Japan part III -- Rebekah's Utopia

We saw hundreds of kimono-clad women and girls -- not only in front of the Kabuki theater (which was awesome)

A crossroads in Shinjuku -- one of six neighborhoods that eclipse Times Square for lights, people, and energy

Part of our view from the Hilton's 23rd floor -- the 5 am earthquake was pretty dramatic that high up!

The view from a hillside buddhist monastery's spartan cafe in the seaside hamlet of Kamakura

"I want to move to Tokyo! 32 million people have never been so clean, polite, orderly, and warm."


So we loved our trip and have hundreds more pics and stories! We'll bore you with them when we see you next.

Japan part II -- peaceful mountains, frenetic city

Magnificent shrine to Tokugawa in Nikko (the site of Rebekah's tennis shoe karma)

Entrance to the ethereal shrine of Tokugawa's grandson (even more otherworldly in the mist)

One of hundreds of shrines nestled in the forest

Bento boxes are always good for a few surprises

Rebekah skipped the early morning Tsukiji fish market jaunt (hip-waders optional)

Japan part I -- "My kind of Asia"

Intricate Shinto shrines around Tokyo take you back centuries


Entering one of the many cozy traditional restaurants we sampled (hope you like seafood!)


Our first three nights were in tradiational ryokan (spare, graceful, tatami-matted inns)


Soaking in the onsen (hot springs) high in the mountains


The end of an amazingly lush six mile hike through Nikko Nat'l Park