Kinkakuji is a Zen temple whose top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf. We must have visited this temple on a popular field trip day since the place was swarmed with middle school students.
It took us a bit to get used to Kyoto since we were quite accustomed to the Tokyo rush. We prefer the crowded pedestrian paths in Tokyo over dodging fast-paced bikes in Kyoto. Kyoto definitely has it own charms however.
We almost missed this view of Mount Fuji on the train from Tokyo to Kyoto (we were busy marveling over the perfectly crustless sandwich and delicious bento box we were having for lunch).
…a perfect spring day along the moat of the Imperial Palace.
Our hotel was close to Shibuya and Shinjuku so we found ourselves in Shinjuku rather often. We learned quickly not to be caught up in the subway during rush hour after being compressed like sardines along with business men in suit. It was quite an experience!
From endless shopping to endless eating…our feet were about to fall off as we finished our day.
We visited St. Mary’s Cathedral for a Sunday mass, and stumbled upon Edogawabashi Park and the Kanda River banks, ladened with cherry blossoms.
Asakusa is one of Tokyo’s few districts which still have preserved a certain atmosphere of the old Tokyo. We were much intrigued by the juxtaposition of tradition and modernity.
After much consideration, we decided to embark on our trip to Japan as planned, and we’re so glad we did not change our mind. We did not encounter any problem traveling to and within Japan (besides the 7 hours delay of our flight leaving San Francisco). The Japanese people were incredibly welcoming to visitors, and we completely fell in love with this amazing country. We did feel a couple of earthquakes (two 7.1, and one 6.4), but everyone was very calm and carried on as usual.
On our first day in Tokyo, we woke up very early due to jet lag. After a hearty breakfast of fish and noodles, we headed to Ueno Park. The cherry blossoms were in full bloom, and people already began to gather as early as 8 A.M. to enjoy hanami despite the slight rain and cold wind.
A few snapshots we took recently…
Anh Vu and Chi Hien had their wedding ceremony in Virginia but never had the chance to have a reception in Southern California. This 4th of July, our entire family along with our closest friends and relatives were treated by Anh Vu and Chi Hien to an evening of great food, great fun and lots of love.
Minh Chau’s family flew from Southern California and spent some time with us in May. We had a blast hanging out in the Bay Area.