2008 - first visitors from Oz- Part 2

January 18th

This was the day we had all been waiting for. Who wouldn't look forward to a day of sitting in cramped yoga style positions while watching giant babies trying to push each other out of a large mud playpen? Luckily the beer and sake was flowing.
YES YOU GUESSED IT...we went to Ryogoku Kokugikan (Ryogoku National Sports Arena) to watch live SUMO.


Actually it was a great experience and a definite must do for anyone who lives in or visits Japan.

First we stopped off in Akihabara and Ryan and Sarah looked at a few digital HD recorders. they found a bargain but decided to think about it while watching the Sumo and ended up getting the camera on the way home.

Words cant describe the sumo experience so here are some pictures. Sorry some of these aren't such good quality

Outside the RYOGOKU KOKUGIKAN

Sarah and Ryan in front of Ryogoku Kokugikan

Us in front of Ryogoku Kokugikan

Posing with a Sumo baby

Nobori in front of Ryogoku Kokugikan

Sumo

The Opening Ceremony







Asashoryu versus Miyabiyama


Food

Hakuho versus Kisenosato






Infamous Sumo Babies

2008 - first visitors from Oz- Part 1

Back in January we had our first visitors. Ryan (Mac), Sarah and Wilson (Sarah's bump) came from Oz and stayed with us for a few days on their way to the snow in Niseko.
It was fantastic fun and guys you can stay with us any time. Not sure our neighbours will be too keen. Lets just say that the 4.2 of us were snoring loud enough to drown out the guy down stairs. Of course lots of beers, food, fun and sights will do that.

January 16th
We met them at the platform of the Narita Express. Sarah, Turtle and Mac at Shinjuku Station
Sarah, Koala and Mac at Shinjuku Station

We then headed through Kabuki-cho, the Red Light District, where we bumped into some interesting characters.

Ryan and Sarah pose with a new half Onigiri (a transgender person dressed up as a riceball)

Final destination, Ikkyu, an Izakaya (restaurant/bar) that's a favourite with uni students. Cheap prices and big serves.

Ryan got to drink beer on the train.....


.....and Sarah quickly becomes one of the locals.

January 17th
The next day took a walk around the neighborhood. I love taking visitors for a walk to the end of our street and showing them this

GoJuuNoTo 5 story pagoda at Korinji temple

GoJuuNoTo 5 story pagoda and headstones at Korinji temple

Main temple at Kourinji temple

Mac and Sarah at Korinji temple in Chiyogaoka

Sarah using an Oke -bucket and hishaku-scoop to clean the headstones

We then went to the local Cafe and encountered a Yakuza lunch meeting. I am serious!! Sorry no pictures for obvious reasons. After a feed we hoped on the trains and headed to Asakusa.

Asahi Flame -otherwise known as the golden poo

KaminariMon - Thunder gate at Sensouji temple also known as Asakusa Kannon Temple

Nakamise dori - middle shopping street

Thunder gate

Gojuunoto 5 storey pagoda at Asakusa

Main temple at Asakusa

Sarah tries some incense purification

Ryan tries some water purification- keep trying buddy

hyottoko- fireman mask and okame-woman mask

A Japanese god

Shishi lion mask

After a long day of walking around we headed back to meet Turtle at his parents place and then headed out for dinner and bed.

Mac, Sarah and Maki-chan

Daddy turtle- Katsumi

Misa, Mac, Mummy Turtle (Sumiyo) and Sarah