Not sure if we are becoming better travelers or what, but leaving out of DFW was not as stressful as with other trips. It may have something to do with being allowed to wait in the Admiral’s Lounge instead of at the gate. And before long we were on our Japan Airways flight.

The 13 1/2 hour flight was uneventful and an almost hour cab ride had us at our hotel around 5 pm. Soon we realized we were no longer in Texas

The next day we met up with our guide and headed to Tokyo Station to get all of the train tickets squared away. With it being a rainy day, it was a perfect indoor activity. After two hours of train stuff, we rushed off to our first planned activity; Indigo Dying. An ancient art from India, and nurtured in Japan. We tied up our cloth, dipped and squeezed a number of times, watching them change colors with each step, and ended up with a unique souvenir.

As we strolled two miles back , a few more opportunities presented themselves:

The next to days were a mix of spending time with the guide, exploring on our own and failing to perfect the subway system ( but we gave it a good try).

Walking to Ueno park we went thru several cemeteries, with old and new style grave markers.

Old style

Ueno park is filled with museums, green spaces and cool temporary exhibitions.

Life size Blue Whale

More views from the top of the government building complex.

After walking 6-8 miles a day, it was subway/train time.

It has been a busy time in Tokyo, and we are about to depart for Hakone. Not sure what I expected, but the city and people are fantastic!