to cut slices for sashimi and for sushi. Left to right: Stephen, Kristen, Charlotte, Jamie and Jeffrey
Everyone enjoyed their sushi as well as shrimp tempura and a vegetable broth. Even had a mochi dessert.
Left to right: Austin, Tanya, Sarah, Bradshaw, Bette and Erika our local guide.
Left to right: Ethan, Candice, Shannon, and Hailee
Fortunate that it was a sunny day for our visit to Mt. Fuji so we were able to get to the 5th Station.
View of Mt. Fuji from the 5th Station.
Katherine and Luke at the 5th Station.
The weather got a little cloudy when we got to Owakudani. We rode the Ropeway up and came down on the bus. Also, did you hear the legend that eating a black egg extends your life 7 years?
View of Mt. Fuji from Owakudani with Darren and Lori.
The boat ride to Odowara Station a was a pleasant, scenic one. Patrick, Maryellen, Maeve, and Nancy boarding the Pirate Ship.
We visited the Itsukushima Shrine before leaving Miyajima Island. Here's the group at the shrine.
It was low tide when we got to Miyajima Island so you could walk out to the Tori Gate. Left to right: Tanya, Bette and Austin.
Dinner at Iwaso Inn was delicious, various nicely prepared foods, most enjoyable! Fresh and fried oysters, ono!!!
Kurashiki canal
Our tempura udon and sushi lunch was delicious. It gave us strength to 'hike' up the Himeji Castle.
Himeji Castle was awesome even in the overcast, cloudy skies.
David and Nolan at Himeji Castle
Lisa and Brian made it to the top floor of the castle.
Darren and Lori made their wish at Kiyomizu Temple's Wishing Waterfalls in the rain.
Heian Jingu Shrine
Left to right: Nancy, Maeve, Patrick, and Maryellen 'walking in the rain'.
Also, 'walking in the rain', Ayche and Patrick.
Our Surikomi Yuzen of a tote bag was fun and engrossing! Much concentration! Jamie's tote bag.
Ethan's tote bag.
It was a little rainy this morning when we went to experience a Traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony. Here's Jamie learning how to make tea.
Here's Maeve also learning to make tea.
The skies started to clear up when we visited the Fushimi Inari Shrine. Darren and Lori Ishikawa, Tori at Fushimi Inari Shrine.
Nancy, Patrick, Maryellen and Maeve at Todaiji Temple Now heading for Kansai International Airport (long bus ride) for our flight home.