Tokyo highlights:
They visited the Sukiji fish market, a 100 year old institution that is embroiled in controversy at the moment over being moved to accommodate a new road for the 2020 Olympics. The visited some of the upscale department stores, and sampled some very expensive vegetables and fruits.
Kyoto highlights:
Kyoto is surrounded by hills and rivers and is famous for its shrines and temples.
The visited a bamboo forest and some beautiful gardens on the Sagano walk.
People in this area have focused on preserving the historical structures and gardens.
Takeyama highlights:
This city is in the Japanese Alps, and there was still snow in July.
It is known for its festivals.
There was lots of water around, with rivers running through the middle of town.
While out walking, Mark saw signs warning about bears and another dangerous creature, but he didn’t see any.
They ate raw duck breast, Wagu beef, Hida beef buns, corn fritter and tofu dishes, and lots of sashimi.
They visited the Showa Museum with 20th century artifacts.
A lot of history was preserved in this beautiful area.
Overall impressions:
The cities in Japan are very clean with no litter or graffiti.
The people are very gracious and courteous, and even strangers go out of their way to assist when they see a problem.
They take pride in the small details of their daily lives, their work, their art, etc.
There is an emphasis on design in everything, (lighting, architecture, etc.)
There is not much furniture in the interiors of buildings.
Tipping is normally not done.
Non-Japanese food was readily available everywhere they went.
Thanks Mark for a great show!
Mike Bieza won both raffles but drew a white marble.
