Offspring

Chris' second trip to Japan and Yuki's second homecoming saw us bring Misaki to see her Japanese relatives. First stop was Maebashi, to visit grandparents Yasuo and Jinko, uncle Atsuo, and great aunts and uncles.

- beautiful doorway in Yusawa

West Coast

After a lovely rest, including many culinary inspired trips to eat soba, we turned on the Toyota automatic navigation system, followed the instructions to "mamonaku, hidari hoko desu" (soon, turn left) and drove to Kanazawa on the west coast of Japan. There we visited auntie Hanae and Misaki's cousins Mao, Yuske and Taiche. We wandered around beautiful Kanazawa, including the famous Kenrokouen gardens.

- Kotoji lantern in kenrouken, named after its resemblance to the bridge on the musical instrument, the Koto

Then, on our return to Maebashi, we passed through Takayama, which, to our good fortune, was having a festival the two days we were there. There were parades, beatiful floats, food stalls, antique markets, and locals dressed in traditional costumes.

Japan Photo Album

To look at our photos of Japan, click the buttons below to "flip" through the book.

2002: Japan