Sumo wrestling training

This morning we watched sumo wrestlers train. They train every day. Highlight of the day, nuff said.

Then I left Eric for a sumo wrestler

Then we ate lots of sashimi at Tsukiji outer fish market. YUM

They closed the Tsukiji Inner Fish market (for vendors) just this past Saturday. They’ve literally been talking about doing this for years. It’s been moved about 30 minutes away and opening next week. The new site was contaminated so they had to “clean” it up. RIP the old Tsukiji inner fish market (with our nice guide):

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Kanazawa, oh Kanazawa

I had been wanting to visit Kanazawa since we first started planning this trip. It is known for its seafood. It also has a very fancy bus station. The morning started off a little rough. We were unable to conquer the walls of the Kanazawa castle: Because of this nonsense: But then we found the fish market, ate some incredible sushi and the angels sang. Then onto one of the three best gardens in all of Japan, Kenrouken: It is spider season Then onto some Buddhist edumacation at the DJ Suzuki Museum. Very zen I thought this was interesting for anyone interested in architecture: Another prayer at a Shinto temple because we can use all the help we can get: Then we went to a sweets festival which was like Sweet Hut in a bunch of tents. They had the greatest bouncy castle I’ve ever seen (or scariest?): I had been worried about smokers in Japan because I had read there’s lots of smoking. But it hasn’t been a problem, thanks to the Smorking tents: I would like to come back to Kanazawa a

Takayama - beware of bears

Today we took a bus through the mountains, over streams and through tunnels to Takayama. The ride looked a bit like this but better We ate Hida beef for lunch which we grilled ourselves on our little grill. Hida beef is of similar caliber to Wagyu. Delicious. The cook came over saying “Atlanta, Atlanta” because Eric was wearing a Braves Jersey. Then he talked about how great John Smoltz was and this immediately became my favorite restaurant. Then we walked through Shiroyama Park to see the castle ruins and Shorenji Temple. It was really a 45 minute uphill battle. Eric promised me a day of shopping if I climbed it. Even though I knew he’d only give me a little shopping, I went along. I was especially excited when I saw the “watch out for bears” sign. Brilliant. But the trail lead to some awesome views Tomorrow we are going to visit this massive cult religious center. Then Eric did allow me some shopping in the Old town. We went into a gourmet food shop which Eric decla

Oh Osaka, I didn’t expect to love you so

Food in Osaka deserves its own special post; so first let’s talk about non food related items. First up, a curved escalator Then rhinestone covered Mercedes Then the best Don Quixote ever. Not sure if I’ve expressed my love for Don Quixote yet so nows as good a time as ever. I love this chain of stores! It’s like the dollar store and Big Lots and a food store and clothes store and electric store and home goods store and costume store all in one. Usually on six or seven floors. This one has its own Ferris wheel!!! I did not expect to fall in love with Osaka. In fact I thought I wouldn’t like it. All the guidebook pics make it look like an armpit. I’m here to say Osaka is like my soul animal. Here are the signs:

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