Cherry Blossoms - Three Weeks to go

About three weeks to go and the Cherry Blossoms are in full bloom, except the one in front of my house, go figure.  The weather today is fantastic but the wind is picking up.  We wanted to visit the beach and check out some nice Cherry trees.  First stop, the beach, it was very nice and Julia and I found some great shells and rocks while Jeff jogged on the beach.  There were some people fishing or clamming.  I am not sure which.  Out in the ocean you could see huge vessels probably carrying cars somewhere in the world.  Then off to Kakegawa castle to see the flowers and get some ice cream.  It was very crowded but still nice.  The kid made it until 7:00pm and then crashed.  I will miss this part of Japan when we leave.

Hamazushi for lunch!

 The park by our house.

 With my girl.

 Looking for shells at the beach.

 Walking with Daddy after a run on the beach.

 On our way to get some ice cream.

 Kakegawa Castle

 Tulips in the garden by the castle.

 The shells and rocks we found on the beach.

Only two more weekends left in Japan.

Ryugashidou - 竜ヶ岩洞 - Cool Caves in Hamamatsu

Five weeks to go!  Saturday it rained all day so Sunday we decided to head out and find the Ryugashidou caves.    It is just North of Hamamatsu.  It took about one hour to get there with lots of little towns to go through when you are on your way there. It cost 650 yen for adults and of course Julia is free.  It was a fun little day trip.  Outside the entrance there is a dragon made of shrubs and it blows smoke and has red eyes. Julia was a little scared at first and then walked around saying "dragon" the whole time we were there.

Stalagtites and Stalagmites

 Little tunnel Julia and I started down and she freaked out and turned back.  It was just her size so I can't say I was disappointed when she wanted to turn back.

Right behind us was a huge waterfall coming down from the top somewhere. 

There was a little cover so you would not get wet but stairs were wet.

This was called the Phoenix Cathedral

Sitting outside by the pond.  

A little park outside the cave.  They also had stairs up the side of the mountain to a little shrine.  But it started to rain and at this point, we have seen a lot of shrines.

They also had some amazing fossils so we bought a little version of one.  Then off to Jolly Pasta for some lunch.  Tuesday is a holiday in Japan (The First Day of Spring) so hopefully we will have another adventure.  You have to love all the holidays they get here.

Gotemba, Japan

Our 8 year anniversary was March 6th and Jeff was able to take the day off.  It started off kind of cloudy but turned out to be a beautiful, warm, sunny day. We headed to Gotemba, which is about an hour and half away by car.  First stop a Italian restaurant for lunch.  Very common in Japan is the pasta, pizza set.  Then since it was still a little cloudy we headed to the Gotemba outlet mall.  For people who like to shop, it is a wonderful place.  They have stores from the Gap to Prada.  It is set near the bottom of Mt. Fuji so the view is spectacular.  They also have many restaurants and a little playground for kids.  I bought Julia her first backpack so she is ready for hiking now.  Then we went to Gotemba Peace Park.  This was a very cool park with lots of monument, statues, paths set on beautiful grounds.  Here is a quote from the website "A nice park around "Nipponzan Myoho-ji" buddhist temple, with scenic view of Mt.Fuji and a number of interesting statues; of those, the ones of the sect's founder and of Kannon are especially interesting."  


Since it was a Tuesday, there were very few people there so Julia could run around and have fun.


It was a very good way to spend a Tuesday.


Mt Fuji in the clouds.

 Julia at the park at outlet mall

 Lego store at outlet mall. I think everyone needs to have this in their house.

 These guys are so scary.

 The path that lead to the temple above was lined with statues from different countries.
 India's statue

Okinama's statue

 Thailand's statue.  I liked this one the best, so much detail.

 Praying Buddha

 Statue of one of the monks

 Chillin in the park

 With only 6 weeks to go, we have to make the best of what time we have left and will hopefully be able to take a couple more weekend trips.  The cherry blossoms are starting to come out so that should make for some beautiful shots.

Okonomiyaki Aka Japanese

My brother Michael and his girlfriend Dana came and visited this week.  Along with much late nights of laughing and saki we went out to dinner for Okonomiyaki (Japanese pizza).  You sit at a table with a little grill, similar to when you go out for dinner at a Japanese restaurant in the U.S.  However, you have to cook yourself,  I got a break since I had  watch Julia. You start with a bowl of ingredients:  I had sausage, cheese, red pepper and the cabbage.  The cabbage is the main part and then what you want to add.  They bring you the ingredients, then pancake mix with an egg on top.  You mix the egg and mix, then add to the ingredients, stir up and put on the griddle.  Form a circle, and cook for 5 minutes on each side.  After cooking you add some spices and Mayo or mustard if you want.  It tastes especially good with a draft beer!

 Let's get this party started...right?

 Jeff's meal:  Seafood, not sure what it all was but I did see a little tentacle.

 First cook your pork, or what I would call bacon.

Who had made theirs the best pancake circle. I think Dana had the best.

 After the flip and sauce is added.

 We had a great night.  Now home to drink saki.