Like Mother Like Daughter

This is more for me than you all...SORRY

but this is our tentative agenda to Japan...authored by my wonderful mother: Cathy Okada

I think when ya'll are looking at this you will know that even though I don't really look like my mom...I am definitely her child.

LOVE YOU MOM

Day-By-Day Japan Trip

Saturday Aug 14
Arrive at SLC airport no later than 5:00 AM
Flight United UA6405 leaves SLC at 6:00 AM
Arrive at LAX at 6:48 AM
For International Flights must arrive 2 hours before departure time
Flight Korean Air KE2 leaves LAX at 11:40 AM
Need Passport to board airplane
10 hr 25 min flight

Sunday Aug 15
Arrive at Tokyo Narita (Sun) 3:05 PM
At airport- Exchange Currency/Post Office or Bank
Buy 2 Day Open Metro Ticket 980 yen (for Mon & Tues) &
1 Day Open Metro Ticket 600 yen (for the next Tues)
Buy train tickets to Asakusa
Take 3 different trains to Sakura Hostel Asakusa & Check-in
Grab Dinner at street shops/ Noodles $5-$10
7-Eleven near Hostel to pick up evening snacks

Travel Tips:
• Don’t forget your Passport! Passport! Passport!
• Name on Passport and picture ID have to match for security purposes.
• Taking sensible precautions, as you would anywhere at home or travelling, (i.e. not leaving wallets/bags unattended etc) you will find Japan is a very safe country in which to carry cash. Rather than pay large bank fees on card transactions through ATM's choose to carry cash, and use ATM's as an emergency only. There are ATM’s at 7-Eleven stores all over Japan if needed. Credit cards are accepted in some places, but for many things you need to have cash.
• Check Dad’s email concerning Traveler’s Checks or International Postal Money Orders.
• Can not take anything larger than carry-on bags on train. If larger you have to pay to have it delivered to the Hostel.
• Travel size toiletries would work best.
• Travel Light! Remember heavy bags need to be carried. Not much fun when you're hauling them up and down train station stairs.
• We can’t use our cell phones in Japan but we can text each other.
• Carry tissue because Japanese public bathrooms don’t have toilet paper.
• It will be hot so have a hankie handy to wipe sweaty face and neck.
• Towels will be provided or can be rented for a small fee.
• Expect to do a lot of walking. Wear comfortable shoes and socks.
• Get in shape or you will be exhausted and possibly get sick.
• Shoes that are easy to slip on and off.
• Electricity-100 volts AC, 50Hz in the east and Tokyo. Flat 2-pin plugs.

2 Day-By-Day Japan Trip

Mon Aug 16
Explore around Asakusa Hostel/Old Tokyo
Asakusa is the center of Tokyo's shitamachi, lit. "low city", one of Tokyo's few districts, which have preserved a certain atmosphere of the old Tokyo.
Kaminari Gate/Nakamise Shopping Street
Kaminari Gate is the first of two large entrance gates leading to Sensoji Temple. First built more than 1000 years ago, it is the symbol of Asakusa. The Nakamise shopping street leads from Kaminarimon to the temple grounds. It is a covered shopping arcade lined by various shops and restaurants.
Sensoji Temple
This Buddhist Temple dates back to 645. At the top of the steps it is a ritual to clap your hands twice and bow your head. It’s also a custom to make a gift to the Gods by throwing coins into the wooden box.
Grab lunch at Street Shops
Possibly a Rickshaw ride back to the hostel for a nap
Shinijuku City Hall Tokyo
Tokyo City Hall's two towers have become the best places to view Tokyo. This was the tallest building in Japan until 2006. It is 48 stories high. The two top-floor panoramic observation decks are free of charge to the public and contain many gift shops. They are open till 11 pm on weekdays. The design of the building is meant to resemble a computer chip.
Harajuku
It is the center of Japan's most extreme teenage cultures and fashion styles. The best time to see this is on Sunday and we won’t be in Tokyo on a Sunday but we might see some shoppers in the early evening.
ShibuyuTrain Station/Hachiko Dog Statue
Japan’s most faithful dog. Hachiko would wait patiently for his master everyday at the train station. Even after his master died Hachiko waited faithfully for over 10 years for his master to return on the train. A life sized bronze statue of a dog can be found at Tokyo's busy Shibuya Train Station. There’s a recent American version Disney movie about this dog.
Shibuya Intersection
The World's Busiest Intersection. A must walk!
Grab dinner at Street Shops

Travel Tips:
• Check with your personal Health Insurance to see what it covers on International Travel.
• Let your credit card company know the dates and places you will be traveling.

3 Day-By-Day Japan Trip

Tues Aug 17
30-minute Kabuki-za Theater/Traditional Japanese Play
Kabuki plays are about historical events, moral conflicts, love relationships and the like. The actors use an old fashioned language which is difficult to understand even for some Japanese people. Actors speak in monotonous voices accompanied by traditional Japanese instruments.
Other interesting things to notice during Kabuki are the colorful and gorgeous costumes and make-up which the actors wear. All female roles are played by male actors. Also, you might want to pay attention to how the stage is equipped. English headphones can be rented.
***Sorry, we found out this theatre closed in April for renovations.***
Akihabara Electronic Town
If you are looking for electrical goods of top notch quality or the most innovative and stylish new products currently hitting the market, this is the place to be.
Sony Building
The Sony showroom where you can see, touch and try the latest Sony products.
Ginza High Fashion Shopping
The Ginza is Tokyo's most famous up market shopping, dining and entertainment district, featuring numerous department stores, boutiques, art galleries, restaurants, night clubs and cafes.
LDS Tokyo Temple
The Tokyo Japan Temple was the first temple built in Asia. The Tokyo Japan Temple is located in one of the loveliest residential areas of Tokyo. Transportation to the temple is excellent, as only a five-minute walk is required from the Hiroo subway station. There is a park across the street and an Ice Cream Shop.
Rikugun Garden/Komogome Station
Rikugien is one of Tokyo's most beautiful, Japanese style landscape gardens. It takes about an hour to cover the garden's whole network of walking paths at a leisurely speed.

Travel Tips:
Some of our Hostels have a buffet breakfast to purchase.
Have a few snacks on hand so if you get hungry you won’t be grouchy.
Nothing is as miserable as a hungry, grouchy traveler.

4 Day-By-Day Japan Trip

Wed Aug 18
Tsukiji Fish Auction/Market 8:00-10:00 AM
Tsukiji Market is best known as one of the world's largest fish markets, handling over 2,000 tons of marine products per day. It is an exciting area for tourists to view and photograph the fish and the action, but it is also an area where tourists are likely to interfere with the professionals working there. Consequently, in order to prevent accidents and interference with business, tourists are not allowed into the wholesale area before 9am, when the peak of the business activities take place. Even when visiting after 9am, tourists are asked to refrain from bringing any luggage into the market and to be constantly alert of what is happening around them to avoid blocking traffic. A visit to Tsukiji Market is best combined with a fresh sushi breakfast or lunch at one of the local restaurants. There are restaurants both in the inner and outer market area, which are typically open from 5:00 in the morning to around noon or early afternoon. Do not enter the market in high heeled shoes or sandals!
Sushi Dai-Best Sushi Bar Closes at 2:00 PM
A small shop but a local favorite so waiting line moves quickly.
JR Pass Bullet Train Tokyo-Kyoto/Travel time about 2 1/2 hrs.
The world's first high speed train service began in Japan in 1964. At that time the trains ran at about 200 km/h. Nowadays they reach speeds of 300 km/h.
Mt Fuji
Weather permitting, you'll have views of Mt Fuji from the bullet train. Mount Fuji (Fujisan) is Japan's highest mountain. It is not surprising that the nearly perfectly shaped volcano has been worshipped as a sacred mountain.
Check-in K’s House Kyoto
Gion-Geisha/Maiko District
Geisha, or person of the arts, are traditional Japanese artist-entertainers. They were most popular in the 18th and 19th centuries, and are still in existence today, although the numbers are dwindling. Gion along Hanami-koji street is Kyoto's most famous geisha district. If you are so lucky, the best time to see a Geisha is 4:30-6:00 PM. There's also a cultural show held everyday at Gion Corner, an art center at the end of Hanami-koji. The show is an introduction to several traditional Japanese arts and include short performances of a tea ceremony, ikebana, bunraku, Kyogen comic plays and dances performed by real maiko. There are 2 evening shows at 7 and 8 pm everyday.

5 Bay-By-Day Japan Trip

Thurs Aug 19
8:00AM-6:00PM All Day Kyoto Tour
Castle, Gardens, Shrines, Temples-Includes pick-up, entrance fees, and lunch. We chose a tour because travel around Kyoto on the trains is tricky. We figured we could see more in less time on a tour.
Go back to Gion District if want to or just walk around Kyoto or take it easy back at the hostel.

These are approximate costs. They may change. The easiest way to figure how much things cost is 1000 yens is about equal to $10.00. It’s a little higher but close enough for a fast figure and guess.
Costs:
JR Pass 7 day pass $311 (Dad will e-mail the end of July concerning this)
Metro Pass 1 day-600yen/2 day-980 yen (purchased at the airport)
Sensoji Temple/ Kaminari Gate-Free
Rickshaw ride-8000 yen/2 people for 30 mins.
Tokyo City Hall Tower-Free
Kabuki Theatre-800 yen/1500 yen English translation
Rikuguni Garden-300 yen
Tsukiyi Fish Market-Free
Gion Corner Traditional Show-3150 yen
All day Kyoto Tour $130
Peace Garden & Memorial Museum-50 yen
Rope Way-2100yen
Tenguju Temple-500 yen/Bamboo forest-Free
Imperial Palace-Free
Other train and bus costs-200-300 yen each stop (plan on a lot of these)
Food
Noodles 500-1000 yen
Sushi 20-3000-6000 yen
Katsudon 2000 yen
Okonomiyaki 3000 yen
Food in Tokyo can be very expensive but we will try to be reasonable.

6 Day-By-Day Japan

Fri Aug 20
JR Pass Bullet train Kyoto- Hiroshima
Peace Memorial Museum & Peace Garden opens at 8:30
The Hiroshima Peace Memorial (Genbaku Dome) was the only structure left standing in the area where the first atomic bomb exploded on 6 August 1945. Through the efforts of many people, including those of the city of Hiroshima, it has been preserved in the same state as immediately after the bombing. Not only is it a stark and powerful symbol of the most destructive force ever created by humankind; it also expresses the hope for world peace and the ultimate elimination of all nuclear weapons.
JR Pass Ferry Ride to Miyajima
Since ancient times, Miyajima, the island itself, has been worshipped as a god. This belief, passed down from generation to generation, has protected Itsukushima Shrine, many other shrines and temples as well as the island's unique culture, and its sacred nature. Renowned for being a world cultural heritage site today, Miyajima is an island where people and gods dwell together. One of the Most Scenic Spots in Japan.
Torji Floating Shinto Shine
Most famous part of the shrine is the so-called floating Torii, the photogenic orange-colored gateway which stands in the water in front of the shrine. Depending on the tide the gate is floating in water. It’s good luck to pass under the gate if at low tide.
Ropeway to Wild Monkeys
The Miyajima Ropeway is a direct way to the miracle spots “Mt. Misen” enjoyed by God naturally. Some reviews say we will see monkeys and others say you have to be lucky. The monkeys have been known to take things away from tourist so we will be put valuable in a locker. It’s a ride and hike so wear comfortable shoes. Along the path to the top are shines and temples to see.
Side Street Shops
JR Pass Bullet Train back to K’s House Hostel
Long Day and lots of walking

7 & 8 &9 Day-By-Day Japan

Sat Aug 21
Catch our Breathe Day
Might be a good day to wash
Self-Walking Tour/Arashiyama Bamboo Forrest
Nowadays, bamboo forests are few and far between. Dense bamboo forests—with their rows upon rows of long, ringed, smooth stems—provide a feeling of composure and tranquillity.
JR Pass Bullet Train Kyoto-Nagoya
Hostel Anne in Nagoya
Visit Oba Chan
Dad will decide what to do and where to go.

Sun Aug 22
Train and bus to LDS church 052-351-8845
Visit Dad’s Neighborhood and Schools
Visit Oba Chan say good-byes
Nagoya TV Tower
It is the oldest TV tower in Japan.
Nagoya Castle
Built in the beginning of the Edo Period for one of the three Tokugawa family branches, the Owari. Consequently, Nagoya developed into an important castle town and ultimately Japan's fourth largest city.

Mon Aug 23
JR Pass Bullet Train Nagoya-Tokyo
Anne Hostel Asakusabashi
Sania Dinner in her home???
Tokyo LDS Temple
The LDS temple in Tokyo, Japan was announced on August 9, 1975. The temple was built on less than half an acre, on the site of the former mission home in downtown Tokyo. The temple is very compact.

10 & 11 Day-by-Day Japan

Tues Aug 24
Imperial Palace
The private residences of the imperial family. The total area including the gardens is 7.41 square kilometers. During the height of the 1980s Japanese property bubble, the palace grounds were valued by some as more than the value of all the real estate in the state of California.
Do anything we feel we missed or want to do or want to go back to
Last minutes shopping
Eat any yummy foods for the last time

Wed Aug 25
Pack for the trip Home
Train to Narita Kei Airport
Last minute gifts
Exchange money yen-$
Korean Air 2:55 PM-11 hr 05 mins
Arrive LAX 9:00 AM (go through customs)
Delta DL4580 LA- SLC 11:45 AM
Arrive SLC 2:30 PM

Things have already changed because Dad’s family wants to meet for Lunch in Tokyo that first Monday Aug 16 at 11:45. I have gifts to give.

Family Names:
Shotaro-Dad’s Oldest Brother 75 yrs
Katsue-Shotaro’s Wife
Yoshka-Shotaro’s Daughter 40+yrs
Shoko-Shotaro’s Daughter 40+yrs

Sanae- Dad’s Older Sister 63yrs
Kenichi-Sanae’s Husband
Saeka-Sanae’s Daughter 22yrs

Toru-Dad’s Younger Brother 54 yrs
Mayumi-Toru’s Wife
Yuki-Toru’s Son 22yrs
Shohei-Toru’s Son 19yrs

Teruki-Dad’s Brother Hideo’s Son 36+yrs

Alright THANKS MOM...for this and giving me this trait.

much love

b.