Tokyo: We Were Sad to Say Good-bye

Tokyo is a food lovers town, and I can't recommend it highly enough on that basis alone. Variety is something that Tokyo has in excess and it doesn't stop with the food. Tokyo as place has variety baked in. On two consecutive days during our last week we went to Odaiba followed the next day with a visit to Mt. Takao. The contrast between these places could not have been more striking and each is just a train ride away.

I thought Tokyo was like visiting the future during our 2006 trip, and on this trip Odiaba gave me a similar feeling. Odaiba is a man-made island in Tokyo Bay with a mix of shopping malls, offices and residential buildings. The architecture though is pure sci-fi. To get there you take a train that leaves from the fourth story of the Shimbashi train station. The train takes you over Tokyo and then over the water with spectacular views the whole way. Once you arrive, you are greeted by broad walkways that would be at home in any Star Wars movie. Walkways connect a number of huge structures that continue the sci-fi vibe. The whole thing appealed to the 8 year old boy in me. We both also really enjoyed the massive outlet mall, the interior of which was stolen lock, stock and barrel from the Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas. Complete with a faux Italian fountain and Church facade.

The next day we set out for Mount Takao. We had a great day of hiking the highlights of which were several different opportunities to view Mount Fuji. It was a real thrill to see such an icon in the flesh. We ended our day at Mt. Takao with a trip to Yaku-ou-in Temple complex. The temple is a series of beautiful traditional buildings built at various levels on Mt. Takao.

Seeing these two on consecutive days felt like seeing past and future.  Despite it's constant drive for renewal and reinvention, Tokyo always nods to it's history and tradition.

These last few post are just a taste of our time in Tokyo, and I can't believe how quickly the five weeks went by.  We just got to Tokyo!  But no, month four of our travels came and went in an awesome dream.  We must say a special thank you to Molly and Andrew who truly shepherded this part of our journey to make it so much greater.  Not a bad suggestion left their lips, and we are totally appreciative for all their help and guidance. We also just loved hanging out! Thanks guys!

Month five here we come...