Old Places in Tokyo - Part 2

One of our main outdoor dining spots - Il Casita.

We don't forget to visit the top sites in Tokyo while Mom and Dad are here.  Everyone enjoys having their photo taken with the sake barrels at the Meiji Shrine...

It's just like stacking empty beer cans when in college.

Another busy day at Sensoji!

...and seeing the other big religious attraction, Sensoji Shrine. 

Lungs, shoulder, back...maybe it would be faster to list the healthy parts instead!

While there we burn some incense and waft the smoke towards us - we hope it heals all our illnesses and aches!

Just makes it!

Dad takes advantage of the healing properties of the giant straw sandal - touching it is supposed to sooth weary feet.











We don't forget to make a stop to see the Shibuya Scramble.

It's like a bunch of ants running around out there.

And we wouldn't miss a Swallows baseball game!  We all have lots of fun, and Steve and Dad became very involved in the cheering.  Unfortunately, they didn't help the Swallows score that inning.

Mt. Fuji or bust!

My parents take a day trip to Mt. Fuji and Lake Ashi, similar to our previous guests.  They have a great time on this tour, too.  Their guide is very active with the group - they even learn how to make origami shapes while on the long bus trip.

Maybe one day we'll actually see Mt. Fuji like this!

The weather isn't ideal for picturesque photos, but Dad manages to get a good shot of Mt. Fuji, regardless!  Okay, maybe this is actually a picture of a picture...


Part of the experience is a fast trip back to Tokyo on the shinkansen (bullet train).

Cool nose!

We try out another Escape Room mystery.  We have a better idea of what to expect and the knowledge assists us in solving the mysteries faster.  We're able to finish the final puzzle just as the buzzer goes off.  Success!

Sherlock Holmes, watch out!

Shop 'til you drop - that almost literally happened to Mom when she was sick.

Our guests find souvenir shopping to be an important part of their visit.  Everyone has gone home with stuffed suitcases.  Surprisingly, the 100 Yen Shops  (Dollar Stores) are wonderful places to pick up keepsakes....and I always end up finding stuff I never knew I needed. (Like individually wrapped q-tips - perfect for throwing in my gym bag.  Who knew something like that existed?)

They do a good job with the lights in the Japanese garden.

We make sure to stop at some of our specially selected restaurants for visiting guests.  Everyone should have a kaiseki dinner while in Japan, and we eat at Tokyo Shiba Tofuya Ukai.  We always go early so we can take pictures in their garden.







We go to our favorite yakitori (though my parents still prefer the vendor from Sunamachi) and conveyor belt sushi restaurants. 

Working hard over the grill!

Trying lots of new foods!

The UNU Farmers Market is always a great place to eat lunch!

Yummy!

 
While my parents are here, we do some "normal" activities, too.  We get caught up on birthday gifts...

Which one to open first?

Shaving cream for women!  Yes!

...I give Steve and Dad a couple of projects to work on around the apartment...

Will my magnetic bars EVER stay attached to the wall?

Tie-Dye is hiding in the bedroom again!

...we watch Tennessee football...  

We love back massages!

  ...and you can't forget to pet the dogs!

We go see the movie Sully.  I love the movie theaters here.  Starting a couple of days before the specific showing you can buy your tickets online and reserve your seat.  Several of the theaters have "special" seating sections.  The reclining lounge chairs are not only very comfortable, but perfectly placed so the movie screen exactly fills your view.  Someone did some good engineering there!  But the seats with the extra space in between each one are actually the ones I prefer.

Mom & Dad enjoying my favorite theater seats!

Wait - where are our drinks?!?  And why are we all wearing blue?

No visit would be complete without a stop in our neighborhood bar, Bubbles.












We have a wonderful time sharing our "hometown" city with my parents.  Once again, the apartment feels a little empty after they're gone (just a little empty - the apartment isn't that big!) and Steve keeps wanting to play the elevator game.  We hope they enjoyed their "once in a lifetime" experience, because we loved having them here!