Tokyo Marathon Expo

Tokyo Marathon Expo

On February 23, 2017

In 2017, Google Map, Japan, Tokyo, Tokyo Big Sight, Tokyo Marathon, Train

The Tokyo Marathon Expo is being held at Tokyo Big Sight. Tokyo Big Sight is a ginormous convention center located in the south east area of Tokyo. This is an area of Tokyo we have not had the opportunity to visit yet. Here was our route on the train.

The fun part of the trip was going on the blue section or the Yurikamome Line. It goes over “Rainbow Bridge.” On the map, the green area is called “Aqua City” and we could see shopping and an amusement park. This will be an area worth exploring in the future.

The expo is open Thursday, Friday and Saturday. The marathon is on Sunday. We decided to go to the expo on Thursday night because heard it only gets more crowded as the race day approaches. Plus, it isn’t really close to where we will be staying in Tokyo during marathon weekend.

I’m truly glad we went when we did. I can’t imagine the crowds! 36,000 runners all have to pick up their number, wrist band, tshirts and timing chip. Yes, we have to wear a wrist band until we finish the marathon. It was put on by security and verified it matched my bib number. The band will also be screened at the start to allow me to enter and ensure I didn’t give away my number.

Finding the expo once we were off the train was easy. There were workers pointing the way.

Big Sight Tokyo was definitely big and a sight! There was a light up display with audio.

First stop, number pick up. They had a special section for foreign runners. That’s us!

Like I said, I’m so glad we came early. There were no lines! And my timing chip is good to go!

How cute is this, they had a board with everyone’s name, organized by number. Dave found our names!

From here, we entered the expo part of the expo and had plenty of photo opportunities, give aways and demonstrations.

I forgot to mention they gave us a free beer, too!

So much to see!

It was undeniably the largest expo we have ever experienced. Two entire floors and a food court.

The only disappointing part was the lack of Tokyo Marathon 2017 swag. There were a lot of tshirts and zip ups but, not things like pint glasses or beer coasters!

The animated course map was one of my favorite pictures. It just makes me want to run… HAPPY!!

Command Cave Tour

By wabisabisole

On February 21, 2017

In Gejigeji, Japan

One of spouse groups I joined since arriving last summer scheduled a visit to the COMDESRON FIFTEEN “Command Caves.” The command is literally inside caves that were used between 1938 and 1945. Here is a picture of the entrances to the command caves still in use.

The tour included going into the area that is used today as office spaces plus, a tour of the underground tunnel/cave network. The tour required hardhats and flashlights! Dina and I before we enter the underground caves!

According to our tour guide, more than 260 caves in more than 20 separate tunnel/cave networks were constructed throughout the Yokosuka Naval Base. These caves were built by the Imperial Japanese Navy. There are approximately 27km (16.77 miles) of known and charted tunnels throughout the Navy base.

During the war, these tunnels were used to conduct secret operations and provide safety from air attacks. At the height of their use, the caves contained a 500-bed hospital, a large electric power facility, and a small submarine factory and warehouse. Also during the war, it is estimated that more than 800 Japanese military members lived in the caves. Can you image living here…

Much of the cave’s history is classified and not shared with the public. During the Korean War, the caves were used as an emergency shelter and storage area for U.S. forces. During the Vietnam War, a portion of the cave was converted into the office spaces used today. The first picture was an altar.

In 1992, U.S. Naval forces surveyed and mapped out the caves. This proved to be a very difficult and time-consuming process. Each department of the Japanese naval base were order to build their own caves. This created chaotic organization of the cave and tunnel system. As a result of this survey, it was determined the caves were unsafe and therefore sealed off with the exception of three main caves that were refurbished and currently in use.

At this point, the caves are unlit, crumbling, and a bit creepy. There were signs, rock falls, rusted equipment and decomposing wooden hospital beds.

And bugs. Big gross disgusting gejigeji. Awful. Just awful. Nightmares for days after seeing these in the dark tunnels. I made sure not to stay longer than required!

Speaking of creepy. Dina and I give our best effort for creepy/scary flashlight face.

I’m happy to report we both made it out and lived to tell about. Yet another item I can cross off my list of “glad I did it and even more glad I never need to do again!”

Asakusa Seven Lucky Gods

By wabisabisole

On February 20, 2017

In 2017, Asakusa, Beer, Japan, Lucky, Seven Lucky Gods, Shrine, Sushi, Temple

After visiting the Tokyo Skytree, we went to the Sensō-ji Temple where we began the Seven Lucky Gods pilgrimage around Asakusa (pronounced A-sox-sa). The Sensō-ji Temple is one of the largest and most well temples in Tokyo. There were so many tourists!

A selfie at the start of our pilgrimage, the front gate of the temple. It was such a bright and sunny day!

After crossing through the front gate, there is a street with many stores selling every imaginable souvenir. Some of the stores weren’t open yet and so I was able to get a couple pictures of the art painted on the store doors.

The temple is very large and beautiful.

With this Seven Lucky Gods pilgrimage, we were able to collect Temple stamps and small prayer cards that hang from a branch. At Sensō-ji Temple, I purchased the branch with a rooster card (2017 is the year of the rooster) and the card for Daikokuten, the God of commerce and prosperity.

Very close to Sensō-ji Temple was our next stop at the Asakusa Shrine. This shrine is dedicated to Ebisu, the God of wealth and prosperity.

Ebisu is the patron of fisherman and is shown holding a fish on the prayer card.

Our next stop was at the Honryuin Temple where Bisyamonten is honored. Bisyamonten is the God of War. He is pictured with an angry face to defeat evil!

The temple was unique because it had daikon that could be purchased as an offering. According to the temple brochure, “the daikon represents our minds trapped in deep ignorance, emanating poison of anger, but by offering a daikon to Kangi-Ten, that poison will be purged from our body and soul.”

Also, while we were waiting for my temple book to be stamped, one of the monks encouraged us to take dust from a beautiful gold urn and rub it on our palms and all over our bodies to cure any ailments. We rubbed it into our hands and down our legs hoping for a pain free marathon next weekend.

Cleansing water.

The fourth stop was the Imado Shrine or the Lucky Cat Shrine. This one has been on my list of must visit every since we went to the Lucky Cat Temple. The legend of the Imado Shrine was about an old woman who lived in Imado (Asakusa). She was forced to sell her cat due to extreme poverty. In her sadness, she dreamt of the cat telling her to make its image in clay. She created the clay cats and sold them. They were so popular she soon became very prosperous.

Here we collected the first of two prayer cards for Fukurokuji. Fukurokuji is the God of wisdom, luck, longevity, wealth, and happiness. The Imado Shrine features cats coupled together and visiting this temple is said to bring good fortune to your marriage. Also, if searching for a spouse, this is a good temple to visit and pray.

I purchased one of these cute of course a lucky cat prayer cards! Kawaii!

Look at these watering cans!

The next stop on our pilgrimage was the Ishihama Shrine. Here we collected the card for Jurojin, the God of longevity.

I loved the mixture of the stone and red wooden Tori gates.

After this stop is when my navigation went astray. I marked all of the Temples/Shrines on Google Maps the night before. Unfortunately, I tagged two of the wrong temples. Temples often have the same name. Like saying “First Baptist” or “United Methodist” – there can be more than one in an area. I should have looked at the map I was given at Sensō-ji Temple a little closer. I would have saved us about 1.5 hours of back-tracking.

The good part, we found a delicious conveyor sushi spot to eat lunch. All was not lost!

When we finally arrived back at the Fudodin Temple where we collected the prayer card for Hoteison, the God of good fortune.

If you notice Hotei on the map, you will see this temple was very close to where we just were when we went to the Ishihama Shrine. I added a 1.5-hour detour. Fortunately, we did ride the train and eat lunch for some part of that 1.5 hours.

The Fudodin Temple was small and colorful.

Now we were back on track with two stops remaining. As we were walking towards the Yasaki Inari Shrine, we came upon a vending machine selling beer. Yes! Another new experience! Would we be able to buy a beer? Yes, yes we were! And thanks to my fabulous brother, I had a koozie to keep it cool and my hand warm! Kanpie!

I’m still confused about how this is possibly legal. Regardless, we happily drank our beer and walked to next stop, the Otori Shrine also dedicated to Jurojin. Our second Jurojin – Jurojin is the God of longevity and pictured here with a deer, a symbol of longevity.

I am not clear why there are two Jurojin on this pilgrimage. There are also two Fukurokuju – we skipped the last one. Here is the Otori Shrine. Small and bright.

Continuing to the last stop, the Yoshiwara Shrine, we came across a small shrine around the corner from the main Shrine. Both the main and smaller Yoshiwara Shrine are dedicated to Benzaiten, the Goddess of water and music. Check out the artwork!

We continued on to the main Yoshiwara shrine. It was just as embellished!

The main altar. Gotta love the Sake barrels!

The prayer card of Benzaiten.

I took another up close picture of the hanging offering outside the entrance.

And one last selfie at the completion of our journey.

Our branch is now complete with our cute prayer cards for each lucky God.

This is my fourth Seven Lucky Gods. I enjoy them because they take you through parts of an area you wouldn’t normally visit. Plus, I love seeing the different temples/shrines. They are all so unique. Simultaneously, I love the scavenger hunt aspect. Yesterday was the perfect setting for wandering around Asakusa gather luck!

This Seven Lucky Gods pilgrimage was a bit longer than the others I have completed. According to Dave’s Fitbit, we walked 13.30 miles on Saturday. (This also included our trip to the Tokyo SkyTree.) None the less, it was a lot of walking and my side excursion only made it longer. By the time we finished, we were ready for a cold beer to celebrate our pilgrimage. Kanpie!

Tokyo Skytree

By wabisabisole

On February 19, 2017

In 2017, Japan, Tokyo, Tokyo Skytree

We started our morning with a visit to the Tokyo Skytree. It has been on my list of must-do on a clear day. The clear blue skies when we awoke this morning was the sign we had been waiting for!

The Tokyo Skytree opens at 8:00am. We were in line to purchase our tickets by 8:15am. Arriving early enabled us to get ahead of the potentially long lines.

The trip is a bit costly. It costs ¥2,060 for an adult to go to the Tembo Deck (350m). Once you are on the Tempo Deck, you can purchase a ticket for ¥1,030 to go to the Tembo Galleria (450m). And then there was the tourist picture for ¥1,300. The total expense for the two of us was ¥8,100. Pricey!

But, the view! It was clear enough we could see Mt. Fuji and ALOT of buildings. I knew Tokyo was HUGE. I just didn’t realize the expanse of the city.

In every direction, buildings.

One of my favorite pictures was the shadow of the Tokyo Skytree.

There is also a glass bottom floor in one area. It was not as impressive as the Willis Tower Sky Deck. Cool none the less.

It was a unique experience. If you want to go when you visit, I would recommend we do it on a clear morning or go up at night to see the city in lights.

On a side note, a couple things I’ve noticed about Tokyo. For being as large as it is, you don’t hear sirens. In 24 hours we have only heard one siren. Simultaneously, I’m shocked by the number of tourist. I know, I’m technically a tourist myself – but, there are so many people speaking English! To include people walking around and the staff at our hotel, Tokyo Skytree and restaurants. I’m so accustomed to not understanding conversations around me, it’s strange to to hear English.
The rest of our day was spent on a Seven Lucky Gods pilgrimage. I’ll share that adventure tomorrow.

Japanese Hotel

By wabisabisole

On February 18, 2017

In Asakusa, Google Map, Japan, New Sanno, Plum Blossoms, Temple, Tokyo, Train, Travel, Ume

Thursday evening, Dave spontaneously suggested we take time to sightsee in Tokyo for the long weekend. The New Sanno was booked, of course, so I made us reservations for a room at the APA Hotel in Asakusa. Asakusa is on the east side of Tokyo. We have not really explored this area yet. We are the blue dot in the photo.

I used several of the local Facebook pages to select the hotel. It came with good recommendations and the suggestion to bring your own pillows. Haha. Seriously, I wish we would have listened! They are flat! We were provided robes set with crane origami.

The room is tiny and a great deal. About $85 a night! Besides a bed, window and full bath, it has two pairs of slippers for each of us, a fridge, a place to hang stuff, steam pot, humidifier and a TV.

Check out all 118 square feet.

Perfect fit!?!

The only place for our carry on sized suitcase was in front of the door. Putting the suitcase in front of the door is a bit of a hazard. We therefore had a serious conversation about egress. Dave promised to get us both out in the event of an emergency. Safety is paramount.

A place to hang stuff.

Bed. Window. TV.

The bathroom is adorable. The sink and shower faucet are controlled by the same spot!

The toiletries were fully stocked.

Ironically, the only oversized item is the soap, conditioner and shampoo!

Honestly, it’s part of the Japanese experience. And it’s only for two nights. Tomorrow, I plan on taking Dave to at least seven temples (another Seven Lucky Gods pilgrimage) and possibly another two to see Ume Blossoms. In the afternoon, perhaps we can make it to the Tokyo Skytree. My tourist list is long as always!

Alcohol Vending Machines

By wabisabisole

On February 17, 2017

In Beer, Chu-Hai, Japan, Vending Machines, Yen

Vending machines are very common in Japan. There is always one nearby when you need it. In fact, when we go out for a long run, we take yen with us and stop at a vending machine for water. It is a very convenient alternative to having to carry water on long runs. Normally, we see this type of vending machine. It is stocked with sodas, water, sports drink, coffee, and other options. If you look a little closer, notice the color of the price tag. The items with a blue price are cold and the items with a red price are hot.

The other day, Dave and I were on our way back home during a long run, we saw a vending machine and decided to stop for water. Upon approaching the vending machine, we realized it offered a different option! The vending machine was stocked with Chu-Hai and beer. Kanpie!

We were confused about the advertisements for the Sake Pass. I took pictures and shared them with my Japanese friend Miki hoping to get a little bit more information.

Here is the information Miki shared with me. I copied and pasted her message.

“Oh! I didn’t know the liquor pass card.? the machine is not old. google….

When we buy alcohol by this machine. We put in Sake pass or drivers license. If we show ID the liquor store. They give us The card. It’s free. The idea was made by the maker of the vending machine company’s. but performance is badly. ha ha sometimes it doesn’t work.

I asked my son about Sake pass card. he said There is two vending machines near my house. However, It’s not work? the machines don’t read the cards and Driver license. minor can buy Sake!

They have friends who are over 21years old. I think minors can get the cards!

They can buy Sake. They don’t need show their ID. It’s useful for them. Im confused about rules about alcohol.??Like you?”

Miki is fantastic and very funny. She has become my go-to when I have a “Japan” question.

The even funnier part of the vending machine is the setting. Right in the middle of a neighborhood and right across the street from a bus stop. Convenient if you need a beverage to hydrate as you climb the hill to home!

As always, every day is a chance to learn something new! Happy Friday! Kanpie!

Update 10/19/17: since first posting this article, I have been able to find several alcohol vending machines during my travels. I have also purchased myself a Chu-Hai and Dave a beer. They were cold and delicious.

Tall and Small

By wabisabisole

On February 16, 2017

In Cherry Blossoms, Google Map, Japan, Kamakura, Ramen, Sakura

Dina and I went to Kamakura to do a little shopping. After walking down Komachi Dori for a little bit, we were ready for lunch and decided to enjoy a bowl of ramen. The first place we found was closed. I did a quick “ramen near me” search on Google Maps.

Google Maps led us to Hirano.

Turns out, Hirano is the Japan’s smallest ramen joint. The sign out front was hysterical.

As we were reading the sign, we thought we should first check to see if there was room for us before determining our order. As luck would have it, when we opened the door, three people came out. Therefore, plenty of room!

There were actually two more seats available. Seven seats total. (Can you see all 4 customers? Plus me taking the picture.)

Our chef in the kitchen.

Ironically, the smallest ramen joint in Japan still serves ginormous bowls of ramen.

I ordered the #4 special ramen. Miso base with a little spice. It was good. It made the top five of my favorite ramen joints mainly because of the restaurant itself.

Seriously, could this place be any funnier!?!

Perhaps, when Dina poses for me!

Kamakura is full of so many bizarre and unique experiences. I truly can’t wait to take you there when you visit!

Here are my finds from our shopping. Can you tell it is Sakura Season? A couple bowls, plates, chopstick rests and adorable cats. Kawaii!!

Miurakaigan Sakura

By wabisabisole

On February 14, 2017

In Cherry Blossoms, Japan, Sakura

Miurakaigan is located towards the southern end of the Miura peninsula (where we live). I went today with several spouses for my first true Sakura viewing. I was AMAZED! They are more beautiful than I ever imagined!

I took these pictures right outside the train station!

We had to walk about 10 minutes to the main road where the Sakura line the side of the road.

On one side is the train tracks and the other side is the street. Seeing the blue train zip past was picture perfect.

The red was pretty, too.

A few close up pictures.

I caught a bird in one!

After walking down the street, we were able to walk through a small park. Cute pink and white lanterns lined the path. Yay! Yellow train!

My friend, Karen, took this picture for me with my iPhone.

Karen is a professional photographer and took this picture with her fancy camera with a crazy swirly filter attached. Obviously, her camera provides better lighting! This is the second time Karen has lived in Japan and she has lived here a year already. She has promised to take me to all of the “good” Sakura, wisteria and hydrangea spots this spring. I’m super excited.

Besides Sakura in the park, there was also a small shrine and Japanese snacks!

After the park, we crossed a bridge over the train tracks. A few more pictures close up. Maybe just a few more…

The sad thing about the Sakura, they only last a couple weeks. The good thing, each species and location bloom during different times. I wasn’t joking when I said Sakura Blossoms were my new obsession!! If you want to see Sakura Blossoms this year, you will need to visit before the first week of April. Or next year, plan to visit between the last week in February and the first week of April. I can’t wait to explore with you!

Flowers by Naked

By wabisabisole

On February 13, 2017

In 2017, Flowers, Japan, Sakura, Tokyo

Catchy title, huh?

I went with a group of spouses to Nihonbashi area of Tokyo to visit an art exhibit known as “Flowers” by Naked 2017.

As you entered the exhibit hall, the aromatic fragrance immediately removed any stress. The aroma was complemented by calming music both of which helped to establish a majestic and serene atmosphere.

The journey through the exhibit begin with a story book illustrating the flowers on display.

The art exhibit included real flowers, flower images, and lighting to bring the flowers to life.

Some of the flower displays were larger than life!

To illustrate summer was an over six-foot tall dandelion seed head.

Frozen flowers of winter.

As you progressed through the exhibit, you moved through a bamboo tunnel.

Springtime = Sakura!

These three ladies were preforming an interpretive dance beneath the Sakura exhibit.

The Sakura exhibit was enhanced with a light show. The lights brought the blossoms to life and gave me the sensation of watching the blossoms in a gentle breeze.

A couple close up pictures of the paper Sakura flowers.

This dress! A Sakura inspired design. Notice the train!

These images are my favorite. A large illuminated ball representing a full moon hung with the Sakura trees.

Full moon, Sakura trees and the amazing Sakura dress.

Coming around the corner, I found the flower science lab! Here you could smell the different fragrances of several flowers.

There was also a balcony viewing area. It was relaxing to listen to the music, smell the aromatherapy, and watch the light show.

It was a very unique art experience. One of my Ikebana friends was there as well and we both laughed at how much we are enjoying (and getting excited about) flowers since arriving in Japan. I remarked that I’m becoming so much like my grandmothers. I know both my grandmothers, Bobbee and Mona, would have loved this exhibit!

Yokohama World Beer Museum

By wabisabisole

On February 12, 2017

In Dockside Garden, Japan, Yen

After our long run this morning, Dave and I took the train up to Yokohama. We wanted to enjoy a pint and lunch at the World Beer Museum. It is located in the Dockside Garden near the Landmark Tower. At the entry, there is a gigantic beer pyramid display. Very cool.

We arrived a little bit before 2:00 pm. It wasn’t crowded and by the time we left it was empty.

We both ordered a beer, of course, and shared a fried cheese and potato appetizer.

Dave’s Japanese beer was more reasonably priced than my pint of an American IPA. The Pike IPA I ordered was ¥1380 or about $13. It was delicious and worth every yen. The fried cheese was probably the highlight of the meal.

After our appetizer, we shared an order of nachos and fish and chips. Both were the perfect size for sharing. The nachos were more of a bean dip and tasted pretty good.

The chips were hot and fresh and tasted much better than the fish. The batter was very sweet and didn’t have the “beer batter” flavor we are accustomed to when eating fish and chips.