Sensoji

We went to visit Sensoji one of the most important religious sites in Japan. There was lots to see, of which Louis put up with for about 30-seconds.

Lots of people thought that seeing an old temple would be a good thing to do on Children's Day, especially in the rain. Not that many children though...


The famous "Thunder Gate" is the entrance to the temple. Because of a little rain, they folded up the lantern. Pfft.

Pagodas look cool, but I'm not sure what purpose they serve as buildings. They don't look like they'd really be especially good for any particular purpose.



What Louis *does* like to do, is pose for pictures:

Kodomo no Hi

May 5th is Children's Day in Japan, a national holiday. Around the country, large carp kites are flown in the hopes that children will grow strong as they are faced with life's challenges.

I could write more about it, but you should read what Wikipedia says instead.

Odaiba

We took a trip to Odaiba, a large man-made island in Tokyo. There was a cool Toyota museum/showroom filled with cars from the future (robots) as well as a go-cart that Louis tested (also probably a robot).


We rode on one of the largest ferris wheels in the world and looked back across the water at downtown Tokyo.




Then, we spent some time on a small beach where Louis practiced putting sand on top of sticks.


I may be thrown in the air and killed seven times before I touch the ground for telling you this, but, I discovered a teleport station. I can't tell you about what technological wonders are inside because I wasn't allowed to enter. It is guarded by ninjas.

Showa Kinen Koen, Part 2

We went back to Louis' favorite park, Showa Kinen Koen (in Tachikawa). The flowers were all in bloom and we had a nice picnic by a shade tree. Then we got down to business and Louis showed us that he is definitely not afraid to climb on the nets with the big kids! We even had time to ride the paddle-boat while we were at the park!

Kelli and I plan to bring Louis back to this park again soon. When the weather gets warmer, they open up a water park area!

Tanzawaoyama Quasi-National Park

We visited the Tanzawaoyama Quasi-National Park for another day of hiking (about 1.5 hours subway/train ride). We couldn't figure out why this was a "quasi" park, it certainly seemed like a regular, full blown national park to us. The park is located in a pretty area with a lot of small gardens and farms.

We had a good climb uphill, then down a steep, winding path with log steps to the bottom of a natural waterfall. Louis enjoyed checking out the waterfall (he slept through the climb) and then did some hiking back up from the waterfall. We are contemplating investing in some hiking boots for him! After a short rest, we returned to the park entrance down a different path past a few other waterfalls.

I know this bridge looks easy enough but walking on it was a little scary...it was bouncy and felt like you might take a plunge with each step.

Cool looking flowers - we also saw a lot of these at Mt. Takao.

Arisugawanomiya Memorial Park

Derek is off work for Golden Week (several national Japanese holidays in one week) so he joined Louis and I for playgroup Tuesday morning. After playgroup, we headed over to Arisugawanomiya Memorial Park, about 20 minutes walk from home. It's a wonderful park with both a nice playground and a natural area with mini-waterfalls, pond and plenty of stones for hopping across the little streams.

Mt. Takao

Derek planned a great day of hiking for us at Mt. Takao, about an hour's train ride from Tokyo. We started out with a picnic lunch by a stream, then Louis went into the backpack and we had a rugged hike up. Louis loved getting out at the top and running around for a while - though I think he enjoyed sitting and eating cashews better than the gorgeous view of Mt. Fuji! We took an easier route going down and stopped about halfway to admire a Temple, visit the monkey park, and then coast to the bottom in a cable car.

On the way up.


Stopping near the top.


View of Mt. Fuji from the top.

Tokyo sprawl.

Cool looking gate with angry guy statues (near the temple).


Louis naps on the way down...wish someone would carry me.