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.