Today was set aside for rest.  We will be attending a gathering of former Avaya World Cup team members to celebrate the 10th year anniversary of a powerfully successful global marketing event.  Without question, the impact in Japan was awesome and brought great credit and honor to the Japanese men and women who worked with me and made it possible.  Over 50 people will be gathering later tonight.  I am excited too see old friends and share memories of that time we spent together.

A posting and photos will follow the event.

We are also regaining the strength we will need to climb to Mt. Fuji’s summit over the weekend.

Keiko made arrangements her to visit with friends from her elementary school days.  She had a wonderful time renewing friendships and sharing memories and stories.

Me? I was off by myself in Tokyo for the day!? Perhaps it was a combined test she planned of my survival skills and ability to navigate the complexity of the Tokyo rail system. In any event, I didn’t get lost until trying to find her parent’s office in Akasuka.  After leaving the Akasuka station I made a wrong turn and needed to take a taxi.

During my great Tokyo adventure, I visited many old and new districts of the city.  Ueno Park where I spent time at the Tokyo National Museum and other sites and the Ginza for more shopping (and a visit to the Apple store to get e-mail).  I even found my way back to the “discount” area to purchase a pair of high-tech sunglasses for the Mt. Fuji trip.

Interestingly, I found myself walking much of the route I traversed during the 2010 Tokyo Marathon. It sparked many memories of the emotions and joy (yes, some pain) I experienced in completing the race.

Dinner was indeed a very special treat.  Sachiko invited us to a small Tokyo neighborhood place where she had taken cooking lessons from the owner-chef.  A unique menu just for us was prepared and served. I cannot recall many meals anywhere in the world that approached the combined taste, aroma, texture and presentation of the food.  Absolutely magnificent. The sake accompanying the meal is also worth noting.  It had a mellow, smooth taste and bouquet.  I had never had such an excellent sake ….. and I consumed a considerable quantity to be sure I was not mistaken.

The day was spent shopping for personal items and gifts for family and friends in the United States.  Keiko navigates us to shops well-off the tourist paths where we can purchase high quality goods at a great price despite the extremely high value of the Yen exchange rate.

We also purchased some gear for the Mt. Fuji expedition – oxygen canisters and other supplies we did not bring with us.  The district that we shopped for these items was new to me and fascinating.  Near some local universities, it is populated by numerous shops selling musical instruments and outdoor gear shops – trekking, climbing, golf, ski, etc. I could have spent a day just roaming the area.

Certainly no trip is complete without a visit to the famed Tokyo “electric town,” Akihabara. Keilo tolerates my passion for this special landmark and I took advantage of the visit to make an extraordinary purchase.  As many of you know, one of my prize possessions is my 1973 Toyota LandCruiser. Tamiya produces a 1/10 scale remote control kit version of the vehicle.  Usually priced at over US$500.00, I found a kit on sale at TamTam Hobbies at 50% off!  Ah, a man and his toys. I could not resist and it will be returning with us.

Of course, meals were another feature of the day.  A small local noodle shop for lunch.  For dinner, Keiko’s parents treated us at a wonderful shabu-shabu restaurant.  A favorite meal Keiko makes ofter at home, this traditional Japanese hot pot meal tastes so much better in Tokyo due to the availability and quality of the ingredients she cannot find in the United States.

Today we headed for Miyajima, the island site of the famous Itsukushima Shrine.  You will likely recognize the shrine from the photos (and it was recently featured in an episode of the Great Race).

The shrine is a marvel of Japanese architecture and construction techniques. At high tide the structures appear to be floating on the waters surface.

As you might expect, a meal figured into our plans.  I can only report that the fresh oysters and eel, Miyajima specialties, were unbelievable in quality and quantity!

After a full day of touring and shopping we had a fast, quiet and restful return to Tokyo on the shinkansen.