While I was in Japan I captured some special moments, unique things, and delicious foods. In the next few posts, I’d like to share some of the pictures that highlight my trip home.
You might wonder why I am sharing my Instagram pictures. Well, that wasn’t my initial plan. I (I meant, my husband) carried my camera to Japan with this cool camera & laptop backpack he bought just for this trip (so that my hands are free to deal with the kids). I was planning on practice taking pictures, especially foods and scenery with the DSLR, away from the familiar photo shoot setup in my living room.
However, to be honest, it was really difficult for me to carry the heavy camera and the lenses around in that dreadful heat. On top of that, we walk everywhere and travel with public transportation. My two children felt very carefree being able to run around compared to our life in California where they are stuck in a car seat everywhere we go.
To make the story short, taking pictures with iPhone was most convenient, and there was either iPhone pictures or no pictures… I received requests from non-Instagram users to share pictures, so I’m more than happy to share some of photos from my Japan trip.
So here we go!
1) Here, my mom was teaching my daughter how to quilt (she’s a quilt teacher). I don’t have patience to sew but my daughter amazed us with her patience and neat sewing skill!
2) My dad took us to Yakiniku (Japanese bbq) dinner that night. My parents were so happy to spend the time with the kids.
1) Both kids went to school for about 10 days in Japan. They enjoyed playing with new friends and I was surprised how easily they can adapt to a new environment.
2) We went to a swimming pool almost every single day. They love swimming and it was a perfect activity on hot days.
3) Here my son was reading to his grandma and sister at the local library.
4) My home is not far from downtown Yokohama or Tokyo, but the neighborhood is surrounded by beautiful nature and greens which were preserved during city planning and development (not typical in Japan).
5) This 3-story log house in my neighborhood was my children’s favorite hangout place. It’s basically a giant play house with nice wooden play structures including an underground tunnel.
6) After the first two weeks of staying in Japan, kids started to complain they were tired of walking everywhere. Then grandma bought each of them a pair of Heelys (shoes with wheels) but they still haven’t quite mastered it yet.
7) Watching Doraemon is a great way to learn Japanese! Right? I still enjoy watching it with the kids.
8) In my home, we have one Japanese style room which floors are made of tatami mattress. The kids loved the texture and smell and liked playing in this room.
We take trains to go places (1) and went to Zoorasia (Yokohama Zoo) (2 and 4), Children’s Land (3), Nogeyama Zoo (5). It’s hard to explain how convenient it is in Japan to go to places without cars, and I thought the transit map below shows well how Tokyo/Yokohama transit (train & subway) looks like [click to enlarge]. Google maps is amazing in Japan for going from A to B.
1) Yokohama’s symbol, Yokohama Landmark Tower.
2) One evening I saw a gorgeous sunset from my house. I had to go out and take this picture!
3) My kids LOVE Japanese hot springs (onsen). We took a trip to Hakone for hot spring last year, but this year we didn’t have enough time so I took them to Super Sento (modern public bath facility). The kids enjoy soaking in all different kinds of baths!
4) Due to city regulation on fireworks, my children never had a chance to play with fireworks before in the U.S. For this trip, I really wanted them to experience (safely) playing with fireworks and they had a great time!
Japan is a small country, therefore there are lots of unique constructions built in a small area. There is a parking structure without ramp (1 and 3) and two story bicycle parking lot (2). And look, we found this very narrow office building (I think) in Osaka (4 and 5)!
Thank you for checking my pictures. Stay tuned for vol. 2 of the Japan Trip 2013! (You will never miss a post if you subscribe to Just One Cookbook. 🙂 )
I always look forward to your post everytime you come back from Japan. I love seeing the pictures that you bring back with you and I always admire how clean, and peaceful Japan is. Well, one of these days, my friend. I will definitely go and take the family to that beautiful place.
Hi Nami,
You are making miss Yokohama so much! I lived there from 2009 to 2011 and our house was at Honmoku Manzaka. My hubby’s office was at Queens Square. Seeing your pics bring back so much memories! A part of me never really left Japan. It is a beautiful country and I would love to live there again.
Hi Cindy! Thank you for your comment! 🙂 How nice that his office was at Queens Square! I used to go to Honmoku area as my mom has (or had?) a friend there. It’s very nice area! You are so sweet – I am so happy to hear you enjoyed living in Japan! 🙂
Hi Nami, your kids are so cute! 🙂 thanks for sharing 🙂
Nami, I know the feeling about taking pictures with your iPhone it’s just so convenient instead of lugging around the big camera. Your trip sounds like it was fabulous, I love the photo of your daughter learning to sew from her grandmother so precious. I bet your parents were in heaven being able to spend time with your children. So glad you made it back safe and sound and I look forward to seeing more photos of your trip.
oh how fun! What a great trip and amazing pictures!
Hi, Nami,
Happy family time , I love to see your shared picture. My next dream country travel schedule , hope dream become true. 🙂
Hi Lfchia! I hope you get to visit Japan one day! 🙂 Thank you for writing!
Thank you for sharing such an incredible experience my friend 😀
Loved your commentary and I felt like I went on the trip too!
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Beautiful pictures Nami…I sure enjoyed them all…your kids are so precious 😀
Have a wonderful week my dear!
Thank you for sharing pics etc. of your Japan trip. I was there several years ago (although not in Yokohama), and I loved it!! You’ve given me some ideas for other things to do and see, for the next trip!
面白そう!いいなあ!今度スーパー銭湯に行ってみたいかも?ご両親は素敵なところに住んでいらっしゃるのね。東京の近くというのも、ナイス!
OMG! I love Doraemon!! =) My aunt bought me a Doraemon wearing a kimono in Hong Kong 10 years ago. Do your kids speak Japanese since they watch Doraemon? haha!
Thanks for sharing pictures of your trip.
Hi Candice! Doraemon in kimono! Aww that must be so cute! My kids speak English to each other but they understand conversational level of Japanese that we use daily. It’s interesting they understand Doraemon. 😉
What an awesome trip! I want to visit Japan!
Love to see your mom and dad with your kids, feel so warm ^_^. Thanks for sharing.. I can’t wait to explore Tokyo and Hokkaido soon.
Everyone looks happy and relaxed that is what it is all about. Someday I would like to see pictures of you mom’s quilts. I bet they are interesting and colorful. I am glad you had fun with your family and you are making new memories. Thx for your recipes I am learning a lot.
Hi Lori! Thank you for your comment! She has sooo many quilts (she’s been quilting for more than 20 years), but I took a few and posted on Instagram. Here’s one.
http://instagram.com/p/bN_BJ2skCM/
Thank you for writing! xo
What a fun trip… our kids are about the same age… I can just imagine how much fun they had. I love the photo of the dinosaur skull… my son would have been in heaven. 🙂