Cherry Blossom Paradise

After months of planning, wondering, and waiting, we finally left the States bright and early on Thursday morning, April 3rd. After more than 24 hours of traveling (with a ridiculous amount of luggage!), we arrived in Tokyo, Japan on Friday afternoon, April 4th. Leg one of the move was complete! Josh had to check in with his parent JAG command in Yokosuka, Japan before we moved on to Guam, so we stayed in Japan for four days. Fortunately, we flew in to the area over the weekend, so we had several days to explore on our own before any of his work began.

So, despite disorientation and jet lag, we set off to take on Tokyo early Saturday morning. We saw a little bit of everything. We started off in Central Tokyo, at the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace. This was our first real introduction to the cherry blossom trees, which are my new obsession! They were beyond beautiful…pictures really don’t do them justice. I could sit and stare at them for hours! After we left the gardens, we walked to see the Imperial Palace. It’s separated from the public by a huge moat (the first real moat I’ve ever seen!), but you can see it fairly well from afar. It’s quite picturesque. Next, we walked to see the Japanese Parliament (you know Josh and politics!). You can’t get in there either, but it’s pretty to see, as well. Then, we moved on to Shibuya, which is called the Times Square of Japan. I have never seen a more crowded place in my life! There is an intersection called “Shibuya Crossing” that is reportedly the busiest pedestrian intersection in the world. When traffic stops, a sea of humanity washes across the streets. It’s incredible. From Shibuya, we walked to Harajuku, where we strolled through a cherry blossom festival in the Yoyogi-Koen park and visited Meiji-jingu, our first shrine. Finally, we stopped by the Ueno-koen park, which is especially noted for its beautiful cherry blossoms. Another festival was in full swing, so we had a good time watching the people and trying Japanese festival goodies. By the time we finally got on a train home, we were wiped out. I don’t think I’ve ever walked so much in my life!

On Sunday, there was no rest for the weary, for we had more of Japan to explore! We started off the day at an annual fertility festival with some of the people from Josh’s command. Apparently, this is a popular springtime festival. It was certainly unique…it gave us a look at a very different side of Japanese culture! Once we had had enough fertility celebration (hope it doesn’t work for a few years!), we decided to visit Kamakura to see the Tsurugaoka Hachiman-Gu shrine and the Kotoku-in temple. The Kotoku-in temple is the home of the Kamakura Diabutsu (Great Buddha). This is Japan’s second largest Buddha (it weighs 121 tons), and it’s quite a site to see. Apparently, in the late 1400s a tidal wave swept away the bulk of the temple, leaving the Great Buddha out in the open air. So, for more than 500 years it has been exposed to the elements. It has held up very well and is quite picturesque, especially in the spring with cherry blossoms surrounding it.

Aside from making a point to try an assortment of authentic Japanese food and drinks (yakitori…aka meat on a stick, tempura, sushi, sashimi, sake, etc.), the rest of our time in Japan was all business. It was a wonderful experience, however, and my appetite has certainly been whetted for the Japanese springtime. I really hope to go back to see the cherry blossoms (and more of Japan!) next year!

Next stop: Guam!!